To the Villanders mine

From Klausen to the Villander mine and on to Villandro village.

This hike is not only interesting for amateur mineralogists, but it is also very rewarding scenically. The Villanders mine was one of the best known and most profitable mines in Tyrol and it dates back to the 12th century.

The hike starts in the center of Klausen from the main square "Auf der Frag". Go through the underpass of the main road, pass Fragburg Manor and then cross the Villanderer Road. This is where the "Erzweg" trail begins - once used by miners to transport ore rock on sledges from the mine in Villanders to the ore shed on Frag in Klausen/Chiusa - first steeply uphill to Johannser (764 m). Just above Johannser you reach the path with the blue-white markings and climb steeply for about 1 hour until you reach the menhir. The menhir - a prehistoric stone with cult significance, usually found near a burial site - near Moar in Ums is about 3 m high. It is probably connected to an ancient high path through the Eisack Valley. Now continue to the picturesque St. Anne's Church (1133 m), which was built in 1736 in its current form. From here, walk for 1 hour along trail no. 3 to the Villanders/Villandro mine (1250 m). To get to the village of Villanders/Villandro, walk for another hour along the marked trail no. 3B/3 to the road and then in a few minutes you will reach the village. The hike can also be started from Villanders/Villandro to Chiusa/Chiusa.