Winter hike to Sant’Elena in Val d’Ultimo

Pleasant winter walk to the famous little church above San Pancrazio in the Val d’Ultimo valley

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The starting point of our walk is located at the Monte Mariol. From this place you enjoy a perfect view of the valley.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Along the road we walk towards east, past the beautiful ancient farmsteads of the Val d’Ultimo.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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From this place the path is indicated by the number 5.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Section across the forest. This is where we leave behind the forested road.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Changing weather conditions. The upper Val d’Ultimo valley is befogged.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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It looks like snow falling on the Monte Luco.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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We continue along the winterly path.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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When we reach the Halsmann farm, the weather seems to get better.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The last section of the path to Sant’Elena is lined by stations of the cross,
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Our destination is the Sant’Elena church (1,550 m).
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The little church of the 14th century harkens back on an animated history. The construction is characterised by Baroque elements.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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In the immediate surroundings of Sant’Elena, there is the Helenerpichl tavern, ideal for a stop before you return to your starting point.
Foto: AT, © Peer

The little St. Helena Church is located on the sunny side of the valley. A good opportunity to catch the few sun-rays of this day. From Santa Valburga (alternatively from San Pancrazio village) we drive up the road to the Mariol hill, up to the junction with the road to Innerdurach.

We walk along the little asphalted road, past the beautiful farmsteads of this area, all preserved in their origins. From the road we are able to enjoy the great view on the mountains of the valley, including the the Monte Luco in the Nonsberg Group. We follow the indication no. 5 (St. Helena) that leads us along the road for a while and into the forest further on.

On a snow-covered path we retrace deer, European hares and other small animals. After a 90-minutes' walk we reach Sant'Elena and its church at 1,550 m a.s.l., representing the centre of a romantic ensemble of buildings and at the same time a component locality of San Pancrazio. After a visit to the church, we stop at the Helenerpichl tavern before walking back on the same route.

Author: AT

difficulty: easy