The municipality of Lajen in lower Eisacktal valley lies on a sun-drenched mountain slope east of Klausen right at the start of the valley of Gröden. As well as the main village of Lajen at an altitude of 1,100 metres, the parish comprises the villages of Ried, Tanirz, Albions, St. Peter, Tschöfas and Freins. Together with terraces of cultivated fields, scattered hamlets and farms shape the landscape. Raschötz, Lajen's local mountain, has a height of 2,260 metres above sea level and is part of the western Geisler groups of mountains.

Churches and natural monuments
Religion has always played a major role in the lives of Alpine populations. The parish of Lajen has a wealth of churches and shrines, some of which were built in the Middle Ages. The neoclassical parish church of Lajen is not quite as old, but just as impressive. The church dedicated to saints Stephen and Laurentius dates back to the 19th century and is also known as the 'cathedral in the mountains' to the locals.
A trip to see the largest chestnut tree in Europe, boasting a girth of nine metres, near Ansitz Lusenegg is also worthwhile.

Exciting past times in the  mountains
The surroundings of Lajen are rich in archaeological finds. A Stone Age hunters' resting spot was discovered on Raschötz mountains. At Wasserbühl near Lajen, excavations revealed Bronze and Ice Age artefacts, pointing to settlements from this time. Local history may be traced back to Roman times: a Roman road with a customs post led through Lajanum, and tools and kilns for making tiles dating back to between the 3rd and 5th centuries were discovered. A menhir from the Copper Age is on display in Lajen village hall.

„Ich saz uf eime Steine...“ 
und dahte bein mit beine..." The author of this sentence from the famous 'Reichsklage' work, the singer Walther von der Vogelweide, is Lajen's most famous citizen. During the 1960s, a caged songbird was incorporated into the municipality coat of arms in his honour. Research disagrees as to the birthplace of this minnesinger, who is the most significant German-speaking poet of the Middle Ages, but the Innervogelweiderhof farm in Ried, which may be visited on prior arrangement, is a distinct possibility on a Farm Holiday in Lajen. The Walther von der Vogelweide circular walk starting in Lajen leads right past the farm. This walk is seven kilometres long and may be done all year round.

Lajen hiking country
Peace, quiet and relaxation may be found in a holiday flat in Lajen as well as on the many walks and paths through the medium-high mountains around the village. An easy walk begins in Lajen and leads via the Poststeig path to St. Ulrich in  Gröden. The name of the path dates back to the time when post was brought to Gröden using this route.
Daredevils will definitely enjoy climbing to the top of Raschötz mountain. The effort of getting there is more than rewarded with wonderful all-round views.  Raschötz mountain provides ideal conditions for relaxed walks between mountain pastures.
Anyone seeking to combine exercise and culture can reach nearby 12th-century Trostburg castle via the Rittersteig route. The late medieval poet and singer, Oswald von Wolkenstein, spent some of his youth here and the castle today houses a museum.
The largest high mountain pastures in Europe, the Seiser Alm, or the ski and hiking area of Gröden are further highlights that may be quickly and easily reached from Lajen.
Lajen also marks the end of the 61-kilometre-long 'Dolorama Weg' path, which begins on the Rodenecker Alm mountain pasture.