Große Laugenspitze/Monte Luco: Sensational Vistas from the top
Challenging mountain hike via the attractive Laugensee/Lago di Luco with a stop at a cosy restaurant and 360° views across South Tyrol. The dramatic twin peaks Großer Laugen/Monte Luco and Kleiner Laugen/Piccolo Luco can now be accessed via several hiking paths between Ultental/Val d’Ultimo and Deutschnonsberg/upper Val di Non. Our destination is the higher peak which we approach via the Gampenpass/Passo Palade (1518 m) along the rocky south-eastern ridge.
The interesting geological structure of this mountain is ascribed to its volcanic origins and its deformation due to the ice age glaciers. As we climb, we pass by the cosy Laugen dairy hut (Laugenalm) and the attractive Laugensee/Lago di Luco and head up the steep slope to the summit.
The summit of the Großer Laugen/Monte Luco (2434 m) offers an outstanding view of the Texelgruppe/Gruppo di Tessa in the north and the Ortler Alpen/Gruppo Ortles-Cevedale in the west. The Maddalene, Presanella and Adamello glaciers are almost within reach; the Brenta Dolomites lie to the east. We descend via an alternative path to the Laugen dairy hut, where we indulge in a welcoming refreshment break and then continue on to the Gampenpass/Passo Palade.
Info:
Route rating/description: challenging mountain hike
Mountain range: Ultner Berge/Cresta Val d’Ultimo
Length: 9 km
Time: 5 ½ hours
Highest point: 2434 m
Elevation gain: 900 m
Ideal time of year: May to October
