Lavant: Roman Traces on Kirchbichl Hill

Lavant combines a striking landscape with a wealth of historical traces. Lavant’s Kirchbichl Hill rises to 810 metres and is surrounded by deep ravines on three sides; it is accessible only from the northeast. Two large Roman houses have been preserved under a protective roof on Kirchbichl Hill. Churches and archaeological finds also point to other eras. Exploring Lavant therefore brings visitors into contact with a range of historical themes rather than just one period.

Archaeological Traces and Churches in Lavant

Archaeological investigations beneath the parish and pilgrimage church of St. Ulrich revealed an early Christian predecessor church, which can be dated to the 5th century. Remains of the early Christian cathedral church lie west of the parish and pilgrimage church. The gate complex on Lavant’s Kirchbichl Hill is also an archaeological landmark: its construction is dated no earlier than the period from the 4th to the 6th century AD.

St. Ulrich represents a much later phase of construction. The church acquired its present appearance through extensive Baroque renovations around 1770. At the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, some of the exterior walls are made of Roman marble stones. These details offer different starting points for exploring both archaeological finds and the architectural history of the churches during a stay.

Museum and Historical Periods

The exhibits at the Lavant Museum span the period from the Bronze Age to the Gothic era. They include pottery dating to around 1600 BC; Gothic exhibits include frescoes and architectural elements from the 15th-century parish church of St. Ulrich. These two examples offer specific historical reference points: the pottery and Gothic church elements represent periods far apart in time. Visitors who enjoy discovering history through tangible objects can compare these different eras. The Lavant Archaeological Exhibition Room is located at the foot of Kirchbichl Hill, beneath the mortuary hall.

Forest Trail, Cross-Country Ski Trail and Surroundings

There are different ways to enjoy the outdoors, too. The Lavant Forest Trail begins in Wacht, a district of the municipality of Lavant. It first follows a wide gravel path, then a narrower, easy-to-walk trail to the Frauenbach Waterfall. Access may be restricted to certain times due to military exercises. Please check the access times applicable to your visit before planning your walk.

The “Lavant Loop” cross-country ski trail is five kilometres long. It has artificial snow cover and lighting along its entire length. This offers two clearly different ways to experience the surroundings: the waterfall is the destination of the forest trail, while the ski trail is a named loop for cross-country skiing. The Drau Cycle Path also runs along the banks of the Drau towards Carinthia in the area around Lavant.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Lavant, the kind of trip you have in mind can be a useful starting point. If you are particularly interested in archaeology and church architecture, Kirchbichl Hill, St. Ulrich and the museum exhibits offer a range of historical points of interest. For active days, the route to the Frauenbach Waterfall and the cross-country ski trail are two different options; if you choose the forest trail, bear in mind that access may be restricted at certain times.

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For the main travel overview: Lienz.