In the small Laudes Local Museum you can dive into the way of life, customs, traditions and work in the Val Venosta valley
Image gallery: Laudes
Where the Val Müstair branches off from the Val Venosta towards Switzerland lies the village of Laudes. It is part of the spacious municipality of Malles Venosta, a peaceful little village with an agriculture-based centre. It lies below the Cima di Tella, a foothill of the Sesvenna Alps, and has three churches for those interested in culture: the Parish Church of St. Lucius and the Church of St. Leonard with the Schnatterpeck Altar, which can be admired on a guided tour. In addition, there is the Church of St. Caesarius on the southern edge of the village. The Adige River flows past Laudes on its way from the Passo Resia to the Adriatic Sea and divides the village.
The Malles city bus and the hiking buses in summer connect the individual villages of Malles Venosta and make excursions all the more comfortable and relaxing. A recommended hike is the Hours' Trail from monastery to monastery, which once connected the Swiss World Heritage Site of St. John in Müstair with the Monte Maria Monastery in Burgusio. While the Swiss section to Laudes has been permanently closed due to the continuing danger of rockfalls, the section from Laudes to Monte Maria is a spiritual experience with a particularly delightful destination: the highest located Benedictine Abbey in Europe with its Monastery Museum and the old crypt.
If you prefer cycling excursions, the bike tour to the Engadine via the Forno Pass is a challenge for your fitness. Since Laudes and Switzerland are connected by the PostBus network, it is also possible to return by bus after the one-day tour. In winter, the Malles Ski Area on Mt. Watles can be reached in a short drive. By the way: Please do not confuse Laudes (Laatsch, in German) with the better-known Laces (Latsch), which is a separate municipality in the Lower Val Venosta.
