Stunning mountains, endless lakes and picturesque rivers create the perfect combination that makes Villach, Austria, a paradise on earth. Located in the region of Carinthia, this small town has beautiful nature and also offers a variety of charming places and monuments. Read on and we will share all the things to do in Villach, Austria.
Things to do in Villach, Austria
1. Hauptplatz, the main square in Villach
On your way through the wonders of charming Villach, we believe the best starting point is Hauptplatz. It is the center of life and main activities in the village.
Hauptplatz is the town’s main square and you can find it very close to the Drauch river. This is the busiest spot in quiet Villach and is the center of the beautiful old town, full of narrow streets and charming buildings.
But if we focus on the square itself, Hauptplatz has its own attractions and one of them is undoubtedly the Trinity Column. It’s a monument which dates back to the 18th century and brings character to this area.
Besides, there you will find a number of interesting antique styled houses. They reflect the golden age of commerce that characterized the city.
This square is undoubtedly a perfect place to start your adventure, but also to rest after a tour around Villach.
2. The Castle of Landskron
If you head away from the center, you will find the Landskron Castle. It is one of the highest points of the city and a must-see in Villach.
Numerous members of the Austrian nobility had this exceptional castle as their home for several centuries. But unfortunately, the castle was left in ruins in the 19th century.
But don’t worry: this does not diminish the beauty of the monument and certainly not the area around it. It has certainly become one of the main attractions of Villach. But not just because of the ruins of the castle, but also because of the natural scenery that surrounds it. You will definitely enjoy the breathtaking views it offers.
The walk to the top is also a pleasure, as you will pass through the forests that can enchant anyone. There you will be immersed in the beauty of Villach and this part of Austria.
3. Heiligenkreuz Kirche: the Church of the Holy Cross in Villach
The magical Villach also has religious architectural pieces that are authentic works of art and you can’t miss them.
Among others, the Church of the Holy Cross of Villach is one of the most outstanding. Its facade in shades of pink and white is peculiar for a Catholic church. The large towers that form the church are quite remarkable.
The church was built many centuries ago, around the 18th century. Although it is believed that once another church occupied the same place.
In any case, you should visit it, because the interior of this church is also a real treasure. It’s got a spectacular organ dating back from the 18th century which crowns the main part of the building.
4. Lake Ossiach of Villach
In case you didn’t know, Villach is in a place that looks like a fairy tale. Surrounded by mountains, rivers and lakes, this is an area that many travelers visit for its natural beauty.
This is the biggest lake around Villach, with a surface of more than 10km. The locals know very well that they live in a paradise. And it is very common to see them in the area in their free time, to enjoy the atmosphere that surrounds Lake Ossiach.
If you have visited Landskron Castle or plan to do so, you will be able to enjoy this lake from a totally different perspective, as well as the surrounding area.
Like we said, it is very common to see this place full of life. And if you enjoy water sports, it is a perfect place to practice them. This place welcomes many lovers of windsurfing, swimming and sailing.
5. The Iglesia Parroquial De San Jacobo
If you thought that the Church of the Holy Cross was the only religious landmark worth visiting in Villach, you are wrong.
Actually, the clock tower of the church of St. Jacob is one of the most spectacular in the city. It rises much higher than any other building in this small town and it is must-see in Villach.
Keep in mind that if you want to get to the top of this 94-meter tower, you will have climb the stairs of 200 steps. Any effort is rewarded and of course, you will enjoy breathtaking views from the top of this tower.
However, it’s not only about the tower, as the interior of this church also has different architectural and artistic elements. Its baroque altar and the red pillars that decorate the room are quite impressive.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do around Villach
The Dobratsch Nature Park in Villach
If you have more time to spend in Villach, the best thing would be to explore the natural beauty around the town.
Very close to the city you will find one of the oldest nature reserves in the Carinthia region. The Dobratsch nature park is a place where you can immerse yourself in a wonder of nature, surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, animals and a great variety of flora.
To get here, you must follow the Villach Alpenstrasse. Along this road you will get first hints of everything that awaits you in the park.
Our recommendation would be to go by private vehicle. But there are also organized tours that will show you around the area. So don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the best natural sites in Villach, Austria.
Things to do in Villach in 1 day
So that you don’t miss any of the essential places in Villach, we have prepared a small guide with the most important sites. The decision is yours, of course, and you can modify it as you wish:
- Hauptplatz
- Landskron Castle
- St. Jacob’s Parish Church
- The Church of the Holy Cross
Where to eat in Villach
- Galeria Restaurant & Weinbar: If there is one thing that characterizes the Villach area, it is the fusion of Austrian cuisine with the influence of Italian gastronomy. This place is perfect to try this fantastic combination in a very elegant atmosphere. The price is about 30€ per person.
- Jedermann: One of Villach’s classic options, with a great menu of typical local dishes. It also has a bowling alley, so it’s perfect for a good time after lunch. Prices are around 30€ for lunch or dinner
- Villacher Brauhof: Brewery-style restaurant, with a wide range of local dishes and different types of beer. Prices are around 20€-30€ per meal.
Where to stay in Villach, Austria
- Hotel Warmbaderhof: With an excellent location and even greater facilities, this hotel is one of the best and most exclusive accommodation options in Villach. The price is around 150€ per night.
- Center Rooms Villach: A charming hotel, very unpretentious and in an excellent location. The price is 42€ per night.
- Altstadthotel Mosser: This historic hotel is one of the best known and most recognized in Villach. If you want to stay here, prices are around 100€ per night in high season.
How to get to Villach, Austria
Airlines offer many flights from Europe to Austria, especially from the capitals.
Since there is no airport in Villach, our recommendation is to fly to one of the closest cities, such as Vienna, or even cities outside Austria, such as Venice.
For example, flights to Vienna could be around 300 euros in May. The best thing would be to take a train once you arrive there it will take you around an hour to get to Villach in Austria.
Tips about a trip to Austria
- The official currency in Villach, Austria is the euro, so you won’t have to worry about exchanging currency if you are traveling from Europe.
- If you are a European citizen, you don’t need a visa to enter the country, your ID card or passport is enough.
- If you are traveling from a country with another currency, we recommend that you make the currency exchange in advance.
- The best time to visit Villach is from May to September, when temperatures are milder.
- There is no roaming in Austria (for European citizens), so you can use the Internet on your cell phone without any problems.
- The city is safe, but as in any touristic place, be careful with your belongings.
- Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
How to organize what to do in Villach, Austria
Register for or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
- Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
- Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes mentioned in the post)
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travelers what to see in Villach Austria
If you have doubts on how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Villach Austria
Villach does not have an airport, so it is best to fly to Vienna or one of the closest cities to Villach. And then you can take a train, bus or go there by car.
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