Laastadt combines a clearly identifiable geographical destination with natural and cultural attractions: this is where Carinthia’s centre is located, where the Candelabra Spruce stands, and where you can encounter rural culture on hikes and at the museum.

Hiking to the Centre and on a Circular Route

The geographical centre of Carinthia is in the municipality of Arriach, more precisely in the village of Laastadt. The Centre Trail starts at the village square in Arriach, passes through Laastadt and ends at the centre. This clearly identifies both the starting point and the destination: the village square is in Arriach, while the geographical point is in Laastadt. The trail is moderately difficult; walking time is about 3.5 hours, including the return journey.

The Arriach Farm Hiking Trail offers a different experience: it is a moderately difficult, well-marked circular trail with a walking time of about 4.5 hours. Compared with the Centre Trail’s approximately 3.5 hours, this is about an hour longer. Both trails are rated moderately difficult; the clear difference lies in the destination and route type: the Centre Trail leads to the geographical centre, while the Farm Hiking Trail is a loop. When planning your day, allow extra time for stops at the rest areas, water play areas or Kneipp facilities, in addition to the walking time.

Candelabra Spruce: Natural Monument and Boundary Tree

The seven-topped Candelabra Spruce near the Seiterkeusche in Laastadt is a natural monument and a resting place on the Arriach Farm Hiking Trail. The tree is about 500 years old; more than 400 years ago, it was already mentioned in a document as a boundary tree. The two dates answer different questions: around 500 years describes the spruce’s approximate age, while the earlier mention records its role as a boundary tree. This tree thus combines a resting place along the route with a historical feature.

Rural Culture Along the Way

Along the Arriach Farm Hiking Trail, you’ll find elements of rural culture and interactive information boards. There are also rest areas, water play areas and Kneipp facilities, a rural museum and a snack stop. The loop therefore combines the hiking trail with stops that appeal to different interests: culture, information, breaks, water play or Kneipp treatments. If you’re choosing based on more than just walking time, these features are a clear difference from the Centre Trail’s destination-focused route.

The Moser Museum in Laastadt is a rural museum where you can see numerous agricultural implements from the past. It focuses on objects used in agriculture; the Farm Hiking Trail also features elements of rural culture and interactive information boards. Laastadt therefore offers both a specific collection focus and cultural stops along the loop.

Llamas in Laastadt

You can watch or book llamas at the Jobst-Ofner family’s property at Laastadt 33. If you’d like to include this option in your plans, check what’s available before you travel.

Your options are clear: the Centre Trail leads to a geographically defined destination and has the shorter stated walking time; the Farm Hiking Trail is the longer, well-marked loop, with rural and cultural features as well as practical facilities along the way. The Candelabra Spruce is a natural monument and resting place on this loop. Choose based on whether you’d rather head for the centre or focus on the stops along a circular hike.

Discover more destinations: Afritz, Fresach, Arnoldstein, Äußere Einöde, Zlan, Arriach, Gummern, Feistritz An Der Drau

Return to the main travel overview: Villach.