LATSCH/LACES
The apple orchards of South Tyrol surround the lively centre of Laces. Here, in the heart of the Venosta Valley at an altitude of 639 m, is where the mild Mediterranean-Alpine Adige Valley meets the dry and sunny climate of Monte Sole. Gradually, Laces became a major fruit-production centre, as well as a centre for tourism and the retail trade.
In Laces, there are also a wide range of recreational activities and cultural itineraries. Besides the numerous churches and old farms, there are relics of prehistoric times. There is a wealth of information available for those interested in culture such as guided tours to historical castles and old churches.
Besides culture, there is also a broad spectrum of recreational and sporting activities, such as the Aqua Forum in Laces. Both experienced and amateur cyclists and hikers will find an intricate network of well-marked trails with several rest stops around Laces.
GOLDRAIN/COLDRANO
Northwest of Laces/Latsch, at the foot of Monte Sole in the Venosta Valley, lies the locality of Coldrano – an idyllic tourist destination with a population of 910 inhabitants. As tradition has it, its name is evocative of the "golden ditch" located beneath the ruins of the old Laggar mountain farmstead. Coldrano is known for its castle, one of the few remaining Renaissance buildings in South Tyrol, which today serves as a training centre. In its shadow, close to the Adige River, is the "Kräuterschlössl" organic farm, generically known as “Südtiroler Kräutergold”. The farm is open to visitors.
MORTER
Situated at 729 meters above sea level, the village of Morter is linked to Laces and, with its 750 inhabitants, is regarded as the gateway to the nearby Stelvio National Park. This settlement was already recorded in documents dating back to the ninth century under the name, ‘Villa Mortario’ ("place of the mortar producers"). At Morter, one comes across the remnants of a rich history: old buildings and ruins, such as those of the castles of Montani di Sopra and Montani di Sotto and edifices dating back to the Renaissance, such as the Chapel of St. Stephen and the Church of San Vigilio – which is open to visitors. The sheer tranquillity and beauty of the landscape inspire long walks and hikes in the area.
TARSCH/TARRES
In the same way as a number of other localities located on Monte Tramontana mountain, the forest extends right to the edge of the centre of Tarres/Tarsch. In this village of 690 inhabitants situated at 800 m above sea level, there is the fossilised flow-cone of an ancient stream of torrential lava, which is clearly visible from a distance and constitutes a geological landmark in the Venosta Valley. From Tarres, visitors can reach the pasture on foot before reaching Laces/Latsch, with its numerous scenic hiking trails and stunning natural landscape.
ST. MARTIN IM KOFEL/SAN MARTINO IN MONTE
With a population of just 120 inhabitants, the sanctuary of St. Martino in Monte/St. Martin im Kofel is one of the most attractive localities in the Venosta Valley. At just a short distance from Laces/Latsch, this hiking paradise is easily accessible by cableway.
The climb from Laces to St. Martin in Monte is one of the most exhilarating Speed-hiking routes in the Venosta Valley. There are a number of well-frequented and relatively easy hiking routes that pass St. Martino in Monte, such as the high altitude scenic trail along Monte Sole running through St. Martino in Silandro, capital of the Venosta Valley, via the "Egg" and "Forra" farms and then the fortresses of Annaberg and Schlandersberg. The St. Martin in Monte high mountain plateau can also be crossed in winter thanks to its position on Monte Sole mountain, where snowfall is rare.
