Central PLACES TO VISIT

UNWIND AND DISCOVER UNSPOILT AUTHENTICITY

SUPPORTED BY where paths ‹› flourish 3

CENTRALCARINTHIA REGION THE AUTHENTIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCE CULTURE (ELECTRIC) E-BIKING

The country between Hochosterwitz and , around the ducal Steeped in history as it is, Central Carinthia is bursting with seat of St. Veit and beyond the medieval town walls of , energy and is also looking to the future. At the Tourist Office on has always been the historic heart of Carinthia. Even today, the St. Veit’s Hauptplatz (main town square) energy-saving e-bikes perfectly preserved castles, the magnificent stately homes, the stand ready and waiting. With their help you can explore Central family inns so rich in tradition, the age-old pilgrim ways and the Carinthia in an environmentally friendly manner, allowing you to cultural landscape that has developed in harmony with nature all master this tract of country completely as the fancy takes you. bear witness to this fact. The electric power for the bikes is from the renewable energy sources, for which the innovative St. Veit “Energy-Cluster” is famous.

where paths ‹› flourish Explore the Heart of Carinthia

CULINARY DELIGHTS PILGRIMAGES

Where travellers, tradesmen and pilgrims once rested on their From time immemorial there have been especially spiritual sites Central Carinthia – where pristine valleys and gentle mountain steeped in history meet the modern age; together they offer a journeys, lodging houses and inns grew up with rich traditions in Central Carinthia, where believers have founded churches and landscapes definitively shape Carinthia’s historic heart. Where truly exceptional experience, mediated by paths and by-ways that behind them; to this very day, they are still run as family businesses. monasteries. And they remain in use for the same purpose even mighty castles and majestic ruins sit enthroned above idyllic have grown and flourished over the course of history. Following recipes handed down from the past, they produce the today. The Cathedral at Gurk is the perfect example, as a targeted countryside and warm, crystal-clear bathing lakes. Here Carin- Explore this gem on foot, with an (electric) e-bike, or by car – in typical culinary delicacies of Central Carinthia, which are also destination on a number of pilgrimage trails, including the Hemma thian wine is grown on sunny slopes and the Region’s culinary the company of our certified hiking guides or independently – used as the basis for new, award-winning creations. Wines from Pilgrims’ Way. Then again, the famous Dance of Death, delicacies are an alluring delight. Here culture and sites that are and take a stroll through Central Carinthia, where paths flourish. Lake Längsee and refreshing Hirt and Wimitz beers also hold out the Tibetan pilgrimage path in Hüttenberg and the Protestant the prospect of memorable pleasures. “Trail of the Book” are testimony to other approaches to faith.

CONTACT US

Tourismusverein Mittelkärnten Hauptplatz 23 9300 St. Veit/ Tel: +43 4212 45608 E-Mail: [email protected] www.kaernten-mitte.at 4 5

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SCHLOSS TANZENBERG (PALACE): A CULTURAL GEM WIMITZBRÄU (BREWERY): THE DANGEROUSLY GENUINE BEER Schloss Tanzenberg is situated on a gentle hill above the historic plain of and is one of the most significant Renaissance Wimitzbräu brewery was established in 2011 in Wimitzgraben complexes in . At the beginning of the 20th century – the “Valley of the Outlaws”. The water that rises from the a Neo-Romanesque galleried basilica with three naves and a ground there reputedly rotates in a clockwise direction and has rounded apse was constructed in the southwest wing, which therapeutic properties. This exceptional Wimitz spring water is had once accommodated a magnificently appointed ballroom. a basic ingredient for the innovative micro-brewery. It is totally DISCOVERY tour In 1986 Valentin Oman, an artist renowned far beyond the committed to its unprocessed, “dangerously genuine” beers borders of Austria, was commissioned with the design for the and to regional marketing. All its beer varieties are completely City tours: strolling through the impressive altarpiece and choir walls. untreated and unprocessed; they are brewed under certified jewel on the River Glan, or riding conditions of organic quality and only sold within a radius of an e-bike on a unique voyage of TIP: (MOUNTAIN) about 60km. The brewery offers guided tours and tastings. discovery that spans the centu- Looking out from Tanzenberg your gaze will settle on Magdalens- ries. Keeping you entertained berg – one of the Region’s four holy mountains. It is the starting along the way, fully trained point for the annual “Four-Mountains-Pilgrimage”. Its archaeological city guides let you in on park is worth a visit and the panoramic view from the summit is St. Veit an der Glan the secrets of St. Veit. simply breathtaking. Environs of St. Veit

