Traditional mountain farms and alpine pastures, warm hospitality and mighty three-thousanders. The unspoilt Pfelderer Tal/Val di Plan divides the Naturpark Texelgruppe/Parco Naturale Gruppo di Tessa from the ice giants of the Ötztaler Alpen/Alpi Venoste on the main Alpine watershed. In the heart of this mountain landscape, our circular hike gradually ascends to the Lazins dairy hut (Lazinser Alm) at the head of the valley.
Our hike begins in the village of Pfelders/Plan. The route passes by the hamlet of Zeppichl along a narrow farm access road towards the highest permanent settlement in Passeiertal/Val Passiria, the Lazins dairy hut, at 1780 metres above sea level. This former fiefdom of the Prince-Bishop of Bressanone was first mentioned in the 12th century; as a Schwaighof – a type of livestock farm – it played a prominent role in this upper alpine valley.
Our path follows the stream up the valley, ascending slightly at first, and then relatively flat, as far as the Lazins dairy hut, where we take a break and strengthen ourselves with local delicacies. Then we head down the valley again on path no. 24 (Meraner Höhenweg/Alta Via Meranese) back to Pfelders/Plan.
Info:
Route rating/description: easy hike
Mountain range: between the Texelgruppe/Gruppo di Tessa and the Ötztaler Alpen/Alpi Venoste
Length: approx. 8.5 km
Time: 2 ½ hours
Highest point: 1860m
Elevation gain: 250m
Ideal time of year: May to October