Klagenfurt: The City that Gives You the Blues

Klagenfurt, commonly known as the “blue city” due to its love for blue-painted buildings, is the capital of the southern Austrian state of Carinthia. Despite its picturesque setting by the Wörthersee lake and its historic Old Town, this charming city may have a few hidden surprises for travelers seeking a relaxing vacation.

History

Klagenfurt was founded in the 12th century by Duke Herman II of Carinthia, who wanted to establish a new market town on the site of a former Roman settlement. The city grew rapidly in the Middle Ages and played an important role in trade and commerce, especially with neighboring Italy. However, in the 16th century, Klagenfurt faced a series of devastating fires and plagues that nearly wiped out its population.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Klagenfurt experienced a cultural and intellectual renaissance, thanks to the patronage of the Archduke Charles of Austria, who invited many artists, writers, and scientists to live and work in the city. These included the playwright Hugo von Hofmannsthal, the novelist Robert Musil, and the composer Gustav Mahler.

Culture

Today, Klagenfurt is known for its lively cultural scene, which includes theaters, museums, galleries, and music festivals. The Stadttheater Klagenfurt, built in 1910, is one of the most beautiful theaters in Austria and hosts a wide range of opera, drama, and ballet performances. The Landesmuseum Kärnten, located in the Old Town, showcases the rich history and art of Carinthia, from prehistoric times to the present.

One of the curious customs of Klagenfurt is the traditional practice of painting houses and buildings with blue paint. Legend has it that in the 19th century, a local artist named Johann Josef Fuchs became inspired by the blue sky and painted his house in that color. The trend caught on, and today, many buildings in the city center are painted in shades of blue, giving Klagenfurt its distinctive character.

Sports

Klagenfurt is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, especially those who love winter sports. The city is located near several ski resorts, including Gerlitzen and Bad Kleinkirchheim, which offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. In the summer, visitors can swim, sail, or windsurf in the Wörthersee lake, hike in the nearby mountains, or play tennis or golf on the city’s well-maintained courts and courses.

But beware: if you’re not careful, Klagenfurt may give you the blues. Not only because of its blue-painted buildings, but also because of the city’s notorious attraction to the melancholic and the depressed. According to a recent study, Klagenfurt has the highest suicide rate of any Austrian city, which is quite interesting considering the city is often described as a jewel of the Alps.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Klagenfurt, be prepared for some unexpected surprises. And if you’re feeling a little down, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Klagenfurt will be there to give you the blues.