Klagenfurt highlight

Many new festivals! This is how the Lendhafen takes off

Festivals in Klagenfurt's Lendhafen are popular.(Bild: Christian Tragner)

Whatever festivals are held in Klagenfurt's Lendhafen, they are all a hit. Many new events are taking place this year: the "Hafenzwitschern" (Harbour Chirping) starts from 23 to 26 May, followed by the "Hafenrauschen" (Harbour Noise) at the end of September, and the "Hafenknistern" (Harbour Crackling) on the Advent weekends is also on the program. 

Klagenfurt's Lendhafen harbor with its waterway is an incredibly beautiful place. No matter what is on offer there, people just flock to it.

This year, many new events are taking place in the Lendhafen: the "Hafenzwitschern" (Harbour Chirping) starts from 23 to 26 May, followed by the four-day "Hafenrauschen" (Harbour Noise) at the end of September and the "Hafenknistern" (Harbour Crackling) on the four Advent weekends. "Two years ago, Mayor Christian Scheider wanted to have the benches in Lendhafen harbor folded up in the evening. That's the wrong approach. We want to make this special place even more of an experience," says Deputy Mayor Philipp Liesnig (SP).

Black city councillor Max Habenicht is also getting involved: "These events not only help to revitalize the Lendhafen, but also have a positive impact on footfall in the entire city centre. I invite all Klagenfurt residents to enjoy this unique atmosphere at any time of year." Tourism and city marketing are also involved.

"We have to make the provincial capital fit for the times of the Koralm Railway," says Michael Pontasch from Lokal Hafenstadt. "The Hafenzwitschern will be an event with culinary delights, art, culture, designers and a children's program." At the same time, the "Lendhauer", the association for the revitalization of the Lendhafen, will deliver a theater performance and a book presentation on the history of the Lendhafen. There will be wine tastings and jazzy music, and six restaurants will be cooking up a feast. The palette ranges from fresh catches from the Wörthersee fishermen to honey specialties.

"The Hafenrauschen in September replaces the Lendhafenfest. The students are also involved," says Head of Marketing Inga Horny. "The square breathes history, after all, the Lendkanal has been a permanent waterway from the lake to the city since the 16th century."

In the fall and winter, the Lendhafen also offers beauty. "We want to liven up the winter season, which is why we are also putting on the harbor crackle on the four Advent weekends," says Hellmuth Micheler from Tourism. "The Harbour Crackle is specifically offered to all tour operators in Austria and Italy."