KLAGENFURT – The Rose of Lake Wörthersee

Yes, yes, everyone knows the “Schloss am Wörthersee” TV series – and it’s surely very exciting too. But today I’m not looking forward to the Klagenfurt from the television. Today I am exploring the city behind the idyllic image in the glossy brochures… 9.30 a.m.: “Good things come in small packages”, or even better, “small, but punches above its weight”:  A real insider’s tip, because it’s different, extremely stylish, food for the soul and soothing for the senses. And to crown it all off: the courtyard through the back that is open all year long – protected from the elements with a sail-cloth covering, heated and furnished with comfy chairs, it invites you to relax and unwind – just magnificent.   More information available at: www.petitcafe.at  11:30 a.m.: After a plentiful breakfast that is enough for the whole day, I set off on a rather special shopping trip based on the motto of “shop till you drop": Destination 1: Veinzelstück: Ideal for those who are not looking for mass products, but for something special. A young label that stands for daring kids’ stuff and high-quality accessories for children and adults. And the best thing of all is that each article is made in small batches by hand. More information available at: www.veinzelstueck.at  Destination 2: Mass products, no thanks; get down to Vintagebox. Unique products as far as the eye can see, and, designed and produced personally by the shop-owner – using nothing but environmentally friendly materials. What you can find: pictures, small side tables, little boxes, cushions, decorations, gifts and small souvenirs, all designed with a unique interpretation of vintage products. More information available at: www.vintagebox.at  Destination 3: “I want a house, a multi-coloured house…" – or better still, a villa. And if I can’t live in it, then I can at least shop in it. An ingenious idea, sure to fulfil many dreams. This sweet villa with a blooming garden and a shop featuring a retro country house design simply enthralled me and it just doesn’t want to let me go, funny, isn’t it?! I feel as if I have just arrived home and I want to buy everything, or better still, just hang around … but unfortunately, everyone wakes up from their dreams sooner or later. More information available at: www.villa-lotta.at  8.00 p.m.: This day has just been magical, and so it needs its own soundtrack. No sooner said than done – at least this is the time for music, or more precisely, for Europe’s largest keyboard museum. This is a real highlight for music lovers. Vintage keyboards from global stars are on display in a 1700 m² exhibition. This unique location also regularly offers live concerts.  More information available at: www.eboardmuseum.com   10.00 p.m.: To finish off I visit the scene for art, culture and anti-mainstream sound: ((stereo)) – Club & Culture Events Centre.   More information available at: www.stereoclub.at