THE REGION’S HISTORIC HEART RELIVE THE CITY’S HISTORY “ENERGY ADVENTURE” – SCHLOSS FRAUENSTEIN (PALACE): AN IDYLLIC GEM AND INNOVATIVE CENTRE AT ST. VEIT MUSEUM EXHIBITION AT FUCHSPALAST WHERE PATHS BEGIN IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

St. Veit’s picturesque Old Town bears wit- Right on the Main Square “St. Veit Mu- Despite its rich history St. Veit is not resting Late-medieval Schloss Frauenstein is among the best preserved To the north of St. Veit lies Lake Kraiger See. This small bathing ness to the 900-year history of the “Ducal seum” beckons, with an exhibition cover- on its laurels. Quite the contrary: for years late-Gothic buildings in Carinthia. Originally a moated castle, lake is warm in summer and idyllically situated. What makes the City”. This former seat of the powerful ing the city’s 900-year history. Together the city has also been a centre of innova- today it is private property. It is the picturesque backdrop for the lake especially appealing is the availability of environmentally- Dukes of Carinthia is still impressive to with the Transport Museum – well worth tion in the field of renewable energy. So, it starting places of numerous hiking paths criss-crossing Central friendly leisure activities, such as hiking, running, swimming visit today. A host of cultural-historical a visit - it is not just a rainy-day attraction, comes as no surprise that the “Energy Ad- Carinthia. and cycling, or trips to the numerous fascinating ruins, stately treasures, perfectly preserved things to but also offers a wealth of information venture” exhibition is on display here in the homes and castles in the vicinity. see and display exhibits are testimony to and a point of reference for all visitors to middle of the city. Of its kind, it is unique TIP: Guided hiking tours around the Kraig palaces and Lake the former Capital’s influential past and its the Ducal City. Young and old alike will in Austria and it is set in the incomparable Kraiger See are particularly attractive. TIP: To the southwest of the Ducal City, the completely unspoilt self-confident citizenry. be thrilled by the railway simulator, a true ambience of the Fuchspalast (palace). The Lake Hörzendorfer See is a miniature paradise for anglers. to life driver’s cab, the elaborate model multi-media show is every bit as captivat- TIP: in the Ducal City, the St. Veit autumn railway layout and the garden train. ing as it is informative. An appreciation of Wiesenmarkt (market) has virtually been renewable forms of energy is conveyed in a fifth season in the annual cycle for more playful style and the inter-connections are than 650 years. made visible and easy to grasp.

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“PAGEANT DINNER”: TASTING THE PAST CRAIGHER: CHOCOLATE MAKES YOU HAPPY

The delicious, five-course “pageant dinner” is fit for a prince and With its huge range of chocolate confections, the Café Confiserie prepared according to original medieval recipes. Its setting is a Craigher chocolatier proves its point: diversity of taste before unique show programme: jugglers, fire-eaters, belly-dancers, pip- bland uniformity. Dieter Craigher meticulously nuances his latest ers, drummers, lute players and other artists perform as you eat. creations, forever surprising his customers with new blends of The programme of entertainment is individually adjusted to each tastes. Find out more about the production of Craigher Choco- group, contributing to a particularly mouth-watering experience. late and the philosophy behind it on a guided tour. DISCOVERY tour

On the popular “herald’s tour”, guests are met in the main square by a herald dressed in authentic medieval style. He is waiting to guide you through the oldest city in Carinthia. After sunset his role is assumed by a night Friesach watchman. Friesach

