A conference stay amidst Carinthia’s picturesque landscape, marked by high peaks and speckled with crystal-clear lakes, opens up sheer endless possibilities for an exciting supporting programme. Whether you fancy exploring the bustling cities, enjoying nature in the idyllic alpine terrain, embarking on sightseeing adventures, or taking a refreshing dip in one of the many lakes — Carinthia offers all this and more. Afterward, savour the local culinary delights, which are a testament to the natural wealth of the Alps-Adriatic region and await visitors at every turn.
An abundance of culture
Charming traditional villages, exclusive lakeside destinations, and bustling towns — Carinthia boasts a rich cultural tapestry.
Klagenfurt, with its lovingly restored palaces, squares, and courtyards, stands out as a true Renaissance gem. As the provincial capital, the town is a cultural hub, hosting iconic events such as the Ironman Austria Triathlon or the Ingeborg Bachmann Literature Prize.
Yet, culture in all its diversity can be found all across Carinthia:
Music aficionados can relish musical highlights such as the music festival Carinthischer Sommer or the Wörthersee Classics Festival. Art enthusiasts, meanwhile, will appreciate visiting museums like the Museum Liaunig, which catches the eyes of passers-by with its outstanding architecture and houses one of the most extensive collections of Austrian art, or the Museum Moderne Kunst Kärnten, where exhibitions by numerous national and international artists await. The artists’ town Künstlerstadt Gmünd is home to even more art: at the International Guest Studio, visitors can not only contemplate impressive exhibitions but also get to know artists from all over the world.
For those interested in history as well as an unforgettable panorama, Carinthia’s castles, palaces, and monasteries offer a glimpse into times long past. Popular destinations include the fortress Hochosterwitz Castle and Landskron Castle, where spectacular flight shows with eagles and other birds of prey are held during the summer months.
Brimming with traditional festivities, Carinthia allows you to immerse yourself in traditional folk festivals and local customs at any time of the year. One of the highlights is undoubtedly the famous Villacher Fasching carnival, where the Austrian carnival season is celebrated with incomparable exuberance.
Adventures between lakes and mountains
As the province with the most lakes, Carinthia boasts an outstanding selection of over 200 stunning lakes, perfect for a pleasantly refreshing plunge after a long seminar day.
One of the most popular destinations is Lake Wörthersee, which enchants visitors with its turquoise water and the surrounding mountain scenery. High above it towers the Pyramidenkogel, the world’s highest wooden observation tower. After visitors have admired the spectacular panorama at length, Europe’s tallest tunnel slide takes them back down. At the exclusive lakeside destination Velden, which is located further along the shores of Lake Wörthersee, visitors can try their luck at the famous Casino Velden.
All of Carinthia’s lakes, however, have their unique charm: Lake Ossiach, for example, is a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts, while nature lovers are often drawn to Lake Weißensee, and those with a passion for diving might favour Lake Zell.
Beyond its lakes, Carinthia’s imposing mountain world offers endless opportunities for alpine sports and panoramic vistas. Highly recommended are excursions to the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Alps’ largest protected area, or to the UNESCO Biosphere Park Nockberge, where the journey along the popular panoramic roads is an experience in itself.
During the winter months, Carinthia becomes a playground for a wide range of winter sports. Whether you prefer skiing, tobogganing or snowshoe hiking, as a region rich in snow, Carinthia offers ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. Many of its lakes transform into natural ice rinks, providing an idyllic setting for ice skating, sleigh rides, pond hockey, ice hole fishing, and ice diving.
After an adventurous day out exploring the winter wonderland, a spa day at one of Carinthia’s thermal baths, such as the Kärnten Therme or the Römerbad, is an ideal way to rest those tired muscles and let yourself be pampered.
Culinary highlights
From hearty home cooking to modern fine dining experiences, Carinthia offers a wealth of culinary delights. The natural richness of the Alpe-Adriatic region is reflected in the numerous delicacies the Carinthian cuisine has to offer.
During your conference stay, indulge in delicious regional specialities: Be sure to try the popular Kärntner Kasnudeln — hearty dumplings filled with a mixture of curd cheese and potato — or Kletzennudeln, a sweet variation of the dish that is filled with dried pears and served with hot honey butter. Not to be missed is the hearty Kärntner Kirchtagssuppe, a meaty soup served on special occasions, and for dessert the Carinthian Reindling, a juicy type of Gugelhupf cake. These dishes and many other products with age-old traditions are cultivated in Carinthia with great care and passion — an authenticity that plays a key part in shaping the province’s unique culinary identity.
As a highly popular Slow Food destination, the province further offers a wide range of sustainable taste experiences, complementing stays at sustainably oriented venues such as the Slow Travel Resort Kirchleitn.
