Carinthia

Though Carinthia is a province of Austria, its local culture is slightly longer in the tooth than that of the country of which it is part. Travelers have remarked that Carinthia has a character that sets it apart from its neighboring provinces. Slovenia is just over an hour’s drive from many of Carinthia’s leading cities, though you won’t need to leave Carinthia to experience Slovenian culture.

Slovene is recognized as an official language in Carinthia, and Slovenian culture’s unofficial impact on the province cannot be overstated. Much like Tyrol, Carinthia actually refers to a region that is split by more than one state. Like many regions in Austria, Carinthia has undergone a dizzying series of annexations, partitions, unifications and so on.

Carinthia today is known for its charming lake country, which has charmed both tourists and local film crews. Austrian television and film producers turn most frequently to Carinthia for outdoor location shots. What’s telegenic from your living room is breathtaking in person, and many Austrians rate Carinthia as their first choice destination for domestic travel.

Italy has also had considerable influence on the region over time, and this is most apparent in Carinthian cuisine. Carinithian cooks serve up steaming plates of pasta, made from recipes that may sound more Californian than Italian (think fruit in the pasta). A local specialty is cream and cheese creations, with local chefs making their mark by producing highly individualized dishes that use dairy in surprising ways.

Local society is peaceful and respectful, as is true throughout Austria. Travelers looking for tranquility should take care to avoid certain cities and lakes during the high season. On the other hand, a booming tourism industry brings plenty of friendly folks looking for fun to Carinthia’s otherwise quiet environs. Home to slightly more than half a million residents, Carinthia offers plenty of peace and quiet.

While rail can bring you to Carinthia from most places in Austria, once there a car will greatly simplify your transportation. Driving is a pleasure in Carinthia, as scenic lake country and well-maintained highways offer visitors motoring at its best. Local breweries and a festival similar to a Renaissance Faire—except it’s Middle Ages themed and has an entire city as its grounds—are just two of the attractions it will be easier to enjoy with your own wheels.