Welcome Package

WELCOME PACKAGE

2012-06-30

Carinthian International Club · A-9020 Klagenfurt, Dr. Franz-Palla-Gasse 21 P: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 · [email protected] · www.cic-network.at

Dear You!

It´s a pleasure to welcome you to Carinthia.

The CIC - Carinthian International Club has been created to offer useful information to expatriates and to make contact possible and strengthen links between people interested in benefiting from an international and multi- cultural experience.

Advisory service enables people to take informed decisions in relation to work, living or the schooling of children in their new environment. Regular events and activities offer a platform for social networking and information exchange.

Some of the benefits you can enjoy as a member of the CIC are:

− CIC contact hours Come along and get help with settling in in Carinthia, appointments on demand. Please send an e-mail to [email protected]

− CIC guidance and support service (e.g. work opportunities for family members and advice on schools). Meetings by appointment.

− CIC get togethers – these are events for you to come along to. They offer opportunities to make contact with other expatriates and locals.

− CIC summerkids – a childcare scheme (age 5 to 14) offered in August

− CIC networking sessions - monthly meetings to chat and get to know each other, held in the evenings.

− CIC language swap: One to one language coaching.

− Opportunities to get involved and have your say e.g. translations, writing articles for the website, ideas.

Carinthian International Club · A-9020 Klagenfurt, Dr. Franz-Palla-Gasse 21 P: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 · [email protected] · www.cic-network.at

− A diverse programme of activities - regular opportunities to take part in (e.g. excursions, cultural events, family events, book club).

− CIC coffee mornings Once a month in the morning, for employees’ partners.

− Provision of German and English tuition for more information please send an e-mail to [email protected]

− CIC international toddler playgroup

In this CIC welcome package you can find key information about your new host country and help for your first steps in Carinthia. More detailled information about life and work in Austria please find at the CIC website: www.cic-network.at

We wish you lots of luck in your new home! Mag.a Rosalia Krautzer Executive Director CIC

The CIC is an association that is financed through membership fees. A list of current member companies and institutions is available at www.cic-network.at

Interested individuals may acquire membership for themselves and their family. Employees from member companies benefit from a reduced rate.

Membership costs: 20 € for employees of CIC member companies 50 € for any other members

More information: www.cic-network.at.

Carinthian International Club · A-9020 Klagenfurt, Dr. Franz-Palla-Gasse 21 P: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 · [email protected] · www.cic-network.at

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.CIC-NETWORK.AT TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 1 CARINTHIA...... 3 Population and Language ...... 5 The political system ...... 5 Geography and Climate ...... 6 Time zone ...... 6 Culture and Religion...... 7 NATIONAL INSURANCE IN AUSTRIA ...... 10 Health insurance ...... 10 Retirement pension insurance ...... 10 Unemployment insurance ...... 11 Accident insurance...... 11 National Insurance contributions...... 11 Co-insurance...... 12 EVERY DAY LIFE ...... 14 Cost of living...... 14 Flat-/house-hunting ...... 14 Shopping...... 15 Markets...... 15 Opening times...... 16 Public Holidays ...... 17 Helpline / Information Point - Austrian Administration...... 18 Document disappearance...... 18 Newspapers ...... 18 Waste Separation ...... 18 IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS ...... 19 HEALTH...... 21 Doctors ...... 21 Special Theme: FSME...... 22 Special Theme: Cold Temperatures ...... 22 TELEPHONE ...... 23 Fixed network connection ...... 23 Mobile Cell Phone Providers...... 24 Internet ...... 26 CHILDCARE...... 27 Childminders...... 27 AVS (Arbeitsvereinigung der Sozialhilfe Kärntens) ...... 27 Hilfswerk Kärnten ...... 28 Grandma Service ...... 29 KINDERGARTEN ...... 30 Klagenfurt ...... 31 Villach...... 32 Multi-lingual childcare groups in the surroundings of Villach...... 32 SCHOOLS ...... 33 School holidays ...... 34 School year 2012/13...... 34

AFTERNOON CARE FOR CHILDREN OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL-AGE ...... 35 MUSIC SCHOOLS ...... 35 LEISURE TIME...... 36 CIC activities...... 36 CIC networking sessions ...... 36 CIC coffee mornings...... 36 CIC language swap ...... 36 Further Education ...... 38 Career-oriented education and training...... 39 Adult education centres ...... 40 SPORTS ...... 41 Sports-Clubs ...... 41 Golf-Clubs ...... 42 ACTIVITIES WITH CHILDREN ...... 43 Playgrounds...... 43 Various ...... 43 PARENT-CHILD GROUPS ...... 48 Parent-Child Groups Klagenfurt area ...... 48 Parent-Child Groups Klagenfurt Surrounding AREA ...... 51 Parent-Child Groups Villach-Area ...... 52 Spring/Summer...... 53 Winter...... 54 CULTURE AND SIGHTS ...... 55 Stadttheater Klagenfurt ...... 55 Klagenfurter Ensemble ...... 55 neuebuehne villach ...... 55 Seasonal Events ...... 57 Exhibitions, Galleries, Museums ...... 57 THEMED EVENTS AND CULINARY FEASTS ...... 57 DIVERSE EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN THE REGION ...... 58 FOOD AND DRINKS ...... 58 EVERYTHING ABOUT TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC ...... 59 Airports...... 59 Public Transport ...... 59 Rail...... 59 Car and Road traffic ...... 59 Road tax for Motorways: Autobahnvignette ...... 59 What the traffic lights mean ...... 59 Parking ...... 60 Bicycle ...... 61 Insurance ...... 61 Child car seats ...... 62 High Visibility Jackets in Street Traffic ...... 62 Light in Street Traffic ...... 62 Mobile Telephones ...... 62 Speed limit ...... 62 Drink Driving ...... 62 SOME MORE LINKS ...... 63

CARINTHIA

Carinthia is the most southern federal state of Austria, bordering on Italy and Slovenia. It is located in the Alpine-Adriatic region. Encircled by mountains with many lakes and rivers this province is known for the beauty of its natural landscape. A good infrastructure and the high quality of mostly outdoor leisure activities mean that you can enjoy both your work and your life in a unique way.

The University of Klagenfurt (Alpen-Adria Universität) and the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule Kärnten) offer opportunities for higher education and scientific research. The private research and development sector is well developed and has an advanced and competitive infrastructure. After tourism and the service sectors, industry in Carinthia is the most important driving force behind business development in the region.

The official website to help foreign citizens in Austria: http:// www.help.gv.at/Content.Node/HELP-FC.htm http://www.migration.gv.at/en/

More about Carinthia: http://www.carinthia.at/ http://www.kärnten.com/

The official website of the Carinthian regional government: http://www.ktn.gv.at/27987_DE (only in German)

Culture in Carinthia: http://www.kulturchannel.at/ http://www.kultur.kaernten.at

Information Source: www.austria-lexikon.at/af/AEIOU/Kärnten

Internet Domain: .at Country Code: +43 Postcode: A Currency: € Supply Voltage: 220V, 50 Hz

Population and Language At the beginning of 2009 Carinthia had a total of 560,605 inhabitants. The biggest cities are the federal state’s capital Klagenfurt and Villach, with populations of 93,478 and 58,949, respectively. Wolfsberg is the biggest town of Carinthia’s sectional districts (25,316). This is followed by Spittal an der Drau (15,926), Feldkirchen (14,343), St. Veit an der Glan (12,866), Völkermarkt (11,387) and Hermagor (7,139). (Source: Carinthian regional government, 1.1.2009).

The life-expectancy of men is 77.6 years, that of women 83.7 years. The official language is German. Slovenian is also accepted as an official language, as there is a Slovenian-speaking minority in Carinthia. English is taught as the first foreign language at school.

The political system Carinthia is one of nine federal states of Austria. Austria is a democratic republic (http://www.hofburg.at/index.php?sid=48&s2id=0&language=en). The federal president is the head of the state. The two houses of the parliament, the National Council and the Federal Council, are Austria’s legislative bodies (http://www.parlinkom.gv.at/EN/show.psp). The highest authority of the Austrian government is the Federal Chancellor and his or her Vice-Chancellor. They head and direct activities of the government’s federal ministers and under-secretaries of state. (http://www.austria.gv.at/site/3327/Default.aspx).

The supreme judiciary institutions are the Court of Chancery (http://www.ogh.gv.at/index.php?g_lng=en), the Austrian Administrative Court (www.vwgh.gv.at) and the Austrian Constitutional Court (www.vfgh.gv.at/cms/vfgh-site/english/index.html).

Ten years after the end of the Second World War, in 1955, the Austrian Parliament passed a law in which it declared permanent neutrality for Austria. Austria became a member of the United Nations (UNO) in 1955 and entered the European Union in 1995.

Austria has nine Federal States: Wien, Burgenland, Steiermark, Oberösterreich, Niederösterreich, Salzburg, Tirol, Vorarlberg and Kärnten. Carinthia (Kärnten) has ten sectional districts (Klagenfurt-Land, Klagenfurt- Stadt, Villach-Land, Villach-Stadt, Spittal/Drau, Hermagor, Feldkirchen, St. Veit/Glan, Wolfsberg, and Völkermarkt) and 132 municipalities. The capital of

Carinthia is Klagenfurt. The two biggest cities of the region, Klagenfurt and Villach are both statutory cities.

Geography and Climate Carinthia is famous for its mountains and lakes. There are 93 mountain peaks stretching to more than 3,000 metres above sea level, including the Großglockner which at 3,798 m is Austria’s highest mountain (www.nationalpark-hohetauern.at/en.aspx). There are roughly 1,270 lakes and they have excellent water quality. Half of Carinthia’s total surface area is covered with forest. There are many nature-related scenic attractions in Carinthia. These include the natural thermal water sources in Warmbad- Villach, Bad Kleinkirchheim or Bad Bleiberg.

