Villach is a picturesque town located in the southern Austrian region of Carinthia, not far from the border triangle between Austria, Italy and Slovenia.
The charming holiday metropolis is the seventh largest city in Austria and the second largest in the Carinthia region after Klagenfurt.
Located on the banks of the Drava River (Drau in German), it rises 501 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Carnic, Karawanks and Gerlitzen Alps .
Villach is easily accessible from major Austrian cities as well as Italian and Slovenian cities thanks to excellent train and bus connections. Plus, Klagenfurt Airport is very close by.Is San Marino Safe to Visit?PlayUnmuteLoaded: 16.81%Remaining Time -3:33Fullscreen
It offers its visitors a historical charm in the old town with a modern lifestyle and an abundance of beautiful sights.
Villach is known for its diverse culture and architecture. In addition to the Villach City Museum, the Doll Museum and the Vehicle Museum are popular.
The city center is proud of the Neo-Gothic St. Jacob church from the 15th century as well as many Renaissance buildings from the 16th century.
In addition, Villach is known throughout the region for its high-tech industry and year-round cultural events.
Moreover, its excellent location with a stunningly diverse landscape between high mountains and crystal clear lakes has made it a favorite holiday destination.
Travelers come to Villach for outdoor activities, including skiing in the winter months, hiking and water activities in the summer months.
But that's not all this city is famous for! Villach is known for its thermal springs.
These include the Maibachl Villach Warmbad, which is a natural thermal spring, and the Kärnten Therme Warmbad-Villach, which is famous for its mineral baths.
There is no shortage of things to do in Villach for families with children too, from swimming areas in the nearby lakes to animal and amusement parks.
Both the town of Villach and its surroundings offer places and attractions that may be little known to mass tourism, but are really interesting and worth a visit.
Let's go and discover them together!
Top attractions and things to do in and around Villach:
1. Stroll through Villach Old Town
Of course, the best way to start exploring Villach is to start with its Old Town, known as Altstadt in German.
The historic center, which borders the Drava River in the north, is formed in a rather small area and is therefore perfect for pleasant walks.
The facades of the houses in the historic center of Villach are painted in nice pastel colors and flower arrangements are placed on the windowsills during the summer, which provide pleasant color contrasts.
Hauptplatz
The heart of Villach is the large Main Square (Hauptplatz), where you can find countless opportunities for relaxation and refreshment, including shops, clubs, restaurants, bars and hotels, and since the 12th century various events, fairs and markets have been held here throughout the year.
The center of the main square is dominated by the Column of the Holy Trinity, built in 1739, and its southern side is home to the Parish Church of St. Jacob, the most important religious monument in Carinthia.
There are also historic buildings such as the “Gasthaus zur Post'', with a Renaissance oriel and an impressive courtyard with Gothic vaults, that once served as a post office and hotel.
Also not to be missed is the Renaissance courtyard of the Paracelsus Haus, a 15th-century building where the renowned physician, philosopher and alchemist Paracelsus lived in his youth.
Be sure to also stroll through the narrow stone side streets above which there are countless arches.
These arches once served as stabilization during earthquakes, preventing buildings from collapsing so easily.
Worth noting is Ankershofengasse, which is located by the Paracelsus Haus on the other side of the square.
As well as Karlgasse, through which you can reach Kaiser-Josef-Platz, where the 2-meter high monument of the Holy Roman Emperor Josef II is located.
Lederergasse street
Those interested in active nightlife should go to Lederergasse street.
It is located next to the Hauptplatz, near the Villach Draubrücke, and is one of the oldest guild streets in Villach.
Lederergasse street is filled with nightclubs and different types of bars, where every partygoer will find the right one.
In addition, the Villach Casino is located on Lederergasse street.
Parish Church of St. Jacob
Among the most beautiful religious monuments in Villach is the 15th-century Gothic-style church of St. Jacob, although some historical documents date its presence as early as 1136, it has been rebuilt several times due to fire and earthquakes.
It is located right at the end of the Hauptplatz opposite the Rathausplatz square and stands out from the outside with its 94-meter high tower, which is significantly different from the church building.
During the summer, visitors can climb the church tower from where they can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
Although climbing 239 steps might seem challenging to some, you should not worry because there are several floors along the way where you can take a break and see great exhibitions.
On the other hand, inside St. Jacob's church, visitors can admire its interior, which is decorated with a unique grooved vaulted ceiling.
