Villach and its surroundings

Enjoy the summer in all its facets: The old town Villach shines in a special glow in the warm season and invites you to linger with lovingly designed alleys and squares. The atmospheric decorations and creative staging create a unique flair that always provides surprising moments.

Lei Lei from Villach - the most Carnivalesque town in Austria! Where it is not only all happening on Carnival Saturday, but where the jesters have their say from 11.11.!

The traditional festival Villacher Kirchtag is known far beyond the borders of Carinthia. The Kirchtag week takes place around the first Saturday in August. Villach's old town is transformed into a huge festival mile and welcomes guests from all over the world to this boundless folk festival .

The old town of Villach offers a very special atmosphere at Christmas time, when the church tower of the parish church (Stadtpfarrkirche) shines like a lit candle above the rooftops. People meet at the lovely decorated huts, enjoy the culinary delights, the wonderful light decorations and fall into Christmas anticipation with the smell of cookies. While the children have fun on the ice rink at the town hall square (Rathausplatz), the market stands offers a large selection of handmade gifts. This is the Advent season in Villach - the city of light!

A Fountain Show with unique images, colours and musical framework – this is the Draupuls in Villach. Variety is provided by a lively programme of different themes, for example, ‘Classix’ or ‘Rock-it’. The best view is guaranteed from the waterside of the river Drau near the Congress Center Villach.

Exciting SUP competitions and an extensive supporting programme with live music await you every year in May at The Lake Rocks Festival with the SUP Alps Trophy on Lake Faaker See.

The tradition of open-air cinema in Villach has been an integral part of the city's cultural landscape for many years. Cinema, entertainment and culture come together in the unique ambience of the Renaissance courtyard of the music school and make the hearts of cineastes beat faster. The programme is as varied as its visitors and includes mainly German films, although original English versions are also shown occasionally.

Powder and piste fun are back in season. A glance up reveals: Mother Hulda is doing her job really well, having cloaked the whole mountain massif in a wintery new snowy dress. Gerlitzen Alpe is considered THE top family ski resort in Carinthia and is the only certified ski centre for families with children, as well as beginners.

For those who wish to go on hikes even in winter, the Villach - Faaker See - Ossiacher See region offers a range of possibilities. In particular, Dreiländereck, Gerlitzen Alpe and the Dobratsch nature reserve will entice you with breathtaking backdrops and picturesque winter landscapes. It offers everything from introductory tours to peak conquering.

The most beautiful peaks of the Villach region. That is the charm of ski touring: conquering a panoramic view away from the maintained pistes in pristine nature, under your own steam on skis to the most beautiful high viewing points of the region. The sun slowly rises and conjures unique silhouettes onto the glittering white slopes.

Freshly groomed and perfectly prepared - the cross-country ski trail network in the Villach region is inspiring! Whether short or long, leisurely or challenging - every cross-country skiing fan will find the perfect trail here. Clear winter air, breathtaking panoramas and the best conditions make every lap a pleasure.

Ice season in the Villach region. Put your hat and gloves on, pack your ice skates - good times for enthusiastic skaters at the heart of Carinthia. Whether with the family, for romantic hours as a couple or a hockey match with friends: ice skating belongs to the winter like ice cream to the summer. The lake with the most assured ice in the region is lake Aichwaldsee.

On your sledges, ready, go! Tobogganing in the Villach region is fun for the whole family. Whether leisurely or fast - race down the snow-covered toboggan hills on the Dobratsch Nature Park or on the Gerlitzen Alpe. A toboggan ride is the ideal alternative to a day's skiing and promises an unforgettable experience. Glide through a winter wonderland in sparkling powder snow and enjoy magical moments.