Things To Do
in Völkermarkt
Völkermarkt is a charming town located in the southern part of Austria, known for its picturesque setting surrounded by forests and lakes. The town's historic center features well-preserved medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and a beautiful town square. Völkermarkt is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports on nearby lakes such as Lake Klopein.
The town also hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing the region's rich heritage and traditions.
- "Servus" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Tschüss" - Goodbye
- "Wie geht's?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike in the nearby hills, taking in the alpine views. Don’t forget to pack some snacks for energy on the trail.
Head into town for lunch at a local café, where you can enjoy traditional Austrian dishes. Afterward, visit the Völkermarkt museum to learn about the area's history.
Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll by the Völkermarkt lake. Enjoy a picnic dinner as the sunset casts beautiful colors over the water.
Visit a local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and pick up some fresh produce. Engage with local vendors and taste some regional delicacies.
Spend your afternoon at a local spa or wellness center, indulging in treatments that rejuvenate the body. Enjoy a healthy lunch at the spa’s café.
Have dinner at a cozy restaurant featuring local wines. Unwind with some traditional music performances that complement your meal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural surroundings including the nearby mountains and lakes.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and architecture.
- Community-oriented atmosphere with local events and festivals.
- Good access to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports.
- Lower cost of living compared to larger cities in Austria.
- Limited job opportunities in specialized fields due to its small size.
- Public transport options may be less frequent compared to urban areas.
- Fewer entertainment and dining options than larger cities.
- Potential isolation due to rural setting, especially for younger residents.
- Severe winter weather can impact daily life and accessibility.
Best Activities in Völkermarkt
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the picturesque trails of the Saualpe Mountains, offering stunning views and diverse flora and fauna.
Enjoy scenic cycling routes along the Völkermarkt area, suitable for both leisurely rides and more challenging terrains.
Try your hand at fishing in the beautiful Völkermarkt Reservoir, where you can catch various fish species.
Spend a relaxing day in nature with a picnic at Korer Alm, featuring panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Walk part of the Alpe-Adria-Trail, an international hiking route that starts in Austria and goes through Italy to Slovenia.
Tours
Uncover the best of Völkermarkt with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Völkermarkt
Visit one of these nice places.
The town square offers charming views of historical architecture, vibrant market activities, and picturesque surroundings, perfect for capturing local life.
This landmark building features stunning architectural details and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, providing a great backdrop for photography.
This main street features a variety of shops and cafes that create a lively atmosphere, ideal for candid street photography.
The scenic hilltop location of Völkermarkt Castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for breathtaking photos.
The river promenade is an excellent location for capturing serene water scenes, reflections, and beautiful sunsets, ideal for nature photography.
A short drive from Völkermarkt leads to viewpoints in the Ferlach mountains, which provide expansive views of the countryside, perfect for landscape photography.
This historic church features stunning architecture and intricate details that create excellent opportunities for architectural photography.
Located near Völkermarkt, this castle offers striking views of nearby lakes and the landscape, making it a fantastic spot for expansive landscape shots.
Food in Völkermarkt
Völkermarkt Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Austrian-style ravioli filled with cheese and potatoes, often served with a buttery sauce and crispy onions. This dish can be savored at Gasthaus Popp, a local family-run restaurant.
Must-Try!
A traditional Carinthian Easter cake made with dough, sugar, raisins, and spices such as cinnamon and lemon zest. You can sample excellent Reindling at Cafe-Konditorei Lindebner, a charming pastry shop in Völkermarkt.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this bustling weekly market to discover an array of fresh local produce, artisanal cheese, and traditional snacks like Bosna, a grilled spicy sausage served in a crusty bread roll.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Völkermarkt, it is customary to greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. When meeting someone for the first time, addressing them with a polite title (e.g., Herr or Frau) followed by their last name is respectful.
Austria values punctuality, so it is important to arrive on time for meetings and social gatherings. Being late is often seen as disrespectful, so plan accordingly.