As well as valuable frescoes, a beautiful stone pulpit, an impressive altar with a Gothic crucifix, tombstones from the 15th century, and other things.
Villach City Museum
Not far from the church is the Villach City Museum, where visitors can get a quick overview of Villach's urban history, culture and art.Advertisements
The city museum houses valuable collections of various finds and historical eras, from the Bronze Age to the Roman and Celtic eras.
At the exhibitions, visitors can view ancient coins, weapons, some valuable Gothic paintings, etc., among others, there are also documents and relics of the doctor and alchemist Paracelsus.
Also, temporary exhibitions dedicated to a special theme are held every year.
The inner courtyard of the museum houses artifacts from the Roman period, such as iron chests and the remains of the old city walls.
In addition, in front of the museum (on the other side of the street) there is a nice little rose garden where visitors can enjoy some moments of peace.
The museum is open from May to October, Kärnten Card holders and children have free entry, otherwise an adult ticket costs 5 euros (as of 2023).
Find out more about entrance fees, combined tickets and opening hours here.
And those who are interested in more history can also go to the courtyard of the former Bamberg city castle known as Villach Castle, where in the "Schauraum'' exhibition hall you can see various finds from the castle dating back to the 11th century.
It is located on the banks of the Drava River, about a 5-minute walk south along Widmanngasse street, which is incidentally one of the oldest streets in Villach.
Read also: 19 Top places to visit in AustriaAdvertisements
2. Visit the other museums in Villach
While in Villach, tourists can not only visit the Villach City Museum and learn fascinating facts about history.
There are a number of other interesting museums in the city and its surroundings, where visitors can learn and see interesting things.
From vintage cars to one-of-a-kind handmade dolls, there's something for everyone!
It goes without saying that a visit to the museum will not only please those who like to visit museums, but will also be a great option for everyone when the weather is too bad outside!
Taf-Timer Auto Museum in Villach
Visit the TAF-TIMER car museum in Villach, one of the top excursion destinations in Villach, as well as in the entire Carinthia region for all technology and car fans.
On an area of 4000 m² in 4 halls, more than 250 vehicles from old iconic cars to Mercedes Evo 2 and Chevrolet C10.
Valuable information about these unique specimens is also available to those interested.
The Taf-Timer Auto Museum also offered a Moped and Motorcycle Museum located on the 2nd floor of the new building.
As well as the cozy Cafe TAF-IN offers delicious snacks and drinks.
The museum is ideal for groups and a perfect destination in any weather, especially bad ones.
A visit to the TAF-TIMER car museum in Villach is a must for every car lover!
The Taf-Timer Auto Museum is open daily from May to October from 10.30am to 4.30pm. But in other months only on working days.
The entrance fee is 13 euros for adults and 6.50 euros for children from 6 to 12 years old. Free entry for Kärnten-Card holders.
And the entrance fee to the motorcycle museum is 7.50 and 3.50 euros. (as of 2023)
Doll and Mushroom museums in Einöde bei Villach
Other museums worth visiting while in Villach are the Doll Museum - Elli Riehl Doll World and the Mushroom Museum - Pilz Museum, which are located almost next to each other in the village of Einöde bei Villach, about 10 kilometers from the Taf-Timer Auto Museum.
In the Museum of Doll Art, you can admire more than 700 different dolls, which were made by hand, mostly using needles and threads, by the famous doll artist Ellie Reel.
Meanwhile, check out the largest collection of mushrooms in Austria, if not Europe, at the Mushroom Museum.
Learn more about mushrooms, why they are important to our world, how to distinguish poisonous mushrooms from edible ones, and play interactive games.
Visiting these museums is guaranteed fun for all ages, and even more Kärnten-Card holders can visit these museums for free.
Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum
Another car museum in Villach! Admire a private collection of over 240 German, Austrian and Italian cars, mopeds and motorized bicycles from the mid-20th century.
Highlights include superbly preserved examples of German cars, including rarities such as the Messerschmitt Cabin Scooter, the Lloyd 600 and the Bavarian-made Goggomobil, as well as mopeds and motorcycles from the once famous Austrian manufacturer Puch.
In the Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum, visitors can not only admire old and prehistoric cars, but also more than 1,000 nostalgic radios and clocks.
The Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum is located approximately 7 kilometers from the center of Villach in the district of Zauchen.
The entrance fee is 9.80 euros for an adult and free for everyone with the Kärnten-Card.
3. Stroll through Villach city parks
What could be better than taking a breather in one of the beautiful city parks, while the children can have fun in the children's playgrounds!