Carinthia has 9,533 square metres surface area. In the West, North and East it borders on East Tirol, Salzburg, and Styria respectively. The border between Carinthia and Slovenia stretches across 170 kilometres of mountainous terrain. The one between Carinthia and Italy extends this southern border another 109 kilometres. The three countries meet at the Dreiländereck, a mountain close to Arnoldstein.

Time zone Carinthia has a Central European temperate climate with four seasons, including hot and moderately wet summers and long harsh winters. In recent decades winters have been exceptionally arid. The average total amount of annual sunshine hours in Austria is the highest in Carinthia. (www.zamg.ac.at/weather/index.php).

Carinthia is in the Central European Time zone (CET) (Mitteleuropäische Zeitzone, MEZ).

Central European Summer Time (CEST/ MESZ) starts on the last Sunday of March, when clocks are put forward by an hour at 2 a.m., or in other words, the night is shortened by an hour.

The change to Winter Time/ normal time (CET/ MEZ) takes place on the last Sunday of October, when clocks are turned back an hour at 3 a.m., making the night an hour longer.

Culture and Religion Carinthia has a rich cultural and religious heritage as many different civilisations have resided in the region since prehistoric times.

Here are some examples of historically significant places, sites and artefacts: − Prehistory and Proto-history: Figures made out of lead and Celtic weapons from Frög and Förk; Venetian inscriptions found in the Upper Gailtal. − The Romans: Jüngling from Magdalensberg (a copy can be found in the Kunsthistorische Museum in Vienna); Statues und Mosaics from Virunum, Juenna, Teurnia. − Early-Christianity: Teurnia, Hemmaberg, Duel and others. − The Early Middle Age: Molzbichl, Karnburg.

Some architectonic treasures and famous monuments include: − Romantic: the Gurker Dom, Abbey St. Paul / Lavanttal and Millstatt − Gothic: Maria Saal, Wolfsberg, St. Andrä/Lavanttal, Friesach, Ossiach, Villach, St. Veit/Glan, Heiligenblut) and − Renaissance: Schloss Porcia in Spittal an der Drau.

In castles and palaces dating back to the Middle Ages in Carinthia a lot of religious art has been found. Examples are: − Romanic and gothic mural paintings (Master Thomas Artula, Villach) decorate churches. − Painted lent veils („Fastentücher“) - a feature that is not so common elsewhere. − Many churchyards have ossuaries and on rural pathways you come across numerous waysight shrines („Bildstöcke“).

Austria has a very rich and ancient cultural tradition, notably in the fields of music and literature. One of the most important yearly events that celebrate this tradition is the Carinthian Summer Music Festival in Villach, the most mediterranean town of Carinthia. This festival was first organised in 1969, in the Abbey of Ossiach. Featuring world famous artists since its start, this event continues to celebrate Austria’s long-standing engagement with the arts and music with the best international musicians and performers. (www.carinthischersommer.at/index.php?cccpage=english_information).

One of the best-known German-Language Literature Festivals is the Ingeborg Bachmann Preis in Klagenfurt (www.bachmannpreis.eu/en). Famous Carinthian writers include Christine Lavant, Ingeborg Bachmann, Gert Jonke, Peter Handke, Peter Turrini, and Josef Winkler among others. Local writers such as Anton Martin Slomšek and Matija Majar Ziljski have, in collaboration with the association Hermagoras, led the way in the recognition of literature in the Slovenian language. Celebrated writers include Milka Hartman, Florian Lipuš, Janko Mesner, Karell Smolle, Janko Ferk, and Maja Haderlap.

You may also explore cultural events and theatre of smaller production houses inspired to enrich the region’s diversity in the expression of art. Klagenfurt’s main theatre offers a programme that includes classical theatre, opera, and musicals (www.stadttheater-klagenfurt.at). Contemporary theatre, world premieres, and first releases of foreign-language plays in German are put on stage by the much smaller Neue Bühne in Villach (www.neuebuehne.at).

“Music weeks” in the Abbey of Millstatt or the “Music Forum” in the Abbey of Viktring are just two examples of excellent musical venues in Carinthia. Another well-known feature of Carinthia’s musical landscape are local choirs. There are hundreds of them and anyone can join. To contact any of them you may access the choir register on www.chormusik.at.

Carinthia is also the birthplace and/or place of residence of several contemporary artists. The list includes painters Maria Lassnig, Cornelius Kolig, Valentin Oman, Hans Staudacher, Angelika Kaufmann, Giselbert Hoke as well as Anton Kolig, Franz Wiegele, Sebastian Isepp, Herbert Boeckl, Anton Mahringer, A. J. Clementschitsch, Giselbert Hoke, Hans Bischoffshausen and Kiki Kogelnik among others.

A lot of information about museums, galleries, architecture, sculpting, painting and other cultural events can be found under http://www.kultur.kaernten.at.

The “Kärntner Freilichtmuseum” in Maria Saal shows typical farms, houses and stables. Cultivation of folk tradition is as much a priority as the protection of nature in Austria (Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, Nockgebiet). Another tourist attraction is the „Minimundus“ in Klagenfurt, where miniature models of world-famous buildings are exhibited. (www.minimundus.at).

Traditional rites that are still alive in Carinthia include − the four-mountain pilgrimage (Vierberge-Wallfahrt), − a two-hour dance that miners of the 15th century performed at the end of spring (Reiftanz), − and two events that celebrate horse-riding skills. One is a horse race inspired by a local legend whereby the fastest rider gets the girl (Kranzelreiten). − the second probably has its origins in knighthood jousts. Young men armed with an iron-cudgel, aim to dismantle a wooden barrel while riding bareback horses (Kufenstechen). − there are also traditional fairs such as the one in St. Veit an der Glan and Bleiburg, or the Villacher Kirchtag, where festivities and tradition take over the city for a whole week. Source: http://www.austria-lexikon.at/af/AEIOU/Kärnten

People in Austria usually take their meals three times a day.

Breakfast between 6.30 and 10 a.m. Lunch between 11.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dinner between 6 and 9 p.m.

Sometimes there is a break between breakfast and lunch or in the afternoon with a traditional “Jause” consisting of bread and cold cuts or a cake. In rural areas you can take small snacks at all times. In urban areas there are restaurants offering warm meals around the clock.

Catholicism has made profound impressions on Austrian culture and Carinthia is no exception to that. The majority of Carinthians are Roman Catholic. The second biggest religious community are Protestants. People without a religious denomination, Muslims and other Christian communities continue to be minority groups.

NATIONAL INSURANCE IN AUSTRIA

Basic insurance is provided for the population by the Austrian national insurance system (http://www.sozialversicherung.at). It covers the areas of health insurance, accident insurance, unemployment insurance and retirement pension insurance. It is financed mainly by contributions from the employee and the employer.

Health insurance A compulsory insurance system exists in Austria. Every employed person must have health insurance. You are not able to choose your health insurance yourself as it is dependent on the particular employer and their field. People employed in private industry are insured by the regional medical insurance company (“Gebietskrankenkasse”) of their particular federal state.

Health insurance covers the areas of illness, maternity and inability to work as a result of illness.

Retirement pension insurance The purpose of retirement pension insurance is to provide financial protection for the insured person and his or her family members by means of pension benefits in old age, or as a result of inability to work due to illness.

Pension benefits are financed from statutory retirement pension insurance, which works in the form of a system in which the generation which is presently employed pays for the pensions of those who are already retired. In other words, people receiving pensions are largely financed by the contributions of the employed. Other functions of retirement pension insurance are healthcare provision and drug addiction treatment.

Age at which the retirement pension can be claimed − For women this is on completion of one’s sixtieth year Women’s right to claim retirement pension benefit is gradually being brought into line with men’s. This means that the age at which benefit can be claimed for women born since 2/12/1963 has already been raised. For those born since 2/6/1968 it will be on completion of their sixty-fifth year. − For men it is on completion of the sixty-fifth year.

An application for a pension may be made to the appropriate pension insuring body in accordance with this scheduled plan.

Amount of pension payout For people born before 1955 the basic calculation of the pension payout depends on the number of months’ insurance the claimant has built up, and the age at which the pension payout begins.

For those born after 1955 the amount depends on the basic contributions made, the percentage of the entire contribution made and the age of the claimant when the pension payout begins.

More precise information on the pension system may be found on http://www.pensionsversicherung.at/portal27/portal/pvaportal/channel_conte nt/cmsWindow?p_tabid=4&p_menuid=5263&action=2

Unemployment insurance A claim for unemployment benefit is covered by unemployment insurance, which is calculated in accordance with the Austrian national insurance system. However, this is not self-administered, but is organised by the federal government in connection with the job centre.

Accident insurance Accident insurance covers accidents at work and illness while employed. It can generate non-cash benefits and cash payments, generally in the form of accident benefits.

Private supplementary insurance payments can be made in addition to compulsory insurance, for example for special categories, dental costs, supplementary pension contributions, or spa/health resort cures and alternative treatments.

National Insurance contributions The foundation for the calculation of contributions is the earned income of the insured person. This earned income is used to calculate the insurance contributions. If the income is higher than the maximum basic contribution this is taken into account in the calculation.

The maximum basic contribution in accordance with the General National Insurance Law - Allgemeines Sozialversicherungsgesetz (ASVG) - in 2010 is − 137.00 Euros a day − 4,110.00 Euros a month − 8,220.00 Euros a year for special payments.

