Laudes

In the small Laudes Local Museum you can dive into the way of life, customs, traditions and work in the Val Venosta valley

Map See map
19/04/2024 -2° +8° Weekly weather forecast
See video
Video : Malles
D_9079-laatsch-bei-mals-im-vinschgau.JPG

Laudes stretches along the edge of the Piana di Malles, which is also indicated by the village name: It was mentioned as early as the 12th century as “Laude” (from the Latin latus, which means side).
Foto: AT, © Peer
D_9043-mals-ortschaft-laatsch-malles-frazione-laudes.JPG

The new parish church on the right bank of the Adige River is dedicated to St. Lucius of Chur - legends say he was the brother of St. Emerita.
Foto: AT, © Peer
D_9044-alter-kirchturm-laatsch.JPG

Only the Romanesque tower at the cemetery still remains of the old church, which once became too small for the quickly growing population.
Foto: AT, © Peer
D_9049-laatsch-bei-mals-heimatmuseum.JPG

Right next to it, the barn of the rectory houses a very special folklore museum: the small Laudes Local Museum (Heimatmuseum Laatsch).
Foto: AT, © Peer
D_5530_Mals-Laatsch.JPG

The other towers belong to the Churches of St. Leonard and St. Caesarius (not visible here) - the Val Venosta Cycle Path leads directly past Laudes.
Foto: EMS, © Peer
D_9047-laatsch-bei-mals-dorfzentrum.JPG

The idyllic village centre is usually quiet, except during the Laatscher Fasnacht, the local Carnival which is celebrated with a parade and ends with the Carnival Funeral every second year.
Foto: AT, © Peer
D_9053-laatsch-bei-mals-dorfzentrum-muehle.JPG

The old Sandbichl Mill has existed since the 13th century: It was used by small farmers and craftsmen and has now been renovated.
Foto: AT, © Peer
D_9142-stundenweg-oberhalb-von-laatsch.JPG

The Hours’ Trail known as Stundenweg runs above Laudes to the Monte Maria Monastery near Burgusio: The hike takes 3.5 to 4 hours.
Foto: AT, © Peer
D_4098-marillenkuchen-in-laatsch-mals-bei-muehlradl.JPG

Sometimes you just need a break with coffee and cake in the sun, which cyclists and hikers also like to do in Laudes in the Upper Val Venosta.
Foto: AT, © Peer
D_4722-laatsch-mals-winter.JPG

Laudes (Laatsch) in winter, dominated by its two church towers: The ski bus up to Mt. Watles also stops in the village at the Lamm tavern.
Foto: AT, © Peer
D_6458-laatsch-bei-mals-winter.JPG

View from Mt. Watles on Laudes, the Malles Ski Area with its 18 km of pistes and the sledge run, which is part of the Ortles Ski Arena.
Foto: AT, © Peer

Close to Laudes:
offer 7 nights from 1.162 € per person

Where the Val Müstair branches off from the Val Venosta towards Switzerland lies the village of Laudes. It is part of the spacious municipality of Malles Venosta, a peaceful little village with an agriculture-based centre. It lies below the Cima di Tella, a foothill of the Sesvenna Alps, and has three churches for those interested in culture: the Parish Church of St. Lucius and the Church of St. Leonard with the Schnatterpeck Altar, which can be admired on a guided tour. In addition, there is the Church of St. Caesarius on the southern edge of the village. The Adige River flows past Laudes on its way from the Passo Resia to the Adriatic Sea and divides the village.

The Malles city bus and the hiking buses in summer connect the individual villages of Malles Venosta and make excursions all the more comfortable and relaxing. A recommended hike is the Hours' Trail from monastery to monastery, which once connected the Swiss World Heritage Site of St. John in Müstair with the Monte Maria Monastery in Burgusio. While the Swiss section to Laudes has been permanently closed due to the continuing danger of rockfalls, the section from Laudes to Monte Maria is a spiritual experience with a particularly delightful destination: the highest located Benedictine Abbey in Europe with its Monastery Museum and the old crypt.

If you prefer cycling excursions, the bike tour to the Engadine via the Forno Pass is a challenge for your fitness. Since Laudes and Switzerland are connected by the PostBus network, it is also possible to return by bus after the one-day tour. In winter, the Malles Ski Area on Mt. Watles can be reached in a short drive. By the way: Please do not confuse Laudes (Laatsch, in German) with the better-known Laces (Latsch), which is a separate municipality in the Lower Val Venosta.

Suggest an edit/correction