Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, the capital of Austria's southern state of Carinthia, is a compact "Renaissance gem" set beside the turquoise Lake Wörthersee. At the heart of its old town stands the Lindwurm Fountain on Neuer Platz — the city's emblem and coat of arms, a winged dragon carved around 1583–1593 from a single block of chlorite schist quarried on the nearby Kreuzbergl hill. It illustrates Klagenfurt's founding legend, in which brave men slew a marsh-dwelling dragon so the town could grow. Free to visit on a pedestrianised square redesigned in 2008, it remains the city's signature photo stop; in 2026 the square also hosts seasonal Easter, Christmas and New Year markets that change its atmosphere depending on when you come.
A 16th-century Renaissance dragon carved from one ~6-tonne block of chlorite schist, mouth agape with water once flowing from it and wings folded back
The Hercules statue added in 1636 by Michael Hönel, completing the "dragon-slayer" tableau around the fountain basin
The living symbol of the city, reproduced on Klagenfurt's coat of arms and echoed in local chocolates, plush toys and dragon-named craft beers
The bronze monument to Empress Maria Theresa (by Franz Pönninger, unveiled 1873) facing the fountain, framed by the Renaissance town hall and surrounding palaces
Pedestrian old-town lanes radiating from the square toward Alter Platz to the north and the Benediktinermarkt food market to the south
Good to know
SeasonThe square hosts an Easter market (late March–early April), a Christmas market (mid-November to 24 December) and a New Year market, during which stalls and screens may partly hide the fountain; check dates in advance if you want a clear photo (exact dates need latest confirmation).
RulesAs across most of Austria, shops in Klagenfurt close on Sundays and public holidays (apart from some cafés, restaurants and market stalls) — plan shopping for a weekday or Saturday morning.
RulesThe Lindwurm is a protected historic monument; sitting on the steps is fine, but do not climb the sculpture or enter the fountain water. The square is a pedestrian zone, so avoid cycling or riding scooters across it.
MannersA tip of about 5–10% is customary in cafés and restaurants, and a friendly "Grüß Gott" on entering a shop is the local courtesy.
SafetyKlagenfurt is a very safe city, but keep bags in front of you during busy markets and festivals, and bring sun protection and water for the strong Alpine summer sun.
CautionTourist-facing cafés may add cover or service charges or price above the city average, so check the menu before ordering; markets prefer cash (euros), so count your change on the spot.
Practical info
From Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof it is about a 15-minute walk or a 20-minute city-bus ride to Neuer Platz, with rail links to Vienna, Graz and Villach and the nearby Klagenfurt (Kärnten) Airport. The fountain and square are a free, open-air public space accessible around the clock, but confirm the latest opening hours of surrounding markets and shops and current public-transport fares before you go.
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