WHAT'S NEW?! #51 - VILLACH IN JUNE 2025

The welcome2villach team collects the most important news from around Villach in a compact, monthly “News Story”, with links to more information. In June, Villach demonstrates economic strength, executes renovation work on the Alpine Road and improves infrastructure at the Gail riverside barbecue area, ensures long-term drinking water supply, and becomes the stage for a variety of cultural events as well as the Landskron Summer Plays.

• Villach demonstrates economic strength in challenging times:
  The 2024 financial statement of the City of Villach shows a significant improvement in results despite difficult conditions. The deficit was reduced from the originally projected 15.06 million euros to 5.18 million euros thanks to consistent austerity measures and efficient investments. Municipal assets increased by over 20 million euros. Additionally, the city invested 32.6 million euros in vital future projects such as education and infrastructure.
   
• Renovation of the Villach Alpine Road in full swing:
  The Villach Alpine Road Villacher Alpenstraße is currently undergoing extensive renovations and is expected to be completed by early July. Paving work is being carried out in several phases, leading to temporary restrictions:
  • Until May 30th: Single-lane access up to Parking Lot 11
  • June 2nd–6th & June 10th–13th: Full closure up to Turn 5 (Parking Lot 11 inaccessible) due to full-width paving
  • June 16th to July 4th: Single-lane access again up to Parking Lot 11
  • Weekends and public holidays: Open for two-lane traffic
    On July 18th, a festive brunch will take place on the Rosstratte at 10:30 a.m. to mark the 60th anniversary of the Alpine Road.
     
• Improved infrastructure and tighter controls at the Gail barbecue area:
  The popular barbecue site along the Gail River now features larger waste bins and a temporary toilet facility. The City of Villach has increased patrols and introduced a night-time parking ban (2–5 a.m.) in the area. Violations of parking regulations may result in fines of up to 726 euros. These measures aim to curb illegal camping and waste problems

• Long-term drinking water supply through the “Water Association of Carinthia”: The new "Water Association of Carinthia", chaired by Mayor Günther Albel, was launched in mid-May to secure the long-term water supply in the region. By 2028, a 500,000-liter reservoir, another storage tank with a capacity of two million liters, and a drinking water power plant producing approx. 600,000 kWh/year—enough to supply 150 households—will be built in the Lower Drau Valley. This project marks the beginning of the “Carinthian Water Pipeline”, a 135-kilometer-long network aimed at improving regional water supply security.
   
• A plea for peace: This year’s interactive special exhibition at the Villach City Museum explores the difficult path to peace—from the Napoleonic Wars to the war in Ukraine—in a moving and thought-provoking way. The focus lies on humanity and the painful process of peacemaking. The exhibition invites reflection and encourages active contributions to a more peaceful future. It runs until November 2nd, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   
• Moments of sound and stage 2025/26: The new cultural subscription of the City of Villach for the 2025/26 season is here! Art and culture enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse selection of music, theatre, and literary events that cross genre boundaries and bring together different generations and cultures.
   
• Open-air summer theatre at Landskron Castle:
  The Landskron Summer Plays will premiere “Der Fluch der Rose” (“The Curse of the Rose”) as an open-air experience at Landskron Castle starting June 12th. Based on the historical novel of the same name by author duo Iny Lorentz, the production features a lavish performance with 50 actors, taking the audience on an adventurous journey from Nuremberg via Arnoldstein and Venice all the way to Spain. More information and tickets available here.

• Events: In June, Villach pulses with the vibrant “Living Room Program”, bringing summer flair to the city center. Art lovers can enjoy the exhibition “Zei(t)räume” by CHS Villach at the Dinzlschloss (until June 13th), followed by another exciting show by Britta Keber and Clara Oppel in the Freihausgasse Gallery from June 26th, focusing on contemporary painting and sound art. Another highlight is the annual music festival “Villach sings!” on June 14th, which transforms the city center into a resonant stage and invites everyone to sing along. Starting June 27th, the Draupuls water and light show once again captivates visitors along the Drau promenade.