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Located right at the juncture where three cultures meet, this city on the Drau River has always been an important transportation hub in the Alps-Adriatic region.
This particular geographic location right near the tri-border region of Austria - Italy - Slovenia, as well as its extraordinary natural beauty, has for generations made Villach and the province of Carinthia a popular vacation destination for travelers from around the world.
Thanks to its central location at the crossroads of three important European freeways, its proximity to the northern Mediterranean ports, and the many airports in the immediate vicinity, southern Austria is easily reached from around the world. And likewise, from here you can easily get to anywhere else. Anyone who is dreaming of an exotic vacation or wanting to visit family abroad will discover that Villach is an ideal starting point for every kind of adventure.
From here you can take a spontaneous day-trip to the picturesque Venice lagoons, go for a stroll through the historic old town of Salzburg, or hike to some of the highest peaks in the Alps. Even the European metropolises of Ljubljana, Munich, and Vienna are easily reached by car or with the region’s most modern train lines.
There are many ways that the city on the Drau has earned its title “home of work-life balance”.
But it’s not only the short distances to many European cities and tourist attractions that make Villach so attractive - in addition, the environment around the city has an impressive and extraordinary diversity of recreational opportunities. The region has been one of the most popular vacation destinations in Central Europe for over a century and is an amazing mix of history, nature, and adventure.
The uniqueness of the landscape with mountains and valleys, lakes and sea, city and countryside bring hundreds of thousands of vacationers to the region every year. Here they seek and find enjoyment, relaxation, and inspiration all year long. At the same time, the natural diversity of the environment offers locals an exceptional place to live. The drinking water quality of the lakes and the especially clean air make Villach and its surroundings a natural paradise.
In addition to the geographical advantages, having Austria as your home has a great many other social, health, and economic benefits. The social and healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and numerous international studies show that Austria is a particularly safe and prosperous country with a high quality of life.
Despite the above-average well-being of the population and the comprehensive social services, Villach still compares very well with many other international destinations in terms of value for money. The “small town bonus” plays a role here and allows for an affordable daily life in an especially comfortable and enjoyable environment.
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The Carinthian International Center has served the region’s constantly growing international community for several years, and is a place where new arrivals can quickly make contact with locals and other expats. This helps get you started in Villach and also ensures a colorful yearly program with outdoor community events, culture for young and old, as well as parties and events.
Additionally, through the CIC Service GmbH, local companies and individuals offer comprehensive support with moving, official bureaucratic processes, and adjusting to life in your new home of Villach.
The mountain closest to Villach is well known as a wonderful place for all kinds of recreation and relaxation, and this is where nature is still the set designer and sound engineer. Carinthia’s oldest Nature Park is found on the Dobratsch, as this mountain is called, at 2,167 meters above sea-level. Incomparable and well-marked hiking trails, a fascinating exhibition of native bird life, an exciting geology trail, and the wonderful Alpine garden with over 1,000 Alpine plants are all waiting to be explored.
The entire region of the Villach Alps has been protected as a Nature Park since 2002. What is conserved here is also passed on to our visitors: untouched landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, unforgettable nature experiences, and the most beautiful places to watch, relax, and enjoy.
Villach’s location at the crossroads of three large and influential European cultures is absolutely unequaled. The influences of the Germanic, Romanesque, and Slavic cultural groups are perceptible in various ways in everyday life, and are particularly reflected in the open-minded attitude and temperament of the people.
On the banks of the Drau River, people love to celebrate. Villach’s Carnival celebration is the best-known in the country and the Kirchtag city festival is Austria’s largest traditional folk event. The “Carinthian Summer” is renowned as a first-rate music and culture festival. September is dedicated to Europe’s largest Harley-Davidson rally, and Advent in Villach has one of the most popular Christmas markets in the Alps, with over 100,000 visitors from Italy and Slovenia.
Villach’s Kirchtag, a traditional folk festival, is well-known far beyond Carinthia’s borders. This festival takes place in the days around the first Saturday in August, and Villach’s old town is transformed into a huge fairground. The Kirchtag’s annual highlight is the grand “Trachtenfestzug”, or traditional dress parade, which goes through the old town and whose diverse array of participants come to Villach from far and wide to take part.
Whoever lives in Villach doesn’t only appreciate the Mediterranean atmosphere and the local zest for life, but also benefits from the many sport- and nature-based recreational opportunities.
The KärntenTherme in Warmbad Villach is Austria’s most modern and diverse world of spa experiences. Whether wellness or fun in the pool, here you can find free-time fun for the whole family, no matter the weather.
The most modern architecture, the latest technology, and first-class dining - all of this can be found at the Congress Center Villach convention center, idyllically located on the banks of the Drau.
Through the creation of a high-quality infrastructure and a very active club scene, Villach has built a reputation as being a leader for sports.
