Villach, the second-largest city in Carinthia, is rich in cultural, historical, and scenic highlights. Families with children feel especially at home here, as plenty of exciting experiences await younger visitors. However, Villach’s many attractions also delight adults and are particularly appealing to nature and animal lovers.
Since it is very easy to reach—especially from the Pressegger See and Weissensee regions (travel time depending on your location: just 35 to 65 minutes!)—we would like to introduce you in more detail to Villach’s most beautiful sights.
The Eagle Arena at Landskron Castle: the fascinating world of birds of prey
High above on a rocky plateau, exactly 135 meters above the plain, the historic Landskron Castle towers over the city. From here, visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the Julian Alps and the Karawanks, Lake Ossiach, the Kanzelhöhe, and the Villach basin.
If you look up, you may already see them circling: majestic birds of prey gliding freely through the sky on rising air currents. Landskron Castle is home to the Eagle Arena, which houses around 50 animals from various species of owls and birds of prey. The highlight of this unique European park is the regular eagle flight show.
It brings visitors closer to the breathtaking world of eagles. It’s an unforgettable moment when these proud animals take to the skies at the start of the approximately 40-minute show. Even more exciting is when the birds return to their falconer—you’ve never been this close to the “kings of the skies”!
Experience fascinating insights into the behavior and lifestyles of birds of prey and owls up close—and even come face to face with an eagle!
By the way: the Eagle Arena is a partner in various international conservation programs and plays an important role in protecting endangered species. Of course, all animals are kept in a completely species-appropriate manner.
And afterwards: a visit to 160 Japanese macaques
At the foot of the castle, the beautifully designed Monkey Mountain awaits. Around 160 Japanese macaques live here in a four-hectare open enclosure under completely natural conditions, just like in the wild. And if you like, you can be right in the middle of it!
Watch the adorable monkeys raising their young, playing, romping around, and grooming each other. With a bit of luck, you might even see them bathing or diving.
For the safety of both visitors and animals, access to the large open enclosure is only possible as part of a guided tour lasting about 45 minutes. The operators strictly adhere to animal welfare laws and respect the ethical principles concerning primates. This means the monkeys are neither trained nor domesticated and must not be touched.
But simply observing them is an unforgettable experience for all animal lovers!
A relaxing stroll through the city
Before heading back, it’s well worth taking a leisurely stroll through Villach. Highlights include the main square with its pillory in the historic old town, the charming pedestrian zone with Lederergasse, and the parish church of St. Jakob with its viewing platform.