SET IN STONE: TIME TRAVEL TO THE BUILDING A MEDIEVAL CASTLE WAX ROOMS CAFÉ AND MUSEUM

Hardly any other city can rival the extent to which Friesach has On a hill to the south of the city, a new castle is being built using See – feel – experience – enjoy. The wax rooms bring together preserved its original medieval character down to the present only medieval techniques and working methods to match. Just the pleasures of top-quality food and drink and the traditional day. The fortified site with its city wall and water-filled moat, the as they were 800 years ago, wood, stone and metal are the handicraft of the candle maker. From the small bee garden castles, churches and monasteries are a standing invitation to most important building materials. Visitors are invited to look (where the wax comes from), by way of the preparation of a journey into the past. The huge variety of craft artefacts and over the shoulders of the craftsmen at work. They can see for waxed cord, right up to the finished wax taper, take a trip though monuments make the whole city one complete artwork that just themselves how stones were carved in those days, how nails the world of medieval chandlers - and of the ginger-bread mak- has to be experienced. were forged, mortar was baked and finally how the walls were ers. Candle-making presentations and workshops are offered, as built up to create a castle. well as guided city tours with coffee and cake. When evening TIP: The Friesach Spectaculum is Austria’s most attractive medie- comes, the “Gruselgang” (walking tour) with hanging-judge val family festival, set in the unique ambience of a Dominican friary. Alexander von Friesach will make even the most intrepid shudder!

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HOCHOSTERWITZ CASTLE – A TRUE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE

The armoury, the weapons collection and the fascinating collec- tion of paintings from the Age of the Renaissance bear witness to the history of this unique defensive complex. The castle can either be accessed on foot, passing through 14 castle gateways (all of historical interest), or by taking the Fürst-Max-Bahn inclined railway. In the castle restaurant, visitors are pampered with Carinthian speciality cooking. Besides the splendid muse- um and the culinary delicacies, the castle also displays medieval handicrafts; this is a veritable world of adventures in which to im- merse oneself. A comprehensive cultural programme including concerts, picture exhibitions and festive events invites visitors to explore the castle’s multi-facetted diversity. 13 Lake Längsee Lake Längsee

ST.GEORGEN ABBEY: A RELIGIOUS HOUSE WITH AN GEORGIUM: GOLFING AT LAKE LÄNGSEE INTIMATION OF ETERNITY SIPPING “LAKE LÄNGSEE PINOT” AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

On idyllic Lake Längsee in the heart of Carinthia, this former Ben- Originality, responsibility, honesty: these are the values upon The Jacques Lemans St. Veit-Längsee Golf Club proudly presents edictine Convent has been a peaceful spot for more than 1,000 which this young, biodynamic winery bases itself. On the south itself deep in the historic heart of Carinthia and in the immedi- years. It is a powerful place too, where generations of people shore of Lake Längsee Marcus Gruze and Uta Slamanig press ate vicinity of the sunny city of St. Veit. The rolling hills of the from near and far have found protection, solace and quietude. “Lake Längsee Pinot”. The product of the interplay between idyllic Central Carinthian landscape, the crystal-clear waters The oldest continuously inhabited monastic complex in Carinthia nature and human ingenuity, between know-how and intuitive of Lake Längsee and St. Georgen Abbey all form a wonderfully is still a spiritual site, bearing the imprint of the liturgical, sacred flair: simply a “NatUrwein” (a natural, authentic wine). Guided impressive backdrop that keeps on inspiring golfers’ enthusi- and economic work and practices of the Benedictine nuns. En- tours and tastings are offered at the Georgium, with or without asm, time after time. The golf school, pro-shop and “green’s” tering into the third millennium, the remit of this facility under- culinary accompaniments (different price categories apply). You golf restaurant also have their part to play in ensuring that this went a further development: today it offers a hotel and seminar can also decide how long to spend in the vineyard, and walking exclusive golf club ticks all the boxes for a special, unforgettable 14 centre; guided tours of the old buildings are also readily available. round it, or tasting the wine. golfing experience!

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30 33 TOURIST INFORMATION Metnitztal 32 i St. Veit 20 Hörfeldmoor Metnitz valley FOOD AND DRINK 31 17 moss 4 Hüttenberg Wimitzbräu Brewery 8 “Pageant Dinner” Flattnitz Friesach 8 9 10 Görtschitztal 9 Café Confiserie Craigher valley 12 Georgium 7 16 Hirt Brewery

