Most of Carinthia´s traditions and customs are deeply rooted in the country´s history. Many myths and customs date back to heathen times and blended with Christian traditions later on.

Most striking are the many wayside shrines which the walker will come across at every turn. Supposedly there are 1,500 of them.

Some of the most popular traditions include the following:
"Kufenstechen": every Whit Monday in Feistritz a barrel is attached to a head-high pole. Men on horses have to ride past and try to shatter it with a mace.
"Kranzlreiten": traditional horseriding competition in Weitensfeld. On Whit Monday three courageous men race each other on the town square. The winner is rewarded with a kiss from the wooden virgin.
"Reiftanz" takes place in Hüttenberg on Trinity Sunday and symbolizes the 2,000 year old history of Noric Iron.
"Vierbergelauf": the pilgrimage across four mountains on "Dreinagel" day (14 days after Easter) is one of Carinthia´s most important traditions. The pilgrimage takes 17 hours and covers a distance of 50km across four holy mountains: Magdalensberg, Ulrichsberg, Veitsberg and Lorenziberg.