Laastadt: Hiking to the Center of Carinthia

The Center Trail leads through Laastadt to the geographical center of Carinthia; the Arriach Farmstead Hiking Trail offers a different focus as a circular route featuring elements of rural culture. Other local highlights include the seven-topped candelabra spruce and the Moser Museum. If you choose Laastadt as your destination, the route type, approximate walking time and thematic highlights can help you select activities for your stay.

Hiking to the Geographical Center

The Center Trail starts at the village square in Arriach, passes through Laastadt and reaches the geographical center of Carinthia. This lies in the municipality of Arriach, in the village of Laastadt. The trail is moderately difficult; the walking time is about 3.5 hours, including the return journey. The time estimate therefore applies to the complete hike, not just the section leading to the center. If you include this destination in your plans, allow for the full approximate walking time.

The Candelabra Spruce and the Route

In Laastadt, not far from the Seiterkeusche, stands the seven-topped candelabra spruce, a natural monument. It is estimated to be about 500 years old; more than 400 years ago, it was already mentioned in a document as a boundary tree. These details shed light on different aspects: its age is approximate, while the historical reference records its connection to a boundary tree. The spruce is a resting place on the Arriach Farmstead Hiking Trail. The descent section of the Carinthia Center Route also passes it; this section then follows a paved road past the hamlet of Laastadt to Arriach.

The Arriach Farmstead Hiking Trail

The Arriach Farmstead Hiking Trail is a moderately difficult, well-marked circular trail with a walking time of about 4.5 hours. Along the route, there are elements of rural culture and interactive panels. There are also rest areas, water play and Kneipp areas, a rural museum and a snack station. If you want to include rural culture and several named stops in your choice of hike, this circular trail offers a specific way to do so.

Museum and Llamas

The Moser Museum in Laastadt is a farming museum displaying numerous agricultural implements from times gone by. Historical implements are the focus here; the candelabra spruce offers a different connection to nature and history. Llamas can be observed or booked at the Jobst-Ofner family’s home at Laastadt 33. Confirm any planned booking arrangements before your trip.

Comparing the Hikes

Both the destination and the route type matter when choosing a day’s hike: the Center Trail leads to a geographical destination, while the Farmstead Hiking Trail is a loop. Both trails are moderately difficult; the approximate walking times are about 3.5 hours including the return journey and 4.5 hours, respectively. According to these estimates, the Farmstead Hiking Trail takes about an hour longer. This difference is a rough guide, not an exact time difference. Consider whether reaching the center or taking a circular route with the named stops is more important to you.

Discover more destinations: Landskron, Sankt Andrä, St. Egyden, Nötsch Im Gailtal, Gschriet, Drobollach Am Faakersee, Weißenstein, Kerschdorf.

For the broader travel overview: Villach.