PLACES TO SEE 3 Schloss Tanzenberg (palace) 29 16 5 Schloss Frauenstein (palace) Gurk 28 7 “Erlebnis Bergbau” (Building a Castle) 27 Gurktal 11 St. Georgen Abbey 26 valley 15 13 21 Castle-Ruins 22 Castle B 93 27 Gurk Cathedral 28 Straβburg Castle Eberstein S 37/B 317 29 Schloss Pöckstein (palace) 4 18 Weitensfeld 19 MUSEUMS 1 Museum St. Veit 2 6 Lake Kraig Saualpe “Erlebnis Energie” 5 (Energy Adventure) Exhibition Lake Goggausee 10 Wax Rooms Café and Museum 11 14 15 Auer-von-Welsbach-Museum 25 12 17 Hüttenberg Tourist Area B 93 St. Veit Lake Längsee B 92 18 Museum of Source Culture Simonhöhe 1 2 26 Gurk Treasure Chamber i 30 Metnitz Dance of Death 13 32 Seppenbauer Car Museum 33 Metnitztal Folk Tradition Museum 24 Lake Urbansee 21 23 3 Hochosterwitz Glantal Castle NATURE valley 6 Lake Kraig 22 14 Golfing at Lake Längsee B 94 Magdalensberg 19 Saualpe (mountains) 20 Hörfeldmoor moss 23 Water Adventure footpath 24 St. Urban and Lake Urbansee 25 Simonhöhe (highland) E-BIKE HIRE GUIDED CITY TOURS 31 Flattnitz 12 13

ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND E-BIKES E-BIKE ROUTES THAT TELL A STORY

In the summer months you can also explore the city of St. Veit Each of the nine e-cycling routes through Central Carinthia is with an “electro-mobility” vehicle. Environmentally friendly dedicated to a specific theme, which can be appreciated and Renault Twizy electric cars are ideal for the city traffic and for experienced in the most immediate and literal sense over the taking a trip into the beautiful surrounding area. In addition e- course of your ride – stories about “water”, “culture”, “energy”, bikes are available from the Tourist Information Office on St. Veit “indulgence” and “Tibet”. However, some tours also take you Hauptplatz (main square). They are just the thing for getting to to particularly attractive destinations, such as the Metnitztal know the Central Carinthia Region “pushing your own pedals”. valley, the Görtschitztal valley, the river Drau and even to Lake Wörthersee. The routes are all part of the more general cycle path network.

E-cycling E-cycling

E-CYCLING: EXPLORE CENTRAL CARINTHIA IN AN “ELECTRO-MOBILITY” IS ALL THE RAGE ON YOUR BIKE FAST AND EASY ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY WAY It is no longer a secret that the future belongs to electric vehi- Visit us at Central-Carinthia Tourist Information, Find your way around Central Carinthia on an e-bike. Fully cles. Their advantages are obvious: an electric motor makes the St. Veit Hauptplatz (main square), to hire an signposted routes, e-bike hire facilities and lots of cultural and bicycle an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional e-bike or a Renault Twizy! culinary tips are ready and waiting for you. Historic cities, mighty mopeds, or even to cars. Central Carinthia has therefore placed Tel: +43 4212 45608 castles and warm, crystal-clear bathing lakes will guarantee you a electric bicycles at your disposal; they are state-of-the-art models E-mail: [email protected] memorable visit. Trained guides are on hand to accompany you and dead easy to hire. That means our guests can explore the along paths that have flourished throughout the Region, over the Region as they please and make their way to its treasures in an For more information about e-cycling: course of history. Individual guided tours to enjoy sight-seeing, environmentally-friendly and relaxed manner. www.mittelkaernten-ebiken.at culinary delights and natural spectacles are also available.

TIP: CENTRAL CARINTHIA-APP

With the help of the Central Carinthia-App (for IOS and Android) it’s easy for you to explore the e-biking tours for yourself, as well as the places to see and catering and accommodation estab- lishments along the way – and of course you can also put together a package to suit your individual prefer- ences. This means every- body can easily find their very own itinerary through the Region “where paths flourish”. 14 15

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HÜTTENBERG TOURIST AREA MUSEUM OF QUELLENKULTUR (SOURCE CULTURE): A MUST FOR ALL WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ART The Museum displays fascinating exhibition- pieces telling the story of Harrer’s travels and expeditions. A must for anyone with an interest in art, because this is where Among them is a Buddhist prayer room that was solemnly “source culture” becomes art. The museum’s existing holdings dedicated by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama in person. are juxtaposed with works by the artist Werner Hofmeister, Opposite the museum, and clearly visible from a distance, can be to confront the visitor with a challenging but highly rewarding found a Tibetan pilgrimage trail. The mining museum in Knap- synopsis. Objects relating to the Region’s cultural history are penberg tells of the mining families’ difficult work, their lives and mirrored and reversed in Hofmeister’s works. Museum visitors traditions. Finds of artefacts and historically interesting tools are become involved in this game of mirrors and reflections, and they DISCOVERY tour on display. need to be able to let themselves to be drawn into it, to gain the full experience. Guided tours of Althofen Old TIP: The nearby Dolls’ Museum is also worth a visit. Town, and the town’s rich indus- trial history give unique insights into this age-old, still successful Althofen economic centre. Görtschitztal valley

