WHAT'S NEW?! #48 - VILLACH IN MARCH 2025
The welcome2villach team collects the most important news from around Villach in a compact, monthly “News Story”, with links to more information. In March, Villach is looking for creative business ideas for its city center, kicks off the planting of new sponge city trees, celebrates International Women’s Day with a special event, and offers a diverse cultural and event program ranging from children's theater to jazz concerts.
Seeking new business ideas for Villach’s city center: Creative minds have until March 7th, 2025, to submit their business ideas for Villach’s city center and receive attractive funding. Concept stores and crossover concepts that combine different industries are particularly in demand. In recent months, several new businesses have already opened, including the family meeting point Kärntner Nestl, the chocolate shop Chocoland, and the pet supply store Herz und Pfote.
Free parking in Villach with the City Bonus: Since January, parking fees in Villach’s city center have increased, and new paid parking zones have been introduced—such as at the Trattengasse/Flussgasse parking lot near the Friedensschule and along Dreschnigstraße near the hospital (LKH). Electric car parking is now also subject to fees. However, with the City Bonus program, customers can collect points in participating stores and redeem them directly at parking meters for free parking time. Points can even be used to purchase weekly and monthly public transport tickets. More details are available at villach.at.
Shops remain open despite construction work: In March, six more sponge city trees will be planted on Hauptplatz, contributing to the Green Axis and climate protection. The construction work is expected to last about eight weeks, during which Hauptplatz will be closed to traffic. However, all shops and restaurants will remain open, offering attractive deals to draw visitors to the city center.
Villach vouchers now valid at all three markets: The popular Villach vouchers can now be used not only in many city center stores but also at all three Villach markets: the weekly market, the organic farmers’ market, and the specialty market. They make an ideal gift while supporting local producers! Additionally, vouchers can be purchased with collected points in the City Shops.
Renovation of the athletics facility at Lind Stadium: In summer 2025, the athletics facility at Stadion Lind will undergo extensive modernization, including the renewal of the synthetic surface and the renovation of the pole vault boxes and throwing circles. During the construction period, the training field will remain open so that athletes can continue their practice. Villach also offers a wide range of free trend sports facilities and a broad sports program for all age groups.
- Plan summer childcare now: Whether sports, language courses, or cultural experiences – the Summertime program offers a varied holiday program for children and teenagers. All information is available at welcome2villach.at.
- Youth council election in Villach: From March 10 to 14, Villach’s youth will elect their new Youth Council, which will help shape the city for two years. Since 1997, 14- to 19-year-olds have had their own representation in the municipal council—an exemplary youth participation project in Austria.
- Events: March offers plenty for Villach’s youngest residents: On March 26th, the children’s theater play Himmelbunt will be performed at Bambergsaal, followed by Der Maulwurf und die Sterne on March 27th. On the same day, the nude art exhibition RAUM zwischen FORM und FREIHEIT will open with a vernissage at Dinzlschloss. Additionally, the Nature in the Garden event series kicks off on March 28th with the workshop Growing Your Own Vegetable Plants at Regenbogenland. A special highlight is the International Women’s Day celebration on March 8th, featuring a diverse program. The month concludes with an exhilarating swing and jazz concert by The Cover Girls on March 7th at Congress Center Villach.