The Minnehus and the Wasserbühl hill are located on the sunny high plateau where the main village of Laion is located
Image gallery: Laion village
The municipality of Laion, with its local mountain, the Rasciesa, stretches from the vineyards of the Valle Isarco up to the alpine pastures of the Val Gardena. On the sunny high plateau, where the Valle Isarco merges into the Val Gardena, you can enjoy expansive views and a peaceful natural landscape. The village is characterised by two churches: the Parish Church of St. Stephen and St. Lawrence with its onion dome, and the late Gothic Church of Our Lady right next to it.
The parish church, one of the largest hall churches in South Tyrol, is also known as the "Cathedral on the Mountain". In the village centre, you will also find the Minnehus, which is dedicated to the minnesinger Walther von der Vogelweide. Here, the Middle Ages meet modern technology: Touchscreens and audio guides take you on an exciting journey into this fascinating era.
Numerous hiking trails extend around Laion village (Lajen Dorf), such as the one around the Wasserbühl. This short circular route leads to an archaeological site on a hill with a prehistoric settlement and on to the Kofler Moos Biotope. It is a popular local recreation area with benches by a wetland meadow and country lanes lined with old stone walls and hedges.
The Post Trail, which also starts in the village, is part of the "In cammino su sentieri antichissimi" (On old paths) trail network and follows the old messenger route between the Valle Isarco and the Val Gardena. The Walther von der Vogelweide Trail is part of the same network. After you have learned more about his life in the Minnehus, you can then see what is believed to be his birthplace.
