The cookies are baked, the mulled wine is hot and the Christ Child is on his way. We went in search of the best places to visit during Advent in Klagenfurt. With kitschy pre-Christmas winter romance, lots of great lights and little insider tips that will turn even the Grinch into a Christmas fan!
Walk through the old town
Apart from the fact that the Christmas market on Neuer Platz and the punch stands on Alter Platz in Klagenfurt are always a highlight worth visiting during Advent, a visit to the city in the run-up to Christmas is worthwhile anyway. We are particularly impressed by the starry sky on Alter Platz!
On a quiet evening, with a light snowfall that makes everything seem even quieter and more contemplative, simply stroll through Bahnhofstrasse, across Neuer Platz, on through Kramergasse to Alter Platz and through Landhaushof to enjoy the Christmas sea of lights to the full and soak up the atmosphere.
Harbor crackling in the Lendhafen
The Lendhafen also offers a very special ambience during Advent. If your hands have become cold from strolling through the city, a warming remedy awaits you here.
An insider tip that could quickly become the heart of Klagenfurt’s city center. The market offers hand-picked products from talented artisans, accompanied by music, a diverse street kitchen and delicious mulled wine and punch.
Visitors can expect a unique atmosphere with cozy seating, open fire bowls and lights reflecting in the water.
On all four Advent weekends
Thursday: from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas lights in the eastern bay of Lake Wörthersee
Yes, yes – the eastern bay of Klagenfurt. The place to be on spring Sundays, in summer with fantastic sunsets anyway, in fall for an evening run and in winter?
From the end of November, the eastern bay on Lake Wörthersee will be illuminated by a floating Christmas tree . The tree is ten meters high, decorated with over 8,000 LED lights and set up by the Klagenfurt fire department.
From the landing stage, there is an excellent view of the LED tree, which offers a special spectacle, especially at dusk with the glowing mountains in the background.
Advent boat trip on Lake Wörthersee
Weigh anchor and set sail for Christmas Eve – the best way to explore the towns on Lake Wörthersee during Advent is on a Wörthersee cruise.
The liner ships depart from Klagenfurt’s Ostbucht every Saturday and Sunday from November 23 to December 22, 2024, connecting the most beautiful Advent markets around Lake Wörthersee – from Klagenfurt via Krumpendorf and Maria Wörth to Pörtschach, to Schlosshotel Velden and back.
The trip can be interrupted as often as you like to get off. Of course, there are also plenty of refreshments on board. Winter classics such as mulled cider, smoked sausage and co. are not neglected!
For the ultimate Advent experience, the combined ticket with admission to the Pyramidenkogel is worthwhile!
Advent above the clouds on the Pyramidenkogel
A special experience awaits adults and children during the “quietest time of the year”: under the world’s highest wooden observation tower, the municipality of Keutschach am See invites you to the popular Advent market with a varied program.
Crafts, culinary delights, a petting zoo and, above all, the magnificent view over the Carinthian lake landscape make Advent on the Pyramidenkogel so special. The viewing platform can be easily reached with the panorama lift or by taking the stairs. Either way, the climb is definitely worth it!
The Advent market is open from November 22 to December 22, 2024 every Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Engelstadt Velden
During Advent, Velden is transformed into a romantic Advent town. The floating Advent wreath, the symbol of Advent in Velden, not only lights up the bay, but also brings a sparkle to visitors’ eyes.
The wreath with a diameter of 25 meters and 80,000 lights in front of the Schlosshotel is always worth a visit. It has to be said, Velden is a very special place to dream during Advent.
Everywhere you go, you’ll find hard-working little angels busily preparing for Christmas, helping the youngest visitors in particular to shorten the long wait for the Christ Child.
If you’re looking for a memorable Advent excursion, you shouldn’t miss the bay cruise on board the Santa Lucia, and the slow train ride through the Christmassy town is also a wonderful experience for young and old!
Opening hours
22. November to December 23, 2024
Friday: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday, December 23: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hochosterwitz Castle
The setting for an Advent market couldn’t be more romantic! The castle opens its doors in winter
If the castle is not already a popular destination all year round, the sparkle of Christmas just before the end of the year creates a special excitement within the ancient walls.
Small stalls with handicrafts and regional products invite you to enjoy and look around. There is also a colorful supporting program for young and old visitors to the castle. Among the market stalls you will also find farmers’ stalls with regional products and carvings, handicrafts from Carinthia, lovingly crafted nativity scenes, ceramics and glass, as well as wooden toys, herbs and schnapps in all kinds of variations and everything else your Christmas heart desires.
Enjoy the most beautiful Advent season in Klagenfurt
Whether you’re a Christmas grouch or a Christmas child – in Klagenfurt we have a whole host of offers to get you in the Christmas spirit. Whether on the water, on the mountain, for young or old, culinary or simply contemplative.
Advent in Klagenfurt is a very special time and there is a suitable excursion destination for every taste. So let’s keep it that way for the next few weeks with the words of Andy Williams: It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