ALTHOFEN: AUER-VON-WELSBACH MUSEUM: THE HIRT BREWERY: THE SAUALPE (MOUNTAINS): HÖRFELDMOOR MOSS – PICTURESQUE MOUNTAIN FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS GOOD THINGS ARE CLOSE AT RELISH FANTASTIC, DISTANT VIEWS AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE OF NATURE SETTLEMENT AND SPA TOWN OF GENIUS HAND With their broad foothills the Saualpe mountains are among the The best time of the day to explore this natural gem is early in The distinctive Anna tower rises above Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach (1858 – The old saying “good things are close at most attractive, pristine areas in southern Austria. In summer the morning, when the last veil of mist is still drawn across the one of the oldest still-inhabited mountain 1929) discovered four chemical elements, hand” also proves to be true at the Hirt as in winter, their gentle slopes invite you to set off on long hikes. protected area. Take a walk through the unique, pristine paradise settlements in Austria. Visible from the far invented the incandescent gaslight mantle Brewery. Just a few steps from where the One can either go rambling over the beautiful natural landscape of plants and animals, with more than 500 species of butterfly, distance, the tower symbolises the living and the “flint-and-steel” lighter. He liquid gold is brewed, everything you need on one’s own, or be shown the beauties of the Saualpe on a guided 125 bird species and numerous rare plants. history that is Althofen’s trademark. The founded Treibacher Industrie AG and is is in place for a perfect beer-tasting. The walking tour. From the Saualpe summits on a clear day you can town is an important business location for regarded as creator of the OSRAM brand. hospitality is typically Carinthian, with enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view of the Koralpe and across the TIP: The glass-walled Bäuerlicher Milchhof Sonnenalm show the whole Region and provides the ideal The museum provides an overview of this special regional delicacies and of course Karawanken mountains, as far as the distant Julian Alps. dairy (guided tours by prior arrangement) gives a glimpse behind place for holidays, recreation and recuper- fascinating personality’s extensive work. the brewery’s full range of beers – ex- the scenes. At the “Cheese School” visitors can try their hand as ation. Besides its spa hotel, Althofen also There are exhibits here that can be seen actly the thing after hearing all about the dairymen and dairywomen. offers modern tourism establishments with nowhere else in the world, such as the century-old art of beer-making, on one of their attentive hospitality and a plentiful first metal filament lamps, a fine collection the fascinating brewery guided tours. range of entertainment opportunities. of rare lighters and the earliest lighting fixtures.

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GLANEGG CASTLE: THE WATER-ADVENTURE FOOTPATH: LIVELY BUSTLE WITHIN THE OLD WALLS A CLOSE-ENCOUNTER WITH PURE NATURE

First mentioned in documents in 1121, Glanegg Castle is situated Gently babbling water. The continually rotating mill wheel. The in the midst of picturesque vineyards. The castle-ruins are acces- coursing brook, profoundly impressive in its naturalness and sible almost in their entirety, and at the in-house Buschenschank beauty. This informative nature trail introduces the special (tavern) you can taste the Castle’s own delicious wine. After features of this natural habitat. Guided tours and special pro- Hochosterwitz and the Landskron, Glanegg Castle was the third- grammes for children readily available. largest fortress in Carinthia. Tours of the castle are led by guides in medieval dress. The site is suitable for events of all kinds. TIP: Set in the midst of the Wimitzberge Mountains, idyllic Lake There is a lively bustle within the old walls again. Goggausee, with its outstanding water quality, is a recreational paradise for children and adults alike.

