Leaving the car park in Maso Corto/Kurzras (2,011 m), first of all we go over to the Lazaun cable car station and travel up to Wieshof farm with its small chapel. This is the start of trail no. 4 / A4 (archaeological trail) that goes up through beautiful larch and Swiss pine forests. After about 1.5 hours, we arrive in the Lagauntal Valley, an untouched high mountain valley with a small lake, high mountain moors and rare flora. We follow the ancient water channel for a while into this valley until we reach a signpost indicating archaeological discoveries from the Mesolithic Period, which proves that hunters were already active in this region 8000 years ago. The trail now drops down to Lagaunbach stream which we cross on the wooden bridge. At the next fork, we take a right and continue along trail no. 4. Passing over a moraine slope, the trail continues upwards to a small plateau and on in hairpin fashion, at times very steep, but on solid ground, to the summit cross at Tascheljöchl with the ruins of the Heilbronn hut (2,772 m). The hut belonged to the Heilbronn branch of the German Alpine Association and was burnt to the ground in 1932. In the place of the old hut, the Schlanders Alpine Association built a small shelter in 1999 with a bench and table, inviting people to linger a while. The large Tascheljöchl plateau is the crossing into the Schlandrauntal Valley that leads to Silandro/Schlanders. The view from up here is magnificent, the Weißkugel with its 3,738 m glows from a distance, in the middle is the Grawandspitze, to the right the Similaun and below, the vibrant green of Vernagt reservoir. Descending, we pass by the fork on trail no. 5, always heading towards the reservoir. Going down the hairpin pathway, we come to the quaint Berglalm Mountain Hut (2,214 m) situated on a small lake and open for business. After a short respite and some refreshments, we continue first of all on trail no. 13 and later on trail no. 5, crossing over the Gerstgras lands towards the Lagauntal Valley. On the way into the Lagauntal Valley, there is a striking hole on the left with the distinctive name “bear trap”. You should take a little time for this section of the trail to properly appreciate the wonderful tree population that has been growing here for centuries and that has defied weather and lightning, because these are probably the oldest Swiss pines in South Tyrol. After the bridge over the Lagaunbach stream, we take the trail upwards for a short stretch, passing over the rising trail no. 4, back to the starting point in Maso Corto.

Just 10 minutes walk from Maso Corto/Kurzras is the entrance to trail nr. 7. Slightly ascending, the path leads out of the valley, some parts of the path have an alpine character. Narrow and exposed passages are well developed and secured and can be walked on without danger. The varied landscape makes the tour a fascinating hike.

Hotel/restaurant “Tonzhaus” is above the church in the village of Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau. To the right of the hotel and through an archway, the path leads to the edge of the forest and turns off. Trail no. 17 slopes upwards to the right into the forest and along a pleasant slope, and after about 30 minutes, reaches the proud farmstead Mastaunhof with its shingle roofs at the start of the Mastauntal Valley. Past the farm, the moderately steep trail (17A) that takes us to the mountain pasture Mastaun begins to the right of the stream. Here too, the flat, cleared valley floor is lined with mighty larch trees that are just as enchanting with their fresh green in spring as they are with their magnificent colours in the autumn.

The simplest and less strenous way starts on the forest road to Mastaunhof and the Lafetzalm Hut. Starting point: parking place „archeoParc“ Madonna di Senales.

The Lafetzalm Hut can be reached via the following different routes:

1. Hiking trail no. 19, starting point: pilgrim church of Madonna di Senales, Hotel Tonzhaus. This path is direct and steep, but is the fastest way. (507 m ascent, 1,5 hours)2. Loop trail: Mastaunalm Hut – Pichele – Lafetzalm Hut. Starting point: parking place „archeoParc“ Madonna di Senales. This variant is of medium difficulty. (773 m ascent, 278 m descent, 2-2,5 hours)3. Full day tour: Certosa – Alta Via di Pinalto – Malga Lafetz. Starting point: Certosa. This variant is one of the most difficult. (1.253 m ascent, 750 m descent, 4-5 hours)

Follow trail no. 2 from the Vernago/Vernagt car park along the dam wall of the Vernagt reservoir (1,699 m a.s.l) in a northwesterly direction up towards the Farmstead Tisenhof (snack stop 1,814 m a.s.l). Passing by the Farmstead Tisenhof, head north and upwards on a gentle incline through the Tisental Valley over stepped terrain. Tip: visit the “Schneck” archeological discovery site with Neolithic engraved stone near the trail’s edge. At the end of the valley, keep to the right and head up to the Refuge Similaun on the Niederjoch mountain (3,019 m a.s.l). From here, one can enjoy magnificent views of the Similaun (3,599 m a.s.l) and its glaciers. Follow a rocky ridge for about an hour via a partially secured rocky trail to reach the Tisenjoch, with the slender rock pyramid (3,210 m a.s.l) which marks the discovery site of Ötzi the Iceman.

Important: before setting off, make absolutely sure you know the latest weather conditions and the opening hours of the refuge Similaun .Source/Map: Kompass, Blatt no. 051.

A guided tour to the place of discovery is possible.