Discover Zlan: Church, Goldeck and Hiking Trails

Zlan combines a distinctive chapter of Carinthian church and organ history with scenic trails leading into the mountain landscape. The Protestant church is the second-largest Protestant church building in Carinthia. At the same time, routes and excursion destinations from Zlan lead in the direction of Goldeck. Those looking for a holiday combining culture, scenery and active pursuits can bring together different ideas for day trips here.

Church, Organ and Musical History

The Protestant church in Zlan is noteworthy not only because of its size. The pulpit and altar come from Villach's main church, St. Jakob, giving the building a special historical connection. The furnishings also include the historically significant “Ladstätter organ”. It was rededicated in August 2025 after its renovation.

The Zlan organ was built by organ maker Jakob Ladstätter. It has 28 stops across four manuals and a pedal, and was the largest organ in Carinthia. This gives the church a tangible point of interest for travellers who are interested not only in landscapes but also in architectural history, religious art and music. The Sängerrunde Zlan choir sings at celebrations and in the church, adding a local musical tradition to this cultural impression.

Into the Mountain Landscape via the Goldeck Panorama Road

An important connection between Zlan and the surrounding landscape is the Goldeck Panorama Road in Zlan-Stockenboi. It is a scenic excursion road measuring 14.5 km in length. Its route leads to the “Seetal” terminal car park at an altitude of 1,900 m. From the road, there are views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The “Seetal” terminal car park is a starting point for hiking and experiencing the mountain landscape. This means an excursion can be structured in different ways: the panorama road represents a drive through the landscape, while hiking and experiencing nature can take centre stage at the destination. Take the length of the road and the altitude of the terminal car park into account when planning your day.

Hiking Ideas around Zlan and Goldeck

For a tour starting in the village, the Zlan – Edlerweg – old Goldeck Road – Zlan circular route is a good option. From Zlan, it leads past the Protestant church via the Edlerweg and along the old Goldeck Road back to Zlan. The named sections of the route make it particularly interesting for anyone wishing to explore Zlan on foot while also discovering the historical connection to the old Goldeck Road.

The distinctive Goldeck summit can also be reached via a leisurely hiking trail. This creates a range of options: a loop along trails around Zlan, a panoramic drive followed by a stay at Seetal, or a hike towards the summit. Which option suits your holiday depends on whether you want to focus more on local history, the views or the mountain landscape.

A Suitable Base for Planning Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Zlan, you can use your preferred daily routine as a guide. Travellers who want to combine cultural discoveries with the circular route will plan differently from those who mainly want to experience the Goldeck Panorama Road and hiking at Seetal. Zlan is therefore a particularly interesting place to search when different interests are to be combined within one trip. When choosing your accommodation, consider which focus is most important for your journey.

More Places to Explore

For further trip planning, you can also visit Sankt Jakob Im Rosental, Gorintschach, Treffen Am Ossiacher See, Goritschach, Schloß Treffen, Faak Am See, Sankt Andrä and Sankt Magdalen.

To the higher-level travel overview: Villach.