Pretty city with flights from UK cheaper than the cost of a train ticket

Flights to visit this pretty city in Europe can be bought for cheaper than the cost of a one-way train ticket from London to Birmingham, with June being the cheapest time to go before the crowds descend. 

With an alpine backdrop, Mediterranean climate, situated on the bank of a beautiful lake and plenty of landmarks to explore, this city is the perfect place to visit this summer.

Klagenfurt can be found in southern Austria, near the border with Slovenia. The city is just over 46 square miles, and is known as being one of the country’s most affordable cities. It is the capital and largest city in the state of Carinthia, and is the sixth largest city in Austria. 

Main courses can be enjoyed for just £5, and the regular farmers markets are a haven for local bargains. It has a humid continental climate, often cloaked in fog in autumn and winter, usually about 106 days annually. In the summer, the city experiences warm, wet weather and frequent thunderstorms, with temperatures usually in the high 20℃ to low 30℃.

Klagenfurt is also one of the most scenic cities in Europe, set on the eastern bank of Lake Wörthersee and on the Glan river. It is surrounded by several forest covered hills and mountains, including the Karawanken mountain range to the south, which separates Carinthia from Slovenia and Italy. 

Home to a population of 104,862 people as of January 2024, last year the city welcomed just over 153,000 air passengers to its airport. Klagenfurt Airport (KLU) has connections to several major European cities and holiday resorts, including Palma, Alicante and Funchal.

The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Lindworm fountain built in 1593, the Landhaus Palace of the Estates, now the seat of the State Assembly, a Baroque cathedral and Kreuzbergl National Park with a viewing tower and observatory. A series of 23 stately homes and castles can also be found in the outskirts of the city. 

The Old City - with the central Alter Platz - or Old Square - is home to many Renaissance buildings. Shaped by Italian architects, the 800-year-old town is often called the “Renaissance Gem” and is renowned for its markets and shopping. 

The idea of a friendly twinning of cities - or sister city relationship - in other countries began with the partnership between Klagenfurt and Wiesbaden in Germany as early as 1930. It was also the first city in Austria to adopt a pedestrian zone. In 1968, it was named the “European City of the Year”. 

The market, Benedikterplatz, has occurred twice a week since 1948, and sells a diverse selection of local food and products. 

The Altstadtzauber (“The Magic of the Old City”) festival is held every summer and a Christmas Market with a huge tree every December.