Althofen

Althofen is a municipality in the Austrian state of Carinthia. It lies in the southern part of the state and functions as a local centre for the surrounding rural area. The town’s history goes back to the medieval period, when settlements formed around mining and trade. A hilltop castle and a parish church were central to the town’s early structure, and the community grew through centuries as a market and administrative site.

Geographically, Althofen sits on gently rolling terrain with forests and agricultural land in the surrounding countryside. It is part of Carinthia’s broader network of towns and villages and is connected by regional roads to larger centres.

The population consists of several thousand residents. The local economy traditionally depended on mining and crafts, and today includes small businesses, agriculture, and services, with tourism contributing modestly as visitors explore the historic core and surrounding nature.

Culturally, Althofen preserves a historic town centre with traditional architecture. Notable landmarks include the hilltop castle site and the parish church, which reflect the town’s medieval origins. The community hosts local markets, religious feasts, and seasonal events that highlight regional traditions.

Education and public services include primary and secondary schools and basic municipal facilities. Althofen’s characteristic landscape and heritage make it representative of small-town life in Carinthia.