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CULTURE

Falco to Schwarzenegger: Six Austrian cultural icons that you need to know

There’s more to Austria than just skiing and its classical music heritage. Here are five important Austrian cultural icons and what they mean to the country.

Falco to Schwarzenegger: Six Austrian cultural icons that you need to know
US-Austrian actor and Former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)

Integrating into a country involves more than just learning the local language and social norms. It also means getting to know the culture, including the people that have put Austria on the map.

So to impress your Austrian friends, or simply to learn more about the country where you live, here are six cultural icons in Austria that you need to know – besides the famous composers.

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Falco

Falco – Austria’s most internationally successful pop star – might have died 25 years ago but his impact on the Austrian music scene lives on.

Most people will probably know Falco from his 1985 smash-hit Rock Me Amadeus, which is still the only German-language song to reach number one in the US Billboard Hot 100. Rock Me Amadeus also went to number one in the UK and Japan.

But in Austria, he is much more than a one-hit wonder. Falco – whose real name was  Johann Hölzel – still represents Austrian music today and is often mentioned in the same sentence as Beethoven and Schubert. He is also equally remembered for epitomising the culture of Vienna and for living a hedonistic lifestyle.

Plus, at the peak of his fame he could have moved to the US and enjoyed massive global success, but instead he chose to stay in Austria, singing mostly in his Viennese dialect. That means a lot to Austrians.

Unfortunately, Falco experienced some personal losses in his private life, particularly when he discovered he was not the biological father to his seven-year-old daughter. This prompted a move to the Dominican Republic where he died in a car crash in 1999, aged 40.

READ ALSO: Cult Austrian Soviet-nostalgia band Russkaja breaks up over safety fears

US actor, filmmaker and former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger (c) and his girlfriend Heather Milligan meet with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at the federal chancellery in Vienna, Austria, on January 29, 2019. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP)

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger – or Arnie, as he is widely known – is possibly Austria’s most famous export. He is an actor, a film producer, the former Governor of California and a retired bodybuilder. 

But despite his mega fame and life in the US, Schwarzenegger still finds time to attend the annual Hahnenkamm downhill ski race in Kitzbühel, something that the local press love to publicise.

And to many Austrians he is still the boy from a Styrian village that followed his dreams, travelled to the US (without knowing much English) and made it as a superstar – all while keeping his Austrian accent.

Arnie’s story is one of escaping conformist 1960s Austria to the liberal world of west coast US, proving to everyone (not just Austrians) that believing in yourself can take you far.

Austrian-German actor Christoph Waltz arrives for the premiere of “Pinocchio” during the 2022 American Film Institute Festival at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, on November 5, 2022. (Photo by AUDE GUERRUCCI / AFP)

Christoph Waltz

Actor Christoph Waltz is another Austrian star that has found international fame. In the English-speaking world, he is mostly known for his work with Quentin Tarantino and for playing the baddie Blofeld in the Bond franchise.

Born in Vienna in 1956, his early acting career was at the Schauspielhaus in Zurich, Switzerland, before becoming a TV actor and then moving into directing with the German TV show, Wenn man sich traut (If you dare).

Waltz’s international breakthrough came in 2009 when he was cast in Tarrantino’s Inglourious Basterds. He has since starred in numerous US films, including Django Unchained and Water for Elephants.

Today, Waltz is one of Austria’s most famous citizens, respected as much for his multilingual abilities (he is fluent in German, French and English) as for his acting.

He also still has a home in Vienna and divides his time between the Austrian capital, Berlin and LA.

READ NEXT: Seven common myths about Austrian food you need to stop believing

A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows Austrian singer and drag queen Conchita Wurst posing in Munich, southern Germany. (Photo by Sven Hoppe / dpa / AFP)

Conchita Wurst

Conchita Wurst might not have reached the same giddy heights of fame as the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger or Christoph Waltz, but that doesn’t make her any less important – at least in Austria.

For those that don’t know, Conchita Wurst – or Tom Neuwirth, to use her real name – is an artist and singer. She won the European Song Contest in 2014 and is a vocal campaigner of LGBTQ rights.

In Austria, Conchita Wurst is a household name and is especially popular in Vienna where she is based. But the path to fame hasn’t always been smooth and, in 2014, there were calls within Austria to remove her as the country’s entry into the Eurovision Song Contest. 

Today, the star is still a famous face in the gay community in Austria and recently said the Eurovision win forced people in Austria to have a conversation about gender, whether they were ready to or not.

