CARINTHIA
- Alex P
- Nov 24
- 3 min read
Carinthia, with its great ambitions, required a corresponding coat of arms: three Swabian lions pointed to the ancestors who ruled Southern Germany, and the red and white shield to Ulrich's claim to the Austrian throne.
CARINTHIA: THE MOST INTERESTING
Carinthia is Austria's southernmost federal state, nicknamed the "Alpine Riviera" for its beauty. While this may not be a unique name, the local beauty is truly astonishingly harmonious. The sunny south offers endless mountain trails and over two hundred lakes with drinking water.
Lake Wörthersee is one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in Austria, attracting visitors with its clear waters and picturesque shores. It's a place for a relaxing holiday in nature, as well as for sailing and swimming.
The highest mountain in Austria is the Grossglockner (3,798 meters) A wonderful place for active recreation, especially for those who enjoy mountaineering and hiking. If you make it, the summit will offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
The Carinthian Museum in Klagenfurt is dedicated to the region's history and culture. Its collections span the period from antiquity to the present, with a focus on art and archaeological finds.
CARINTHIA: HISTORY OF THE COAT OF ARMS
The history of the Carinthian coat of arms dates back to the 13th century, to the time of Duke Ulrich III — a man with ambitions worthy of a separate epic. Under his rule, Carinthia grew noticeably stronger: the Duke skillfully navigated between union with Bohemia and the annexation of the Duchy of Carniola (now part of Slovenia). Ulrich, the grandson of the Czech king, was raised at the Prague court, which is why his policies were characterized not only by pragmatism but also by a noticeable inclination toward dynastic dreams.
The Duke's dreams were lofty: he placed three black lions on a gold background — a clear nod to the Swabian origins of his ancestors — and added the red and white shield of the Babenbergs — just in case the Austrian crown suddenly presented itself. His plans were dashed, but the coat of arms remained unchanged, which is typical of heraldry: defeat is forgotten, but the symbol endures.
Today, Carinthia remains the only federal state of Austria that officially uses the "Great coat of arms" with a helmet, a helmet cap, and the very same "namenst" - a fabric cover that protected knights from sun and rain.
True, in battle it invariably turned into shreds, so in heraldry it is now depicted as a whimsical lace of torn stripes, which historians romantically call “leaves” or “tongues of flame.”
CARINTHIA: THE FUN FACTS
The capital of Carinthia is Klagenfurt . This area was once home to impassable swamps, where, according to locals, a bloodthirsty dragon lived. This terrifying creature, according to descriptions, had a bad temper and even worse eyesight.
The desperate residents decided to take a creative approach: they fashioned a stuffed bull, stuffed with iron spikes, and fed it to the monster. The dragon took the bait and, as is typical, heroically perished from its own appetite. The swamps were drained, the city was rebuilt, and, as a memento of their tragicomic victory, the dragon was retained on the city's coat of arms.
Since then, Klagenfurt has lived in peace and order. Perhaps because dragons capable of swallowing an iron bull are no longer imported.
CARINTHIA: ALPINE SKIING
One of the most beautiful Austrian ski resorts in southern Austria, Nassfeld, on the Italian border, offers sunshine, panoramic views, and a truly Italian Savoyard feel. It's an all-in-one resort: quality slopes, warm weather, and mountain lakes for recuperation and post-ski relaxation.
Bad Kleinkirchheim offers the perfect opportunity to find your own personal time out amidst idyllic natural surroundings, surrounded by the Carinthian mountains. Southern Austria offers skiing, alpine hiking, relaxing spa treatments, and a wide range of leisure and sports activities. From active and challenging to leisurely and relaxing.
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