Things To Do
in Spittal an der Drau
Spittal an der Drau is a compact Carinthian town set where the Drau River flows out of the Alps and close to the shores of Millstätter See, combining a small-town feel with easy access to lakes and mountains. Its Renaissance jewel, Schloss Porcia, anchors a lively historic center of cafés, shops and seasonal cultural events. Outdoor opportunities are abundant: from lake swimming and cycling to mountain hiking and a nearby ski area on Goldeck.
The town is a convenient base for exploring southern Austria and nearby northern Italy and Slovenia.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Spittal an der Drau, taking in the stunning architecture of the historic buildings. Visit the Schloss Porcia, a renaissance castle that houses a museum, where you can learn about the region's rich history. Enjoy a fresh pastry and coffee at a local café as you soak in the morning ambiance.
After lunch, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby Stadtpark, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful gardens and fountains. Consider renting a bike for a scenic ride along the Drau River, taking in the picturesque landscapes. Stop at a local market to sample some traditional Austrian delicacies.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy restaurant in the town center for a traditional Austrian dinner, perhaps trying dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz. After dinner, take a stroll through the illuminated streets, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the town at night. End your evening with a glass of local wine or schnapps at a nearby bar.
Begin your day by heading to the nearby Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in nature with a guided hike. The fresh mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding peaks will invigorate your spirit. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and various bird species along the trail.
After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch with a view at one of the many scenic viewpoints in the reserve. Spend some time exploring the picturesque villages nestled in the mountains, where you can visit local artisans and shops. Capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera as you wander through the lush valleys.
Return to Spittal an der Drau for a relaxing evening at a local spa or wellness center to unwind after your day of adventure. Treat yourself to a soothing massage or a dip in the thermal pools, allowing the tranquility to wash over you. Enjoy a light dinner at a nearby bistro, perhaps sampling a fresh salad or pasta dish.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Beer (0.5 L) | $4-6 |
| 🚆Local train/bus fare (short) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent base for lakes and mountains — hiking, swimming and winter sports nearby
- Charming historic center with Schloss Porcia and regular cultural events
- Quieter and less touristy than larger alpine resorts, offering authentic local life
- Limited late-night entertainment and fewer international dining options
- Public transport connections are good regionally but less frequent late at night
- Some seasonal businesses close outside peak summer and winter periods
- "Hallo / Grüß Gott" - Hello (informal) / traditional Austrian greeting
- "Guten Morgen / Guten Abend" - Good morning / Good evening
- "Danke / Vielen Dank" - Thanks / Thank you very much
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist ...?" - Where is ...?
Places to Visit in Spittal an der Drau
Visit one of these nice places.
Renaissance courtyard, architectural details and seasonal events provide excellent opportunities for historic and portrait photography.
Riverside views capture reflections, flowing water and alpine backdrops; sunrise and blue hour are especially attractive.
Panoramic views over the Drau valley, the town, and distant peaks—ideal for wide-angle landscape shots and sunset colors.
Lakeside vistas with clear water, small piers and mountain reflections; great for sunrise, long exposures and seasonal color.
Quaint streets, façades, and market scenes lend themselves to street and architectural photography, especially during festivals.
Food in Spittal an der Drau
Spittal an der Drau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A regional stuffed pasta (cheese and herb filling) often served with melted butter and chives; found in traditional inns and Gasthäuser.
Must-Try!
A rustic bean-and-barley stew, historically a farmers' dish — warming and commonly served in mountain huts and local taverns.
Lake-caught fish (trout or char) prepared simply grilled or smoked — try at lakeside restaurants around Millstätter See.
A sweet, yeasted bundt cake with cinnamon and raisins, typical of Carinthia and sold in bakeries and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market with seasonal produce, cheeses, bread and occasional stalls selling sausages and baked goods — great for picnic supplies.
In summer, small stands near Millstätter See offer grilled fish, sausages and sweets — ideal for casual lake lunches.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake and eye contact are customary; use formal 'Sie' with new acquaintances or older people until invited to use 'du'.
Austrians value punctuality—arrive on time for appointments and tours.
Observe midday quiet hours and nighttime quiet (often after 10–10:30 pm); follow strict recycling and waste-sorting rules—separate bins for paper, glass and residual waste.
Stick to marked trails, take litter home, and respect private alpine pastures and signage.
Safety
Tipping in Spittal an der Drau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up the bill or leave 5–10% in restaurants for good service. In cafés and bars, round up or leave small change.
Euro is the currency; cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, most restaurants and supermarkets, but smaller shops and market stalls may be cash-only. ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days (20–30°C) ideal for swimming, boating and hiking; expect the busiest tourist traffic on weekends and at the lake. Pack sun protection and light layers for cooler evenings.
Crisp air and vivid foliage on surrounding hills make it a picturesque time for hiking and photography; many businesses remain open but with reduced hours after early October.
Cold and snowy with opportunities for skiing on Goldeck and nearby resorts; bring proper winter clothing and be prepared for shorter daylight hours and seasonal closures.
Melting snow and blooming meadows—trails open progressively; some seasonal attractions and lakeside facilities begin reopening from late spring.
Spittal an der Drau at Night
Hiking in Spittal an der Drau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessed by cable car, these trails range from short panoramic walks to longer ridge hikes with views over the valley and lake.
Gentle walking and cycling paths around parts of the lake offering flat, family-friendly routes and scenic stops.
Higher-elevation hiking trails through rounded alpine peaks and meadows; biodiversity and panoramic viewpoints are highlights.
Flat cycling and walking paths along the Drau River, ideal for multi-day bike tours or relaxed day rides.
Numerous smaller loops and hut-to-hut routes in the surrounding hills and valleys suitable for half-day hikes and seasonal grazing landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Spittal an der Drau by plane.
The nearest regional airport (about a 45–75 minute drive) with seasonal flights and connections; car rental or regional bus/train links connect to Spittal.
International airport in Slovenia (~90–120 minutes by car), an option for international travelers with rental cars or bus connections.
Larger airport to the northwest (approximately 1.5–2.5 hours by car or train), useful for wider flight options and connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are Austrian, many speaking a Carinthian German dialect and maintaining regional traditions.
Summer and winter tourists from Austria, Germany, Italy and nearby Slovenia boost the population seasonally.
Like many Austrian towns, there are small communities of residents with origins from other EU countries and beyond, contributing to local services and businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A top pastime due to nearby alpine trails, with routes suitable for all levels and mountain huts for rest.
Winter skiing on Goldeck and other nearby resorts is popular with families and recreational skiers.
Road cycling and leisure riding along the Drauradweg attract cyclists; mountain biking routes exist on surrounding hills.
Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking at Millstätter See are common in summer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Spittal an der Drau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and many Gasthäuser (cheese dumplings, salads, soups). Mention 'vegetarisch' when ordering; local markets offer produce for self-catering.
Vegan choices are increasing but still limited outside larger towns—look for salads, vegetable sides, and some cafés with plant-milk for coffee; larger supermarkets carry vegan staples.
Gluten-free options are available in some restaurants and bakeries but not ubiquitous—ask 'haben Sie glutenfreie Optionen?' and check packaged goods at supermarkets.