We love... Carinthia
Lying south of the Alps, Carinthia is brimming with Mediterranean flair and has been blessed with an incredible natural environment. The sunshine and gentle wind which blows through the forests relaxes the soul, giving one a simpler outlook on life.
The unbelievable vistas created by Carinthia‘s many lakes. The mountains on the horizon with their varied heights and shapes. The ever-present gentle lapping of the waves thanks to the soft breeze and the scent of flora and fauna: it‘s a combination that creates a relaxing yet inspiring atmosphere. Serene walks, a calming environment and the gem in Carinthia‘s crown, the water, guarantee unforgettable moments for all your senses.
Roots stretching back for centuries
Around 600 A.D. the first Carinthian tribes appear. Here ‚carant‘ is translated as friend or relative – a meaning that the tourist industry still uses as a slogan today: Carinthia, holiday among friends. The Celts and Romans appreciated the varied landscape, the thermal springs and locations alive with a special mystical power, many of which are still the sites of sacred buildings steeped in thousands of years of history to this day, such as Gurk Cathedral or Saint Paul‘s Abbey. The historic ‚town of the Middle Ages‘, Friesach, bears particular testament to the history of the region.
Carinthia‘s capital Klagenfurt am Wörthersee represents the intersection of three cultures which are alive and well and can still be felt in this Renaissance city: Carinthian culture can be seen in the soft melodic accent, humour and a relaxed attitude to life.
Italian builders shaped the image of the 800-year old town with their palaces, courtyards and squares. Cultural sites such as Klagenfurt Cathedral or the Wappensaal hall at the Landhaus with its 665 coats of arms of the Carinthian estates tell a lot about the city‘s lively history.
Slovenian culture is present in the markets and in the art of celebration, and also the special harmonies of the songs. The cuisine ultimately combines the best of all three cultures into a delicious fusion from the Alps and Adriatic. Rustic restaurants and airy cafés invite one to while away the time as does a visit to the Benedictine Market with its colourful array of regional delicacies from Carinthian farmers as well as Slovenian and Italian market vendors.
The art of slowing down
The Slow Trails with a view of the most beautiful Carinthian lakes offer a chance to slow down, clear your head, exhilarate your mind and soul and find a lasting sense of serenity. The Slow Trail on Lake Ossiach offers an outstanding cultural and natural experience which takes you through mystical moorlands, along untouched shores with a view to the forested mountain range of the Ossiach Tauern and the Gerlitzen Alpe. The path leads from the Domenig Steinhaus (stone house) which regularly hosts topclass events, along the water front, past several farms and onto the sweeping Bleistätter Moor. The clouds reflect off its perfect waters, while from the lookouts and small bridges, you can gaze upon the wide expanses and listen to the music of nature – dragonflies gently flapping their wings, the soft gurgle of the water or the reeds rustling in the wind. Those who embark on one of the Slow Trails in Carinthia and enjoy this natural experience with all their senses will be rewarded with rich impressions which will leave them longing for the next Slow Trail experience.
Sustainable enjoyment
Life in the village is ‚good, clean and fair‘ – when everyone supports responsible eating habits, promotes biological diversity and develops sustainable agriculture and cooperation between one another. There are now eight Slow Food villages in Carinthia, where this is put into practice in everyday life and shared with visitors.
But what is slow food exactly? Slow Food Carinthia is a union of committed partners who are dedicated to a healthy and conscious food culture and want to break new ground in terms of sustainability and enjoyment. It focuses on the use of seasonal, regional produce as well as artisan production of the best foods and creative refinement of them. Rediscovering old recipes, creating culinary treasures in harmony with nature, producing sustainable foods and sitting down to enjoy them together.
The local taverns therefore cook fresh, pure and honest food. The local Slow Food communities focus on passing on knowledge about the value and production of good food in cookery workshops, nurseries and schools. Those who wish to buy regional foods will find an excellent selection in places of good taste such as farm shops, direct sellers or local suppliers.
EDITOR‘S TIPS:
Slow Trails:
www.kaernten.at/slowtrails
More information on Slow Food Carinthia
www.kaernten.at/kulinarik
Pyramidenkogel observation tower at Lake Wörthersee
Linden 62, 9074 Keutschach am See
Terra Mystica & Montana show mine
Antoniweg 5, 9530 Bad Bleiberg
Eagle show at Castle Landskron
Schloßbergweg 30, 9523 Villach
Minimundus (miniature park)
Villacher Strasse 241, 9020 Klagenfurt
More information on Carinthia:
www.visitklagenfurt.at
www.kaernten.at
www.berglust.at