A Day Trip from Ljubljana to Austria's Carinthia Region | With a Train
Are you in search of a day trip from Ljubljana that combines picturesque scenery, charming towns, and a touch of Austrian culture? Look no further! Steal my foolproof itinerary to Austria's stunning Carinthia region. Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Velden am Wörthersee, and Villach in one day with one train ticket for 28 eur!
Whilst this trip is great in any season, I especially recommend it on the weekends during the Christmas season when Austrian cities and towns turn into fairytale places with their Christmas markets and decorations.
Getting there
Start your journey by purchasing a return Regio As ticket to Klagenfurt (Slovene name Celovec) via Jesenice for just 28 euros. Although you'll need to change trains at Villach (Slovene name Beljak) main train station, don't worry – Austrian regional trains are plentiful, ensuring you won't be waiting long for your connecting train to Klagenfurt.
Klagenfurt - A City of Charm
Kickstart your day by taking the morning train to Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia. This city is renowned for its beautiful old town, dominated by the iconic Lindwurm statue. Begin your adventure with a tasty brunch at Das Schwarze Schaf Cafe.
Afterwards, explore the City Arkaden shopping centre and wander through the charming cobbled streets of the city centre, full of small shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Be sure to indulge in the Austrian pastime of "Kaffee und Kuchen" at the Harry Potter-themed cafe, Phoenix Book Cafe, located right in the heart of the city.
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For lunch, head to the all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant, Yoko Running Sushi, a sushi train-style restaurant with a rich selection of plates.
In December, the main square turns into a Christmas market which you simply cannot miss. Stock up on gifts or simply enjoy a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) and local delicacies.
Velden am Wörthersee - Lakeside Bliss
After a morning and early afternoon filled with exploration, shopping, magical cakes, and sushi, hop back on a train bound for Villach. But before you reach Villach, make a stop a Velden am Wörthersee (Velden/Wörther See Bahnhof), a charming lakeside town famous for its pristine Lake Wörthersee.
After a short walk down the hill from the train station to the town centre, stroll along the picturesque lake promenade, explore Christmas markets in December, or simply relax by the lakeside. Velden am Wörthersee promises a tranquil escape amid nature's beauty.
Villach - Vibrant and Historic
Your final stop is Villach, another jewel in Carinthia's crown. Nestled between the Gailtal Alps and Drava rivers, Villach boasts a vibrant atmosphere, a historic Old Town, and beautiful parks, making it an ideal place to explore. Carving something sweet? Treat yourself to bubble tea at Kyutea.
Villach is an especially magical place to visit in December when the cobbled streets get taken over by the Christmas markets, the church tower turns into a giant candle and the space in front of the Villach City Hall (Rathaus) turns into an ice rink.
Catch the 18:53 train back from Villach (Celovec) to Ljubljana.
In conclusion, a day trip from Ljubljana to Klagenfurt, Velden am Wörthersee, and Villach offers a perfect blend of culture, natural beauty, and relaxation. Plan your escape to Austria's Carinthia region today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Make sure to double-check train timetables on Slovenian Railways or Austrian Railways websites.
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