Hello, 2018! Make this the year that you explore the Villach region. Not sure where to start? Check out our Villach Bucket List for some inspiration. Make plans with friends, mark your calendars for the can’t miss events of the year and come up with some bucket list items of your own.
Whether you are a Villach native, an expat like me, or just visiting Villach for a few days, you are sure to find something to do in Villach on this list!
Hike to the summit of the Dobratsch mountain. Visit the peaceful Maria am Stein church and ring the bell at the Windische church while you are there. For the best view, enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset from the peak.
Swim, kayak, or SUP at one of the Villach region’s lakes. Summer in Villach is beautiful and a perfect warm weather afternoon should be spent at the lake. Enjoy a swim in the blue waters of the Faakersee or try a new watersport at the Ossiachersee.
Dance, drink a beer and wear Trachten at Villacher Kirchtag. Kirchtag is one of the highlights of the year as the city comes together for a week-long celebration. Join the festivities and enjoy the Carinthian culture in your finest Dirndl or Lederhosen with a beer in hand.
Learn about the history of Villach with a visit to the Villach City Museum and the Carinthia relief model. If you would like to learn more about the city’s history on foot, take a self-guided tour using the Villach City App.
Enjoy a Kaffeepause with friends at one of the many cafes in the Villach Altstadt. Coffee, cake, and friends belong together. Spend time with your friends in the historic city center of Villach in one of its many cafes.
Get active and participate in a race. Go the distance in the Faakersee triathlon in July or run in the Draustadtlauf in September.
Shop for the perfect picnic at one of Villach’s farmers markets. Pick up a bottle of wine, buy fresh regional food and strike up conversation with a farmer at one of the local farmer’s markets. Looking for a great picnic destination? Bring a blanket down to the Drau river or go for a stroll in one of the city parks.
- Bike along the Drau Radweg. Explore Villach and the surrounding area on two wheels with a bike ride along the Drau river. The Drau Radweg is a popular bike route in the summer and is great for families.
- Party with bikers at European Bike Week. Every year thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts gather at the Faakersee for the largest motorcycle rally in Europe. Even if you are not a biker, there is still plenty to enjoy with fun events and live entertainment.
- Try traditional Carinthian food. Austrian food is more than just Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte. Enjoy the Carinthian regional cuisine and try Käsenudeln or sweet Kletzenknödel at one of Villach’s restaurants.
- Take the Kanzelbahn and enjoy the scenic views from Gerlitzen Alpe. The Gerlitzen Alpe is open year round but is most known for its excellent ski slopes. Regardless of the time of year, the Gerlitzen Alpe has wonderful views of the Villach region and the Ossiachersee.
- Dress up in costume and celebrate at Fasching. Have fun at the Austrian equivalent of Carnival at the Villacher Fasching Saturday. The historic city center is alive with treats, drinks, snacks, DJs, and a parade. Be sure to come in costume, dressing up is a part of the fun!
- Enjoy a local beer under the shade of chestnut trees at a Gastgarten. Beer is an important part of Austrian culture and the Villach region has several local beers to choose from. Stop by Gasthof Annenhof for their hausbier and large outdoor seating area or head over to the Villacher Brauhof for an outdoor terrace that is right next to the brewery.
- Hike to one of the Villach region’s many Alpine huts for a hearty and traditional meal. There are many Alpine huts in the area that offer filling food in a beautiful environment. Reward yourself after time spent outdoors with a plate of warm apple strudel in a cozy mountain hut.
- Enjoy one of Villach’s seasonal markets in the Altstadt. Throughout the year there are several markets that set up in Villach’s historic downtown. Taste freshly baked Kärntner Reindling at the Easter Market. Watch street performers entertain at the Street Art Festival. Sip warm Glühwein and enjoy Christmas treats at the Advent Market.