Top Reasons to Go to Carinthia and Graz

The Wörther See: In summer, this area turns into Austria's version of the Hamptons. Pleasure-seekers check into mansions-turned-hotels, boat on the crystalline lake, and party until the wee hours.

Burg Hochosterwitz: Walt Disney drew the inspiration for Snow White from this magnificent castle on top of a mountain. Not even the Turks were able to pass through its 14 gates.

Gurk Cathedral: Supported by 100 marble pillars, the most splendid of all the region's Romanesque churches features the original chair of St. Hemma. When women sit in it, they supposedly have a nice surprise nine months later.

Graz: A UNESCO City of Design, this fresh, young, creative city offers an all-year-round cultural program with events for all tastes.

Museum in a Palace: Actually, there are four museums—plus the gorgeous Prunkräume (state rooms) in Graz's Schloss Eggenberg, itself a museum piece that sheds light on Austria's past.

Rogner Bad Blumau: This natural-spring-water resort, a two-hour train ride northeast of Graz, was designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.