Special payments are recurring earnings received every now and then (for example holiday money, money for Christmas, winnings, bonuses).

Employees’ contribution rates as percentages for 2010 Name of fund Employee amount Employer amount Health insurance 3,82 3,83 Accident insurance 0,00 1,40 Retirement pension insurance 10,25 12,55 Unemployment insurance (1) 3,00 3,00 Bankruptcy (IESG) supplement 0,00 0,55 Labour Chamber (AK) 0,50 0,00 contribution Housing subsidy contribution 0,50 0,50 Company pension plan 0,00 1,53 contribution(2) 18,07 23,36

1) For a minimum income the unemployment insurance proportion is calculated differently: basic contribution up to €1,155.00: 0%, over €1,155.00 to €1,260.00: 1%, over €1,260.00 to €1,417.00: 2%. 2) Valid for work situations based on a contract subject to private law and which begin after 31/12/2002, or for freelancers / independent contractors from 1/1/2008 onwards.

Regarding special payments, there are no labour chamber contributions and no housing subsidy contributions to pay.

Co-insurance The prerequisites for the contribution-free co-insurance (health insurance) of people living with the insured person in the family unit are

− that the family members’ usual residence is in the home country, and − that they do not have health insurance subject to legal directives, and

− that there is no healthcare with an alternative organisation scheduled by an employer regulated by public law.

Exceptions constitute spouses, life partners, listed partners or main breadwinners under certain conditions.

For certain family members there is a an additional contribution – 3.4% of the basic contribution rate – payable by the insured person, so that particular health insurance benefits can be drawn by family members. No additional time periods are set for this.

The additional contribution must be paid in certain situations for spouses, listed partners, for life partners and for breadwinners. The additional contribution is stipulated and collected on a monthly basis from the insured person to the health insurer. The insured person and not the family member is responsible for this and must pay these costs him- or herself.

Provided the following conditions are met, there is no additional contribution to pay:

− if the co-insured family member is currently bringing up one or more children in the same household or has spent at least four years doing so in the past − for co-insured children, adopted, step and foster children or grandchildren of the insured person − if the co-insured family member receives an allowance for nursing care (Grade 3) − if the co-insured family member of the insured person is a carer or fosterer, in receipt of an allowance amounting to at least Grade 3 − if there is a need for social protection − if sickness benefit, maternity benefit, childcare benefit, unemployment benefit or social benefits are currently being claimed.

More precise information on co-insurance can be found on: http://www.kgkk.at/portal27/portal/kgkkportal/channel_content/cmsWindow? p_tabid=4&p_menuid=4894&action=2

EVERY DAY LIFE

Cost of living In 2005 Austrians spent on average per head of the adult population and per household 0.8% of their income on education, 2.6% on communications, 2.8% on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, 3.1% on health, 5.5% on cafes/restaurants/hotels, 5.6% on clothing and footwear, 6.2% on household refurbishment, 12.6% on leisure/sport/hobbies, 13% on food and non- alcoholic beverages, 16.1% on transport and 22.3% on housing and energy.

1 litre of milk costs between 0.69 and 1 euro, 500 grams of wheat and rye bread 1.95 euro, 500 grams of wholegrain bread 2.20 euro, 1 kilogram of sugar 0.99 euro, 1 kilogram of flour 1.15 euro, 1 kilogram of apples 2.49 euro, 1 litre of mineral water from 0.43 euro, 1 litre of orange juice from 0.99 euro, 1 litre of Coca-Cola 1.19 euro, 250 grams of butter 1.49 euro, 0.5 litre of beer from 0.80 euro, 500 grams of coffee from 3 euro, 1 litre of wine from 2.30 euro depending on quality, 1 cinema ticket 5-9 euro, a hamburger 1 euro, a newspaper 0.50-1.20 euro, public transport (single city trip) 1.40-2 euro, 1 litre of petrol (normal) 1.07 euro, 1 litre of diesel 0.96 euro, a visit to a restaurant with soup, main course, dessert and drink from 25 euro, 1 T- shirt from 5-10 euro depending on quality, 1 pair of jeans from 50-70 euro depending on quality, 1 kilowatt-hour of gas (basic price) e.g. 3.8 cent, 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity e.g. 9.9 cent. In 2009 the average expenditure for primary-lease apartments was 6.09 euro. (Price details indicative only) Energy costs (gas and electricity), housing costs and the cost of petrol, diesel and heating oil have risen in recent years; the cost of leisure, hobbies and sport and housing and energy is relatively high compared with the EU average.

Flat-/house-hunting Information about available flats or houses is published in daily newspapers (e.g. Kleine Zeitung – weekend editions are of particular interest or can be obtained via specialised agents or agencies (ImmobilienmaklerInnen – you find them in local yellow pages under the section „Immobilien“) and a diverse set of other websites. For instance, city and community administrations also offer information about available property.

Rental costs depend on several factors, such as distance to transportation networks, infrastructure, residential area, as well as the flat/house itself (furnished-unfurnished, etc.). In addition, general running costs (around 25%

of the net-rent) for water, electricity, gas and/or other heating costs etc. need to be taken into consideration.

Before formally signing an agreement to rent or buy a property, you may wish to consult guidance and support infrastructures (e.g. Aggregation of tenants/ Mietervereiningung, Association for the protection of tenants/ Mieterschutzverband, Association for consumer information/ Verein für Konsumenteninformation, Chamber of Labour/ Arbeiterkammer), to verify the legitimacy of the contract. Source: EURES

Shopping You can shop in town centres, shopping malls situated on the outskirts of towns or in various local markets. Foodchains such as Billa, Spar, M-Preis (also in rural areas), as well as discount shops such as Hofer, Lidl, Penny (mostly in towns); offer a basic variety of food and products of daily use. Products of babycare and drugstore-products are available at Bipa and DM Drogeriemarkt, amongst others. Organic or ecologically approved products are available in specialised shops and in some bigger shops that sell bio- labelled products.

Bigger chains offering an extended spectrum of available products include Interspar and Merkur. Smaller and bigger shopping centres are commonly situated on the periphery of towns.

Markets

Klagenfurt Benediktinermarkt The most important market place in Klagenfurt is the Benediktinerplatz. Farmers from Carinthia, Friaul (Italy) and Slovenia sell locally produced delicacies on the traditional market days, Thursday and Saturday (6:00 till 1:30).

Weekly markets Waidmannsdorf (Crossing Kanaltalerstraße-Baumbachplatz) Viktring, Viktringerplatz Wednesday and Saturday 6:00 till 1:00.

Biomarkt Every Friday products from purely biological cultivations are sold on the Benediktinerplatz (6:00 till 1:30).

However, both market halls are open on a daily basis 6:30 till 6 p.m. In addition to the usual selection many gardeners sell plants here, from 6:30 till 1:30 p.m.

Villach Weekly Market Wednesday and Saturday (Draulände/ Markthalle) from 7:00 till 12:00. Next to fruit and vegetables, local producers sell cold cuts, pasta-delicacies, honey, as well as fish and seafood.

Bio-Bauernmarkt On Fridays, bio products from local farmers are sold on the Hans-Gasser-Platz (10:30 till 5 p.m.). The products include fruit and vegetables, as well as cold cuts, cheese, and pastry.

Opening times In general stores that sell food are open between 7:15 and 7:30 from Monday to Friday, and Saturdays from 7:15 till 6:00. All shops are closed on Sundays. Exceptions are shops in tourist areas that open from 8:00 to 1:00 and 3:00 to 6:00 during the summer and winter season. Petrol stations often offer a basic selection of food and are open on Sundays and holidays.

In town centres many shops only open at 9:00 and close mostly between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m., some even later.

In towns you sometimes find shopping-initiatives that enable shopping also during the evening hours (see town-marketing). Big shopping malls, such as ATRIO in Villach or City Arkaden in Klagenfurt have extended opening hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 – 7:30, Saturday: 9:00 – 6:00

Public Authorities and Administrative Offices (e.g. tax office) Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu from 7:30 till 3:30; Fri from 7:30 to 12:00.

Post offices Most post offices are open from Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00 and 2:00 or 3:00 till 5:00 or 6:00. Some do not close in the afternoon, and others are also open on Saturdays 9:00 till 12:00. Opening times of branches vary and are always communicated on the entrance of the branch. Some town-branches open also on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, although at reduced capacity. These are usually found close to train stations. More information about the Austria postal service can be found under www.post.at or by calling the customer services (Tel: 0810 010 100).

Banks and Exchange offices Mon-Wed, Fri 8:00/9:00–3:00, Thu 8:00/9:00 till 5:30. Branches are usually closed between 12:30 and 1:30.

Public Holidays − 1st of January (New-Year/ Neujahr) − 6th of January (The Three Kings/ Heilige Drei Könige) − Easter Monday/ Ostermontag − 1st of May (National Holiday/ Staatsfeiertag) − Ascension Day/ Christi Himmelfahrt, a Thursday in May or June − Whitmonday/ Pfingstmontag − Feast of Corpus Cristi/ Fronleichnam, a Thursday in June − 15th of August (Ascension Day/ Maria Himmelfahrt) − 26th of October (National Holiday/ Nationalfeiertag) − 1st of November (All Saints/ Allerheiligen) − 8th of December (Feast of the Immaculate Conception/ Maria Empfängnis) − 25th of December (Christmas/ Christfest) − 26th of December (St. Stephen’s Day/ Stephanitag)

19th of March (St. Joseph, Country Patron), 10th of October , 2nd of November (All Soul´s Day) are working days, but schools are closed.

