Discover Carinthian Easter customs by bike
The Easter holidays fall late this year and are therefore predestined for a first cycling holiday in spring-like, sunny Carinthia. Numerous Easter traditions can be discovered by bike on wonderful cycle paths in a beautiful mountain and lake landscape. In Austria's southernmost province, customs are lovingly maintained and guests can easily experience them.
A popular Carinthian custom are the palm bushes that are tied on Palm Sunday. For this, catkins are tied together on a long branch and colorfully decorated, for example with crepe paper. Many people decorate the palm bushes with pretzels and sweets, and this custom is particularly popular with children.
From Easter market to Easter market
There are palm bushes, for example, at the Easter market in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee on Neuer Platz. Right next to the well-known Lindwurm, the symbol of the city, from 31.3. – 16.4. dozens of stalls selling their traditional Easter products. There are also artistic Easter eggs, Easter rattles, votive baskets, a traditional exhibition and much more...
The Easter market in Villach (7.4. - 16.4.) also offers a colorful mix of all imaginable goods and delicacies. In addition to traditional Easter goods such as decorative Easter candles and votive baskets, there are also farm products such as Easter ham, Carinthian Reindling & Krainer sausage to taste.
From votive baskets to the Easter bonfire
According to old tradition, the baskets for the consecration of meat are decorated with votive baskets. Ham, Reindling and other delicacies are wrapped in it, with which Lent ends after the festive consecration on Holy Saturday. A special highlight are the so-called Easter bonfires, which are lit in many places as a sign of resurrection. The Easter bonfire at Lake Vassach near Villach, for example, is highly recommended.
Stern cycle tour “Easter cycling in Villach”
All these Easter traditions can be experienced on the four-day star-shaped cycling tour "Easter Cycling in Villach ." Each day offers a suggested exciting bike excursion, with overnight stays in selected partner hotels. For example, the Drau Cycle Path and Wörthersee Cycle Path lead to the Easter market in Klagenfurt. A tasting of an authentic Italian Easter cake, "Colomba Pasquale," is possible if you choose a trip to Tarvisio on the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path . And should your muscles crave warmth in the evening, the Villach Adventure Card even includes admission to the spacious wellness area of the Kärnten Therme spa in Warmbad Villach.
Click here for our Easter Star Tour.
Carinthian Easter specialties (c) Carinthia advertising, Franz Gerdl[/caption]