The settlement area of Schlaiten lies almost entirely on a terrace southwest of the Isel, about 150 metres above the floor of the Isel Valley. This gives the village a clearly defined setting in the landscape. At the same time, several distinct themes are available for a stay: a named panoramic trail, the history of the parish church, a prominent mountain and a trail near the Isel. Which of these you choose to focus on will shape your plans.
Panoramic trail between a waterfall and cultural sites
The Schlaiten panoramic and adventure trail leads from the village square to Daberer Waterfall. It passes the Gridling farmstead, known as an old miners’ house dating from the 16th century. The trail also leads to the “Good Shepherd” forest chapel. The route therefore brings together a scenic destination, a farmstead with a historical context and a religious site.
Choosing the trail based on your interests lets you weigh up its different highlights: the waterfall as a named destination, Gridling with its description as a miners’ house, or the forest chapel. This combination distinguishes the panoramic and adventure trail from a single attraction and gives you several specific points of interest to plan around.
Pilgrimage history and church art
After it was enlarged, Schlaiten Parish Church was dedicated to Saint Paul in 1658. Schlaiten then became a much-visited pilgrimage site, especially for people from Upper Carinthia. The Baroque high altar dates from 1735 and was built by Johann Paterer. This makes it possible to distinguish the church’s 17th-century dedication and pilgrimage history from the later altar work.
On the west side of the parish church, at the edge of the cemetery, is the “Nothelfergang” arcade, or “Helpers in Need Walk”. It comprises 15 niches as well as statues of Saint Paul and the 14 Holy Helpers. The high altar and the arcade offer different points of interest in the same church: a Baroque work on the one hand, and a series of niches and statues of saints on the other.
The Chapel of Saints Chrysanthus and Daria offers another comparison in terms of period and style. Its high altar is Neo-Romanesque and dates from 1888. Compared with the Baroque altar in the parish church, it is a later work in a different style. Those interested in religious architecture can thus compare two specific altar examples by their dates and styles.
Landscape between Bockstein and the Isel
At 2,805 metres, Bockstein is the highest point in the municipality of Schlaiten and is considered a popular viewpoint mountain. The Isel Trail offers a different way to experience the landscape: between Schlaiten and St. Johann im Walde, it runs very close to the Isel, mostly along the river’s embankment. These descriptions point to different interests: Bockstein is a high mountain known for its views, while the Isel Trail is a route near the river. This distinction can help you align your travel plans with the landscape that interests you most.
Village square and events
Festivals, celebrations and events take place at the village square throughout the year, including the Schlipfkrapfen Festival. The square is also the starting point of the panoramic and adventure trail. It therefore has two distinct roles: it is a reference point for the trail and a venue for local events. If you would like to plan your stay around the Schlipfkrapfen Festival, check the event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: St. Veit in Defereggen, Iselsberg-Stronach, St. Johann im Walde, Assling, Tristach, Ainet, Sillian, Nikolsdorf.
For the overview of the wider region: Lienz.
