5 GREAT REASONS TO ENJOY EXPAT LIFE IN SOUTHERN AUSTRIA

Though large cities like Vienna, Berlin, or Amsterdam may always top the list of popular expat destinations, more and more people are discovering the joys of expat life in the small southern Austrian city of Villach. This is a place that combines the career, educational, and cultural opportunities usually only found in much larger metropolitan areas with the peacefulness and proximity to extraordinary natural landscapes only possible in a small city. With abundant recreational activities right nearby, a surprisingly large (and gratifyingly active!) expat community, and a balance of traditional festivities and modern sensibilities, Villach’s high quality of life is hard to match elsewhere.

1. SWIM IN ONE OF CARINTHIA’S 1,200 LAKES AND PONDS

Austria is well-known for its natural beauty and the southern province of Carinthia is no exception. In Carinthia alone there are more than 1,200 bodies of water, and among them are some of the most stunning lakes in the whole country. Within Villach’s city limits there are six beautiful and clean lakes where you can enjoy complete relaxation or diverting physical activities in both summer and winter. The drinking water quality of the lakes and amazingly clean air make Villach and its surroundings a true paradise.

The distinctiveness of the landscape, with valleys, mountains, and lakes, as well as both interesting urban and beautiful rural areas, bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Villach region every year. At the same time, the natural diversity of the environment offers locals an extraordinary place to live. The city is framed by the snow-covered peaks of the Gailtal Alps in winter -  by the picturesque Dobratsch mountain and its recreational Nature Park, in particular - and in the summer the mountains and hills are vibrant with a lush green forest. From its beautiful and diverse mountain hikes to its crystal-clear lakes, Villach has something to offer for everyone.

2. DANCE AT THE BIGGEST TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL IN AUSTRIA

Put on a Dirndl or Lederhose (traditional Austrian folk clothing) and join the fun at the biggest folk festival in the country, Villach’s Kirchtag! This city fair is well-known far beyond the borders of Carinthia and takes place in the week around the first Saturday in August, when Villach’s old town is transformed into a huge fairground. The festival’s annual highlight is the traditional dress parade, or “Trachtenfestzug”, which goes through the old town and whose varied group of participants come to Villach from far and wide to take part.

But the Kirchtag is not the only celebration in town: Villach is a cultural hub for a diverse range of Austrian holidays and celebrations. For example, Villach’s Carnival celebration is the best known in the country, and the “Carinthian Summer” music and cultural festival is second to none. Europe’s largest Harley-Davidson rally comes to the region in September, and Advent in Villach has one of the most popular Christmas markets in the Alps, with over 100,000 visitors from the neighboring countries of Slovenia and Italy.

3. TRAVEL TO ANOTHER COUNTRY IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES

Villach is situated right in the middle of Europe and has established itself as the dynamic and eco-friendly center of the Alps-Adriatic region and an important European transportation hub.Thanks to its proximity to the northern Mediterranean ports, the many airports in the region, and its key location at the juncture of three important European freeways, southern Austria is easily reached from around the world. From here it is also simple to get to anywhere else, making it an excellent point from which to explore Europe. Since Villach is so close Italy (30 km to the Italian border town of Tarvis) and Slovenia (the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is only 95 km away), it is even possible to visit three countries in one day - how about breakfast in Austria, lunch in Slovenia, and a delicious dinner in Italy?

4. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY 

Those who live in Villach don’t only benefit from the Mediterranean atmosphere and the local zest for life, but can also enjoy the many sport- and nature-based recreational opportunities that are available all year around. One great way to spend some active time outside after fresh snow has fallen is to cross-country ski over one of the trails that run through the city. 

And there are all kinds of other options for staying active. With a very popular sports club scene and high-quality infrastructure, including eleven athletic arenas and sports stadiums and a 120 km network of cycling paths, Villach has built a reputation as being a leader for athletic pursuits. In addition, the KärntenTherme in Warmbad Villach offers the most modern and diverse world of spa experiences in Austria. Whether you’re in the mood for fitness, wellness, or fun in the pool, here you can find leisure time amusements for the whole family, regardless of the weather.

5. MAKE NEW FRIENDS IN A GROWING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 

There are few small cities in Europe that can match the diverse and multicultural community that is found in Villach, which has an international population of 20.8% (January 2022). Villach’s location near Italy and Slovenia, multinational companies like Infineon, Lam Research, and Maxlinear, as well as the English-language programs at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and the University of Klagenfurt, guarantee continual growth of the local expat community and ensure a multicultural and diverse environment. Numerous regional initiatives strengthen and support the international diversity of the region, and with organizations like the Carinthian International Club (CIC) and Villach in English, there are plenty of social opportunities to network and make new friends.

If you are interested in living in Villach, it’s easy to find out what it’s like to work and study here. Also, don’t miss the current job openings at our partner companies or the various studying programs at the Carinthia University of Applied Science.