Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Capital city in Carinthia, Austria
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is a regional capital in southern Austria, sitting at 446 meters above sea level near the shores of Lake Wörthersee. The old town center features arcaded courtyards and open squares, while residential neighborhoods and green zones extend toward the lake and surrounding hills.
The settlement received town rights in 1518 and grew into a regional trade center. Under Habsburg rule it developed further over the following centuries, becoming an administrative and educational hub in southern Austria.
Each summer writers gather here for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize, a literary competition that draws participants from across German-speaking regions. Public readings and panel discussions take place throughout the event, attracting audiences interested in contemporary writing and language.
The city center is easy to explore on foot, with most shops and points of interest within a compact area. Buses and trams connect the center to outlying districts and the lakeshore, where walking paths and swimming spots are accessible during warmer months.
A large stone dragon, known as the Lindwurm, stands in the main square and recalls a medieval legend in which knights defeated a dragon before founding the town. The sculpture dates back to the 16th century and has become a recognizable symbol of the city.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
