Worthersee Stadion (capacity 30,000) - the stadium
opens in 2007 and will be home to FC Karnten.
Klagenfurt, the most southerly state capital of Austria
with a population of 92,000, nestles in an enchantingly picturesque landscape,
surrounded by green meadows, high mountain peaks and the warmest Alpine
lake in Europe, the Worthersee.
800 years old
The city is over 800 years old, steeped in ancient traditions at the crossroads
of three cultures, displaying the centuries-old distinctive features of
the Alps-Adriatic region. Boasting a diversity of roles, it is not only
a modern economic hub and university city, but also a centre of sport
and culture.
Trade and tourism
With the economic focus on trade and tourism, many international corporations
have been happy to establish a base in the Carinthian capital: Philips
exports home and personal care appliances all over the world, Pago has
grown into a global player from its roots as an old-established local
firm, and the automotive component supplier Magna is building an electronics
plant. With the Lakeside Science & Technology Park – the largest
of its kind in Austria – the university and a high-tech specialised
college of higher education, Klagenfurt is also a top venue for IT development
in the Alps-Adriatic region.
Charm and beauty
The distinctive charm and beauty of Klagenfurt has many facets. Italian
architects played a key role in defining the character of the 800-year-old
city centre with Renaissance buildings, colonnaded courtyards and squares
which have been superbly restored. In a symbiosis of past and present,
the historic centre with its modern boutiques, shops and bars teems with
life. The year is crammed with occasions to celebrate, starting with the
New Year's Eve carnival, ending with the stylish Christmas market –
the finest in the Alps-Adriatic region – and events in-between including
the Easter market, the Carinthian valleys festival, the international
'Smart' car meeting, the old town magic festival, and countless other
artistic, cultural and sporting events.
Culture focus
In the birthplace of Ingeborg Bachmann and Robert Musil, culture is huge.
At the end of June each year, Klagenfurt becomes a literary focal point
for the German language with the readings for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize.
Galleries, museums, a four-category theatre and the atmospheric lakeside
stage host cultural events throughout the year.
Events capital
Klagenfurt is also Austria's events capital, having won the coveted Event
Award twice. Here sport is at the forefront. The Beach Volleyball Grand
Slam event invariably attracts over 100,000 spectators and the sand arena
by the Worthersee hums with activity. Every year more than 2,000 athletes
come for the Carinthian Ironman Austria triathlon event. And in winter
the Big Air snowboarding world cup holds events at the only inner-city
ski centre in Austria.