Glantal valley Glantal valley

LIEBENFELS CASTLE-RUINS AND CLIMBING GARDEN ST.URBAN ON LAKE URBANSEE SIMONHÖHE

First records of Liebenfels date from 1312. The two massive St. Urban am Urbansee is amongst the most attractive and most Simonhöhe near St. Urban is above all famous as a family skiing keeps from the 13th and 14th centuries are most remarkable; popular places for family holidays and recreational activities in area and for the first ski school in Austria to offer guaranteed they stand apart within an unusually extensive outer bailey. the Central Carinthian lake . Days spent holidaying at success. In winter it promises children and parents reliable snow Guided tours and visits to the torture chamber are available by nearby Lake Urbansee are like something out of a picture book: cover on pistes ranging from “easy” to “medium-difficult”. In prior arrangement. breathing fresh mountain air, basking in the warm sunshine and summer Simonhöhe is a byword for the most diverse sporting recovering that inner sense of balance and proportion. The activities and for relaxation in the Central Carinthian lake district’s Access to the climbing garden at the foot of the castle mound hospitality of the locals, angling on the lake, neighbouring golf unspoilt natural surroundings. Whether for hiking, horse-riding is free. For climbing enthusiasts it offers routes with degrees of courses and such places to visit as castles, stately homes and or mountain-biking, Simonhöhe and St. Urban offer all their difficulty from 4 to 7b. other cultural gems, all combine to make holidays on Lake Urban- guests the ideal prerequisites for an unforgettable holiday. see a richly varied delight.

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GURK TREASURE CHAMBER: GURK CATHEDRAL: METNITZ DANCE OF DEATH: FLATTNITZ: PRECIOUS ARTEFACTS FROM THE ROMANESQUE, CARINTHIA’S RELIGIOUS CENTRE IN DEATH WE ARE ALL EQUAL AN UNSPOILT HIKING AREA GOTHIC AND BAROQUE PERIODS This Romanesque House of God dating from the 12th century The “Metnitz Dance of Death” refers not just to one but to two Tranquilly embedded between tree-covered mountains and Gurk treasure chamber comprises a variety of precious artefacts: is one of the most significant buildings in European sacred art. outstanding cultural artefacts: the cycle of frescoes with its pristine woodland lies Flattnitz. This wonderful hiking area from finely carved sculptures, edifying panel paintings and richly The hundred-pillared crypt accommodates the tomb of St. Hemma, inscribed banderole at Metnitz ossuary, and the folk-play per- was already used as a pass by the Romans, as they made their embroidered vestments to priceless liturgical vessels. The exhib- and, along with its frescoes, the Bishop’s Chapel houses the formed in front of the ossuary by amateur actors and choirs way into the north. Lake Flattnitz and the Hirnkopf (mountain) its are arranged by topic and by epoch, thus representing a cross- famous “Fastentuch” (Lenten Veil). The Cathedral is an impor- every four years. In both forms these representations date back are inviting places for an easy hike across the alpine pastures. section of Carinthian religious art. Amongst the most impressive tant station on many pilgrim trails, several of which intersect to the Middle Ages and deal with the same theme: the equality of Being situated on a high plateau, the Flattnitz mountain air has and unique items are the Weitensfeld Romanesque stained glass here. Its tranquil, relaxing park invites you to linger on. all people in the face of Death. All too often unexpectedly, and also made it a well-known health resort. image of St. Mary Magdalene (from around 1170), the Gothic always remorselessly, Death steps out in front of every individual Far from the hurly-burly of the big ski resorts, in winter young St. Peter and St. Paul Altar from Rangersdorf (1422), numerous TIP FOR THE LITTLE ONES: THE GNOME PARK and, as it were, summons him or her “to the dance”. The adjacent and old alike are treated to the pleasures of snow-assured pistes baroque gems and votive offerings and testimonies relating to Not far from the Cathedral can be found the colourful, well-loved museum houses an excellent documentary history of Europe’s that are safe from avalanches. the popular cult of St. Hemma. Gnome Park, with its dreamy little train rides – a world of its own most significant Dances of Death. for our youngest guests. Gurktal valley Metnitztal valley

STRASSBURG CASTLE AND ITS SCHLOSS PÖCKSTEIN (PALACE): SEPPENBAUER CAR MUSEUM: METNITZTAL FOLK TRADITION MUSEUM FOLKLORISTIC COLLECTIONS CARINTHIA’S LITTLE SCHÖNBRUNN EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF MOTOR SPORT IN THE GEMEINDEHAUS (COMMUNITY HALL)

