WHAT'S NEW?! #50 - VILLACH IN MAY 2025

The welcome2villach team collects the most important news from around Villach in a compact, monthly “News Story”, with links to more information. In May, Villach focuses on climate protection, new business ideas, cycling activity, summer leisure opportunities, and a wide range of cultural and sporting events.

• Greener Main Square: The planting of ten innovative sponge city trees on the main square is complete – a major step toward a greener, more climate-resilient Villach. These trees improve the microclimate, store rainwater, and significantly enhance the quality of stay in the heart of the city. This technically and financially demanding project was implemented with strong citizen involvement and the support of local sponsors. It is part of the growing “Green Axis,” which will eventually stretch from the main square along 10.-Oktober-Straße to the city park.
   
• New shops for Villach:Eight creative business ideas have won the “My Idea – My Shop” competition and could soon enrich Villach’s city center. The selected projects include a traditional costume workshop (“Trachtenwerkstatt”), a 3D printing shop for home accessories, a sustainable electronics store, an Indian restaurant, and a trading card store. With strong support from the City of Villach and the local economic development agency, suitable retail spaces are now being sought to bring these innovative ideas to life as soon as possible.
   
• Cycling to defend the title: Villach kicks off the new season of the “Kärnten radelt” initiative with great energy, aiming once again to defend its title as the most cycling-active city in Carinthia in the category of towns with over 15,000 residents. In the past two years, an impressive 400,000 kilometers were cycled – and now it’s time to pedal hard again! Registration is quick and easy online, and participants can regularly win attractive prizes.
   
• Spotlight on Villach: The spring and summer program in downtown Villach offers a diverse lineup for all generations in 2025 – from sports and culture to fashion. New formats like the “Fashion & Music” runway shows and the “Rookie Music Nights” complement beloved events such as Draupuls, the street food market, beach volleyball, and the ceramics fair. Musicians and models can now apply for performances. Once again, Villach is positioning itself as Carinthia’s most beautiful open-air living room.

• Villach’s lakes kick off the swimming season: On May 1st, Villach’s public beaches open for the season – and once again, admission remains free at six of the eight locations. Whether sporty at the action beach, relaxed at the relax beach, or peaceful at the green beach – Villach’s public lake access points offer something for everyone. From June 27th to September 30th, a free summer bus also provides eco-friendly transport to three public beach locations at Lake Faak.
   
• BUS:SI survey begins on May 5th: Villach continuously improves its public transport services – and now the citizens are being called upon again! From May 5 to 16, the major BUS:SI survey will run online at villach.at/umfrage. The goal is to measure satisfaction with the current service and gather wishes and ideas for improvements.
   
• Events: In May, Villach invites young people and art enthusiasts to a variety of special events. On May 2nd, the Museum of the City of Villach opens the special exhibition “How Wars End”, which explores historical conflicts and peace processes through interactive elements. From May 8th, urban art takes center stage: The Freihausgasse Gallery presents Letters & Lines, featuring works by three street artists – a vibrant exhibition of typography, color, and social messages. On May 20th, young talents will be honored with the Bruno Gironcoli Award in the Bambergsaal. Another highlight follows on May 23rd with the Silbersee Opening: the colorful Holi Festival marks the official start of summer for many young locals. Things get sporty startingMay 29th with The Lake Rocks SUP Festival at Lake Faak, which draws international stand-up paddling pros and amateur athletes to the region for four days of exciting competitions, paddling fun, and a strong sense of community.