What to Do in Carinthia

Magdalensberg *****
http://www.landesmuseum-ktn.at/ magdalensberg.htm
Category : Inexpensive
Address : Outside St. Viet an der Glan South of St. Viet, north ofKlagenfurt on
Route 83. W (04) 224- 2555.
Special Hours: Open from May through Oct.

Long before the Hapsburg Empire rose to power, Austria was a part of the vast Roman Empire. Magdalensburg is considered the oldest Roman settlement north of the Alps. Romans occupied this site the last century before Christ, and today excavations have revealed a Roman villa (complete with central heating), public baths, temples and a forum. Admission.

Neuer Plato *****
Category :Free
Address : Neuer Platz. Near the Town Hall, New Town.
Tel : (04) 63-53-72-23.

Don't miss seeing the Lindwurm, or Dragon Fountain, that dominates the square. Carved by Ulrich Vogelsang in about 1590 from a single block of grey schist, this snarling beast is the heraldic emblem of the city. The tale goes that Klagenfurt was built on a swamp favored by the dragon, and safety was finally ensured once the creature was slain.

Where to Stay in Carinthia

Hotels and Resorts

Romantik-Hotel Musil * * * * *

Category : Expensive
Address : Oktober Strasse 14. Town center, near Neuer Platz.
Tel : (04) 63-51-16-60.
Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A.
Balcony or patio, in-room minibars.

Comments : Pricey but intimate (some say a bit dusty), this small hotel has earned its reputation, and rooms are booked months in advance. Located in the heart of town, the building features an oval courtyard with inward-facing balconies. The 16 rooms are unique, the eclectic decor includes Baroque, Biedermeier and rustic furnishings. Each has bath and TV with hookup to BBC news.

Schloss Hotel Worthersee * * * * *

Category : Inexpensive to Moderate
Address :Villacher Strasse 338. Head west from the center for 2 miles toward
Villach.
Tel : (04) 63-21158.
Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A.
Beach location, water sports, balcony or patio.

Built as a private villa in 1845, this hotel features a tunnel that leads to a private beach and shoreline promenade on the eastern banks of Lake Worther. The yellow mansion is trimmed with ornate woodwork and has jutting towers and balconies. Inside, the 29 rooms and five suites are modern and well-ftirnished; the best views, of course, are from those overlooking the lake. The hotel has its own dinner restaurant, a bar and a cafe. Closed Jan.

Bistro Musil * * * * *

Category : Moderate
Address : Oktober Strasse 14, W (04) 63-51-16-60.
Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A.

Dine by candlelight in this locally popular hotel where Klagenfurters come to celebrate. Owner Bernhard Musil has been named the top pastry chef in central Europe, so be sure to try out the luscious desserts and sweets. Regional favorites, such as calves' brains and venison medallions, are served along with fresh fish.

Cafe Moser Verdino * * * * *

Category : Inexpensive
Address : Domgasse 2. North of Domkirch. Located at Moser Verdino.
Tel : (04) 62-57878.
Specialties: Pastries, light meals, snacks, coffee, wine, beer.

Cafestop, own baking, reservations not accepted. Not the oldest, but certainly a favorite with residents, who stop by for espresso and dazzling pastries. This unpretentious cafe is decorated with framed lithos and filled with marble, brass accents and lots of plush, upholstered furnishings.

Strohschein's Heuriger ****

Category : Moderate
Address :Villacher Strasse 338.
Head west toward Villach. Located at Schloss
Worthersee.
Tel : (04) 63-21158.
Specialties: Lamb, fish, beef.
Credit Cards: V, MC, DC, A.
Closed: Sun.

Reservations recommended, jacket required. This formal restaurant's kitchens are supervised by the hotel's family owner, and the menu features regional dishes served with elegance and flair. The six-course fixed-price dinner is a superb way to tour the tastes of Carinthia. Desserts are extravagant and well worth the splurge.

Ratings on Hotels (in US$)
-------------------------------

Category

Very Expensive: @$300+ per night, double occupancy
Expensive: @$200+ per night, double occupancy
Moderate: @$125-$200 per night, double occupancy
Budget: @$50-$125 per night, double occupancy

Restaurants and Other Dining Establishments

Very Expensive: $150+, dinner for two not including wine or dessert
Expensive: $100+, dinner for two not including wine or dessert
Moderate: $50-$75, dinner for two not including wine or dessert
Inexpensive: $25-$50, dinner for two not including wine or dessert


Refer to the following quality chart when making your selection:

**** Extraordinary
*** Very good
** Good
* Very basic, good value

Carinthia (Austria)

Klagenfurt

This is the provincial capital of Carinthia, the region that borders Italy and Slovenia. Carinthia's sunny weather and numerous lakes make it a summer tourist center, though it seems to be visited little by North Americans. Known for its rings of streets along its former city walls (the walls were destroyed in 1809 during Napoleonic invasions), Klagenfurt lies near Lake Worther, a popular place for water sports.