Laa an der Thaya: Castle, thermal spa and culture

Laa an der Thaya offers a variety of highlights for a stay: historic buildings and collections, a thermal spa, and outdoor activities. Which of these aspects particularly interests you can help shape your plans. The places and activities differ considerably, from the castle’s towers and historic vehicles to a long circular cycling route.

Castle, church and historic collections

Built in the 13th century, Laa Castle has a butter-churn-shaped tower and a low, square keep. These two towers, described in different ways, make the castle a specific place to visit for anyone interested in architecture and history. The parish church adds to this focus: it is one of the district’s significant late Romanesque churches, and its apse is of art-historical interest.

The Laa Carriage Museum offers a different historical perspective. Across 1,000 square metres, it displays around 100 vehicles dating from approximately 1740 onwards. The collection also includes historic clothing and travel accessories. This takes the focus beyond the vehicles themselves: items associated with clothing and travel are also part of the exhibition. Those wishing to compare different kinds of collections can also visit the Laa Beer Museum in the castle. Located in one part of the castle, it displays valuable collectibles from the history of beer brewing in Laa, from its beginnings to the present day.

The “Through Historic Laa” programme offers several different formats: a town wall trail with ten stops, a guided historical walking tour, a bus tour of the town, and a night watchman tour. This gives you a choice of a trail, a guided walk, a ride or a tour during your stay. If you would like to plan a particular tour or ride, check the relevant dates in advance.

Thermal spa, cycling and nature

The Laa thermal spa offers a different focus from the castle and museums. Its facilities include extensive water areas, a sauna world, Austria’s first family textile sauna, and daily Fit & Active programmes. The facilities and activities mentioned range from water and saunas to daytime programmes. This gives you another option when planning your stay, alongside the town’s historic attractions.

For a longer cycling trip, consider the Veltliner Wine Route, a 76.34-kilometre circular route. It starts and ends at the Therme Hotel in Laa an der Thaya. The distance and circular route provide specific points of reference for planning your ride; no walking or cycling time is specified. This is distinct from “Laa – Route 2, It Does Me Good,” a running and Nordic walking route. Its start and finish are at the bicycle shed next to the main entrance of the Hotel Therme Laa – Hotel & Silent Spa.

The Laa Jungle, a well-preserved natural landscape along the Thaya-Mühlbach, is ideal for walks. Protected animal and plant species are part of the landscape there. A walk, a running or Nordic walking route, and the considerably longer circular cycling route are therefore different ways to include exercise in your stay. The details on distance and start and finish points refer to the specific cycling or running route mentioned.

An annual event in August

The Onion Festival takes place every year in August in the town square of Laa an der Thaya. If you would like to plan your visit around it, you can take this annual event into account and check the specific festival dates in advance.

When choosing a hotel in Laa an der Thaya, you can first decide which themes you want to shape your stay: architectural history and collections, the thermal spa, cycling or walks. The differences between a museum visit, a guided experience of the town and an outdoor tour provide tangible points of reference. The Onion Festival is another point of interest if you are planning a trip in August.

Discover more destinations: Poysdorf, Großebersdorf, Wolkersdorf in Weinviertel, Drasenhofen, Eibesbrunn, Altlichtenwarth, Herrnbaumgarten, Kreuttal.

Go to the main travel overview: Mistelbach.