Völkermarkt’s history spans archaeological finds, buildings and traces of the city wall. The Völkermarkt District Heritage Museum displays Hallstatt-era, Celtic, Roman and early Christian finds. It also documents the Carinthian defensive battles, from their beginning in November 1918 to the referendum on 10 October 1920. These different historical chapters stand side by side, from early cultures to a clearly defined period in the 20th century.
Museum and Architecture
The architectural history of Völkermarkt’s parish church can be read in its specific details: it has a Gothic stepped choir dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, and its west portal was built between 1240 and 1247. The Old Town Hall adds a Late Gothic accent. It was completed in its present form in 1499. Kirchgasse is also steeped in history: its continuous row of historic buildings features notable Biedermeier and Baroque façades.
Those interested in church architecture, historic houses or art from different periods will find a variety of topics in the city’s history. The District Heritage Museum complements these architectural insights with its collection and documentation of the Carinthian defensive battles. Each place and topic has its own focus, from the west portal of the parish church to the museum’s archaeological finds.
City Wall and Cultural Routes
From the city wall trail, you can see how the rise in the terrain towards the Drava was used strategically. Another feature of the historic city wall is the old little gate: this passage gave pedestrians the shortest route to the Drava. Together, these features illustrate the city’s former relationship with the river in different ways—through its strategic location and through a direct pedestrian connection.
The Völkermarkt Cultural Cycle Route includes 11 churches. Three large information boards and 23 additional information panels highlight points of historical and art-historical significance. For a different cycling trip, Völkermarkt is a good starting point for the Drava Cycle Path. The two routes have different focuses: the Cultural Cycle Route draws attention to churches and cultural history, while the Drava Cycle Path offers a regional cycling experience.
Markets, Theatre and Events
Völkermarkt’s markets take place every Wednesday and Friday. Events are also part of the cultural scene: since 2011, the Heunburg Theatre has offered a varied programme for adults and children. Since 2021, the Völkermarkt Cultural Brunch has been a regular feature of the events calendar. It takes place in Bürgerlustpark from June to September; individual dates may vary.
The annual “Wine & more” wine festival is also held in Völkermarkt. If you are planning your trip around an event, check the relevant dates and programme in advance. The regular markets follow a set weekly schedule, while event dates and programmes may vary.
Bürgerlustpark and Views
Bürgerlustpark is situated on a plateau around 100 metres south of the main square. From there, the view extends across the Völkermarkt Reservoir and the Jaunfeld. The park is also the venue for the Cultural Brunch from June to September. If you are planning your visit around this event, bear in mind that individual dates may vary.
By the Water and on the Move
Fishing is permitted in areas 11 and 13 at the Völkermarkt Reservoir. Fishing area boundaries, access roads and fishing spots are marked along the left bank of the Drava; a permit is required to fish. The Völkermarkt Rowing Centre is located in the reservoir bay, right on the Drava bank.
The Völkermarkt Adventure Swimming Pool has solar-heated pools, a current channel, a relaxation pool with massage jets, a water mushroom and a water slide. As seasonal opening times may vary, check the current hours before planning a visit. The indoor ice rink offers ice hockey, curling and public skating; the availability of individual sessions may also vary. Check the schedule if you have a particular activity in mind.
Völkermarkt brings together a range of interests, with different ways to explore: the museum and buildings reveal cultural history, the city wall and cultural route highlight historic traces, while cycling, fishing and other leisure facilities take centre stage by the water.
Discover more destinations: Bleiburg, Eberndorf, Gallizien, Gösselsdorf, Kleindiex, Koprein Petzen, Sankt Primus, Seelach, Diex, Sankt Kanzian Am Klopeiner See, Miklauzhof, Ruden, Sankt Michael Ob Bleiburg, Hart, Völkermarkt, Rammersdorf, Sittersdorf, Neuhaus, Kühnsdorf, Weißeneggerberg, Lind, Wasserhofen, Feistritz Ob Bleiburg, Oberseidendorf, Unterburg Am Klopeiner See, Bad Eisenkappel, Globasnitz, Trögern, Klopein, Untergreutschach, Steinerberg, Wölfnitz.
Go to the main travel overview: Carinthia.
