Culture

In the unique region around Villach, incidentally the second largest city in Carinthia, you will find numerous sights and a diverse range of cultural activities for young and old. From unique natural spectacles to imposing castles and palaces to traditional events - there is a lot to discover and experience here.

Castles

Hochosterwitz Castle in Launsdorf offers you an exciting medieval experience in a class of its own. Interested adults and children can get a taste of the fascinating everyday life of earlier centuries and, for example, take a look at the gunsmiths and armoury, marvel at art from the Renaissance period or have an authentic medieval meal in the knight's hall. Visitors can choose whether they want to reach the castle on foot or take the Fürst-Max-Bahn. Hochosterwitz Castle is not only a spectacular sight, but also offers castle festivals and events that inspire the whole family.

The Finkenstein Castle ruins from the 12th century with a view of Lake Faak are in the immediate vicinity of our Bergbude. Today the ruin - which is one of the most beautiful vantage points in Oberferlach - is primarily used for concerts and events and offers space for up to 1,000 spectators. We would be happy to tell you whether and which concerts or events are taking place there during your stay with us.

Just a 15-minute drive away, the ruins of the Renaissance castle of Landskron tower over the town of Villach, which is now home to the Adler Arena. The bird park, which is run with a lot of love for the animals, also offers spectacular flight shows and is connected to the so-called monkey mountain, which is located next door and invites you to visit macaque monkeys.

You can get more information about the castles, palaces and ruins from the Middle Ages in the area directly from us.

Natural wonders

Faaker lake: The colorful Faaker See is practically right on our doorstep, framed by the Karawanken and the Mittagskogel, ensuring that your holiday begins the moment you arrive with us. In addition to leisurely walks around the lake, beach holidaymakers and water sports fans or boaters will of course get their money's worth. In summer, the Faaker See reaches temperatures of up to 29 degrees and is therefore also ideal for (small) children. As a special feature, the guests of our Bergbude enjoy free entry to the Faaker Strandbad and can also have their own cabin on request.

Tscheppaschlucht: The famous Loiblbach gorge section in the Karawanken mountains south of Ferlach is a true natural spectacle that you should definitely discover. Start your very personal adventure barefoot and experience a charming course over ladders, bridges and paths along the river. Your goal is the Tschaukofall, which you can marvel at through a spectacular rock arch. From there, the informative nature trail joins before heading back to the shuttle bus stop, which will take you back to your car park. However, if you haven't had enough of immersing yourself in the dreamlike nature, you can still visit the forest rope park.

Maltatal - the valley of the falling waters: Discover the numerous water features and waterfalls along the Maltatal Hochalmstraße, which leads up to the well-known Kölnbreinsperre. The fantastic Hohe Tauern nature park and the water adventure theme park are ideal for a small day trip with the whole family and will definitely leave a lasting impression on you. You can reach your destination from our house in less than an hour.

Thermal spring Maibacherl: Up to 28 degrees warm water for relaxing wellness moments awaits you in the Maibacherl thermal spring directly in the Villach spa area. If the Schnell on the Dobratsch glacier melts or the rainwater level rises, an underground reservoir overflows, which flows into two natural pools. You can find out the current water level from social media, the daily newspaper and of course from us.

Festivals and events

Numerous functions, events and festivities round off your perfect holiday in Carinthia.

Visit us at the beginning of August, for example, when the Villach Kirchtag, the largest and most famous traditional festival, takes place every year, at which more than 10,000 litres of soup are served and the entire old town is in a party mood. Discover countless booths, stalls and rides for young and old or experience great concerts and shows on the various stages. The crowning glory of the folk festival is the parade with 3,500 participants on the last weekend.

During the carnival season, the region around Villach is also in a state of emergency. The Villach carnival is a real highlight for all carnivalists and of course children. Our tip: Don't miss the big carnival parade through the city, which takes place on the Saturday of carnival and remember the carnival call is "Lei Lei".

Only a few weeks later, always in the middle of September, the whole of Faak is dedicated to passionate motorcyclists when the largest Harley Davidson meeting in Europe - the European Bike Week - takes place, in which up to 80,000 bikers from all over the world take part. A few days beforehand, various bands will perform in the so-called Arneitz Village to get you in the mood for the event. When things really get going, visitors and interested parties can not only attend the traditional show trips around the lake, but also visit the Harley Village, which offers lots of goodies and rocking entertainment with barbecue stands and concert stages. From our mountain lodge, it's just a 5-minute walk to the shuttle bus stop that will take you to where the action is.

Between May and September, the Faaker Farmers' Market takes place every Thursday, which represents a culinary journey through Austria in general and Carinthia in particular. From 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. not only adults can enjoy typical specialties and a good glass of wine, there is also a lot for children to discover - such as a bouncy castle or pony rides.

Of course, you will receive further information on all events that take place around the area at any time from us when you visit us on site. One thing is certain: there is always something going on here in Carinthia.