Lavanttal

The Lavant Valley lies in the Lavanttal Alps in southern Austria in the eastern part of the state of Carinthia. It covers just under 1,000 km2 and has a population of circa 60,000. The valley derives its name from the Lavant River, which flows through it for 64 km from north to south. It has its source in the border region between Styria and Carinthia, on the Styrian mountain of Zirbitzkogel. Near Lavamünd, in the southernmost part of the Lavant Valley, the Lavant empties into the Drau.

The growing of maize and the rearing of pigs and chickens are the main forms of agriculture in the valley. In the Lower Lavant Valley and the adjacent Granitz Valley there are many orchards, especially of apples used to make cider and schnapps products. Here there are also several meadow orchards. Another speciality is asparagus. The majority of the Carinthian vineyards, only around 20 ha are located in the Lavant Valley.