There are two small but excellent parks near the Old Town of Villach, where you can either have a picnic, or just take a walk, or relax in the shade of the trees.
Schiller Park
Whatever you want to do, be sure to visit Schiller Park, which is about a 7-minute walk from the Parish Church of St. Jacob.
A well-maintained park, with a small playground, a drinking fountain, and some statues.Advertisements
But that's not all you can do in this little park!
It houses an impressive model of the Caranthia terrain, complemented by digital and interactive 3D installations and informative short films.
It is accurately depicted on an area of 182 m² and is one of the largest models of its kind in Europe.
Kärnten Card holders and children under the age of 6 can visit it completely free of charge, otherwise there is an entrance fee of 4 euros per adult.
Various discounts are also available.
Villach City Park
Only a few minutes away from Schiller Park is Villach City Park. A green oasis in the middle of the city, it is slightly larger than the previous one and is also the main city park.
Here, the trees provide enough shade and there are enough benches to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Both big and small will definitely like a large, stunning fountain from which water shoots out, but unfortunately it only works in the warm months of the year.
Also, the park is filled with some statues and beautiful flower beds whose fragrance wafts all around.
The Villach city park also offers a nice large playground for the little ones, where they can certainly spend hours playing.
A beautiful evangelical church dominates almost in the middle of this park, which gives the park additional charm.
Near the park is the Climbing Room (Kletterhalle Villach), which is a great option if the weather is not the best.
Both adults and children from the age of 3 will find fun there. Kletterhalle Villach provides different types of courses for different age categories.
In addition, you can indulge your taste buds in the Climbing Room Bistro - Vertikale.
Read also: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Hallstatt, Austria
4. Go shopping at the Atrio Shopping Center
More than 80 different shops, 13 restaurants and cafes, great attractions for children, 2,000 extra wide free parking spaces, free wi-fi… the ATRIO numbers make your head spin!
It is the largest shopping center in Carinthia, just a few minutes' drive from the center of Villach.
A megastore structured on several floors, in which to indulge in shopping – from local and global big brands to brands for all budgets.
Atrio Shopping Center also offers the best taste enjoyment from a refreshing spin at the Pep juice bar and a soft slice of cake at the Cappuccino cafe, to the pizza and pasta at the al´Dente restaurant and a hearty lunch at the Interspar restaurant.
For lunch, the Interspar Restaurant is highly recommended, a buffet restaurant that really offers everything: meat, fish and pasta dishes; salad, hot side dishes and fries. And still sauces, soups, desserts of all sorts and a rich selection of craft beers. As well as vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Families with children will not be disappointed here, as various types of service are offered.
There is a babysitting area, a free children's playground for the smallest visitors. Breastfeeding and changing rooms, baby carriage rental, parent-child toilets.
ATRIO shopping center is not only a great place to shop, but also a great place to spend time when the weather is bad outside.
The ATRIO shopping center is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 19:30 and on Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00. Closed on Sunday. (as of 2023)
5. Full day adventures at Landskron Castle
Landskron Castle is a lovely place where visitors can definitely spend the whole day if not more.
It is located about 8 kilometers from Villach, on a hill more than 130 meters above the ground, overlooking the surroundings of Carinthia and Lake Ossiach.
The history of the castle dates back to the 14th century, and since then several noble families have lived in it until the end of the 18th century, when it was thoroughly damaged by a lightning strike, and therefore completely abandoned.
In the middle of the 20th century, the castle walls were strengthened and a restaurant was opened there.
Until today, the ruins of the castle are a place for an excellent restaurant that has received several awards for its excellent cuisine.
Visitors can enjoy an excellent meal with excellent views of the surrounding area.
Also, several nice and interesting attractions are offered to the visitors in the Castle grounds.
Adler Arena - animal park and shows with birds of prey
But that's not all that this medieval castle or fortress remnant has to offer.
Landskron Castle is home to the Adler Arena, which is a home or even a sanctuary for birds of prey where they are protected, fed and trained.
Here, visitors have the opportunity to watch birds of prey, including griffons, peregrine falcons, owls and magnificent eagles which perform various acrobatic shows and catch their prey, as well as learn interesting facts about these birds of prey.Advertisements
Airshows are held three to four times daily from late April to late October.
The entrance fee is 16 euros per adult, but completely free with the Kärnten-Card. (as of 2023)
Adler or Eagle Arena offers various programs where everyone has the opportunity to meet these birds up close.
