A castle with two distinctive towers, a carriage museum with around 100 vehicles and a thermal spa with water and sauna areas each offer something different in Laa an der Thaya. Local history, exercise and nature provide a range of options for planning your stay.
Castle history and collections
Laa Castle was built in the 13th century. Its architectural features include a butter-churn-shaped tower and a low, square defensive tower. The access rules in force since 2018 provided for public access to the butter-churn-shaped tower and the castle courtyard every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before visiting, check whether access is currently possible.
Laa's parish church also offers a distinct perspective on architectural history: it is one of the district's significant late Romanesque churches, and its apse is of art-historical interest. Visiting the church and the castle brings together two different aspects of local architecture.
The carriage museum displays around 100 vehicles dating from approximately 1740 onward across 1,000 m². Historical clothing and travel accessories complement the collection. So the focus is not only on vehicles, but also on items that were part of historical travel equipment.
The beer museum is located in one part of Laa Castle. Its collection of memorabilia explores the history of brewing in Laa from its beginnings to the present day.
Thermal bathing, cycling and exploring the town
Therme Laa offers extensive water areas, a sauna world, Austria's first family textile sauna and daily fitness and activity programmes. Alongside the historical collections, this offers a distinct focus on water, saunas and exercise.
The Veltliner Wine Cycle Route is a clearly described option for a bike ride: this 76.34-kilometre circular route starts and ends at the thermal spa hotel in Laa an der Thaya. Another way to get active is “Laa – Route 2, It Does Me Good,” a running and Nordic walking route. It starts and finishes by the bicycle shelter beside the main entrance of the Therme Laa – Hotel & Silent Spa.
The “Through Historic Laa” programme offers several ways to explore the town: a town-wall circular route with ten stops, a guided historical town walk, a bus tour and a night watchman tour. You can choose between a route with stops, a walking tour, a bus tour and a night watchman tour.
Nature and annual events
The Laa Jungle is a well-preserved natural area along the Thaya-MĂĽhlbach, suitable for walks and home to protected animal and plant species. It provides a nature-focused option alongside the town's architecture, collections and activities.
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, check the specific event dates. This lets you factor the annual event into your stay without conflating it with the town's year-round range of cultural and activity options.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Municipality of Ulrichskirchen-Schleinbach, Nodendorf, Röhrabrunn, Poysdorf, Großengersdorf, Großebersdorf, Drasenhofen, Pottenhofen.
Back to the main travel overview: Mistelbach.
