WHAT'S NEW?! #47 - VILLACH IN FEBRUARY 2025

The welcome2villach team collects the most important news from around Villach in a compact, monthly “News Story”, with links to more information. In February, Villach celebrates the 70th anniversary of its legendary carnival with numerous events, while the city continues to grow with new businesses, innovative technologies, and sustainable projects.
 

• Green Axis Expands: On March 3rd, another milestone in the greening of the main square will be reached. Within eight weeks, six new sponge city trees will be planted in the southern part of the square. These trees not only provide natural shade but also actively contribute to improving the urban climate. At the same time, the installation of district heating in the lower part of the main square will be completed.
   
• “Goldene Unke” Award for Villach: Villach has been awarded the “Goldene Unke” – a prize for outstanding environmental protection. This award, presented by the State of Carinthia and the University of Applied Sciences, recognizes the city’s efforts in biodiversity and sustainable urban development, highlighting Villach’s pioneering role in environmental awareness.
   
• New Stores in Villach’s City Center: In recent months, several new stores have opened in Villach’s city center. Alongside the Greek Taverna Athene and the Funky Concept Store, Boutique Brigitte, the specialty shop Vom Fass, and KFC have also opened their doors. To further revitalize the city center, entrepreneurs can apply for attractive funding through the "My Idea - My Shop" initiative until March 7th, 2025, to implement their business ideas in Villach’s city center.
   
• Digital GeoTwin for Villach: Villach presents the Digital GeoTwin – a state-of-the-art 3D model of the city. This technology will not only revolutionize urban planning but also provide detailed insights into land and soil usage. In the future, these virtual maps will support urban development and help citizens plan apartments, terraces, or PV systems. The presentation of the GeoTwin will take place on February 6th at 6 p.m. in the LebensRAUM.

• New Parking Rules in Villach’s City Center: New parking regulations have recently been introduced in Villach’s city center:
  • The parking lots at Trattengasse/Flussgasse and along Dreschnigstraße now have new paid zones.
  • Parking fees are 70 cents per half-hour.
  • Electric cars are now also subject to parking fees.
  • Additionally, Friday afternoon parking fees have been extended, while
    Saturday mornings remain free with a parking disc (maximum of 3 hours). The first 20 minutes of parking remain free.
     
• Summer Festival at Landskron Castle: For the first time, Landskron Castle will host the theater production The Curse of the Rose, based on the historical novel by Iny Lorentz. The premiere on June 12th will be a highlight featuring the author duo as special guests. With a budget of around 220,000 euros and support from the city, state, and sponsors, visitors can expect a spectacular production: 14 settings, 50 performers, and 50 scenes promise a cinematic narrative style. A must for theater and history enthusiasts! Tickets are already available online.
   
• 70 Years of Villach Carnival: In February, Villach celebrates the 70th anniversary of its legendary carnival! Since the first carnival night by the Bauerngman in 1955, this event has become an integral part of the city. The anniversary edition includes 13 carnival sessions, two children's sessions, and the popular masked parade on Carnival Saturday. An absolute highlight for carnival fans! Registrations for everyone who would like to actively participate in the parade are possible online here.
   
• Events: February offers numerous highlights: On February 7th, the neuebuehne invites audiences to the world premiere of Befreiung der Marionettenfrau. The Trio Drauffrau will present its debut album wieder still on February 13th, while on February 18th, Carinthian Summer will unveil its 2025 program at the Bambergersaal.