Helpline / Information Point - Austrian Administration An important website is the official „Amtshelfer“ for Austria. Here you find information about all administrative channels of the Austrian State. http://www.help.gv.at/Content.Node/HELP-FC.html

Document disappearance In case of loss or theft of personal identification or other documents (Passport, driving license, documents for vehicles,...) please get in touch with your closest police office. You will need an official declaration of loss or theft for the issuing of duplicates (via Embassies or Consulates), as well as for insurance claims.

Newspapers The following newspapers circulate, among others, in Austria: Der Standard, Die Presse, Kleine Zeitung (Kärnten und Steiermark), Neue Kärntner Tageszeitung, Der Kurier, Salzburger Nachrichten, Neue Kronen Zeitung, Österreich, Wiener Zeitung, Wirtschaftsblatt.

Waste Separation In Austria paper waste, plastic (yellow bag), and organic waste are collected and disposed of in separate containers. There are also specific facilities or collection points for waste metal and glass. Toxic waste is to be dealt with at special waste collection points. Old batteries can be returned to shops that sell batteries.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Euro emergency number/ Euro-Notruf 112 Fire service/ Feuerwehr 122 Police/ Polizei 133 Ambulance/ Rettung 144 Emergency: General practitioners/ 141 Ärztefunkdienst Emergency dentist/ Zahnärztlicher Notdienst 141 Pharmacies in charge during weekends/nights: http://www.pharmazie.co.at/calend.htm Villach http://www.info-klagenfurt.at/apothekendienst/parse.php Klagenfurt

Car breakdown service (24 hours) ARBÖ (association for car, motorbike drivers 123 and cyclists) ÖAMTC (car-, motorbike- und touring-Club) 120

HOSPITALS Klagenfurt Villach General: +43(0)463 538-0 Landeskrankenhaus St. Veiter Strasse 47 9020 Klagenfurt Accidents: +43(0)463 58900 Unfallkrankenhaus Waidmannsdorfer Straße 35 9020 Klagenfurt General: +43(0)4242 208-0 Landeskrankenhaus Nikolaigasse 43 9500 Villach Accidents: +43(0)4242 208-2964 LKH Villach- Unfallabteilung WOMEN Centre for girls +43(0)463 50882 Mädchenzentrum Klagenfurt Bureau for women, legal +43(0)463 537-4655 advice etc

OTHER Vaccination/ +43(0)463 537-4657 +43(0)4242 205-2517 Impfservice Registration Office/ +43(0)463 537- +43(0)4242 205-3901 Meldeservice 4602 to 4608 (Meldezettel, Meldebestätigungen etc.) Legal Advice +43(0)463 537-2213 (tenants and right of abode) In case of death Burial Services Bestattung Kärnten Gmbh 05 0199-6699 www.bestattung- kaernten.at Bestattung Stadt Villach 0664 602056200 Snow General Helpline +43(0)463 537-5444 +43(0)4242 205-6410 Problems caused by snowfall, snow-clearing… Interruption of +43(0)463521-111 Electricity Supply (Mon- Fri: 7:00 – 16:00 Uhr)

HEALTH

Everybody who lives and works in Austria has to pay health insurance, which is part of the country’s social security system. This covers basic medical services and visits to the dentist, as well as hospitalisation and medicine. It is also possible to include non-working relatives and children in your health insurance.

Prescription-free drugs can be obtained in pharmacies (Apotheke). The same pharmacies also sell prescription drugs. The cost of the latter includes a prescription fee (currently 5€; February 2010). Prescriptions can only be issued by doctors, following a visit. Local newspapers publish information about pharmacies that are open on weekends/nights and you can find them here as well: Villach: http://www.pharmazie.co.at/calend.htm Klagenfurt: http://www.info-klagenfurt.at/apothekendienst/parse.php

Doctors The doctors you may consult depend on your health insurance. In case you are insured via the public health authority Gebietskrankenkasse (GKK) you may consult doctors that are registered with the GKK for free. You will need to bring your e-card for every visit.

It is also possible to get private medical care. In this case you pay the doctor directly and depending on your insurance, you may claim costs of your consultation, at least partially.

In emergency cases you may also get medical attention in hospitals. In this case please go to the department for accidents.

You may find foreign language doctors under www.aekktn.at. On the right-hand side of the screen you will find a link to search for doctors („Ärztesuche”) – The search option allows you to specify and choose between different specialists (Internal medicine (Internist), General Practioners (Allgemein Mediziner)...“, location and language. The result should be the doctor of your choice closest to your home. If you have problems or doubts, don’t hesitate to contact CIC for help (+43 6502608195)

Special Theme: FSME Large areas of Austria are at Early Summer Meningoenzephalitis (FSME) risk at certain times of the year. FSME is a virus that can be transferred through tick-bites. Austria officially recommends active immunisation through vaccination. Before vaccination doctors should be consulted.

Special Theme: Cold Temperatures Cold temperatures also reduce the humidity content of the air and skin dries out. If your skin has previously not been exposed to such a climate you can protect your skin by applying aliphatic skincare products.

In case your hands or feet caught cold, or even froze – never put them under hot water or on heaters.

Warm shoes with thick soles and warm gloves are a must for people who are sensitive to cold temperatures!

TELEPHONE

Dialling an Austrian number from abroad: Country code (+43) + Area code (without „0“) + Telephone number

Dialling within Austria: Area code (with „0“) + Telephone number

Fixed network connection To obtain a new fixed network connection you can either make a petition via the Telecom website or go directly to a Telecom Austria Shop. The latter are often found within post offices. Most of the flats already dispose of a connection, but in any case, it would need to be activated.

When you order a connection you should decide what you want to use the line for. There are several options available to optimise call costs.

When choosing your provider you will have to make decisions about the different components that you want to include in your phone-bill and there are many different options to choose from. (See below) Before making your choice you should thus consider questions such as: What is your most common call-destination? What are the terms and conditions of line cancellations?

Call by Call (Provider selection) You may choose an alternative provider via whom you will effect and be charged singular calls. These are known as Call-by-Call providers who will issue you with a code/ number to dial before you dial your destination number. This number will divert charges of the singular phone call to the alternative provider.

Carrier Preselection (Provider Pre-selection) In case you decide to manage your phone calls via Carrier Preselection, all of your calls will be automatically effected via this alternative provider. The code that diverts your call will be programmed for all your calls.

Direct Network Connection/ Unbundling of Connection-line In this case an alternative provider (or Internet provider) rents the line within Telecom Austria’s network system. Next to this other direct connections (e.g. via Cable-network providers) can also be set.

Choosing an identification code for connection to an alternative network provider (Call by Call) or Carrier Preselection is currently neither possible for direct connections, nor for unbound connections.

Calling Cards Calling Cards have good rates for international calls or in case you call from hotels or Telephone boxes. Here you first have to dial the phone number mentioned on the card, before making your phone call. Depending on the card, it is possible that there is a cost of calling this phone number, although in general it should be for free. Some of these calling cards can also be used on mobile phones.

Introduction of a Discount-number To make use of such number you just have to introduce the number before dialling your destination number. Disadvantage: Costs are incurred even if the destination number cannot be reached. This service is available for fixed lines as well as for mobile telephones.

Certain Internet applications (e.g. via VoIP or Skype) represent another alternative opportunity to manage your phone calls.

Mobile Cell Phone Providers Mobile telephones: GSM-mobiles can be brought into Austria and can also be used here. There are GSM networks on 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies.

The mobile phone operators (A1, Bob, Drei, Orange – formerly “One”-, Telering, and Yesss! as at January 2010) have different conditions regarding the signing of a mobile phone contract for non-Austrians.

A1 − Austrian bank account − Photo ID − A work permit which has been valid for at least 6 months

Further information on 0800 664 664.

Bob − Austrian private address − Austrian bank account

Further information on 0900 680 680 (subject to a charge).

Drei − Austrian private address for at least 3 months − Austrian bank account

Further information on 0660 30 30 30.

Orange − Main residence in Austria for at least 3 months

Further information on 0800 699 800.

Telering − Residence registration card − Work permit − Austrian bank account

Further information on 0820 650 650 (subject to a charge)

T-Mobile − Credit assessment − Austrian bank account or credit card − To be shown at time of registration: − Residence registration card − Residence permit − Proof of employment

Please be advised that every contract is individually checked.

Further information on 0676 2000

YESSS! − Main residence in Austria − Austrian bank account

Further information on 0820 810 810 (subject to a charge).

Making use of Telecom Austria’s telephone boxes calls are either to be paid for with coins or special phone cards available in post offices and tobacconists. The rate for calls within Austria is frozen and does not change depending on time or destination (1 zone).

Internet Mobile network provider also offer fixed and mobile Internet connections.

CHILDCARE

In case you have specific questions about childcare and schools, CIC offers individual guidance and support that include help to make your choices with regard to childcare and schools. Please contact: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 or [email protected]

Babysitters often place ads in newspapers, or you may find one via people you know.

Childcare for very young children (6 months to 6 years) exists in the form of day nannies (Tagesmütter) and day nurseries (Kinderkrippen). Most of the bigger municipalities have kindergartens (min. age: 3 – max. age: 6).

Childminders If you have little children to look after, you can also try being a childminder. These are mothers who look after other people’s children, often alongside their own. An advantage is often the flexibility regarding the time spent childminding and the nearness to one’s own children.

AVS (Arbeitsvereinigung der Sozialhilfe Kärntens) This is a care standard for children aged 8 weeks to 15 years old, and depending on the space available and the number of children the childminder has herself, up to 4 children can be looked after for a whole day or up to 6 children for a part of the day. Chldminders have an pedagogical training. The childcare takes place in the childminder’s home.

