Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is home to the Lendspitz-Maiernigg European Nature Reserve, a natural gem of international importance. Here, where vibrant recreational use and sensitive nature converge, a remarkable balance has emerged. This is the result of forward-thinking work, close partnerships, and a deep conviction that the coexistence of recreation and species conservation is possible.
With its commitment to Klagenfurt's Eastern Bay, Stadtwerke Klagenfurt (STW) demonstrates how a modern utility company goes beyond its core responsibilities to take responsibility for the quality of life and the preservation of unique habitats. The focus is on the reed zone, a refuge for rare water birds, whose protection is to be ensured through targeted measures and public education.
The unique interplay of leisure and nature
The eastern bay of Lake Wörthersee in Klagenfurt is a place that thrives on apparent contrasts and finds its strength precisely in them. Here, the internationally recognized Lendspitz-Maiernigg European protected area and the lively lidos of the Klagenfurt municipal utilities (STW) border directly on one another. This geographical proximity creates a promising interface between nature conservation and recreational use , which, however, requires careful management. The Klagenfurt municipal utilities have accepted this challenge and, together with the ECO Institute for Ecology and in close coordination with the Climate and Environmental Protection Department of the Klagenfurt City Council, are committed to preserving and strategically developing this unique interplay.
The Klagenfurt lido is far more than just a simple bathing establishment. With 40.000 square meters of green space, 430 meters of shoreline, and its iconic 190 bathing huts, it's a central meeting place for the local population. Affectionately known as "Klagenfurt's extended living room," it symbolizes a sense of belonging, community, and joie de vivre. The approximately 600.000 visitors annually to the Klagenfurt, Loretto, and Maiernigg lidos demonstrate the significant role these recreational facilities play in the region.
The central aim of STW is to strike a balance between human recreation and the protection of sensitive habitats for animals and plants. Tourism and nature conservation are not mutually exclusive when they are coordinated. This is precisely where the commitment of STW and the ECO Institute in Klagenfurt's eastern bay comes in. The goal is to reconcile the interests of beachgoers with the requirements of the adjacent European protected area.
Protecting sensitive habitats: The importance of the reed belt
A key component of Klagenfurt's natural heritage is the reed belt in the eastern bay of Lake Wörthersee . It is not only the largest, but also one of the last remaining contiguous reed belts on the entire lake. This reed bed is of inestimable value to the local ecosystem and serves as a breeding and refuge area for numerous water birds , including rare and shy species.
Susanne Glatz-Jorde of the ECO Institute for Ecology emphasizes the urgency of protection: "If disturbances continue – especially during the breeding season – sensible waterbirds may have to abandon their breeding and habitat. We therefore want to preserve this natural area as the last refuge for protected species." This statement highlights the fragility of this habitat in the face of human activities. Disturbances, whether through loud music, inappropriate behavior with stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) or boats, or entering sensitive areas, can massively disrupt the birds' delicate breeding and life cycles and force them to migrate.
The little bittern , a rare and shy bird species, was chosen as the symbolic mascot for the unseen treasures of the reed belt . The little bittern represents the hidden biodiversity that can only thrive with the utmost care and quiet. Therefore, preserving the reed belt is not only a matter of species conservation, but also of the long-term preservation of biodiversity in the region.
Education and rules: Key to a conscious experience of nature
To preserve nature and raise awareness of its importance, STW and the ECO Institute focus on education, information, and creative approaches . It is crucial that visitors not only know the rules but also understand their purpose and rationale.
The specific measures include:
- Information on site: ECO staff are present at the lido to provide information about respectful behavior on the water, especially for stand-up paddleboard (SUPer) users.
- Playful nature education: Children can playfully discover the diversity of nature during a puzzle rally at the lido. This fosters an understanding and appreciation of the natural environment from a young age.
- Physical protective measures: Reed fences in the European protected area are being renewed to create physical barriers and protect sensitive areas from being entered or driven over.
- Control of neophytes: The targeted control of neophytes, i.e. non-native plant species that can displace native species, is an important measure for the preservation of the original ecosystem.
These measures are complemented by the "Fair to Nature - Fair to the Lake" campaign , which formulates clear rules of conduct for a successful coexistence of humans and nature at Lake Wörthersee:
- Observe protected area boundaries: Signs and chains of buoys mark the boundaries of the protected areas, which must not be crossed.
- Avoid reed zones and the Sattnitz area: Entering or driving through the reed zones and the sensitive Sattnitz area is prohibited.
- Distance to reed beds and water lily fields: SUPs and boats should only avoid reed beds and water lily fields at a great distance.
- Noise prevention: Loud music and noise disturb the animals and should therefore be avoided.
- Waste avoidance: Throwing garbage into nature is strictly prohibited.
These principles are simple but have a great impact, as they guide the individual behavior of visitors and thus reduce the pressure on sensitive natural areas.
The role of Stadtwerke Klagenfurt as a regional driving force
Klagenfurt Municipal Utilities (STW) and its subsidiaries are far more than just a local utility company. They make a significant contribution to the supply of the state capital and the quality of life of its residents . In addition to providing electricity, gas, water, and district heating, as well as infrastructure services, STW actively contributes to making Klagenfurt a livable and lovable city for years to come.
As the operator of local public transport (KMG buses), STW creates a mobility offering tailored to the needs of its citizens. Through the ownership and management of the three lidos on Lake Wörthersee (Klagenfurt, Loretto, and Maiernigg), they also guarantee attractive, high-quality leisure activities.
STW is also a significant driver of the local economy and, with around 1.100 employees, one of the most important employers in the region . This underscores its social and economic responsibility. The planned investment volume of €70 million in 2025 demonstrates the company's future-oriented approach and will generate an impressive €280 million in indirect economic benefits . This means that every euro invested will generate four times that amount in added value within the region, highlighting the economic importance of the municipal utility for Klagenfurt and Carinthia.
“Film am See”: Culture and entertainment on Lake Wörthersee
As part of the diverse summer events at the Klagenfurt lido, the Klagenfurt municipal utilities present another highlight this coming Saturday, July 19, 2025: "Film by the Lake" . Following a successful family festival two weeks ago, an open-air cinema in a special atmosphere will be offered this evening.
Based on a comprehensive vote in which Klagenfurt residents could choose their favorite films, the family musical "The Greatest Showman" emerged as the winner. This promises an entertaining evening for the whole family against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Wörthersee. Doors open at 7:45 p.m., and the film starts at 8:15 p.m. Admission is free, underscoring the commitment of the city's public utilities to making cultural events accessible to all citizens.
Such events contribute to the attractiveness of Klagenfurt as a tourist and residential destination and demonstrate how the municipal utilities enrich social life through their wide range of services and activities.
Klagenfurt's Eastern Bay is a successful example of the coexistence of intensive recreational use and the protection of an internationally important natural area. Stadtwerke Klagenfurt AG plays a central role as a facilitator and designer, not only providing the infrastructure but also actively investing in awareness-raising and concrete conservation measures. The commitment to preserving the reed belt as a habitat for rare bird species, coupled with a comprehensive range of services and cultural events such as "Film am See," underscores the role of Stadtwerke Klagenfurt AG as an important driver of quality of life and the economy in the Klagenfurt am Wörthersee region.