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KLAGENFURT
Klagenfurt is the capital city of Kaernten or Austrian
Carinthia. It is situated on the Glan River and has
population of about 90,000. Klagenfurt was first founded
as a small marketplace around 1195, but due to flooding
it was relocated in 1246 and awarded town status in
1252. Klagenfurt survived many ups and downs and became
regional capital, which was handed over by the Emperor
to the clergy and ruling noble families in the county.
Its development peaked in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Later the city suffered damage by Napoleon's invasion
and during World War II, but reconstruction started
immediately after the war. Now it is a prospering
cosmopolitan city, whose Old Town has won the Europa
Nostra Diploma three times.
In Klagenfurt's "Neuer Platz" the tourist will see the
city's best known landmark - "Lindwurmbrunnen", the
dragon's fountain. The ancient legend tells about a
fearsome dragon that was defeated by Klagenfurt's people
and remained immortalized in the city's coat of arms. A
must-see is the intriguing exhibition of coats of arms,
displayed in the "Wappensaal" of the City Hall or
Landhaus. Another attraction is the 23 castles that
surround Klagenfurt. Most of them are within the
boundaries of the city, thus being easily accessible.
They have much to offer - cultural events or stylish
restaurants or beautiful views. Plan at least half a day
for a memorable trip to the famous Hochosterwitz
Fortress. Don't miss Minimundus - an incredible display
of 150 models of buildings from across the globe.
The number of cultural institutions can satisfy even the
most searching minds - the Art Nouveau Theater, three
galleries in the Kuenstlerhaus, Europahaus and Stadthaus,
and the Modern Town Gallery are open to visitors. The
Ingeborg Bachmann Prize for Literature in the German
Language is awarded annually and gathers the literary
elite in Austrian novelist Robert Musil's house museum.
An older tradition is the Altstadtzauber (The Magic of
the Old Town) Festival - you will be mesmerized by the
street procession of live bands, jugglers and conjurers,
plus you will be able to rummage at your pleasure in
Austria's biggest flea-market.
Klagenfurt caters for both the mind and the body. It
hosts the annual Carinthian IRONMAN Austria Triathlon,
applications for which can be sent online. In addition,
as a mountain resort, the city offers excellent
conditions for winter sports. It has even been nominated
for holding the Winter Olympics 2006. Or if you prefer
horse-riding, tennis, swimming, hiking or biking - just
take a pick.
Whatever preferences you might have for your leisure
activities, you will need good food to keep you going.
Klagenfurt will present you with a number of
gastronomical adventures, such as "Kasnudeln", "Saurer
Suppe" or "Ritschert". Enjoy the local specialties in
traditional café-restaurants such as Wifzack or visit
Gasthaus Pirker and Gasthof Krall. For an exquisite
café-bar Domgassner is your place, while Stuchetz is the
classical pastry shop and ice-cream house for everyone
with a sweet tooth. |
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