Article Surfing Archive

As one of the host cities for Euro 2008, Klagenfurt is seeing unprecedented tourism this summer. What better way to escape the crows is there than car hire? Say 'goodbye' to packed trains and off-schedule buses and 'hello' to freedom and comfort. Renting a car in Klagenfurt not only allows you to see the magnificent attractions of the city, it also allows you to explore the wonderfully scenic countryside at a pace that is entirely up to you. The following is a guide to the city and its many fine attractions.

Klagenfurt Mini Guide:

Klagenfurt is the cpital of the Carinthia region of Austria and was selected to be one of the host cities of the 2008 European Championships. In recent years, Klagenfurt has seen a definite increase in tourism due in no small part to the extension of routes by low cost carriers such as Ryanair.

Things To See/Do in Klagenfurt

Klagenfurt is quite a compact little city, making it easily explored by foot. Neuer Platz is a great place to start. Here the city's emblematic Lindwurm is guaranteed to catch your eye. The monument was constructed in the 16th century, to represent a local legend about a dragon that was slain in return for the city of Klagenfurt.

A stroll around the city's Europapark, where peacocks strut their stuff and old men pore over chessboards, makes for a relaxing afternoon. Meanwhile, culture vultures won't want to miss out on the absorbing Gustav Mahler Kompanierh'uschen, a museum dedicated to the gifted local writer.

Eating Out in Klagenfurt:

Dining out in Klagenfurt is a guaranteed treat, whatever your budget or preferences. While in town it's worth sampling traditional fare such as 'Kasnudeln', cheese dumplings, Saure Suppe, a soup dish or seafood delights such as pike, perch and eel.

If you'd rather something a little more familiar, you'll be glad to learn that Klagenfurt also boasts an excellent range of international eateries, where you'll always find something to silence a rumbling tummy.

Day Trips/Events in Klagenfurt:

Let Klagenfurt act as a base from which to explore the stunning Austrian landscape. For the ultimate Klagenfurt car hire experience, be sure to take a drive around W'rthersee, stopping off along the way at the pretty P'rtschach, Velden am W'rthersee and Maria W'rth. If snow is more your scene, you'll find the charming ski resort of Gerlitzen to be within an hour's drive of Klagenfurt. Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies will adore the nearby Soca Valley on the Slovenian border, where limestone gorges and jade green rivers provide excellent scope for hiking and white water rafting.

Klagenfurt is the host venue for a number of sporting events throughout the year including the Beach Volleyball Grand Slam, the Iron Man Contest and the Night Marathon. The city's other claim to fame is its status as a host city for the 2008 European Football Championships.