VILLACH POSITIONS ITSELF AS “CARINTHIA’S CENTRAL STATION”

Only a few hours remain until the historic opening of the Koralm Railway: the successful countdown campaign by the City of Villach and the regional tourism board is entering its final stretch. With an eye toward December 14th, Villach is underscoring its ambition to serve as the key hub of the south – as “Carinthia’s Central Station.” To firmly anchor itself in the minds of travelers, the city will be relying on its unparalleled variety of events in the coming weeks and months.

Since October 10th, Villach has been counting down the days for the opening of this new railway. Through the extensive “In <66 Minutes” campaign, the city presented 66 strong reasons over the past weeks why the journey from Graz to the south should end right here. Now, three days before the official opening of the Koralm Railway on December 14th, Villach is drawing a positive first conclusion and sharpening its positioning: Villach is not just a stop – Villach is truly “Carinthia’s Central Station.”

STARTING SIGNAL FOR THE QR ALMBAHN CHALLENGE IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

With an innovative prize draw for all train passengers using the new route, Villach continues to position itself around the Koralmbahn railway line. More information about the so-called QR Almbahn will be available soon here on www.welcome2villach.at. 

A CENTRAL HUB IN THE ALPS-ADRIATIC REGION

Its strategic location makes Villach the ideal starting point – whether for day trips to the southern side of the Alps, lake holidays, hikes in the tri-border region, or onward travel to Italy and Slovenia. “The Koralm Railway brings Graz and Villach even closer together. Over the past weeks, we’ve used the momentum to present ourselves as the attractive, easily accessible heart of Carinthia,” says Mayor Günther Albel.

A CAMPAIGN THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO GET OFF THE TRAIN

The 66 daily topics – from hiking and cuisine to technology and tradition – demonstrated that vacation and quality of life begin the moment you step onto the platform. “The response to our countdown campaign was excellent. We succeeded in embedding the idea that Villach is far more than just a point of transit,” says Georg Overs, Managing Director of Region Villach Tourismus GmbH.

STAYING TOP-OF-MIND WITH MAJOR EVENTS

The end of the countdown doesn’t mean the work is done. “Even after the opening, we will continue to provide compelling reasons why travelers on the Koralm Railway should get off in Villach. Our focus is on our unique events, which are now more accessible than ever,” Mayor Albel announces.

Villach’s event calendar speaks for itself:

• Advent Capital: Just one week after the start of the Koralm Railway, Villach will become the “Advent Capital” of Austria, featuring the traditional Bauernadvent and the arrival of the Christkind.
• Tradition and Culture: Early in the new year, the legendary Villacher Fasching kicks off its 71st season, promising vibrant festivities.
• Summer Highlights: Starting in July, culturally inclined visitors can enjoy the Carinthian Summer music and arts festival, a cultural highlight of the highest order. For Villacher Kirchtag – Austria’s largest traditional festival – the city expects many guests who will take advantage of the convenient new connections. The summer season concludes in September with European Bike Week: Europe’s largest motorcycle gathering, featuring a full entertainment program and more than 50 live concerts for motorcycle and music fans.

The anticipation for December 14th is palpable across the city. Villach is ready to embrace its role as Carinthia’s Central Station — and as a stage for unforgettable experiences.