Hike to the Lech Sant Hut

Lech Sant is a mountain lake that's nestled like a crystal between green alpine meadows under the magnificent Odle peaks. It is relatively easy to reach with the help of the funiculars and the hike described here makes for an unforgettable family day in the mountains of Val Gardena.

This hike can be done easily with the help of public transport. Line 350 runs every half hour from Waidbruck or Klausen to S. Cristina in Val Gardena. Get off at the Maciaconi stop in the centre of the village. Attention! The bus does not go through the village centre, but makes a diversion through the tunnel of the village bypass, briefly travelling in the opposite direction again.

During the summer months, the city bus runs directly from the Maciaconi bus stop to the Col Raiser cable car valley station. Timetables are available via SüdtirolMobil.

If you arrive by car, drive through the Val Gardena to S. Cristina and park directly at the Col Raiser cable car valley station (charges apply).

The Col Raiser cable car takes you to the beautiful Mastlé-Alm in no time and directly into the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. The alpine meadows reach the foot of the steep rock faces of the Geisler and from the cable car, you'll have a wonderful view of the unique Dolomite peaks towering high into the sky.

The Odles Hut, just behind the mountain station, is a great place for families to spend some time; there are plenty of ways for the children to play, and you'll find chickens, rabbits, goats and cows to observe and, in some cases, interact with. There is also a playground with a sandpit, swings, a trampoline and much more. Parents can enjoy the view with a good espresso and the anticipation of a beautiful day in the mountains.

The hike begins just behind the Odles Hut. A wide forest road leads to the Fermeda Hut, which is located about halfway between Col Raiser and Lech Sant. The Fermeda Hut also has a small playground where anyone who wishes so can stop and take a break.

If you let your gaze wander southwards from here, you will see the Mount Pic, which is striking for its round shape, somewhat reminiscent of an extinct volcano. Below the Mount Pic is the Lech Sant and with this destination in mind, you can approach the next section of the hike with ease.

Just behind the hut, you’ll follow a small path along beautiful alpine meadows after the forest road ends. The first 150 metres of the trail can be a bit muddy and wet, especially in early summer. However, this section has been improved in recent years and is now usually much drier. Continue across the flat meadows, past several private huts, until the lake appears.

There are several smaller lakes on the Mastlé-alp, but Lech Sant is the largest and probably the most beautiful. Lech Sant is Ladin and means "holy lake". The name comes from a legend according to which farmers built a church on the spot where the lake is today in order to pray there and give thanks for good harvests.

But unfortunately, not everyone kept to the good customs and were therefore punished with torrential downpours. The waters damaged the crops and flooded the church, which sank, leaving behind the lake. According to this legend, the sunken church can still be found in its depths.

On hot summer days, those who are particularly brave may dare to jump into the cool water, but beware: there may be shards of broken glass bottles on the shore that could easily injure you.

Just above the lake is another highlight, an idyllic Refuge, the kind you usually only see on Heidi. Here, you can marvel at many different animals, first-class farm products and a menu that offers a selection of delicious dishes. The farmers and operators of the Refuge are down-to-earth and you'll quickly learn that time moves differently in this place. It is definitely worthwhile to spend more time at the Lech Sant Refuge.

To get back, you have two option:

• Either take the same route back to the Col Raiser cable car and down to S. Cristina.
• If you are still in the mood for hiking, you won't want to miss the beautiful Squirrel Trail, which leads to the "Cristauta" car park, from which you can take the city bus back to S. Cristina.

Return via Cristauta

The trail begins along the road that leads northwest into the forest just behind the Lech Sant Refuge (trail No. 42). Follow this forest road downhill for about 1.5 km, alternating between the forest and open meadows, until you reach the Gamsblut Hut. This hut is also very beautiful and will allow you to have a short rest before tackling the last part of the hike.

At the junction between trail No. 42 and the Gamsblut Hut is the entrance to the Squirrel Trail (No. 4), which leads down through the forest. Shortly after crossing the gate to the Squirrel Trail, you’ll find many raspberry bushes on the right-hand side. If you happen to visit during the right season, you'll be able to pick and eat magnificent berries here; a real treat at almost 2000 metres above sea level.

Along the path are many large spruce trees crawling with squirrels. If you keep your eyes open, you can usually spot one on the way down.

To reach the place Cristauta, you have to descend about 300 metres in altitude. At the bottom, all you have to do is wait for the next city bus, which offers a pleasant ride down to the Maciaconi bus stop. The bus runs once an hour and the best way to check the timetable is at SüdtirolMobil. If you have parked your car at the Col Raiser cable car valley station, you can get there from the Maciaconi stop either by taxi or bus.