DISCOVER VILLACH

Villach is the second largest city in Carinthia in the south of Austria, on the river Drau (Slovenian Drava) and represents an important traffic junction for Austria and the whole Alpe-Adria region. It currently has 57,646 inhabitants.

GEOGRAPHY OF VILLACH

The centre of Villach is located at the western border of the Klagenfurter Becken at the confluence of the Drau and Gail rivers.

The municipal area borders resp. surrounds several lakes, among Ossiacher See, Faaker See, Silbersee, Vassacher See, Magdalensee and St. Leonharder See.

Villach is also surrounded by the mountains of the Alps which are used for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. It is located half an hour by train or car from the border to Italy or Slovenia.

HISTORY OF VILLACH

The oldest human traces found in Villach date back to 3500 BC. A lot of Roman artifacts were found there. Villach got its first mayor in the 16th century. On January 25, 1348 an earthquake destroyed a big part of Villach followed by another earthquake in 1690.

There were also several fires in Villach which destroyed a lot of buildings. During the time of Napoleon's reign Villach was a part of France. It was reconquered in 1813.

FESTIVALS OF VILLACH

There are several festivals throughout the year:

• the carnival in Villach (it starts on November 11 and ends on March 4)
• the arts and crafts festival (with self made goods)
• the streets-art festival (with performances of artist and singers)
• the "Villacher Kirchtag" (a whole week in summer)
• performances at a stage along the Drave

VILLACH HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION

AUSTRIA TOURS AND TRAVEL