Former world champion, Olympic gold medalist, Austria’s ski legend Hermann Maier looks on after a ski exhibition night race in Flachau on January 14, 2013. (Photo by ALEXANDER KLEIN / AFP)

Hermann Maier

Hermann Maier, also known as the Herminator, is an Austrian sporting legend and one of the greatest alpine ski racers in history. As well as being famous for staging one of the sport’s biggest ever comebacks.

Growing up in Salzburg, Maier showed promising signs as a junior skier but was not selected by the Austrian national team. He didn’t let that hold him back though and started to make a name for himself after winning the Europa Cup in 1996.

Then, at the 1998 Winter Olympics, he survived a terrible crash on the piste to go on to win two gold medals for Austria. This led to his Herminator nickname and cemented his reputation as a national hero.

But in 2001 it was almost all over after he was involved in a serious motorbike accident and came close to losing a leg. Many thought the Herminator would never ski again, but he surprised everyone in 2003 by winning the Super-G race in Kitzbühel.

In the Austrian Alps, locals still love sharing stories about the Herminator, especially his down-to-earth attitude and determination to not give up – two traits that make Austrians very proud.

FOR MORE: Eight habits that show you’ve embraced life in Austria

Austrian writer Elfriede Jelinek is pictured in 1997 in Vienna. One of the Austria’s most controversial writers and poets, Elfriede Jelinek, became 07 October 2004 the 10th woman and the first Austrian to win the Nobel Literature Prize. (Photo by HERBERT PFARRHOFER / AFP)

Elfriede Jelinek

Outside of international literary circles, Elfriede Jelinek is not well known. But she is actually one of Austria’s most successful writers, and is one of the most decorated writers in the German-speaking world.

Jelinek was even awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2004 for the “musical flow of voices and counter-voices in her novels and plays,” and her “extraordinary linguistic zeal, which reveals the absurdity of society’s cliches and their subjugating power”. 

But she is also a controversial figure in Austria, mostly for being a former member of the communist party and for her criticism of her homeland.

Despite this, she has continued to enjoy acclaim as a playwright and novelist, and her latest play Schnee Weiß (Snow White) – based on sexual assault in sport – recently opened at the Landestheater Tirol.

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8 reasons why you should visit Austria’s Klagenfurt this summer

Swim in crystal-clear water, enjoy the mountains, eat Kasnudeln, and dance at the local festivals. Here is what you have to do while visiting Klagenfurt.

8 reasons why you should visit Austria’s Klagenfurt this summer

The capital of the Carinthian region, Klagenfurt, is a great place to visit, especially during summer.

The city is not only beautiful and lively but is also located near Lake Wörthersee and many impressive mountains.

Here are eight things that you have to do while visiting.

Swim in the lakes in the area 

Klagenfurt’s full name is actually Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, reflecting its location next to the beautiful, crystal-clear lake.

Wörthersee is one of Austria’s most popular lakes. It is also known for being one of the country’s warmest alpine lakes, with temperatures reaching up to 28°C. This offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, sailing, stand-up paddling and wakeboarding. 

The lake hosts many different Strandbäder (designated swimming area), where you pay a small fee to enter and can use all the facilities such as changing rooms and sunbeds.

Many places around the lake also offer opportunities for you to lay out your towel on grass or on docks completely for free.

Apart from Wörthersee, there are also other beautiful lakes around, reachable either by bike, car, or public transport. Some of the lakes that you should definitely not miss out on are Ossiacher See, Faaker See, and Millstätter See.

A man sits on his wakeboard on Lake Wörthersee. Photo by Maxi am Brunnen on Unsplash

The beautiful mountains 

Klagenfurt is a great place to be if you are a mountain lover. 

Some of the largest mountains in the area are the Karawanks, Nock Mountains, and Dobratsch.

The Karawanks are located south of Klagenfurt and form the natural border between Austria and Slovenia. Here, you will find many different hiking trails, including the long-distance Karawanken Trail, known for its spectacular views. You can also find climbing spots such as the Stol and Košuta peaks, offering routes for both beginners and experienced climbers.

The Nock Mountains are located northwest of Klagenfurt in Nockberge National Park. Here, you can enjoy well-marked trails, mountain lakes, and great views.

Dobratsch is a mountain peak and nature park near Villach, a smaller city close to Klagenfurt. Dobratsch Nature Park offers various hiking routes, including the popular Gipfelhaus trail to the summit.

If you want to go for a hike without leaving the city, you can enjoy the hilly area around Kreuzbergl, a hill located near the city centre of Klagenfurt. Here, well-maintained trails take you to smaller ponds, churches, and great viewing spots. 

