Discover the Lazfons Cross and its mountain hut - hiking in the Sarentino Alps
Image gallery: Lazfons
Lazfons (Latzfons), the largest village belonging to Chiusa, welcomes you with a charming centre on the sunny slopes of the Monte del Pascolo. At its heart stands the Parish Church of St. James. A leisurely stroll leads you to the little Church of St. Peter in the Woods, said to be older than the parish church. The village name itself is of Latin origin, meaning "place by the abundant springs". Perhaps the abundance of water in the Sarentino Alps was in mind when the village was named.
Today, hikes to the Lazfons Cross, with its "Black Christ" in the small church, said to protect hikers from storms, attract many visitors. The mountain hut is run by the family of mountaineer and ski mountaineer Tamara Lunger, the youngest woman to summit Lhotse. The site is known as the second highest pilgrimage site in Europe - only Ziteil in Switzerland lies 100 metres higher.
Lake Rodella with its mountain hut, the Cima San Cassiano, and the Monte del Pascolo are also worthwhile destinations for excursions. You can reach Lazfons via the road to Velturno or via the Via Pucher along the Val di Tinne valley. Garnstein Castle - or Tina Castle - is also located there.
The valley is renowned for the Villandro Mine, where silver was mined in the Middle Ages, and later galena, copper, pyrite, sphalerite, and iron pyrite. The Val di Tinne was one of the most important mining areas in Tyrol at that time. Toerggelen attracts visitors to the area in autumn. And in the cold months, winter sports enthusiasts come to Lazfons for a tobogganing adventure.
