It is a precious habitat, home to both people and wildlife – a place where we can breathe deeply and reconnect with ourselves. And it is exactly this space we want to protect. How, you might ask?
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.
Categories
Hiking
Other hikes
Route data
Intermediate
Distance
8,0 km
Duration
3 h
20 min
Ascent
790 m
Decent
453 m
Technical skills
Physical condition
Scenary
Highest point
1.318 m
Lowest point
527 m
Suggestions
The Villanders mine can be visited from about mid/end April until the beginning of November on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30 am & 2.30 pm and on Sundays at 10.30 am (only guided tours).
public transportation
Getting to the starting point of the tour or point of interest by public transport is easy and convenient.
How to get there
Leave the motorway at Klausen and take the first exit at the first roundabout. At the next roundabout, take the second exit and follow the road until you reach the petrol station. Turn left just after the petrol station to reach the paid car park.
To reach Villanders, continue straight ahead after the petrol station. After the tunnel, turn right towards Villanders and continue to the village centre. At the Despar supermarket, turn right towards the Villanders Alpine Pasture and follow the road to the Saltnerstein car park near the Gasserhütte.
Where to park
Parking possible in Klausen at the market parking lot or at the busstation and Villanders sports zone.