The parents’ outlay for individual childcare complies with an agreed scale and currently averages €2,20 (including food, effective 07/2010) per agreed hour and child. The association receives support from Carinthia state. From a professional pedagogic point of view at least 60 hours a month should be carried out.

Contact: AVS-Tagesmütter Fischlstraße 40 9024 Klagenfurt Tel: +43(0)463 51 20 35 - 613 Fax: +43(0)463 51 20 35 – 612 Email: [email protected]

Hilfswerk Kärnten „Hilfswerk“ offers mobile childcare by pedagogically trained childminders in a familiar setting. This means that the chlildminders come to the children’s homes. The childcare hours are flexible and are agreed on an individual basis.

Klagenfurt Hilfswerk-Bezirkstelle Landesgeschäftsstelle in Klagenfurt 8.-Mai-Straße 47 Tel. 05 05 44-4004 Email: [email protected]

Villach Mobile Dienste Bahnhofplatz 9 9500 Villach Contact: Frau Rosalia Linasi Tel: 050544-05 Email: [email protected]

The subsidised rates (dependant on net household income) average between 7 and 15 Euros an hour. The full price for an hour’s child care (for weekdays between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.) averages €32.60. For overnight stays and other days there is a 50% supplement (effective November 2010).

Grandma Service This service is set up to allow interested families and grandmothers to get in touch with each other. You may specify your needs and preferences at your local administration office, filling out a questionnaire. Once a suitable Oma is identified you will be provided with the contact details so that you can arrange a meeting. Timetables and salary is to be arranged directly between the two parties. For further information, please contact:

The area of Klagenfurt and surroundings Christine Raupl Büro des Katholischen Familienverbandes Kärnten Mon-Fri from 8-12, Tel. 0463/5877-2445 [email protected]

Sectional district Villach Loni Schroll Burgenlandstraße 37/1/5 9500 Villach Tel. 04242/ 35 047

Sectional district St. Veit/Glan: Mrs. MMag. Hermine Hammerschmid, Pfarrzentrum - Kirchplatz 1 9300 St. Veit/Glan Every Monday from 9 – 12 a.m. Tel. 0664/79 84 986

Sectional District Spittal/Drau Mrs. Anita Ivanov Tel. 0680/208 49 47

KINDERGARTEN

The final year of kindergarten, i.e., the year before children enter primary school, is compulsory. Free kindergartens (Gratis kindergarten) exist for all children 3 years of age or older (mornings only).

In cities and sectional districts there is a selection of kindergartens and schools that you may choose from. In the CIC’s welcome package we highlight those care and educational institutions that offer multi-lingual or special alternative pedagogical programmes.

Englischsprachiger Kindergarten „Sunrise“ Lakeside Park B10 9020 Klagenfurt⁄St. Martin Tel.: +43 (0) 463 26-14-84 The first English kindergarten in Carinthia offers children the possibility to "experience" the English language in a free, relaxed and playful atmosphere. For this, it is of great importance that the children are challenged according to their level of development and that they are not put under any pressure. Motto: "Learning by Doing"

The University of Klagenfurt offers flexible child-care in the Lakeside Park (building B02). Here it is also possible to find a babysitter who speaks your native language.

Mag.a Bronwen Arbeiter-Weyrer Director of the Bureau for children at the Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt Lakeside Park B02 9020 Klagenfurt Tel.: +43(0)463/2700-9216 E-mail: [email protected]

In addition to the above the University offers also

Child-group (Kindergruppe Uni Klagenfurt) Lakeside B02 9020 Klagenfurt Tel: 0463 / 2700 – 8775 Mobile: 0664 / 5985997 E-mail: [email protected] For children aged 1-4.

Klagenfurt Klagenfurt town: public kindergartens http://www.klagenfurt.at/klagenfurt-am-woerthersee/kindergaerten.asp

Private childcare groups

KIGRU Sonnenstrahl Italiener Straße 37 b 9500 Villach Tel: +43(0)0699/19303396 oder 04242/217266 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.kindergruppe-sonnenstrahl.at Contact: Mrs. Sophie Nelhiebel groups: half day - whole day, twice to five times a week, 60 children opening hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., all saison target group: (only) 1-3 year olds offer: parental custody, fokus on a good childdevelopment, innovative and engaged

Kindergruppe Entdeckungsraum Montessori based daycare in Villach, administered by parents

Ritterspornweg 5 9500 Villach Tel: +43(0)650/9500 520 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.entdeckungsraum.at groups: around 20 children, 3 kindergarten teachers opening hours: 7.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., once in a week until 4 p.m. target group: 3-6 years old offer: Montessori, Pikler- and Hengstenberg based equipment, nice garden

More private childcare groups you can find at http://www.villach.at/inhalt/4241.htm

Villach Villach town: public kindergartens http://www.villach.at/inhalt/4010.htm

Multi-lingual childcare groups in the surroundings of Villach

Kindergarten Nötsch Nötsch 222 9611 Nötsch im Gailtal Tel: +43(0)4256 24 82 Email: [email protected] http://www.noetsch.at/

Kindergarten-project “Three languages” where children are, while playing games, introduced to Italian and Slovenian.

Kindergarten Tarvisio/Italy In the kindergarten Tarvisio games are played and songs are sung in Italian, Friulian, German and Slovenian. Tel: 0039/0428/2510 (Cris Francini speaks German) Email: [email protected]

SCHOOLS

Children are to complete their sixth’ year of age before entering compulsory schooling on the following first of September. Compulsory school in Austria lasts for nine years. School timetables do not cater for full-day education. Afternoon care is dealt with separately and parents have to register their children for them to get one of the available places.

The different types of schools in the Austrian Education system are: − Primary schools: Grundschulen/ Volksschulen (year 1 to year 4) − Secondary schools (Level 1): Hauptschulen (year 5 to year 8) − Special schools: Sonderschulen (year 1 to year 8) − Polytechnical schools (year 9) − Secondary schools (Level 1 and 2) Allgemeinbildende höhere Schulen: Unterstufe (year 5 to 8), Oberstufe (year 9 to 12) − Secondary schools that include vocational training: Berufsbildende mittlere Schulen (year 9 to year 12), (Sekundarstufe 2) − Higher secondary schools that include vocational training: Berufsbildende höhere Schulen (year 9 to year 13) − Educational institutions for the professions of child-minding and social pedagogy: Bildungsanstalten für Kindergarten bzw. Sozialpädagogik (year 9 to year 13) − Schools to accompany professional apprenticeship: Berufsschulen (from year 9 – duration depends upon chosen apprenticeship)

source: www.bmukk.gv.at/schulen/bw/ueberblick/bildungswege.xml

In general, your child will be assigned to attend the primary schools located in your residential area. Exceptions are made within the town of Villach, yet only based on an application to either the city’s school counsel or the school itself to change school.

Registration for secondary school is to be done with the transcript/ certificate of a completed year 3 and the first semester of year 4. It is generally done in February in the last year of primary school, before the change to a secondary school takes place. An overview about schools can be found on our website www.cic-network.at.

The CIC office can send you further information regarding schooling in Carinthia. If you are interested, please contact: [email protected]

School holidays

Updates on school holiday dates can be found under: http://www.bmukk.gv.at/schulen/service/ferien

School year 2012/13

School start 2012/13 10th September 2012 Christmas holidays: 24th December 2012 – 6th January 2013 Winter break: 11th February – 16th February 2013 Easter holidays: 23rd March 2013 – 2nd April 2013 Pentecoast/ Whitsun: 18th May 2013 – 21st May 2013 Summer holidays: 6th July 2013 – 7th September 2013 School start 2013/14 9th September 2012

Other non-school days (but working days): 10 th October: schools are closed in Carinthia 2nd November (All Saints Day) 19th March (St. Joseph, Country Patron) Most of the time also the days after national holiday Christi Himmelfahrt and after Fronleichnam are non-school days.

AFTERNOON CARE FOR CHILDREN OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL-AGE

Some schools offer afternoon care, either in the form of an after-school care club (Hort) or other child-minding facilities. More information about Horts in Villach you may find at http://www.villach.at/inhalt/4048.asp

Klagenfurt http://www.klagenfurt.at/klagenfurt-am-woerthersee/horte.asp

MUSIC SCHOOLS

The Carinthian Landesmusikschulwerk offers musical education and training to the broadest section of the interested population. Their activities range from early musical education for the youngest to classes for adults. Teaching locations are all the capitals of sectional districts. Classes are taught during opening hours of schools.

Appointments are usually arranged directly with the teachers, inscription in June. http://www.musikschule.at/musikschul-standorte.html

LEISURE TIME

CIC activities

CIC networking sessions Chat in an informal setting, swap experiences and stories, get information and forge new relationships. Villach First Thursday of the month at Café Herr Vincent, Villach, 6 to 8 p.m. Klagenfurt Third Thursday of the month, 6 to 8 p.m. at RAJ, Badgasse 7.

CIC coffee mornings Informal coffee morning, for employees’ partners, from 9 a.m. until 12 a.m. There will be English and German speakers. Villach: 2nd Tuesday, 9-11.30 a.m., Café Szenario, Völkendorfer Str.1 Klagenfurt: 1 st Thursday, 9-11.30 a.m., Lendhafencafé, Villacher Straße 18 More information at www.cic-network.at

CIC language swap Native speakers (you might be one of them) of English, Italian, Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese and Russian – offer their linguistic services. For half an hour, you’ll be able to practise your language skills by chatting to them in their native tongues. After half an hour, these presenters speak German with their language swap partners. A one-to-one system may or may not be possible – it depends on demand obviously. To organise a partner for your language swap phone the CIC: T: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 or e-mail [email protected].

