Kärntner Winteropen Feffernitz 2026
Welcoming the new chess year in Carinthia’s Drau valley, the Kärntner Winteropen Feffernitz 2026 runs from January 2-5, 2026, in Feistritz/Drau (Paternion), Austria. The festival offers a compact classical format over four days, a friendly atmosphere, and smooth logistics in a single, easy-to-reach venue near Villach.
Two rating-based classical groups (A/B) and a closing blitz side event make the Winteropen a practical choice for club players and titled guests alike. With professional arbiting, clear rules, and convenient rail/motorway access, it’s an ideal New Year start for players from Austria, Italy, and Slovenia.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | January 2-5, 2026 (Fri-Mon) |
| 📍 Location | Freizeitzentrum Feffernitz |
| 🏠 Address | Mühlenweg 32, 9710 Feistritz/Drau (Paternion), Austria |
| ♟️ Format | Two classical opens: A-Group and B-Group; separate Blitz side event |
| ⏱️ Time Control | Classical: 90 min/40 moves + 30 min, with +30″/move from move 1 |
| 🕰️ Default Time | 30 minutes (forfeit thereafter) |
| ⭐ Rating | A-Group submitted for FIDE Standard rating; B-Group for national rating |
| ✅ Eligibility | A-Group requires a valid FIDE ID; B-Group per organizer’s entry rules |
| 👥 Organizer | SV Raika Rapid Feffernitz (Sektion Schach) |
| 🌐 Website | https://www.schach-feffernitz.com/ |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
System: Swiss for A-Group and B-Group (classical); separate Blitz event at the end of the festival.
Cadence (classical): 90′/40 + 30′, with +30″ from move 1; notation required for the entire game.
Laws: FIDE Laws of Chess apply; fair-play/device rules enforced in the playing area.
Tie-breaks: Standard Swiss tie-break order announced on site.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| A-Group | Main classical open; FIDE ID required | FIDE Standard |
| B-Group | Companion classical open | National |
| Blitz (side event) | Open | Blitz list submission as announced |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Activity / Notes |
|---|---|
| Fri, January 2, 2026 | Festival Day 1 (classical chess) |
| Sat, January 3, 2026 | Festival Day 2 (classical chess) |
| Sun, January 4, 2026 | Festival Day 3 (classical chess) |
| Mon, January 5, 2026 | Festival Day 4 (classical chess), Blitz & Closing |
(Exact round times are posted by the organizer; if not published, times are omitted.)
📝 Registration
How to enter: use the club website for announcements, entry instructions, and start lists. https://www.schach-feffernitz.com/
Requirements: FIDE ID for A-Group; bring photo ID/federation details for on-site verification.
Check-in: arrive early on Day 1 to complete accreditation before the first round.
Media & data: By entering, players consent to the publication of pairings, results, photos, and rating submissions.
👥 Organizer
SV Raika Rapid Feffernitz (Sektion Schach) runs the Winteropen with experienced arbiters and a player-friendly setup in the Freizeitzentrum. For practical questions, use the contact options provided on the club website.
Website: https://www.schach-feffernitz.com/
🏨 Venue
Freizeitzentrum Feffernitz – Mühlenweg 32, 9710 Feistritz/Drau (Paternion), Austria
A bright municipal multi-purpose hall with ample space for classical and blitz rounds, centrally located in Feffernitz with nearby parking and straightforward access from the railway station and motorway exits.
🛎️ Accommodation
Feistritz/Drau and nearby Villach offer hotels and guesthouses within a short drive; book early for New Year dates. The organizer can provide local tips via the club website.
🚗 How to Get There
Train: Regional services to Paternion–Feistritz, then a short local transfer to Mühlenweg 32.
Car: From the A10/A2 corridors via Villach, follow signs to Feffernitz / Feistritz/Drau; venue parking is nearby.
Air: Klagenfurt (KLU) or Ljubljana (LJU) with onward rail/car to Feffernitz.
Set your season in motion with focused classical rounds and a friendly festival vibe at the Kärntner Winteropen Feffernitz 2026.