Villach Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Alps-Adriatic region, Villach is a charming city in the southern Austrian state of Carinthia. Known for its scenic beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to both Italy and Slovenia, Villach is a gem that offers a unique mix of natural splendor and historical significance.

Villach boasts a picturesque old town, characterized by cobblestone streets and historic architecture. The city's central landmark, St. Jakob's Church, is an architectural marvel with its stunning frescoes and imposing bell tower. Visitors can also explore the Villach City Museum to delve into the area's rich cultural heritage.

The Drau River winds its way through Villach, adding to the city's allure. Riverfront cafes and walking paths offer residents and tourists alike the chance to enjoy the tranquil waterside ambiance. For a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding landscapes, a trip up to the nearby Dobratsch Mountain is highly recommended.

Villach is also renowned for its lively festivals. The annual Villach Carnival (Villacher Fasching) is a colorful spectacle of costumes and parades, while the Villach Fair (Villacher Kirchtag) is Austria's largest traditional folk festival, celebrating local customs and crafts.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in and around Villach. The region is a hotspot for hiking, cycling, and winter sports, with the Gerlitzen Alpe and Dreiländereck ski areas providing excellent slopes for skiing and snowboarding. In the warmer months, the pristine lakes, such as the Ossiacher See and Faaker See, are perfect for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing.

Villach's strategic location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the Alpe-Adria region. The nearby thermal spas, such as Warmbad-Villach, offer relaxation and wellness treatments, capitalizing on the area's natural geothermal activity.

Gastronomically, Villach offers a delightful array of Austrian specialties. Visitors can savor Carinthian dishes such as Kasnudeln (cheese-filled pasta) and Reindling (a traditional cake), often enjoyed in the city's cozy restaurants and taverns.

Alternative names: Population: 58.9 thous. (2019)Area: 52.12 mi²Elevation: 1640 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°36'51"N, 13°50'50"E

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CarinthiaAustria

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Villach Top Attractions

Villach Attractions - What to See and Explore

Villach offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Landskron Castle, Dobratsch, Lake Faak, Silbersee. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles • Historical place
Landskron Castle
Perched atop a lush green hill in the city of Villach, Austria, Landskron Castle stands as a majestic reminder of medieval times. With its origins dating back to the 14th century, this imposing fortress offers a window into the past, coupled with panoramic views of the...
Mountain
Dobratsch
Rising majestically above the city of Villach, the Dobratsch mountain stands as a towering testament to the natural beauty of Austria. Part of the Gailtal Alps, this mountain range offers stunning vistas and a plethora of outdoor activities that draw visitors from near...
Fishing spot with nearby hotels and dining
Lake Faak
Nestled within the picturesque city of Villach, Austria, lies the serene Lake Faak, an idyllic destination known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and breathtaking alpine scenery. This charming lake, with a surface area of approximately 2.2 square kilometers, is...

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Silbersee
Silbersee is a small lake in the Austrian state of Carinthia.
Church
Stadtpfarrkirche St. Jakob
The main Roman Catholic parish church in Villach is dedicated to St. James. The spacious, late Gothic hall church with west tower stands in a commanding position at the end of the main square in Villach.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Kremlhoftheater Villach
Kremlhoftheater Villach is a theatre in Austria. It seats only eight people, making it the smallest professional theater by seat capacity, according to Guinness World Records. It opened in 2009 and has been staging regular shows since January 2010. The stage measures 1.30 by 1.30 meters.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Vassacher See
Vassacher See is a small lake north of the Carinthian city of Villach, Austria. Its surface covers an area of 4.43 hectares, its maximum depth is 10.2 metres.
Monastery • Gothic Revival architecture
Villach Friary
Villach Friary is a Franciscan friary, responsible for the parish of St. Nicholas in Villach, Carinthia, Austria.
Church
Pfarrkirche Sankt Martin
The city parish church of Saint Martin stands on a hill on the right bank of the Drava River in Villach.
Church
Church of the Holy Cross
The Heiligenkreuzkirche in Villach is a Roman Catholic city parish and pilgrimage church. The late Baroque church stands on the southern bank of the Drava River in the Perau district.
Church
Pfarrkirche Sankt Leonhard
The parish church of St. Leonhard in the Villach district of the same name was first mentioned in documents in 1399. The late Gothic building was partially destroyed in a bombing raid on March 22, 1945.
Church
St. Johanner Kirche
The Filial Church of St. John stands on a hill at 560 meters above sea level above the district of Völkendorf in Villach. The Roman Catholic sacred building, which belongs to the parish of Völkendorf, is dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
46°37'1"N • 13°51'2"E
Alpictura - die Galerie
Museum
Church
Pfarrkirche St. Josef
The Catholic parish church of St. Joseph in the Auen district of Villach was built between 1948 and 1951 according to plans by Max Wochinz and consecrated in 1952. In the same year, Auen, which had belonged to the parish of St.
46°36'44"N • 13°50'37"E
Hans-Gasser-Platz
Memorial
46°36'53"N • 13°51'1"E
Congress Center Villach
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46°37'58"N • 13°49'27"E
thm SONNENSCHUTZ ZENTRUM
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46°37'14"N • 13°48'51"E
Tierschutzverein Villach
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Day trips

Villach – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Villach, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kreischberg, Minimundus (Klagenfurt), Obertauern.

33 milesN
Winter sport, Ski area
Kreischberg
Nestled in the heart of Austria's Styria region, Kreischberg stands as a premier ski area, beckoning winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe. With its pristine slopes and state-of-the-art facilities, Kreischberg offers a sublime alpine experience for skiers...
20 milesE
Miniature models of famous landmarks
Minimundus, Klagenfurt
Minimundus, an enchanting miniature park situated in Klagenfurt, Austria, offers a unique global adventure in a single location. Opened in 1958, this park is home to over 150 miniature models of famous structures from around the world, meticulously crafted at a scale...
46 milesN
Winter sport, Ski area
Obertauern
Nestled in the heart of Austria's majestic alpine landscape, Obertauern stands as a premier ski destination that beckons winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe. Renowned for its high-altitude slopes and reliable snow conditions, this ski area offers an...
30 milesE
Forts and castles, History museum, Museum
Hochosterwitz Castle, Sankt Veit an der Glan
Perched atop a limestone rock rising 160 meters above the surrounding countryside, Hochosterwitz Castle (Burg Hochosterwitz) is an architectural marvel and a historical fortress that has withstood the test of time. Located near the town of Sankt Veit an der Glan in...
14 milesE
Elevated peak with an observation tower
Pyramidenkogel, Keutschach am See
Nestled within the scenic landscape of Keutschach am See in Austria, the Pyramidenkogel is a striking mountain that offers an unparalleled panoramic experience. Dominating the skyline, this natural wonder has become a magnet for tourists seeking both adventure...

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Best Time To Visit Villach

Learn when is the best time to travel to Villach weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in December.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in June and July.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Villach?

The top attractions to visit in Villach are:

What is the best time to visit Villach?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in December. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.