26 To the Platz Farms on the Laces Mountain Slope

Course: Laces Parking (Start) ➔ Latschanderwaal ➔ Platzer Kirchsteig (No. 8) ➔ Untere Grüblplatte (Cup-marked stone) ➔ San Martino Road ➔ Platzhof Tavern (Destination & highest point) ➔ Return via the same route ➔ Laces

This brisk and panoramic mountain hike takes you from the valley floor in Laces up to the historic Platz farms, picturesquely perched on a rocky terrace high up on the Sonnenberg mountain side. Start at the parking lot near the Adige bridge at the eastern exit of Laces. At the roundabout, carefully cross the main Val Venosta road and ascend the hillside until you reach the Latschanderwaal irrigation channel. Right there, the historic Platzer Kirchsteig trail (Path No. 8) branches off to the right. The Kirchsteig trail leads you steadily uphill in a northeastern direction. Along the way, you will pass the "Untere Grüblplatte" meadows, home to a fascinating prehistoric cup-marked stone. Continue following the path upward through the characteristic, arid vegetation of the Sonnenberg until you cross the paved mountain road to San Martino in Monte. On the other side of the road, keep on the same trail, climbing steeply until you finally reach the Platz farmstead (1,228 m) and its welcoming tavern. The return journey follows the same route.