CIC book club The CIC - book club will take place once in a month, books are to be read in English or any other available language. Discussion in English. More information, CIC - phone: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 or e-mail: [email protected].

CIC International Toddler´s Playgroup Once in a month there is an afternoon toddler´s playgroup for children up to 4 years in Villach. If you want to find out the next date and location send an e-mail to [email protected]

German classes

Children German tuition (Primary School) every Tuesday, 3.30 pm, Villach Adults German beginner´s class course: Thursday morning, Villach Culinary German Conversational Course, Villach more information at: [email protected]

Further Education

Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt University education and training Universitätsstraße 65-67 9020 Klagenfurt Austria, E.U. T: +43 (0)463 2700-9200 http://www.uni-klu.ac.at

Language Center "Deutsch in Österreich" Universitätsstraße 65-67, Servicegebäude, 2. Stock, Raum K.2.04 T: +43 (0)463 24180 oder 2700-8620, 8622, 8623 E: [email protected] http://dia.uni-klu.ac.at

CIC members can get a special discount of 10% for all „Deutsch in Österreich“ (German in Austria) courses at Klagenfurt University’s language centre, (but not for "German as a Foreign and Second Language" semester courses).

Fachhochschule Kärnten Carinthia University of Applied Sciences with internationally oriented education Sites in Spittal, Villach, Klagenfurt, Feldkirchen T: +43 (0)5 / 90500-0 http://www.fh-kaernten.at (In German) http://www2.fh-kaernten.at/cms_eng/ (In English)

Pädagogische Hochschule Kärnten Hubertusstraße 1 9020 Klagenfurt T: +43 (0)463 508508 E: [email protected] www.ph-kaernten.ac.at

Career-oriented education and training bfi-Ausbildungszentrum (Training center) Villach Career-oriented education and training Villach Kaiser-Josef-Platz-1 9500 Villach T: 057878-3100 http://www2.bfi-kaernten.or.at/bfiktn/index.php?abz-vl

bfi-Ausbildungszentrum (Training center) Klagenfurt Career-oriented education and training Fischlstrasse 8 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee T: 057878-3000 http://www2.bfi-kaernten.or.at/bfiktn/index.php?abz-kl

WIFI Kärnten Career-oriented education and training Europaplatz 1 9021 Klagenfurt T: +43 (0)463/56600 - 901 E: [email protected] http://www.wifikaernten.at/default.aspx?menuId=188

WIFI Villach Career-oriented education and training Technologiepark Villach (tpv) Europastraße 10 9524 Villach/St.Magdalen T: +43 (0) 5 9434 574 http://www.wifikaernten.at/default.aspx?menuId=189

Adult education centres

VHS Verband Kärntner Volkshochschulen The Volkshochschulen (VHS) offer a wide range of subjects, including leisure activities such as languages, painting, cooking, computer courses, dancing, sports, culture and society as well as economics and career-related subjects, personality development etc.

VHS Klagenfurt Bahnhofplatz 3/1, 9020 Klagenfurt T: +43 (0)463/513546 http://www.vhsktn.at

VHS Villach Widmanngasse 11 9500 Villach T: +43 (0) 4242/24155 http://www.vhsktn.at

German classes are also organised by PIVA Projektgruppe Integration von Ausländerinnen und Ausländern Italienerstr. 17 9500 Villach http://www.piva.or.at/index_eng.htm Tel.: 04242 / 36 3 63 E-Mail: [email protected]

Other possibilities for improving your German are the CIC language swaps. For more information contact the CIC: +43 (0) 650 260 81 95 or office@cic- network.at.

SPORTS

There are numerous opportunities to do sports, e.g.:

− For instance, you can join any of the courses at the Volkshochschulen (http://www.vhsktn.at/) − Villacher Turnverein (Athletics) − Mehrzweckhalle St. Martin, Klettersportwand (Indoor rock climbing) − Various Fitnesscenters

Sports-Clubs − Villacher Arbeitersportverein – Tennis − Tennis Club VSV – Tennis − Villacher Turneries – Apparatus Gymnastics − Fechtklub Villach – Fencing − Union Handball club Villach – Handball − Radleistungsmodell Villach – Bicycle sport − ASKÖ Villach – Nordic Ski – Cross-country skiing − ASKÖ Villach – Volleyball − ASKÖ Basketball Club Villach – Basketball − Sportclub Völkendorf – Table tennis − Leichtathletikclub Villach – Track and Field Athletics − Schiläufervereinigung Villach – Ski jump and Nordic combination http://www.villach.at/inhalt/sport/1260.htm http://www.info-klagenfurt.at/phpmain.php?catid=2099

Golf-Clubs − Golfcourse Millstätter See − Golfcourse Bad Kleinkirchheim − Alpe Adria Golf Schloss Finkenstein − Golfcourse Velden - Köstenberg − Golfcourse Moosburg - Pörtschach − Golfcourse Klagenfurt - Seltenheim − Golfparc Klopeinersee – Südkärnten − Golfcourse Wolfsberg − Golfcourse St. Veit - Längsee − Golfcourse Gailtalgolf

In the winter season you have the opportunity to ski and snowboard on many different skiing stations, to do cross-country skiing, to ice-skate in indoor ice- rings or on frozen lakes (those declared “safe”), and to go on ski tours or snow-racket hikes in the mountains.

An overview about more sporting activities in Carinthia you can find here:

Villach http://www.tiscover.com/at/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,RGN788at,folder,SPOR TS,season,at2,selectedEntry,sport/sport.html

Klagenfurt http://www.tiscover.com/at/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,RGN139481at,folder,S PORTS,season,at2,selectedEntry,sport,withCat,1/sport.html

ACTIVITIES WITH CHILDREN

Playgrounds Listed below are the bigger ones and those who are near town center. You may find more under: http://villach.at/inhalt/sport/28504.htm

− Landskron: Dr.-Karl-Rennerstraße/Volkshaus Landskron − Stadtpark: Berta von Suttner Straße / Evangelische Kirche − Wasenboden: near the Drau riverside / Stefan-Moser-Straße − Villacher Alpe: Adventure Playground (Erlebnisspielplatz) Rosstratte

Various − Theater for Children (Kinder Theater) in the CCV (Congress Center Villach), Programme under http://www.villach.at/inhalt/kultur/6103.htm

− Gamesday (Spielefest) in the CCV; Presentation of the latest parlour games for adults and children (in autumn)

− Alpen-Adria-Mediathek Kaiser-Josef-Platz 1 9500 Villach T: 050 477-5125 E: [email protected] http://kaernten.arbeiterkammer.at/bildung/akbibliotheken/villach.htm

Meeting Point for those interested in literature and culture. The mediathek has also got a multimedia dimension (Audiobooks, DVDs, PCs with Internet access). Offers books and DVDs in German and other languages. Every first Thursday: reading group for children; Book presentations for adults are organised on a regular basis.

Opening times: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 11 – 16 hrs Thu 11 – 18.30 hrs, Sat 9 – 12 hrs

− Alpine Clubs (Alpenvereine) Alpine Clubs offer rock climbing courses, youth programme, Ski tours, hikes, MTB-courses ...

− Alpenverein Villach Schanzgasse 3 A-9500 Villach T + F: 04242/289584 http://www.alpenverein.at/villach/

− Alpenverein Klagenfurt Völkermarkter Strasse 9 9020 Klagenfurt T: 0463/51 30 56 http://www.alpenverein-klu.at/ [email protected]

− Lollipop in the Atrio shopping mall entry fee, for children aged 1-12, Family adventure park, playland with slide, dexterity games, and a separate area for toddlers. Mon-Fri: from 9 to 7.30, Saturday: from 9 - 7, Sunday from 10 to 6. http://www.atrio.at/default2.asp?active_page_id=274&parent_page_id= 211

− Diverse extra-curricula activities at local schools (afternoon activities). Please check programmes on school blackboards or in their sport halls: e.g. Athletics, Soccer, HipHop, Moto-pedagogics); partly also open to external students.

− Bowling in the V-Center in Villach (aslso for children!) Bruno Kreisky Straße 33 9500 Villach Tel: +43(0)664 88 50 21 22 http://www.vbowl-villach.at/

− Swimming: Schwimmverein Spittal http://www.sv-spittal.at/ Ferdinand Kendi P: +43 (0) 4762 / 42442

training at: ERLEBNISBAD DRAUTAL PERLE Am Bahndamm 14 9800 Spittal an der Drau Telefon: +43 (0) 4762 - 565 03 10 Fax: +43 (0) 4762 - 565 03 10 E-Mail: info(at)drautalperle.at Internet: www.drautalperle.at

If you are interested in the icehockey Kindergarten, this is open in winter for everyone on Saturdays from 09:45 bis 10:45, training at ice rink Steindorf/Ossiacher See: Ossiacher See Halle

Uferweg 45 9552 Steindorf http://www.ossiacherseehalle.com/ p: +43 (0)4243 2120 [email protected]

− Villacher Turnverein 1864 P: +43 4242 23 658 Office hours: Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 a.m Gerbergasse 39 9500 Villach http://www.villacher-turnverein.at/web/

there are different options for children more information e.g. training dates pls find at the mentioned links

children 4 to 6 yrs: Basic skills like climbing, balancing, wie klettern, balancieren, pending, supporting, running, throwing, rolling, breaking through obstacles, .... a good basis for different forms of sport without early spezialisation. http://www.villacher-turnverein.at/web/angebote/kinder-4-6-jahre.html