Affenberg Landskron - Austria's largest open-air monkey park
The next must-see for everyone is the Affenberg, or Monkey Mountain, a place where more than 180 Japanese macaque monkeys roam freely within their confines and visitors can see and meet them up close without any obstacles.
Here, in a 40,000 m² outdoor enclosure, the macaque monkeys live in their own kingdom.
They swim, swing and move wherever the heart desires without limits.
It should be noted that, for safety reasons, Affenberg can only be visited with a guide, 45-minute tours take place regularly several times a day from the beginning of April to the beginning of November.
Those who want a special experience are advised to consider signing up for a private tour.
Entrance fee to the Affenberg monkey enclosure is 16 euros for adults and 8 euros for children from 4 to 14 years old, free with the Kärnten-Card.
(For those who love animals and reptiles, other recommended zoos to visit are the Tierpark Rosegg, located about 20 kilometers from Villach next to Lake Worthersee, and the Reptile Zoo Happ in Klagenfurt.)
Hiking around Landskron Castle
In addition to these unique animal parks, visitors can hike around Landskron Castle on the Nature Adventure Trail - Burgherrenrunde.
A great circular route that leads through fresh forests filled with various flora and fauna.
The approximately 3.7-kilometer route is well-marked and easy to follow, and it is also family-friendly with information boards that are easy for children to understand.
During the hike, visitors will be rewarded with unlimited and outstanding views of Landskron Castle, Lake Ossiach, as well as Karawanken and the Julian Alps.
Read also: Places to visit in Vienna
6. Explore Dobratsch Nature Park via Villacher Alpenstrasse
In Villach, nature reigns supreme. To admire it in all its glory, a tour of the Villacher Alpenstrasse is a must for everyone.
The Alpenstrasse is one of Austria's most beautiful and impressive panoramic Alpine roads, winding for just over 16 kilometers through the Dobratsch Nature Park - one of the oldest nature parks in the Carinthia region.
There are several stops along the Alpenstrasse road where you need to get off and admire the charming views of the surrounding villages, towns, and Carinthian lakes.
At one of the stops, the view extends even to the border of Austria, Italy and Slovenia.
Be sure not to miss the Rote Wand, or Red Wall in English - a viewing platform at P6 that hangs over a cliff above a 400-meter-deep gorge, offering not only blood-curdling views of the gorge, but also stunning views of the region's Alps.
Among other treasures to see is the Villacher Alpe which is the Alpine Botanical Garden.
Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, this gem is home to more than 800 different species of alpine plants from three climate zones.
Just note that the Alpine garden is open from the beginning of June to the end of August.
The road then leads to the P8 where the Berggasthof Aichingerhütte restaurant is located at an altitude of 1,650 meters.
Here, travelers will find a fascinating exhibition on local bird life, a sculpture park and a children's playground.
The last stop is Rosstratte at an altitude of 1,732 meters, from where you can continue hiking up to the Dobratsch peak (2,167 m), which, by the way, is home to the highest pilgrimage church in the Eastern Alps.
As in the previous stop, there is also a restaurant and a playground for children.
In the Dobratsch Nature Park, visitors can see unique flora and a variety of even unique fauna, such as chamois, ibex, fire salamander, horned viper, pygmy bat, as well as flocks of birds of prey, including honey buzzards, more than 120 types of butterflies and large dragonflies.
During the winter, the Dobratsch Nature Park offers snowshoeing, cross-country ski trail, sledding and some other activity programs.
This hairpin winding circular road can be traveled by car, motorcycle, bicycle, as well as by bus.
The driving pleasure of the Alpine road begins in the Villach-Möltschach area, where there is a ticket office, where you will have to pay an entrance fee of about 20 euros for a car. (as of 2023)
The road is available free of charge to Kärnten-Card holders, but it is a bit tricky if there are people in the car who do not have this card, these people will have to pay 5 euros.
From November 15 to April 15 there is no entrance fee, but you have to pay for using the parking lot.
Read also: Top Attractions & Things to do in Graz, Austria
7. Enjoy Activities in and around the Lakes
Villach is a great place to enjoy the mountains with hiking trails and winter sports activities, but in addition to the mountains, Villach is also blessed with several large and small lakes.
Therefore, during the summer there are countless opportunities for visitors, from swimming and sunbathing to water skiing and boat cruises, and in the winter, when it is cold enough, ice skating.
Some of the larger lakes include Lake Ossiach, Lake Wörth, and the much smaller but equally beautiful Lake Faak.
