Villach

Although it requires a slight detour from the freeway, Villach is an interesting city for a short visit. It will be easy to find the center of the Old Quarter—definitely the most interesting section. Just follow the church spire and you will come to the River Drau, which makes a loop outlining the ancient part of town. In the center of town on the main square is a dramatic church whose steeple soars over 90 meters into the sky. Nearby are many picturesque old houses, little shops hiding in alley-like streets, and a l6th-century Rathaus. Also of interest, in the Schiller Park is a huge relief map of Carinthia: this is especially fascinating because it is fun to identify the mountains and lakes you have been exploring.