Erlebnisturnen 6 to 9 yrs ideal introduction to training on tramplin, floor, bars, high bar, for beginners or children who can only come once a week http://www.villacher-turnverein.at/web/angebote/erlebnis-turnen-6-9- jahre.html Geräteturnen boys from 6 onwards apparatus gymnastic for boys, training for competitions http://www.villacher-turnverein.at/web/angebote/geraetturnen- jungen.html

Karate:

Bushido Villach http://www.bushido-villach.at/mainframe.asp different locations for trainings

Karate beginners: Friday, 5 to 6 p.m. Volksschule Lind, Vogelweidpark 1 Villach

− Dancing/Valeina Dance offers ballet, Jazz Dance/Open, Modern Dance, Step & HipHop/B-Girling for girls, HipHop/Breakdance for boys. For children and young adults from 4 to 24 years. Course location: different schools http://www.valeinadance.eu/schulen/villach/index.html http://www.valeinadance.eu/schulen/index.html

− School for Musical/Musicalschool http://www.musicalschule.at/ "Sing and Dance" Johannsen OEG Dr.-Richard-Canavalgasse 110 A - 9020 Klagenfurt Tel.: (0699) 110 83 100 E-Mail: [email protected]

− Musicalschule Villach http://www.musicalschule-villach.at/

Judith Schusser-Ortner 0664 / 301 57 92 Klopstockgasse 13 9020 Klagenfurt [email protected]

− Sportactivities for the whole family Fitnesstraining for adults like Indian Balance, Zumba, back muscle training, Zumba, Pilates, training 55+.... HipHop & Breakdance for children and youngsters http://www.carinthianbodyanddance.at/ http://www.carinthianbodyanddance.at/index.php?option=com_content& view=article&id=8&Itemid=9

PARENT-CHILD GROUPS updated December 2011, Dates are subject to change. For the correct dates please call the person responsible.

Parent-Child Groups Klagenfurt area Institute for Family counselling and Psychotherapy in Klagenfurt Kolpinggasse 6/II 9020 Klagenfurt Tel. 0463/500667, Fax DW-20 [email protected] www.caritas-kaernten.at

Eltern-Kind-Zentrum Klagenfurt Leutschacher Straße 36 9020 Klagenfurt T: 0463/54582 http://www.ekiz-klagenfurt.at/330_programm.html#stoepsel

International Parent-Child-Group Projektgruppe Frauen Radetzkystraße 1, 2. Stock 9020 Klagenfurt Tel./ Fax: 0463/502338 or 0699/11408704 Mag. Maria Magdalena Cervenka [email protected] http://www.projektgruppe- frauen.at/index.php?option=com_extcalendar&Itemid=47

Meetings of parent-child-groups, in other words „Krabbelgruppen“, make use of the meeting facilities of parishes.

There will be group games for children from 0 – 4 and the chance for mothers, fathers and grandparents to share experiences. There will be some talks on selected topics, and childcare during the talks.

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Annabichl Friday, 9 to 11 a.m. Pfarre Annabichl Thomas Schmidgasse 10 Klagenfurt T: 0463 / 42244 or Contact: Petra Thuller, T: 0650-2801888; Lydia Hechtl, T: 0664-3507489

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Don Bosco Thursday, 4 to 5.30 p.m. Bischof-Dr.-Köstner-Platz 2 Pfarrcafé im Kellergeschoss 9020 Klagenfurt Tel.: 0463/261132 Contact: Petra Hotschnig, Tel. 0660/7351417 e-mail: [email protected]

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Franz von Sales Tuedays 9 to 11 a.m. Seelsorgezentrum Franz von Sales Franz von Sales Platz 1 9020 Klagenfurt T: 0463/21 81 60 or T: 0676/87722405 Contact: Kristin und Waltraud

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Herz-Jesu Welzenegg Monday, 9.30 to 11.30 a.m. Pfarrzentrum Herz-Jesu Welzenegg Afritschstraße 76 Klagenfurt Tel.:0463/31696 or 0650/2202044 Contact: Monika Mochar

Mutter-Kind-Treff Hörtendorf Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Pfarrzentrum Mangartweg 9 9020 Klagenfurt Sr. Miriam Hörlesberger T: 0676/87727009

Pfarre Klagenfurt - St. Josef/Siebenhügel Thursday, 9.30 to 11.00 a.m. Pfarrzentrum St. Josef / Siebenhügel Siebenhügelstraße 64 Klagenfurt T: 0463/22618 T: 0463/219285 Ansprechpartner: Gerhild Hasewend und Barbara Horn

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe St. Theresia Tuesday, 9 to 11 a.m. Pfarrzentrum St. Theresia, Pfarrsaal Auer-von-Welsbachstraße 15 Klagenfurt T: 0463/42244 T: 0664/4132138 Ansprechpartner: Silke, Agnescka und Christina

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Viktring/Stein Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Pfarrhof Viktring, 1. Stock Stift-Viktring-Str. 25 9073 Viktring Susanne Raab T: 0680/3227770

Parent-Child Groups Klagenfurt Surrounding AREA

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Lillifee Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m. Pfarzentrum Gurnitz Kirchenstraße 1 9065 Ebenthal Sabrina Martischnigg T: 0650/5746006

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Schiefling am See Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Pfarrsaal 9535 Schiefling am See 1 Gabriele Gratz T: 0650/3335125

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Schnatterlieschen Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Höhenweg 6 9201 Krumpendorf Barbara Oberdorfer T: 0664/4215050

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Köttmannsdorf / Fara Kotmara vas Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Pfarrsaal 9071 Köttmannsdorf Manuela Miksche T: 0676/87727831

Eltern-Kind-Gruppe Maria Wörth Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Pfarrsaal Maria Wörth Pfarrplatz 1 9082Maria Wörth Anni Klammer T: 0664/73827134

Parent-Child Groups Villach-Area

− Institute for Family counselling and Psychotherapy in Villach Conversational groups and workshops subsumed to topics of children and babies. In the parent-child-group meetings (Krabbelgruppen) parents participate with their babies. Karlgasse 3, 9500 Villach Tel.: 04242/21352 Office hours: Mon, Tue, Wed and Thu: 8:30 – 11:30, Thu: 16.00 - 18.00

− Meeting of parent-child groups (Krabbelgruppen) Meetings of parent-child-groups, in other words „Krabbelgruppen“, make use of the meeting facilities of parishes.

Villach − Evang. Pfarre St. Ruprecht − Kath. Pfarrhof Völkendorf − Maria Landskron − St. Nikolai − Pfarre St. Josef (Auen) − St. Martin − Heiligenkreuz

− Parent house Sattendorf Centre for adult/ further education; Conversational groups and workshops dealing with topics of children, toddlers and babies. Tel: +43 676 87 72 24 29 Ossiacher-See-Straße 7 , 9520 Sattendorf

− CIC International toddler playgroup takes place at the premises of parents, 4th Wednesday of the month, more information at [email protected]

Spring/Summer

− CIC summerkids A two week programme scheduled for the summer months for children aged 5 to 12. Theme for 2010: Holidays with „Jim Knopf“ (an hero from a famous children´s book). Games and the opportunity for creative expression are centred around the activities of Jim Knopf, the explorer. Children will be under caring and experienced supervision. The story will be presented, acted out and experienced through the construction of the stage props and backgrounds. (Not free of charge).

− Summertime Leisure-time activities programme for the summer offered by the city of Villach, register early, limited places! Waiting period is to be expected!

− Destinations for excursions The Kärnten Card (not free of charge) opens the doors to more than 100 destinations in Carinthia http://www.kaerntencard.at/ausflugsziele and you can re-visit your favourite attractions as often as you like (and some bonus partners allow reductions). If your home is Carinthia you can choose the Kärnten Card for locals (Einheimische). http://www.kaerntencard.at/einheimische (only in German) where to get http://www.kaerntencard.at/einheimische/auflade-und-ausgabestellen/ prizes http://www.kaerntencard.at/einheimische/preise-und-angebote/

− Sports E.g.: Cycling paths at the rivers Drau and Gail or around lakes, hiking, soccer, walking, swimming, tennis, surfing, paragliding, mountainbiking...

Winter

− Skiing, Skicourses, Snowboarding, Cross Country Skiing On skiing pistes children have to wear helmets (up to the age of 14).

− Ice-Skating − Rathausplatz Villach − Ice-skating ring Villach (www.stadthalle.villach.at/) − Primary School Lind = Volksschule Lind − Alter Platz in Klagenfurt − On lakes, as long as officially declared safe − City Hall / Stadthalle Klagenfurt http://www.kaerntnermessen.at/messe/betriebszeiten-608.php − Sepp Puschnig- Halle, Steindorf am Ossiacher See http://www.ossiacherseehalle.com, T: 04243 – 2120

− Rodeln e.g.: Natural sledging tracks at Landskron; Hundsmarhof, Bad Bleiberg; sledging track Dreiänderecke; Kreuzbergl, Klagenfurt; Gailberg, Kötschach-Mauthen etc.. http://www.rodeln.at/rodeln/rodelbahnen/index.php?region=1&navid=3

− Naturpark Villacher Alpe / Natural preserve Hiking, Playground, Sledgin, Cross Country Skiing (http://www.naturparkdobratsch.info/)

CULTURE AND SIGHTS

An overview about Culture activities and sights you can find here

Villach http://www.villach.at/inhalt/48.asp http://www.villach.at/inhalt/tiscover_sehenswertes.asp

Klagenfurt http://www.klagenfurt-tourismus.at/deutsch/ http://www.klagenfurt-tourismus.at/deutsch/galerien-ausstellungen- klagenfurt-woerthersee.asp www.kulturchannel.at (Information about cultural events)

Theatre

Stadttheater Klagenfurt Theaterplatz 4, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee +43 (0)463 - 54 0 64 (Tickets) +43 (0)463 - 50 46 63 (ticket-ordering via Fax) [email protected] http://www.stadttheater-klagenfurt.at

Klagenfurter Ensemble Messeplatz1 - Messehalle 11 9021 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee +43 (0)463 - 31 03 00 +43 (0)463 - 31 03 00 12 [email protected] http://www.klagenfurterensemble.at neuebuehne villach Performances: Rathausplatz, Villach Office: Hauptplatz 10 T: +43 (0)4242 287164 or +43(0)664 4644297 E: [email protected] www.neuebuehnevillach.at

Contemporary classics and classics of modern theater, as well as world premieres of new releases.

