---
title: "Friesach in Carinthia | Sights & Castle Building Experience"
description: "Explore Friesach in Austria: with its castle, the Fürstenhof and its medieval charm, Carinthia’s oldest town is the perfect destination for a day out."
url: "https://www.pichlschloss.at/en/activities/visit/friesach-in-carinthia/"
language: en
lastmod: 2026-06-11
---

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.pichlschloss.at/en/llms.txt).

# A trip to Carinthia’s oldest town

## Medieval charm in Friesach, Carinthia

Friesach in Austria is the oldest town in Carinthia and a popular destination for a day trip. The townscape is still characterised today by well-preserved medieval buildings. The town fortifications are particularly famous, featuring the only water-filled moat in the province. The town once lay on an important trade route between Vienna and Venice and was a significant religious centre. Magnificent churches and ancient fortifications bear witness to this glorious era under the Archbishops of Salzburg.

![Panoramic view of a town surrounded by mountains featuring historic and modern architecture](https://www.pichlschloss.at/fileadmin/_processed_/f/f/csm_Friesach-Stadt-Sonne-c-Heindl_91f8147c53.jpg "Stunning Townscape with Mountain Backdrop")

A breathtaking blend of historic buildings and modern structures set against majestic mountains.

### The rich variety of historical sights in Friesach

A stroll through the narrow streets reveals architectural treasures such as the **Fürstenhof**, a monumental 13th-century building that now serves as an administrative centre and registry office. **Friesach’sparish church**, the largest basilica in Carinthia, impresses with its cathedral-like acoustics and Romanesque details such as the 12th-century baptismal font. Those seeking tranquillity will find, in the **Dominican Church** – the longest church in the province – significant works of art such as the Friesach Sandstone Madonna. The **Town Museum on Petersberg** offers further historical insight with collections of the famous Friesach silver pennies, which served as a means of payment across the region for centuries.

### Craftsmanship and tradition at the foot of the castle in Friesach

A special experience awaits you at **the Friesach Castle construction site**. A new complex is being built on a hill to the south, using only medieval craft techniques. Here, visitors can watch blacksmiths, stonemasons and carpenters at work with wood and stone in the traditional way. In addition, the **Wax Museum** in the historic granary invites you to discover the art of gingerbread bakers and wax workers, whilst in summer the **Friesach Castle Courtyard Theatre on the Petersberg** attracts visitors with open-air theatre performances.

![A person walks a trail leading to castle ruins surrounded by greenery and trees.](https://www.pichlschloss.at/fileadmin/_processed_/c/0/csm_Burgenstadt-Friesach-Sonne-c-_Heindl_d524c3d5fa.jpg "Explore the Ruins of History")

Stroll along the scenic path towards historic castle ruins, embraced by lush nature.

### Places to stop for a bite to eat in Friesach

After exploring the fortress walls, a visit to the Craigher confectionery is highly recommended. This family-run chocolate workshop is renowned far beyond the region for its handcrafted creations. Here, traditional coffee-house culture blends with modern craftsmanship. Anyone returning from a trip to the historic town to the peaceful seclusion of Pichlschloss will take home memories of a living history.

The team at the Hotel Landsitz Pichlschloss will be happy to help you plan your day trip to Carinthia. [Send us a no-obligation enquiry](https://www.pichlschloss.at/en/rooms-prices/non-binding-enquiry/ "Non-binding enquiry") about your stay or [book conveniently online](https://www.pichlschloss.at/en/rooms-prices/book-online/ "Book online").

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