Exploring Villach & The Villacher Alps
At the center of the Altstadt (Old City) is Hauptplatz (Main Square). There's a bridge over the Drau at Hauptplatz's north end, and the Pfarrkirche (Parish Church), dedicated to St. Jacob, is at the south end. The church is a mixture of styles, with a baroque altar and Gothic choir stalls. Like most towns of its size, Villach has a Trinity Column, dating from 1739, commemorating deliverance from the plague.
In the Schillerpark, on Peraustrasse, there's a large panoramic relief of the province, the Relief von Kärnten, that's on view from May 2 to the end of October (except Fri, Sun, and holidays) from 10am to 4:30pm.
Villach is a good center from which to explore the Carinthian lake district, including the Villacher Alps, an 18km (11-mile) journey via the Villacher Alpenstrasse toll road (12€/$16 each way). There are panoramic views in many directions, and the best viewing spots are marked. At the end of the road you'll find a chairlift that will take you to the summit of Dobratsch (2,166m/7,106 ft.), which offers one of the most famous views in Austria. At the top, a network of hiking paths fans out.
If you're in Villach in summer, you might want to drive southeast to Faaker See (Lake Faaker), a small body of water that's popular with swimmers and water-skiers. This lake's waters frequently reach 79°F (26°C) in July and August. From Villach, follow the signs to Faak.
