The Earth Pyramids, a special natural monument above Perca, are the landmark of Plata
Image gallery: Plata di Perca
There is a village called Plata near Falzes and a second one above Perca. Both are situated at roughly the same altitude, share the same German name - Platten - and are small mountain hamlets on the green slopes of the Val Pusteria. But one thing distinguishes Plata near Perca from its namesake: its Earth Pyramids. You can admire these special erosion phenomena in only a few places in South Tyrol. A hiking trail of about 45 minutes leads you from Plata to a wooden viewing platform. The excursion is well-suited for families and is appealing at any time of year.
In winter, the capstone that protects the earth pillar is often topped by a cap of snow. The Plata Earth Pyramids are located on the edge of the large Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park, which extends into the Valle Aurina and to Lake Anterselva. This protected area is home to golden eagles and marmots, badgers and pine martens, as well as roe deer and foxes.
You can combine the hike to the Earth Pyramids with a culinary detour to the Gönner Hut, which was named "South Tyrol's Most Popular Hut" a few years ago. The wooden building at the foot of Mt. Montone at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres, is also a popular destination for mountain bikers and provides an e-bike charging station. Due to its altitude, Plata is often deep in snow in winter. The cleared paths are then ideal for winter hikes, which you can also do on snowshoes.
There is no bus stop directly in Plata, but the village bus stops in the neighbouring hamlet of Vila di Sopra. It takes you to the train station in Perca, where the Val Pusteria Railway trains run and, right next door, the lifts to the Plan de Corones hiking and skiing area start.
