WHAT'S NEW!? #66 - VILLACH IN SEPTEMBER 2026

The welcome2villach team collects the most important news from around Villach in a compact, monthly “News Story”, with links to more information. In September, pioneering infrastructure projects, sustainable initiatives, and Lam Research's anniversary celebrations take center stage, while popular events like the Harley-Davidson Bike Week and the European Mobility Week bring the city center to life.

• 40 years of Lam Research in Villach: The global corporation Lam Research is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Villach. With around a thousand employees and its own training workshop for mechatronics and warehouse logistics, the company is a key economic driver for the region. To express gratitude for their loyalty to the location, Mayor Günther Albel presented General Manager Aaron Fellis with an oversized gingerbread heart, and the State of Carinthia honored the company with the provincial coat of arms.
   
• 20 million euros for a new drinking water source: To secure the water supply for the future, the City of Villach is investing alongside the State of Carinthia and the municipalities of Paternion and Weißenstein to develop the Koschier springs on the Windische Höhe. More than 28 kilometers of new pipelines and a high-level reservoir will ensure maximum flexibility in the regional drinking water supply.
   
• Three million euros for safer roads: The City of Villach has launched a large-scale road maintenance offensive. Around three million euros will be invested this year to repair heavily used roads such as Hausergasse, Badstubenweg, and Ossiacher Straße. Thanks to the resource-saving thin-layer resurfacing method, construction times are shortened, and traffic disruptions are minimized.
   
• Harleys and street food in the city center: Villach is looking forward to a roaring "living room": From September 8th to 13th, the Harley-Davidson motorcycles will return to the city on the Drau. Highlights include the "Custom Motorcycle Show" on September 11th at Rathausplatz and the Street Food Market at Nikolaiplatz, which combines culinary delights and music under the motto "Bikers Welcome" that weekend.

• Swimming buoys at the panoramabeach: A new pilot project by the city in cooperation with the Wiener Städtische insurance company and the water rescue service is ensuring greater safety in the water. At the panoramabeach in Drobollach, swimming buoys are now available to borrow free of charge. The initiative aims to strengthen safety awareness and will be expanded to other bathing locations next year.
   
• Youth plans new trend sports facility: The aging trend sports facility in Völkendorf is being completely renovated – and the youth are having their say. Together with the youth council, students shared their ideas on site, such as drinking fountains, shaded areas, and a pump track. You can still submit further suggestions by email (sport@villach.at) before the best concepts are implemented.
   
• Sustainable autumn: Mobility Week and Plogging: From September 16th to 22nd, the "European Mobility Week" focuses on eco-friendly transport options, featuring highlights like the big Mobility Day on September 18th in the city center. In addition, Villach is hosting its first "Plogging Week" (jogging and picking up trash) from October 1st to 8th to set a strong example against littering and for a clean environment.
   
• Events: In addition to the “Bikers Welcome” program for European Bike Week, September brings a host of other highlights to Villach’s city center. Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the CRUXLAUF obstacle race (September 18–20) and the CARINTHIA 200 cycling event (September 20). On September 23, visitors can get an exciting “behind-the-scenes” look at the city’s municipal operations. Car enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the AUTOMOBILE event on September 25 and 26, while the autumn edition of “The City Rocks” on September 26 invites everyone to celebrate with 20 live concerts. Families can look forward to the children’s flea market on September 26. There is also plenty happening on the cultural front: the “Homestory” exhibition opens at the Freihausgasse Gallery on September 10, and on September 23, the Kulturforum celebrates the “Jazz Autumn” with the Michael Erian Quartet at the Kulturhof.