19 Historic Laces Mountain Slope

Course: Laces (Start) ➔ Roundabout/Sonnenberg ➔ Platzer Kirchsteig (No. 8) ➔ Untere Grüblplatte ➔ Wayside cross / Rock outcrop ➔ Klumperplatte Dolmen ➔ Pfraum Farm ➔ Latschanderwaal ➔ Laces (Destination)

This circular hike leads you along the sun-drenched, steppe-like slopes of the Laces mountain. In addition to fantastic views over the valley, you will encounter intriguing archaeological discoveries such as ancient cup-marked stones and a prehistoric dolmen tomb. You start in Laces and cross the Adige bridge heading east. At the roundabout, cross the main road carefully and ascend the Sonnenberg slope until you reach the Latschanderwaal. From there, the historic Platzer Kirchsteig trail (Path No. 8) branches off to the right, leading you steadily uphill in a northeastern direction. You will pass the "Untere Grüblplatte" meadows, home to mysterious prehistoric cup-marked stones. After about an hour of hiking, you will reach an old wayside cross and, immediately after, a prominent rocky outcrop offering sweeping views. Just past this stony ledge, a trail branches off towards Castelbello. Winding down in several switchbacks, the path passes a historic "waterbed" (an old water channel) and leads to the so-called Klumperplatte – an impressive prehistoric dolmen tomb. Continuing your descent, you will reach the idyllic Pfraum farmstead (656 m). Shortly after the farm, you will rejoin the flat Latschanderwaal trail. Follow this path heading west for a highly relaxed walk back to Laces, accompanied by the soothing sound of flowing water. (Alternatively, you can return from Castelbello via public bus or the Val Venosta railway).