Schlaiten

The municipality of Schlaiten is located on a terrace above the Iseltal valley.

Altitude: 876 m asl

Schlaiten with its 500 inhabitants is a small municipality, which is made up of the component localities Plone, Gonzach, Mesnerdorf, Bacherdorf, Gantschach and Göriach. The name Schlaiten probably derives from the Proto-Slavic term “Soltina”, which means “swamp”.

In the 13th century mining started flourishing in the municipal area and reached its zenith in the 15th century. The mines in the Michelbachtal valley as well as along the Göriachbach river were kept in service up to the 20th century. For ten years, from 1939 to 1949, Schlaiten compulsorily joined the municipality of Ainet, since 1949 it is again independent. The emblem of Schlaiten illustrates two stylized branches in silver and green forming a cross, referring to the richness in forests and wood. Today the village, located about 150 m above the Iseltal valley, is a pleasant holiday resort.

The municipal area extends up to the ridges of the Deferegger mountain range and provides a large number of MTB and hiking trails. Moreover Schlaiten is located close to the Hohe Tauern National Park. The glaciated mountain tops with the outstanding Grossglockner (3,798 m asl), a mountain that is referred to as the “King of the Eastern Alps”, is impressive seen from the bottom of the valley alone. And if you decide going for a hike in this fabulous world of mountains you can experience the unique landscape from close quarters. Several plant species and animals such as the Alpine salamander, lammergeier and marmot find a protected habitat in this area and can also be observed.

Our recommendation: of course you have to make an excursion into the National Park Hohe Tauern! Great mountain lakes, impressive waterfalls and alpine pastures in idyllic position are waiting to be experienced.