Lavant is a quiet village located at the foot of the north-facing slopes of the Lienz Dolomites. It lies in the Drautal Valley just 8 km from Lienz, the largest town in East Tirol, and has been inhabited since Roman times.
With just 300 residents, it may not appear to be anything special at first sight. But if you dig below the surface you will discover a fascinating history reaching back several millennia. Excavations on the Kirchbichl hill overlooking Lavant have revealed remains of Celtic and early Christian settlements as well as sections of a fortress wall from the 12th century. It seems that this hill was used as a safe haven by different groups of settlers over the ages, including those who lived in nearby Aguntum, the only Roman town on the territory covered by modern-day Tirol. Visitors wishing to learn more about this important Roman settlement can visit the Museum Aguntum in Dölsach on the other side of the valley. As well as archaeological treasures, Lavant also offers a wide range of hiking trails around the Große Keilspitze, at 2,739 m the highest mountain in the area. Golf enthusiasts can practise their chipping, driving and putting to their hearts content at the local 27-hole golf course. In winter, the slopes of the Lienzer Bergbahnen ski area are just a few kilometres away.
With just 300 residents, it may not appear to be anything special at first sight. But if you dig below the surface you will discover a fascinating…
