In Villach, city history meets different ways to explore the surrounding area: you can discover archaeological and architectural history, get to know the old town through multimedia, or include cycling and water activities in your travel plans. When choosing a hotel in Villach, it helps to first consider which of these interests you want to shape your time here.
City history explored in different ways
Villach’s parish church tower is 94 metres tall and the highest church tower in Carinthia. The Villacher Burg exhibition space, located in Villach’s former Bamberg city palace, presents archaeological and architectural history finds and research results. Another historical artefact is the pillory, which dates back to the 15th century: it was recovered in 1959 during construction of the city bridge.
The Museum of the City of Villach features a newly designed permanent archaeological exhibition on the history of the region from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. Its presentation may continue to evolve. The PLUS exhibition displays stone monuments in the courtyard and the “Lapidarium”, including extensive collections from Roman times. Many of these objects were found in and around Villach. This brings together an exhibition spanning a broad period of time and a collection of objects with local origins.
If you’d like to discover the old town on a walking tour, the City Tour Villach offers a multimedia experience. The tour leads through the old town; short films present city history, anecdotes and historical background. This sets the tour apart from the exhibitions: topics are explored along the way through film clips, while the museum and exhibition space present their archaeological or architectural history content.
Cycling and the route towards Dobratsch
The Villach Alpine Road runs for 16.5 kilometres from Villach up to Dobratsch Nature Park. Along the way, it climbs around 1,200 metres through seven hairpin bends. The route’s length, elevation gain and bends give it a distinctive profile. As access conditions may change, check the latest information before setting off.
Cyclists have two different options: Villach has a fully interconnected cycle-path network and is also part of the Ciclovia Alpe Adria long-distance cycle route. One is a cycle-path network within Villach; the other is its connection to a long-distance route. Along the Drau Paddling Trail, kayakers and SUP riders can dock at FreizeitBASE in the heart of Villach. The options therefore range from cycle paths to a place to dock on the water.
Water experiences and a crime trail
Near Villach, in Warmbad Villach, you’ll find the Maibachl thermal spring. Its spring flow is seasonal. Two natural pools collect the 28-degree water and invite you to swim and relax. Bear in mind the seasonal water flow when planning a swim.
Another way to explore the city at your own pace is the Villach crime trail, “Die Lei-Lei Leiche”. It can be played at any time; after purchasing it, you can start straight away or later, and no appointment is required. Check the latest information before you start.
The options differ mainly in how you’d like to experience Villach: on foot through the old town, by road towards Dobratsch, by bike or on the water.
Discover more destinations: Warmbad-Judendorf, Ledenitzen, Velden Am Wörthersee, Latschach, Weißenstein, Feistritz An Der Gail, Bad Bleiberg, St. Egyden.
Back to the main travel overview: Villach.