READ MORE: Four Austrian national parks worth paying a visit

Try Carinthian food 

Carinthian food is definitely something worth trying.

The most popular dish is probably Kärntner Kasnudeln, which are pasta dumplings filled with a mix of cheese, potatoes, and herbs like mint or chives. The dumplings are made with a special crimping technique that most Carinthians learn at an early age.

Ritschert is a popular stew made with barley, beans, and smoked pork or sausage. It is a comforting and filling dish, perfect for getting re-energised after a day spent outside in the mountains.

Another typical dish is Reindling, a sweet cake filled with cinnamon, sugar, and raisins, often served during Easter.

 
 
 
 
 
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Enjoy the festivals 

Klagenfurt and its surroundings offer a lot of different festivals and events during the summer.

One of the most famous is the Carinthian Summer Music Festival, which attracts famous artists from around the world.

The performances take place all over the city and around the lake, where you can enjoy everything from classical music pieces to contemporary interpretations.

This year, the festival takes place from July 2nd to August 29th

Another highlight is the Altstadtzauber festival, where the historic city centre of Klagenfurt comes alive with music, dance, and local cuisine.

At this festival, you can enjoy traditional folk bands, live performances and some freshly grilled vegetables and meats.

The festival takes place from August 8th to 10th.  

Villach Kirchtag is a traditional festival held annually in Villach, which is half an hour away from Klagenfurt by train.

This year, the festival goes on from July 28th to August 4th and offers days filled with live music, artistic performances, amusement rides, and traditional local cuisine and beverages.

Here, people dress up in dirndl and lederhosen, drink local beers, and enjoy Carinthian food.

At the festival, you can meet both locals from the region and visitors from everywhere and together enjoy dancing on the street to different kinds of music all night long.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by 79. Villacher Kirchtag (@villacherkirchtag)

A paradise for outdoor sports 

Klagenfurt is an amazing place for those who love outdoor sports.

The lakes and mountains offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and climbing during the warmer months and for skiing during the colder months.

The region is known for its well-structured bike and hiking trails, which are well-marked and easy to follow. You can easily bike to different lakes in the area and also travel between Klagenfurt and Villach along the beautiful Drau River.

Cycling around Lake Wörthersee is one of the most popular activities in the area. The paths around the lake are wide and well-marked, and there are many designated picnic areas with tables and benches.

Outdoor climbing is also possible without going far from the city. Just by the lake, you will find Klettergarten Töschling, where you can enjoy many different routes suitable for all skill levels.

READ ALSO: The four best cycling routes in Austria

Great places around 

Klagenfurt is located near the borders of Slovenia and Italy, which makes it a perfect place to be if you enjoy travelling to these countries as well.

Tarvisio is the closest larger Italian city and a great place to go if you want to enjoy Italian food and mountains. Many people from Klagenfurt travel to Tarvisio to buy Italian groceries or to enjoy a pizza. Nearby, you can also visit beautiful and famous lakes, such as Lake Fusine.

If you prefer to visit Slovenia and its stunning landscapes, a trip to Triglav National Park is highly recommended. Here, you will find tall mountains and great hiking and climbing opportunities.

If you prefer to stay in Austria and around Klagenfurt, places worth visiting include Pyramidenkogel, a wood tower that is one of the tallest wooden structures in the world. You can walk on a spiral staircase to its top and enjoy great views of the lake and surrounding area.

Another nearby attraction worth visiting is Hochosterwitz Castle. Located southeast of Klagenfurt on a steep hill, it is famous for its impressive medieval architecture and is considered one of Austria’s most well-preserved castles.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Hochosterwitz Castle (@burghochosterwitz)

The local market

Klagenfurt’s local market is a must-visit, especially on Saturdays.

The market is called “Benediktinermarkt” and is located in the heart of the city. Here, locals and visitors gather to enjoy prosecco in the sun, some food and sometimes live music.

The market offers long rows of stalls where you can buy fresh products, regional specialities, and artisanal goods.

During the summer, the market alsoorganisese performances, live music, and DJ, and is a popular place for meeting up with friends.

Relax at Lendkanal 

Lendkanal is a famous canal in Klagenfurt. When you go from the city centre to the lake, the most comfortable path for biking or walking runs alongside the canal.

During the warmer months, the canal is a popular place for gathering, enjoying cold drinks, and finding shade under the nearby trees. 

Popular cafes like Café Lendhafen and Café Hafenstadt offer outdoor terraces directly overlooking the canal. In summer, they also host events such as outdoor cinemas.

 
 
 
 
 
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READ MORE: Nine unmissable events in Austria in summer 2024

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