Straβburg’s well preserved castle was originally built as a bishop’s Calling Schloss Pöckstein “Carinthia’s little Schönbrunn” is cer- The Gasthof Seppenbauer inn scores especially highly for its deli- “Bei uns daham” (“At home with us”) is a permanent exhibition at residence. Subsequent changes to its fortunes have been marked tainly no exaggeration. Here architect Johann Georg cious meals, its invitingly comfortable guest rooms and its popular the renovated Gemeindehaus, covering every facet of folk tradi- by various phases of destruction and reconstruction. The museum Hagenauer created one of Austria’s most significant early- Hirt Brewery speciality beers. What’s more the inn includes its tion in the Metnitztal valley. The women of the local “Tradition at Straβburg castle displays its “folkloristic collections” in an attrac- Classical buildings in an outstanding synthesis of the arts. The own entertainment package: the Seppenbauer car museum. The Group” have preserved precious cultural assets for future gener- tive setting. This comprehensive exhibition of rural life in Gurktal resplendent palatial residence of the prince-bishops was built exhibits consist of more than 30 absolute classic automobiles, ations, in that all the exhibits are modelled on genuine traditional valley is complemented and rounded off by presentations that in the 1780s, beside the road to the Romanesque Cathedral as well as an impressive collection of Vespas and motorcycles. designs and are hand-made. Some of the items are life-sized and illustrate traditions, games and popular religion. of Gurk. It contains fascinating state rooms and boasts a very The museum even boasts a motorcycle prototype by Gerhard taken straight from the everyday rural round. The Museum also impressive baroque garden. Porsche. You don’t need to be a dyed-in-the-wool motor sport maintains and revives the ancient custom of “Kinisingen TIP: The Weitensfeld Kranzelreiten (rider’s competition) is one fan to feel the thrill! (epiphany singing) in the Metnitztal valley” – recognised from of Carinthia’s loveliest festive traditions. (Every year on Whitsun) UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage”.

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Passau SK CONTACT US Linz München W ien St. Pölten Eisenstadt Salzburg Tourismusverein Zürich D Budapest

Mittelkärnten FL Bregenz Innsbruck Tauern- autobahn Hauptplatz 23 Graz H CH Lienz Spittal 9300 St. Veit/Glan Klagenfurt Villach Tel: +43 4212 45608 D SALZBURG I E-Mail: [email protected] V enedig Laibach T riest www.kaernten-mitte.at SLO Großglockner Tauernautobahn

A10 TRAVEL Mittelkärnten GRAZ

Lienz Spittal S 37/B 317 A2 Good connections with the main BOZEN highway network mean you can easily Villach Klagenfurt reach the Region by car: motorways A10 “Tauern”, A2 “Süd” and A9 “Pyhrn. You can, of course, also arrive by train VENEDIG or by air. We will be happy to give you TRIEST LAIBACH/LJUBLJANA detailed information! I SLO

Publisher: Tourismusverein Mittelkärnten; design, layout and concept: sass І marketing & projects, www.sass-marketingprojects.com; photos: Mahlknecht, Tom Lamm, Martin Steinthaler, Arnold Pöschl, Johannes Puch, Municipality of St. Veit, St. Veit Museum, Fritz-Press GmbH, Wimitzbräu, Anton Wieser, Stema – St. Veit, Horst Rauter, Municipality of Friesach, Craigher, Wachsstub’n Café, Ferdinand Neumüller, Hochosterwitz Castle, Jacques Lemans Golf Club St. Veit-Längsee, Adunka, Hirt Brewery, Heinrich Harrer Museum, Hofmeister, Zupanc, Glanegg Castle, YanLev (Shutterstock), Andrea Ehrlich, Ingolf Wachs, kaernten-pictures.at, Municipality of St. Urban, Marcel Peda, Tourismus Mittelkärnten, Municipality of Straβburg, Ernst Bauer, Brandstätter, Municipality of Glödnitz, Hirt Brewery, Metnitz Brauchtumsmuseum (Museum of Traditions); map illustration: www.heikedihack.at; printing: Carinthian Druck; translation into English: BA (Hons), MLitt Christine Wildpanner-Krois; place/date: St. Veit an der Glan, 2014. Subject to errors, including typesetting and printing mistakes. In conjunction with the klima:aktiv mobil programme, this project is supported by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund as a contribution to environmental and climate protection in transport.