All these lakes are perfect for water sports activities and other water adventures for the whole family and even for fishermans.
Although much smaller lakes such as Aichwald See, Silbersee, Magdalensee, Vassacher See in the immediate vicinity of Villach are not suitable for water sports, they are great places to relax and especially suitable for families with small children thanks to the warm water temperatures.
What's more, during the winter they freeze much more easily than large lakes, opening up a great opportunity for ice skaters.
A little further away (approx. 50 km both) are Lake Millstatt and Lake Weissensee. Lake Weissensee is as popular in winter as it is in summer.
It is one of the few large lakes that freezes regularly in winter, thus offering great activities on the ice during the winter, such as ice skating, curling, and even diving under the ice.
Read also: Holidays at Weissensee in Austria
Lake Wörth
In the summer, Lake Wörth is beloved among tourists, which is one of the largest and also the most popular lakes in the Carinthia region, located about 20 kilometers from Villach.
It has gained its popularity thanks to the water color and temperature, which heats up to 28 degrees during the summer, which is perfect for all the water activities that are offered on the lake.
There are several spa resorts around the lake that offer everything you need for body balance, including Yoga.
Lake Wörth is surrounded by great cities such as Velden with its touch of luxury and Klagenfurt, as well as some outstanding sights, such as the Pyramidenkogel viewing platform on the southern shore of Lake Wörth and the Minimundus in Klagenfurt where you can see the world's most famous buildings in just "slightly" smaller sizes.
Read also: Holidays at Lake Wörthersee, Austria
Lake Ossiach
Much closer, only about 9 kilometers away, is Lake Ossiach, on the shores of which the aforementioned Landskron Castle is located.Advertisements
Lake Ossiach is nestled between the slopes of the Gerlitzen Alps and the Ossiacher Tauern, filled with lush forests and listed as a protected nature reserve.
In addition to Landskron Castle, the lake offers many family-friendly activities such as easy hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls like Finsterbach Wasserfälle, Gerlitzen Adventure Park, Nature Leisure Park, Via Ferratas at Klettergarten Peterlewand, countless bike routes, golf courses and of course various water activities.
In winter, the Gerlitzen Alps turns into one of the largest ski resorts located right next to the lake and very close to Villach.
Lake Faak
The relatively small Lake Faak is the 5th largest lake in the Carinthia region and is popular among campers.
Although most of its coastline is private and entrance fees are charged for individual beaches, there are also public beaches where everyone can enjoy water fun, such as Strandbad Drobollach, which also has a family-friendly hiking trail nearby.Advertisements
Lake Faak also offered great attractions on the Taborhöhe hill, which is located nearby in Neuegg am Faaker See.
There is the Hochhinauf Waldseilparks which is an adventure park in the forest offering to challenge yourself in a rope park, archery, mini golf and much more.
In addition to these exciting attractions, the 725-meter high Taborhöhe offers unique views of Lake Faak.
Not far from Lake Faak, there is a much smaller lake, Aichwaldsee, which is frozen during the winter period, giving ice skating enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures.
The Citrus Botanical Garden is also worth a visit, where you can enjoy more than 280 species of citrus fruits from all over the world.
And even more, visitors can buy useful products from citrus fruits as well as the plants themselves.
Read also: 10 must-see lakes in Austria
8. Take the Bergbahnen up to Gerlitzen Alps
Breathtaking views, wonderful hiking trails, cycling trails, paragliding over the lake, a family adventure park, ski slopes and delicious Hut cuisine - all this and more available in the Gerlitzen Alps, the mountain range that surrounds the north side of Lake Ossiach.
To get to the mountain, visitors must go to Annenheim am Ossiacher See, where the valley station is located, from where in about 30 minutes they will be lifted by gondola and chair lifts more than 1,900 meters above sea level to the top of the Gerlitzen Alps.
The journey up is already fabulously scenic, but once at the top visitors will be rewarded with stunning endless 360-degree views of the unique combination of Carantia region's lakes and alpine peaks, and of course with all the other adventures.
The Gerlitzen Alps are an ideal place for everyone to spend at least one day in both summer and winter.
During the winter, the Gerlitzen Alps offer more than 51 kilometers of ski slopes, 15 kilometers of natural skiing slopes, exciting toboggan runs, more than 12 kilometers of winter hiking trails, all complemented by a system of 20 lifts and a ski school.
