Carinthia viewed from above

Google map co-ordinates: 46.6079567,14.1423082

At almost 100m, the Pyramidenkogel Tower is the world’s highest wooden observation tower. The construction, consisting of elliptically arranged wooden supports spiralling into the sky, is an impressive sculpture in the middle of the landscape. Anyone who makes it to the viewing platform at the top will witness Wörthersee, Carinthia’s largest lake, in all its beauty. Entry is 15€.

However, the best is yet to come. While you can descend the tower on foot or use the lift, there is a more unusual alternative: Europe’s highest closed building slide, which is 52m high and 120m long.

To find out more, visit pyramidenkogel.info/en/

The castle of birds and monkeys

Google map co-ordinates: 46.6425304,13.895375

If you want to see a lot at once, you should visit the ruins of Landskron Castle. There is much on offer around the old fortress. In addition to the historic ruins, the site has its own Eagle Arena, where you can experience a 40-minute demonstration of birds of prey flying freely in the sky, before returning to the falconer in front of you. The display will also provide insights into the behaviour and habits of the birds, some of which are endangered, and tickets cost 14€.

Close by the castle is Abenteuer Affenberg, Austria’s largest monkey enclosure. The 40,000m² habitat is home to 170 Japanese macaques. These exciting animals can be seen up close in a professional guided tour.

Biker’s paradise

Google map co-ordinates: 47.0143115,13.3777753

A trip along the Malta-Hochalmstrasse (above) is definitely recommended. This 14.4km long Alpine road is made for bikers and is perfect if you are driving to the European Bike Week from the west or north. It leads through tunnels hewn out of the rock, taking in thundering waterfalls around hairpin bends and reaching one of the most imposing structures in the country: the Kölnbrein Dam, standing at 200m. The toll for motorcyclists to cross Austria’s highest dam wall, along the edge of the beautiful reservoir, is 14€.

Once at the top, you can enjoy the fascinating vista from the specially built viewing platform. In addition, the adjacent Berghotel Malta, with its ingenious sun terrace, is a popular place to stop.

Returning to the Middle Ages

Google map co-ordinates: 46.9511556,14.3949244

If you are travelling from the north to European Bike Week, then you should definitely make a stop at the historic town of Friesach (above). It is the oldest town in Carinthia and is known for its well-preserved medieval buildings, such as the town fortifications and water-bearing moat.

A definite must is to visit the castle construction project there. It is a journey back in time to the Middle Ages: a castle is being built here on around 4000m² using entirely medieval methods. The work relies on craftsmanship – without electricity or machines – using animal power and natural building materials. It is an exciting historical experiment that began in 2009 and is expected to last 40 years. Visitors have the opportunity to look over the shoulders of the craftsmen during a guided tour and see how a fortress is being built by hand.

Bunker Museum on the Wurzenpass

Google map co-ordinates: 46.4983848,13.6429966

A trip to the Bunker Museum at the Wurzenpass is an interesting adventure. Here you can see original bunkers, communication trenches and battle positions, together with additional barriers and a complete collection of bunkered and mobile weapon systems from 1955 up close. Discover the 11,400m² museum area for yourself on a tour. Experience the extensive connecting ditches and partly tunnel-like corridors. The unique collection also shows, among other things, all types of cannons, tanks and tank turrets of the former Austrian provincial fortifications and blocking troops from 1955 onwards. There is also the opportunity to ride in a tank, intended to raise awareness of what the conditions were like for soldiers. Entrance fee for the museum is 8.50€.

The route to the bunker museum is also an adventure in itself, following the exciting Wurzenpass as it narrows and winds, then climbs at an 18% incline.

A view from above

Google map co-ordinates: 46.5395111,13.9049038

The Baumgartnerhöhe in Finkenstein (above) is the perfect place to watch European Bike Week from above. The view extends over the entire Faaker See and thus over the entire European Bike Week area. There is also a good restaurant, the Baumgartnerhof, which offers traditional Austrian cuisine.

There is another vantage point over Lake Faaker See in the immediate vicinity, namely the Finkenstein Castle ruins. With a beautiful view over the lake, it’s a must-see and is only a short ride away from Baumgartnerhöhe.

Lake Millstatt

Google map co-ordinates: 46.806965,13.5668462

With a length of 12km and a width of 1.8km, Lake Millstatt is Carinthia’s second largest lake. It is perfect for travellers from the west and north and offers many different activities in addition to its beautiful panorama.

One of the best views of the lake is from the ‘balcony of stars’ at Mount Mirnock. The vantage point is reminiscent of a ski jump in shape and a glass panel at the end provides an unobstructed perspective. The unforgettable view over Lake Millstatt is heightened here, as the building visually suggests the closeness of the lake to the mountain and makes a touch of both seem almost tangible.

