The pre-Christmas period sprinkles a distinct magic across Carinthia. In addition to the traditional Christmas markets in the cities and by the lakes of Austria’s sunny south, visitors can look forward to plenty of new initiatives that have grown over the past years. Experience festive joy at its most surprising and diverse, far away from the Christmas rush.
The Katschberg Advent Path invites you on an atmospheric winter walk through the snow-covered landscape at 1,750 metres above sea level. Themed barns line the lantern-lit path, with a different surprise to be found in each one: from teddy bear making workshops to choral music, readings and warming tea. You can reach the starting point of the Advent Path via the so-called Wichtelweg (2.5 km) on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. It takes around 45 minutes to complete the path at a leisurely pace.
Between the peaks of the Nockberge mountains lies the World Cup and spa town of Bad Kleinkirchheim, where the Alpine-Spa-Advent is held. Particularly enticing impressions await at the craft market on Saturdays, when local craftsmen and exhibitors from the Alpine-Adriatic region present their handicrafts, baked goods and culinary delights. The Musical Advent walks are not to be missed either (Fridays). And families are in the centre of it all at the Children’s Mass (Saturdays) and the Culinary Family Advent (Sundays).
The Pyramidenkogel viewing tower invites you to experience Advent above the clouds. At 100 metres, the widely visible landmark of the Wörthersee region illuminates the sky in a special way. By the foot of the tower, visitors will find a quaint Christmas market with crafts, local farmers’ products and music. Kids love the specially designed Christmas house, to which lamas, goats and donkeys pay a visit now and then.
The pre-Christmas period brings a touch of magic to the cities too. The Christkindlmarkt am Neuen Platz in Klagenfurt opens in November, offering lively entertainment and contemplative moments. More than 50 traders, craftsmen, caterers and an entertainment programme with live music provide variety for all ages. Further Advent activities can be found at the Domplatz and in the Landhaushof.
No less atmospheric and diverse: Villach, the "City in the Light", with its craft and food stalls across the romantically lit old town. The parish church’s tower shines like a giant candle from afar. Villach Advent launches on the Rathausplatz in November. And then there’s the Villach Art Advent in the Parkhotel’s park, which has a more tranquil ambience and plenty of great gift ideas.
One place sure to put a smile on little faces is the "Town of Angels" Velden by Lake Wörthersee. The entire town is decorated with lights, and little ones cannot be quick enough to help the hardworking angels at the post office, in the bakery or craft lounge. Fairytale boat trips across Lake Wörthersee are particularly popular too, as are the pony rides in the Kurpark and journeys on the angels’ train. Wish lists are sent straight to Father Christmas, attached to balloons that are released into the sky.
Those in search of a more reflective experience should visit the "Silent Advent" in Pörtschach. A small market on the promenade by the lake, filled with life by local heritage groups, associations and initiatives. The path of lights along the promenade draws on all of the senses, with torch-lit walks around the protected area of the Pörtschach peninsula to the "living crib". Tip: Advent boat with message in a bottle and trip through the sea of stars.
Things are equally placid on the southern shores of Lake Wörthersee. The romantic Church Advent awaits guests and locals on the Maria Wörth peninsula, with its wide range of concerts in the pilgrimage church and wooden huts selling culinary delights and crafts.
From exploring snow-covered mountains to relaxing snowshoe hikes through the Carinthian countryside, the Winter Kärnten Card is your ideal companion. Impressive views from the Pyramidenkogel, absorbing culture at Carinthia’s museums, numerous cable cars and much more bring variety to the cold season.
Further information: www.kaerntencard.at/winter/en/
Winter time in Carinthia means a time for tradition, peace and meditation. Christmas in Carinthia also means to smell the aroma of freshly-baked cookies and green pines, to walk through the Christmas market in one's warmest clothing and to warm yourself up with mulled wine.
The specialities in the traditional calendar include the custom of knocking on doors and asking for refreshments in the Gegend Valley, and Christmas trees are plunged into several lakes. A particularly nice spot for contemplation and forgetting about everyday life is Kap 4613 on Lake Millstätter See, where a floating Christmas terrace serves as a backdrop.
During the so-called "Perchtenlauf," the atmosphere is not so romantic and quiet. The "Perchtenlauf" always takes place in the beginning of December in different villages in all Carinthian regions (e.g. Klagenfurt, Villach...) during which men disguise themselves with fearful devil's masks and run screaming among the crowd under the sound of cow bells.
