One Day in Villach: A Simple Travel Guide, Villach, Austria

When I said I’d explore more of Austria, this wasn’t exactly what I had planned. While heading from Germany to Slovenia using BlaBlaCar, the car’s tire decided it had had enough right near Villach. Next thing I know, I’m hitching my first-ever tow truck ride (what an experience!) and spending an unplanned night in a town I’d barely heard of before.

Villach is a charming little city in Austria’s Carinthia region, surrounded by stunning mountains, rivers, and lakes. It’s also incredibly close to the Slovenian border—just 90 kilometers from Ljubljana—making it a perfect day trip if you’re in the area. While it may not be as famous as Vienna or Salzburg, Villach has a cozy charm and enough to offer that I’m honestly glad fate (and a flat tire) brought me here.

Whether you’re planning a quick stop or find yourself “stuck” like I did, here’s how to spend one day in Villach and make the most of your time in this underrated gem of Austria.

Villach’s Old Town is the kind of place that feels like stepping into a postcard. It’s colorful, cozy, and walkable—perfect for starting your day on the right foot. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).