While there, you should also pay a visit to the Granatium in Radenthein. This museum is home to a garnet exhibition and also offers a walk through the mines, which is not to be missed.

Carinthia 2,000 years ago

Google map co-ordinates: 46.7199428,14.4184403

The Celtic-Roman excavations on the Magdalensberg are among the most important archaeological sites in Central Europe, revealing how Carinthia looked more than 2000 years ago. This was the first capital of Carinthia, back when it was part of the Celtic principality. It was an important trading point before and during the initial phase of the Roman occupation, especially for Noric iron.

This is one of the largest archaeological sites in the Eastern Alps and has been the subject of archaeological exploration since 1948. The park covers 40,000m² and, with its ruins, shows essential areas of the former settlement. On the historic site you will encounter the ‘Young Man from the Magdalensberg’ and many other finds that bear witness to Roman life.

Villach’s Red Wall

Google map co-ordinates: 46.5988845,13.8051046

The Villacher Alpenstrasse is the perfect alpine road in the immediate vicinity of the European Bike Week. Starting your ride in the district of Villach-Möltschach, where the ticket office is located, the toll is 13€ for a motorcycle. After this, there is 16.5km of winding alpine road to enjoy.

We recommend a stop at the Rote Wand observation platform, which offers breath-taking views. Stand over the abyss of the reddish rock face of the Dobratsch massif and enjoy the distant view of the Karawanks and Julian Alps. The road does not quite reach the summit, but rises to 1732m above sea level, where the Rosstrattenstüberl mountain inn serves Carinthian specialties set against the backdrop of unforgettable panoramic views.

The way to the Grossglockner

Google map co-ordinates: 46.9868686,12.8091396

Make your trip to the Grossglockner even nicer with a ride past Jungfernsprung, one of Carinthia’s most beautiful waterfalls, which lies right next to the route between Villach and the Grossglockner. With its 130m height, it is definitely worth exploring the waterfall a little.

Before you set off on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, you should definitely stop in at the legendary mountaineering village of Heiligenblut, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the entire Alpine region. Located almost 1300m above sea level in the Hohe Tauern National Park, this picturesque settlement is nestled in the mountains. Close by is Austria’s tallest mountain, Grossglockner, which towers at 3798m.

A city of art

Google map co-ordinates: 46.9071867,13.5275675

If you are looking for art, you should definitely pay a visit to the ‘artist town’ of Gmünd. Here you will find a colourful ensemble of local, national and international greats.

In 1991, the idea of creating an artists’ town was the city of Gmünd’s answer to creeping migration and empty houses. Here, in the middle of the southern mountains of the main Alpine ridge, at the intersection of the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, others moved out and art moved in without further ado.

Today you can admire the lovingly restored old houses with galleries, studios and exhibition rooms. It is advisable to contact an art guide, who will show you the city of artists in all its facets.

Car lovers may also be interested in the private Porsche museum in Gmünd, where the first vehicles bearing the Porsche name were built between 1944 and 1950. Highlights include Austria’s first and only police Porsche 911, along with unusual designs such as the floating Porsche hunting car.

Obir stalactite caves

Google map co-ordinates: 46.4884015,14.5859799

The Obir stalactite caves are located in southern Carinthia. They are a breath-taking natural spectacle, containing impressive stalactite formations which have grown over millions of years thanks to infiltrating surface water. The caves were initially discovered in 1870, when miners went in search of lead and zinc.

An 800m long underground adventure park with living stalactites, which are a rarity in Europe, opens up to the astonished visitor. Traces remain of the miners who worked there and carefully placed lights illuminate the absolute darkness, with music breaking the boundless silence of the cave. During the tour you will pass several stations where multimedia light, sound and video installations underscore the spectacle of nature.

Wolfsberg Castle

Google map co-ordinates: 46.84121,14.8450501

The beautiful Wolfsberg Castle is a perfect stopover for travellers from the east. Wolfsberg Castle was first mentioned in a document as early as 1178 and over the centuries it has been rebuilt and expanded several times under its various owners – including Empress Maria Theresa. Today it is the landmark of the city of Wolfsberg.

The castle owes its current appearance to a renovation in 1846, carried out by Count Henckel von Donnersmarck. Its distinctive look takes inspiration from Tudor England, transforming the building into a palace.

Whether coffee and cake in the café, an exquisite meal in the restaurant, a cool drink at the bar or fine wines in the vinotheque, the Schloss-Restaurant Wolfsberg welcomes you in a noble ambience and with first-class service.