The Falkensteiner Camping Wörthersee at Metnitzstrand has been officially handed over for its intended purpose after extensive modernisation measures. The ceremonial opening was carried out by the Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group (FMTG) and Stadtwerke Klagenfurt. Prior to the ceremony, the board members of Stadtwerke Klagenfurt, Erwin Smole and Harald Tschurnig, symbolically presented the new operators Erich Falkensteiner and Otmar Michaeler with the camping key, as well as bread and salt, as a traditional gesture for a successful new beginning. Cathedral Dean Peter Allmaier then blessed the area.
Stadtwerke Klagenfurt invested approximately EUR 3 million in the modernisation of the site. These funds were used for new service facilities, a redesign of the reception area, and the creation of the CAMPO° restaurant, which is open not only to camping guests but also to external visitors. The investments made represent the beginning of a long-term, joint further development of the campsite by Stadtwerke Klagenfurt and FMTG.
Strategic Partnership and Regional Significance
Erwin Smole and Harald Tschurnig from Stadtwerke Klagenfurt expressed their conviction that they had found the right partner in Falkensteiner for the sustainable further development and enhancement of the campsite. They emphasised that the investments made in the reception and catering building provide a solid foundation for the future. Erich Falkensteiner highlighted FMTG's special connection to Carinthia, as the federal state was the company's first hotel location in Austria. The cooperation with Stadtwerke Klagenfurt to lead this traditional campsite into the future is therefore of great importance to FMTG.
Otmar Michaeler, CEO of FMTG, emphasised the potential of Carinthia, and particularly Lake Wörth, to establish itself as a leading quality destination in camping tourism in the long term. He sees the focus on high-quality camping as a prerequisite for year-round success. The region offers ideal conditions for activities such as swimming, hiking, and cycling in summer, while ski resorts generate additional appeal in winter. Michaeler predicted that Carinthia could play a pioneering role in Europe if this path is consistently pursued.
Sebastian Schuschnig, Regional Councillor for Tourism and Economic Affairs, regarded the cooperation as an important impetus for Carinthia as a tourism destination. He stressed that investments in modern infrastructure in the camping segment, which is experiencing increasing demand, are essential. Quality secures jobs, strengthens the regional economy, and promotes Carinthia's image as an attractive travel destination. Mayor Christian Scheider highlighted that the campsite has been closely linked with holidays on Lake Wörth and the history of Klagenfurt for generations. He described the site as an integral part of the city, a second home for many people, and sees FMTG as the new operator opening a new chapter in its history, preserving what is proven while enabling future-oriented development.
Expansion in the Camping Segment
With Falkensteiner Camping Wörthersee, FMTG continues the strategic expansion of its camping portfolio. The company now operates six campsites in Austria and Croatia and identifies high-quality camping tourism as a key growth market for the coming years. The aim is to develop the site on Lake Wörth into one of the leading camping destinations in the Alpine-Adriatic region in the long term, in cooperation with Stadtwerke Klagenfurt.
