Discover Lajen: History, Trails and Raschötz

Cultural history in Laion

The Minnehus Museum in Laion is dedicated to Walther von der Vogelweide as a central figure of the Middle Ages; access is barrier-free. If you include accessibility in your planning, this cultural site deserves special attention.

History as a family trail

The adventure trail in Laion is designed as a family trail and, with stations and playgrounds, takes you on a journey through time from the Stone Age and ancient Rome through the Middle Ages to the modern era. For families who want to explore different periods along the way, it combines physical activity with a clear historical sequence.

Churches and village character

The Church of Our Lady in Laion was first mentioned in 1147. The present building is late Gothic and dates from the 15th century. The parish church of St Peter is a landmark of Laion and can be recognised from afar by its red Baroque onion dome. The two churches each offer distinct historical and architectural features.

Walther von der Vogelweide

The Vogelweiderhof farm in Novale di Laion is considered the presumed birthplace of the poet and minnesinger Walther von der Vogelweide, who is said to have been born there in 1170. The presumed birthplace can be visited by arrangement with the Mair family. This cautious classification remains important: it states the historical claim precisely without presenting the assumption as an established fact.

An easy trail between the valleys

The historic and easy Postweg trail connects Laion with St Peter and Val Gardena. It begins at the Baumann bus stop in Laion, passes the Ploner butcher's shop and continues in the direction of Ceves. Its combination of trail history and a specific route is well suited to travel planning that combines an easy hike with local orientation.

Raschötz and panoramic views

Raschötz is Laion's local mountain and landmark. A hike to Raschötz offers panoramic views from the largely unspoilt alpine pasture across the southern Isarco Valley, Val Gardena, the Odle peaks, the Sella massif, the Marmolada Glacier, the Langkofel group and the Schlern. This places the open mountain landscape and its far-reaching vistas at the centre of your experience.

Choose the right pace for your trip

When choosing a hotel for your holiday in Lajen, you can use your preferred focus as a benchmark: culture and architecture, a family experience, a mountain hike with panoramic views or a bike tour through changing terrain each call for a different daily itinerary. This allows your accommodation choice to be aligned with your own travel rhythm.

Cycling through varied terrain

The Laion bike tour also passes through varied terrain, with meadow and forest sections as well as climbs, descents and flatter stretches. It also offers panoramic views and shaded sections. For planning your excursion, this results in a route that alternates between different types of terrain.

More destinations for planning your trip

More destinations for planning your trip: Barbian, Rodeneck, Mühlbach, Villanders, Natz-Schabs, Lüsen, Klausen and Meransen.

For the higher-level travel overview: Isarco Valley.