Lajen: Hiking, Culture and Raschötz

Lajen offers several specific highlights to consider when planning your trip: trails leading to Raschötz, churches and places connected with Walther von der Vogelweide, as well as a family trail through historical periods. If you are looking for a hotel in Lajen, you can first consider which of these interests you would like to shape your stay. Each destination offers a different focus—from an easy historic route to viewpoints and architectural history.

Trails and tours in Lajen

The historic and easy Postweg connects Lajen with St. Peter and the Val Gardena. It starts at the Baumann bus stop in Lajen and passes the Ploner butcher’s shop on the way to Ceves. This gives you both the named connections and a specific starting point to help you find your way on this hike.

The Laion bike tour passes through meadows and woodland, with climbs, descents and flatter sections. It also features panoramic views and shaded stretches. The tours therefore stand out for different reasons: the Postweg is described in terms of its historic connection and easy rating, while the bike tour is characterized by its terrain, route sections, views and shade.

Raschötz and its views

Raschötz is Lajen’s local mountain and landmark. A hike up Raschötz crosses largely unspoilt alpine pastures and offers panoramic views of the southern Eisack Valley, Val Gardena, the Geisler Peaks, the Sella Group, the Marmolada Glacier, the Langkofel Group and the Schlern. The view takes in a variety of sights—valleys, mountain groups and a glacier. This hike is a distinct highlight in your trip planning, alongside the Postweg and the bike tour.

Churches and Walther von der Vogelweide

The Church of Our Lady in Lajen was first mentioned in 1147; the present building is a late Gothic structure dating from the 15th century. The two dates refer to different points in the church’s history: its first mention and the construction of the present building. The parish church of St. Peter is also a landmark of Lajen. Its red Baroque onion dome makes it recognizable from a distance. The churches therefore stand out for different historical and architectural features.

The Minnehus Museum in Lajen is dedicated to Walther von der Vogelweide, a central figure of the Middle Ages, and is wheelchair accessible. The Vogelweiderhof in Novale di Lajen is considered the poet and Minnesinger’s supposed birthplace; he is said to have been born there in 1170. Visits to the farm are possible by arrangement with the Mair family. The museum and the farm offer different ways to explore the subject of Walther: a museum dedicated to him and a farm considered to be his supposed birthplace.

A family trail through historical periods

The adventure trail in Lajen is designed as a family trail. Stations and playgrounds take visitors on a journey through time, from the Stone Age and ancient Rome through the Middle Ages and into modern times. This sequence of historical periods gives the trail its distinctive character: history is brought to life along the route through themed stations and playgrounds. This focus differs from the churches and museum, whose historical connections are tied to specific buildings and places.

Discover more destinations: Brixen, Feldthurns, Villanders, Villnöß, Barbian, Mühlbach, Klausen, Lüsen

Go to the overview of the wider region: Eisack Valley.