During summertime plays and performances of the neuebuehnevillach are staged in a marble stone pit (Marmorsteinbruch) in Krastal, Treffen.

Seasonal Events − Schloß Porcia, Spittal − Trigonale – Festival of old music (www.trigonale.com), September, St. Veit − Theater in the Marmorsteinbruch (marble stone pit) in Krastal − Various Cabaret- and Stand-up Comedy events, e.Bg.: Burg Finkenstein, Casineum Velden, University of Klagenfurt) − CCV (Congress Center Villach) − Carinthischer Sommer Ossiach (Juli/August), (www.carinthischersommer.at/index.php?cccpage=english_information) − Music weeks Stift Millstatt − Music weeks Stift Viktring

Exhibitions, Galleries, Museums http://www.kultur.kaernten.at/?arid=3440&jid=SO&siid=1224

THEMED EVENTS AND CULINARY FEASTS

A selection of themed events and culinary feasts: − Carnival: Villacher Fasching (Faschingssitzungen, Costumed parade on Saturday) − Gailtaler Speckfest in Hermagor (June) − Spectaculum – Friesach (End of July) − Straßenkunstfest (Streetart) – Villach (July) − Kärnten Ironman Austria (July) Europe’s biggest Triathlon, Starting point: Strandbad Klagenfurt www.ironmanaustria.com − Beachvolleyball Grand Slam (July) Strandbad Klagenfurt www.beachvolleyball.at − Bodypainting Festival Seeboden (July) − Villacher Kirchtag (1st weekend in August) − Altstadtzauber – Klagenfurt (August) − Honigfest Hermagor (August), Honey festival − Käsefest in Kötschach-Mauthen (September), Cheese festival

Find more about culinary feasts and themed events in the region: http://www.kufferath.at/ggg/feste.html http://www.kultur.kaernten.at/?siid=1998&ARid=7150&Lid=&jid=so

DIVERSE EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN THE REGION

− Music festival in Tarvis (Italy) − Kürbisfest (Pumpkin-Festival) in Venzone (October) − Schinkenfest (Smoked Ham, Prosciutto Festival) in San Daniele, June − Schinkenfest (Smoked Ham, Prosciutto Festival) in Sauris

FOOD AND DRINKS

Some tips about restaurants please find on www.cic-network.at

Please find an overview of of Carinthia’s gastronomic offer, restaurants, bars and snackstations under the following links:

Villach http://www.tiscover.com/at/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,RGN788at,folder,CATE RING,modulId,guide,season,at2,selectedEntry,catering,withCat,1/catering.ht ml

Klagenfurt http://www.tiscover.com/at/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,RGN139481at,folder,C ATERING,season,at2,selectedEntry,catering,withCat,1/catering.html

EVERYTHING ABOUT TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC

Airports Carinthia’s international airport is located in Klagenfurt-Annabichl.

Other nearby airports includes Graz u. Salzburg; Ljubljana-Slovenia; Marco Polo Venetia, Venetia Treviso, Roncchi – Italy; All of them within 2 hours reach.

Other airports in Austria include Wien-Schwechat in Vienna, as well as smaller ones located on the outskirts of Innsbruck and Linz.

Public Transport Kärntner Linien http://www.kaerntner-linien.at/?i_ca_id=448 http://www.kaerntner-linien.at/Pendler/Fahrpreise/Monatskarten

Rail The central train station in Villach hosts the most important transport nodal point between the Southern train connection Vienna – Italy (via Arnoldstein), the North-Easter Tauernbahn connection Salzburg – East and South Tyrol (via Spittal an der Drau) and the Karawankenbahn to Slovenia (via Rosenbach). http://www.oebb.at./en/index.jsp

Car and Road traffic Motorways also cover similar routes. The A2 runs from Vienna via Graz to Villach and Italy. The A10 (Tauernautobahn) connects Salzburg and Villach via the Katschbergtunnel (5439m) and the A11 extends this way to Slovenia (Karawankentunnel, 7864m). The connection between Klagenfurt and Slovenia crosses the Loiblpass (1367m altitude).

Further important mountain passes in Carinthia include the Großglockner- Hochalpenstraße and the Nockalmstraße.

Road tax for Motorways: Autobahnvignette To be eligible to drive on motorways you have to buy an Autobahnvignette. You can get them at petrol stations and in tobacconists.

What the traffic lights mean

A red light is the signal for „Stop“. When they see it drivers must stop.

An illuminated yellow light together with the red light also means „Stop“ and lets the road-user know that the signal for „Proceed ahead“ will directly follow.

A green light is the signal for „Proceed ahead“.

The green light flashes four times before it changes to yellow. A green flashing light signifies the imminent end of the signal for „Proceed ahead“.

A yellow constant light means „Stop“. At this signal drivers of approaching vehicles must stop. Drivers who find themselves already on a junction on a constant yellow light should leave it as soon as it is possible to do so.

A flashing yellow light means „Take care“.

Parking In the town centre there are short stay parking zones. These are in both zones in which charges apply and in free parking zones. In free parking zones it is necessary to display a parking disc inside one’s car.

Parking zones in which charges apply are marked by blue lines on the road and are announced by street signs as you enter them.

Villach In marked parking zones there is a parking fee (50 cents for each half hour) which must be paid at one of the appointed parking meters. For short stops (up to 10 minutes maximum) there is no parking fee to pay. However, one’s arrival time must be displayed on a parking disc on the car dashboard.

Parking zones in which charges apply payment is required on: Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Saturdays from 8 – 10 a.m..

In free parking zones parking is permitted on Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.. There is a maximum of three hours or an hour and a half if you use a parking disc.

Klagenfurt The short stay parking zones inside the zone defined by the ring road are subject to parking fees, the maximum parking time being 3 hours.

In parking zones in which charges apply everyone can park their vehicle for 10 + 10 minutes for free, as long as the arrival time is visibly shown. After the twenty-first minute a valid purchased parking ticket is necessary. Price: 0.6 Euros for a half hour. Parking tickets are available in newsagents and from machines inside the ring road zone. Parking fee: Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m..

In the evenings, on Saturday afternoons and Sundays you can park in the short stay zones for free.

Careful! Outside the ring road zone there are compulsory parking charges in which half an hour costs 30 cents. You should adhere to the road markings of the parking places.

In Klagenfurt there are seven underground car parks with over 1,900 parking places. The prices vary greatly – from 1.70 to 3.50 an hour.

− Lindwurmtiefgarage, Neuer Platz 13 − Garage Heiligengeistplatz, Heiligengeistplatz 4 − Theatergarage, Purtscherstraße 1 − Domgarage, Paulitschgasse 13 − BKS-Garage, St. Veiter Ring 43 − WK-Garage, Gabelsberger Straße − AK-Garage, Bahnhofsplatz

Bicycle The bicycle route network is well developed; Cycle paths exit along the Drau/Gail and around lakes.

Insurance Ownership of vehicles requires conclusion of liability insurance with a motor insurance company. Permission for the vehicle is to be dispatched at the registration office subsumed to the motor insurance company you choose.

Child car seats Children have to be seated and fastened in a child car seat fit for their age and size.

High Visibility Jackets in Street Traffic Drivers of multitrack vehicles have to, at all times, carry a high visibility jacket (red, orange or yellow) in their vehicle. In addition to this, vehicles are to be equipped with a first aid kit and a breakdown triangle. High visibility jackets are to be put on in case you exit your vehicle on motorways, country roads, or Freilandstrassen in case you have to put up a breakdown triangle. They are also to be worn on streets and junctions with poor visibility, when bad weather reduces visibility and during twilight and night.

Light in Street Traffic You can switch on your vehicle’s lights during the day, but it is not compulsory.

Mobile Telephones While driving, mobile phones can only be used with a hands-free car kit.

Speed limit Country road (Landstrasse) 100km/h, Motorways (Autobahn) 130 km/h, towns and villages 50 km/h, and Freilandstrassen 100km/h.

Drink Driving Prescribed limit of alcohol is 0,5 Promille.

SOME MORE LINKS

Ideas, suggestions and constructive criticism are always welcome. It is possible that you may find the inclusion of further information important and useful here.

This Welcome Package does not claim to be complete and there is no liability for possible errors.

More information please find here: www.cic-network.at

CIC contact number: 0650/260 81 95

Sources: http://www.ktn.gv.at/27987_DE http://www.austria-lexikon.at/af/AEIOU/Kärnten http://www.wikipedia.org/ http://www.auswaertiges- amt.de/diplo/de/Laenderinformationen/Oesterreich/Sicherheitshinweise.html http://www.help.gv.at/ http://www.justlanded.com/ http://www.rtr.at/de/tk/AlternativeNetzzugaenge http://www.villach.at http://www.klagenfurt.at http://ec.europa.eu/eures