The Millstatt Lenten Veil, dating from 1593, measures more than 50 square metres and is one of the largest surviving canvas paintings in the entire Alpine region, second only to the Gurk Lenten Veil of 1458. It offers an impressive introduction to Millstatt’s abbey history, which can also be read in the architecture and artworks of the abbey church.
Abbey History and Art in Millstatt
Construction of Millstatt Abbey Church began around 1130. It was completed around 1170 with the twin-towered westwork and vestibule. The church also houses a Last Judgement fresco by Urban Görtschacher, dating from around 1518. In this way, the building’s history and a specific work of late medieval art offer distinct perspectives on the abbey church.
The cloister is also a significant subject of art history: its architectural sculpture makes it one of Austria’s most important Romanesque art monuments. Millstatt Abbey Museum offers a comprehensive overview of Millstatt’s history and the cultural heritage associated with it. Visitors who want to connect individual buildings and artworks with a broader view of the town will find two distinct areas of focus here.
Millstatt hosts cultural events such as the Millstatt Music Weeks and the International Guitar Festival. Programmes and dates vary. If one of these events is a deciding factor for your trip, check the dates for your travel period.
The Villa Trail, Hiking and Golf
The Villa Trail is a self-guided route through Millstatt, passing 20 villas from the era of imperial summer residences. Unlike a visit focused on a single abbey building, the trail takes in a series of villas and their shared historical context. It can be explored as a focus in its own right, alongside the abbey’s art-historical attractions.
Millstatt is also a starting point for hikes on the Via Paradiso. Another way to enjoy an active holiday is the golf course high above Lake Millstatt: set in the mountains, it is a challenging, very hilly 18-hole course. Hiking and a distinctly hilly golf course therefore offer different options for your itinerary. The golf course’s operating season may vary; check in advance whether it will be open during your travel dates.
You can also explore the lake aboard a scheduled passenger boat. As timetables vary by season, it is advisable to check them before your trip. This lets you consider a boat trip as a separate way to explore Lake Millstatt, distinct from the hiking and golf options.
A Striking Diving Tower at the Lido
Millstatt’s lido has a listed diving tower dating from 1930. Its features include platforms at heights of three, five and ten metres, as well as a small and a large slide. As the lido may operate seasonally, check whether it will be open during your travel dates.
For planning purposes, you can group the attractions by type: the abbey church, cloister, museum and events make up the cultural offering, while the Villa Trail, Via Paradiso, golf course and scheduled passenger boat provide different activity options. For events, boat timetables, and the seasonal operation of the golf course and lido, it is worth checking the specific dates.
Discover more destinations: Rangersdorf, Malta, Maltaberg, Söbriach, Bad Kleinkirchheim, Steinfeld, Döllach, Seeboden.
Return to the main travel overview: Spittal an der Drau.