When dining in Völkermarkt, it is polite to wait for the host to say 'Guten Appetit' before starting your meal. Additionally, keeping your hands on the table but not resting your elbows is considered good table manners.
Safety
Tipping in Völkermarkt
Ensure a smooth experience
In Völkermarkt, as in the rest of Austria, tipping is customary in the service industry. It is common to round up the bill to a convenient sum or leave a tip of about 5-10% depending on the quality of service. In restaurants, it is appreciated to leave the tip in cash rather than adding it to the credit card payment.
Payment practices in Völkermarkt are similar to those in the rest of Austria. Cash is still widely used, especially in smaller establishments, but credit and debit cards are accepted at most businesses. Contactless payments are becoming more popular, and many places also accept mobile payment options. It is advisable to check in advance, especially in smaller shops or cafes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring, from March to May, is a beautiful time to visit Völkermarkt as the weather starts to warm up and the flowers bloom. Expect mild temperatures, with average highs around 15°C to 20°C. It’s a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring local parks, as well as enjoying the blossoming nature.
Summer, from June to August, is the peak tourist season in Völkermarkt. Expect warm temperatures, often rising above 25°C. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor festivals, swimming in nearby lakes, and numerous hiking trails. This season is vibrant with local events and cultural activities, making it an exciting time to visit.
Autumn, from September to November, offers stunning fall foliage in Völkermarkt. Temperatures begin to cool, ranging from 10°C to 20°C. It’s an excellent time for wine lovers, as local vineyards hold harvest festivals. The scenery is particularly beautiful, making it perfect for photography and scenic walks.
Winter, from December to February, can be quite cold with temperatures often dipping below 0°C. However, it is a magical time to visit with the possibility of snow. You can enjoy winter sports in nearby ski areas, and the town sparkles with Christmas markets and festive decorations, offering a cozy atmosphere.
Völkermarkt at Night
Hiking in Völkermarkt
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, located near Völkermarkt.
This lookout tower provides breathtaking panoramas and various trails for hiking enthusiasts of all levels.
A picturesque lake surrounded by hiking trails, perfect for a scenic day hike and enjoying nature.
A hiking area with well-marked trails, providing beautiful vistas and a peaceful outdoor experience.
A long-distance trail that runs through scenic landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and forests.
Aiports
How to reach Völkermarkt by plane.
Located approximately 70 km from Völkermarkt, this is the main international airport in Slovenia.
Situated around 25 km from Völkermarkt, this airport serves regional and limited international flights.
Located about 120 km from Völkermarkt, Graz Airport serves a number of international and domestic flights.
Approximately 90 km from Völkermarkt, this airport is located in Italy and serves international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Völkermarkt, comprising individuals with Austrian nationality and typically of Austrian ethnicity.
A recognized ethnic minority in the region, primarily consisting of Slovenes who are native to the area and maintain cultural ties.
A growing demographic group consisting of individuals from various countries, contributing to the socioeconomic landscape of Völkermarkt.
Children and young adults, representing the younger demographic, involved in local schools and educational institutions.
Senior citizens, contributing to the community with their experiences and often supported by local social services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Völkermarkt, with many local clubs and leagues encouraging participation from various age groups.
Due to its proximity to the Alps, skiing is a favored sport during the winter months, attracting both locals and tourists to nearby ski resorts.
Cycling is widely enjoyed in Völkermarkt, with various paths and trails suitable for both leisure and competitive cycling.
Handball has a strong following in the region, with local teams competing at different levels in state and national leagues.
Volleyball is popular in Völkermarkt, featuring local clubs that participate in regional competitions and social leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Völkermarkt.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Austrian cuisine leans towards meat dishes, many restaurants in Völkermarkt offer vegetarian and vegan choices, including delectable salads, vegetable strudel, and creamy mushroom soups.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can find gluten-free alternatives such as potato-based dumplings, risottos, and gluten-free cakes at various eateries in Völkermarkt.