A private team has developed an ambitious vision for the site of the former Schloss Hotel Wörthersee in Klagenfurt: the creation of a year-round palace swimming pool directly on the shores of Lake Wörthersee. A core element of the concept is a new mobility idea: a "Schlossbad Wörthersee" train stop, which will provide a direct connection to Vienna via the planned Koralmbahn railway. The initiators dream of travelers in Vienna being able to board the train wearing swimwear and disembark directly on the lakeshore to swim in any weather and enjoy saunas with views of the Karawanks.
The concept envisions a sustainable energy concept and future-oriented urban planning to enable the project's realization. The city of Klagenfurt is currently a finalist for the title of "European Green Capital," which the initiators see as an opportune moment to make visionary projects a reality. While the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) may be hesitant, the privately owned WESTbahn is being considered as a possible first partner for the realization of the train station.
The idea of a direct rail connection to an attractive leisure destination on Lake Wörthersee could have a lasting impact on regional mobility and tourism in the region. The Koralmbahn, which will connect Graz and Klagenfurt and is expected to be completed in the coming years, plays a central role in this. An additional stop at Schlossbad Wörthersee would offer a convenient and attractive travel option not only for residents of the region but also for day-trippers and holidaymakers.
The plans for the Schlossbad Wörthersee apparently encompass more than just a swimming pool. The mention of saunas with views of the Karawanks suggests a comprehensive wellness and leisure offering that could enhance the location's appeal beyond the swimming season. The private financing and the passionately developed idea underscore the initiators' commitment to creating a new attraction for Klagenfurt.