Two of my friends are leaving for Klagenfurt, Austria next week to do the Ironman Triathlon. Has anyone here ever participated in or watched it? How was it, are there any highlights in particular? What is there to see in Klagenfurt?

Hi Melissa!

I have family in that area of Austria. Klagenfurt is a nice little city. The "Lindworm" statue in the center is one of my favorites. As a provincial capital, Klagenurt has a Heimatwerk shop- good for local specialties and crafts.

My favorite castle/fortress is nearby- Hochosterwitz- I'm guessing about an half-hour away. Are your friends looking for more than a few hours worth of stuff to do?

~Liz

Here are some Web sites of 2 places in the area we especially enjoyed:

Hochosterwitz Castle
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...908025112.html
http://www.burg-hochosterwitz.or.at/burg_e.html

The Excavations at Magdelensberg
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...908025113.html

I assume the swimming part will be in the Worthersee? Absolutely beautiful area. My Aunt & Uncle have a house on a hill overlooking the Worthersee and the Karawanken (SP?) mountains. Heaven on earth. Your friends will love it.

Wow, thanks Liz!! I am not sure what they are looking to see or do....they have never ever been to Europe, so they have no idea what there is. I know they will be spending 2 nights in Vienna, and were looking for some fun places. I have to be honest, I didn't have "fun" in Vienna although I did feel the city was beautiful. So I couldn't recommend much.

I'll be sure to pass along this valuable information on Klagenfurt, though! I wish I were going with them! I'll have them wave to your aunt & uncle as they bike past........

Melissa- Joe reminded me of something else. There's a place called Minimundus that has scale models of a number of famous buildings, etc. around the world-in an outdoor setting. Oh,oh, miniatures again! I think it's located very close the the "Strandbad" where the swimming portion of the race takes place. Don't hesitate to post if any other questions come up. Wish I could be there, too!

Guess I like to post in twos...

Don't know if you friends are male or female, but they might be interested to know that topless sunbathing is quite the thing to do on the Worthersee...

Cool, thanks!

Both my friends are guys. We don't do a lot of topless sunbathing in Hawaii, so if anything, this will be a novelty for them!

Hey, Liz, thanks for the information! My friends are looking forward to seeing the castle and the lake, for starters! They leave this weekend.....

I'm really glad they're planning on getting to Hochosterwitz. Although there is a cable car type thing to the top now, they should be sure to walk up (hopefully they'll have SOME energy left after the race). Walking through the "gates" is a big part of the appeal, as is your first glimpse of it off in the distance from miles away. Magical.