In connection with the 10th anniversary of the "Day of the Carinthian Referendum" and the "Liberation of the Rhineland" in 1930, the first contacts between the cities of Wiesbaden and Klagenfurt were established via the "Austro-German People's Association". In May 1930, the Mayor of Klagenfurt, Dr. Heinrich Bercht, visited his Wiesbaden counterpart, Lord Mayor Georg Krücke, and extended an invitation to attend the annual conference of the Austro-German Volksbund in Klagenfurt. The term "sponsor city" was used for the first time at the ceremony.

The sealed partnership developed into an intensive and close relationship. The close and friendly contacts are still evident today in numerous exchange projects between schools and associations.

Klagenfurt is the capital of the Austrian state of Carinthia and has a population of around 105,000. The city on Lake Wörthersee is also the economic center of the state.

Klagenfurt's historic old town is appreciated by locals and tourists alike. It owes its southern flair to Italian master builders. More than 80 of the arcaded courtyards dating back to the 16th century have been renovated and opened to the public. The city of Klagenfurt has received several international awards for its renovation of the old town; it is the only city to have received the "Europa Nostra Diploma" three times.

Culture is very important in Klagenfurt, the birthplace of important artists. One of the outstanding events is the annual literary competition for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize. The Carinthian capital is the birthplace of the poet Robert Musil and the writer Ingeborg Bachmann, the painter Herbert Boeckl and the court opera member and composer Thomas Koschat. Gustav Mahler spent several summers composing here. (opens in a new tab)