The Benediktiner Markt (Benedictine Market) in downtown Klagenfurt is a vibrant and boisterous Carinthian market with a strong influence from neighbouring Friuli, Italy and Slovenia. 

What to See?

In the Benediktiner Markt, you’ll find a life-sized statue of a fisherman made of chlorite schist. Erected around 1606, the statue symbolizes the old fish market regulations. The inscription states: “So lang will ich da bleiben, sthan, pis mier meine Füsch und Khrebs abgan” (“I will not leave here before I have sold all my fish and crayfish.”) Previously located on Heiligengeistplats in a wall niche, the statue was relocated to the town hall before being moved to Benediktiner Platz.

According to legend, a fisherman from lake Wörthersee came to the market one day to sell his fish. A thrifty housewife doubted the accuracy of his scales but the fisherman swore: “If the scales are wrong, I will become stone!” Suddenly, the fisherman turned to stone for all the market-goers to see. To this day, the fisherman still stands waiting for his redemption.

What to Buy?

Fresh vegetables and fruit, seasonal delicacies, a variety of dried fruit, antipasta, fresh fish, artisanal Austrian and Italian meats and cheeses are available. On Saturdays, the market also offers other products such as woven baskets, fresh flowers, butter molds and other handcrafted wood items as well as sheepskin products. Vintage and antique products can be found along the outskirts of the market and a lively section dedicated to local wines, schnapps and liqueurs. Buskers add to the atmosphere with traditional Austrian music.

What to Eat?

The Market is a great place to relax, grab a cup of coffee or a pint of bear and have a bite to eat. The market halls – open Monday to Satuday – offer traditional Austrian delicacies such as bacon semmel sandwiches with horseraddish, frankfurters, kasnudeln, schnitzel and of course local beers! On sunny days, enjoy one of the outdoor patios where you can chat with the locals and watch the world go by.

Where?

Just a few minutes walk from the Neuer Platz, the Benediktiner market is located in the old town at Benediktiner Platz 9020 Klagenfurt, Carinthia.

When to Go?

The market is held every Thursday and Saturday from 6:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. although Saturday mornings are the best time to visit. Market halls are also open on weekdays from 6:30 am until 6 pm, and closed early on Wednesday at around 1:30 pm. In the market halls you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, some local schnapps as well as some food stalls and a coffee shop. Regional organic product stalls are also set up on Fridays from 6:30 am until 1:30 pm.

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