9. Enjoy thermal mineral waters in Villach
Of course, while on vacation in Villach, everyone should also take time to take care of themselves and their well-being, which can be done perfectly in the Kärnten Therme Spa center.
It is located in the Warmbad-Villach district, about 4 kilometers from the center of the old town of Villach, and is one of the most modern spa centers in the Carinthia region.
The Kärnten Therme Spa center in Villach promises moments of pure well-being for the whole family.
The spa center has indoor and outdoor sections, a spa and relaxation areas, a sports pool, an area for the little ones, as well as fitness rooms.
There are also water slides and a bubbling Crazy River for real fun.
And the most important natural pool with warm mineral water.
Natural warm mineral springs are known for their beneficial effects on the body, helping to treat circulatory disorders, rheumatism, nervous diseases and more.
In addition, those who want to really experience the natural mineral waters should definitely visit the Maibachl Villach Warmbad.
It is about a 10-minute walk from the Kärnten Therme Spa. Maibachl Villach Warmbad is a small naturally formed pond in the middle of the forest, filled with warm mineral waters that everyone can enjoy for free.
But unfortunately, most of the year this pond is dry and many have experienced great disappointment.
So keep in mind that it will be a game of luck whether you manage to swim in this pool of naturally warm waters or not.
Most often, the pond fills up in the spring when the snow melts from the surrounding mountains or after very, very strong and long-lasting rains.
As a result, the underground hot spring reservoir overflows, pushing the water up and filling the Maibachl pond.
10. Take a challenge at Climbing garden Kanzianiberg
Do you like an active vacation where you can test your strength, courage and mind?
Or maybe you are looking for a new and really exciting hobby to do?
If yes, then the Climbing Garden Kanzianiberg (Klettergarten Kanzianiberg) is the right place to be!
The Kanzianiberg limestone rocks are located above Finkenstein near Lake Faak, about 9 kilometers from Villach.
This natural climbing area is one of the largest and oldest of its kind in Austria, and the largest in the Carinthia region, offering around 500 routes for rock climbing, countless Via Ferrata, and some bouldering.
The cliffs of Kanzianiberg are well-structured and compact, and its rugged rock faces reach up to 60 meters in height, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
Kanzianiberg's natural climbing rocks are suitable for all age groups, from beginners to professionals.
For those who are new and have never done anything like this, there is an option to book a climbing instructor who will provide excellent training as well as useful instructions for this climbing area.
The best season for climbing in Kanzianiberg is from spring to autumn, remembering that summer days can be unbearably hot, so they are not suitable for climbing.
Besides to all the climbing opportunities, Kanzianiberg also hosts the popular annual climbing festival - King of Kanzi - almost every year from the end of May to the beginning of June.
In addition to the Kanzianiberg climbing areas, there is also the Peterlewand climbing garden at Lake Ossiach and the climbing garden in Arnoldstein.
As well as two indoor climbing areas in Villach, perfect for bad weather conditions, as the VOLUME Boulderhalle at Lehmgrubenweg 19 and the Kletterhalle Villach near the city's west train station and the city's main park at Italiener 54.
11. Tscheppa Gorge Ferlach
Another interesting destination that should not be missed by anyone who wants to experience the wonderful nature and exciting adventures of Carinthia.
Tscheppa Gorge is located near the village of Ferlach, about 50 kilometers from Villach, very close to Klagenfurt on Lake Worthersee and the Slovenian border.
It offers its visitors hiking trail that lead through steep gorges along turquoise waterfalls and clear streams, over hanging bridges and staircases.
Special highlights not to be missed when exploring the Tscheppa Gorge are the Meerauge or Eye of the Sea - a small impressive clear pond at the very end of the hiking trail, as well as the Tshaukofall waterfall and the Teufelsbrücke or Devil's Bridge.
Particularly picturesque views also opens up at the watermill known as Vodni mlýn.
The gorge hike is about a 3-hour adventure, and for full-day adventures, there's also the family-friendly Forest Ropes Adventure Park, and for those who prefer canyoning, that's also available.
Tscheppa Gorge Ferlach is open from May to October and has an entrance fee of approx. 10 euros per adult, but free with Kärnten-Card.
Read also: Top Attractions and Things to do in Klagenfurt, Austria
And Finally… Villach is an amazing city with something for everyone! From its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture and outdoor activities, there is no shortage of things to do here.
If you’re looking for exciting adventures for the whole family then consider adding this Austrian gem to your list of must-visit destinations!
With so much to explore within this beautiful city and beyond, you won't regret your decision!
