Laion

At the entrance to Val Gardena, right next to the Val d'Isarco, lies the Dolomite village of Laion and its seven hamlets, where time seems to have stood still. Only around 2,816 inhabitants live in the village, which is located on a sunny mountain terrace dominated by farms, where you can relax in peace far away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists in neighbouring villages. Nevertheless, you can choose from a wide range of accommodations in all price categories. Whether you opt for a flat or a hotel, you're guaranteed to be impressed by the friendliness of your hosts who have plenty of excursion and restaurant recommendations.

• Location: Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy
• Population: approx. 2,816
• Languages: German (89.93 %), Italian (3.93 %), Ladin (6.14 %)
• Altitude: 1,093 m
• Guest beds: 1,080
• ∅-Summer temperature (max.): 22 °C
• ∅-Winter temperature (min.): 0 °C

Get to know the everyday life of this cosy Dolomite village, wake up in the morning to the crowing of the roosters and feel how the slow rhythm of the village gives you a deep sense of calm. Enjoy the view of the Sassolungo, the Sella Group, the Sciliar and the many other Dolomite peaks, which seem just a stone's throw away on a clear day. Thanks to the proximity to the villages of Val Gardena, you will never be bored in Laion either. From cultural events to sporting events and guided climbing tours, there are countless opportunities to enjoy your very own dream holiday here.

The main village of Laion, with its parish church, the Church of Our Lady and a lively village square, includes seven hamlets – small villages, some of which consist of just a few farms. Spend your holiday in a wonderfully peaceful, pleasantly unspoilt environment.

S. Pietro

S. Pietro, the second largest hamlet in Laion, lies at an altitude of 1,211 metres. The village is located right next to Ortisei and is an ideal starting point for hikes on the Rasciesa and the Poststeig Trail. The most significant sight in the small village is the Parish Church of S. Pietro with its red onion dome and baroque altars.

Ceves

1,229 metres above sea level lies Ceves, a tiny village with barely more than a dozen farms. The village's small church is located directly on the steeply sloping village square, from where you can enjoy a wonderful distant view of the surrounding Dolomite peaks.

Fraina

Only 45 inhabitants live in Fraina, the smallest village in Laion. Scattered farms and a breathtaking view of Chiusa and the Monastero di Sabiona characterise the image of this wonderfully quiet hamlet. Take advantage of your holiday to visit the small church, which is decorated with artistic frescoes.

Novale

The small settlement of Novale, believed to be the birthplace of Walther von der Vogelweide, attracts numerous visitors in autumn who want to get to know the South Tyrolean custom of Törggelen. In the village's wine taverns and farmhouse parlours amidst the vineyards and chestnut groves, you can enjoy local delicacies.

Tanurza

The hamlet of Tanurza, situated at an altitude of 1,182 metres, has a population of 65. Here you will find traditional farmhouses and the oldest church in Laion: S. Bartholomew's Church. Tanurza also boasts a walnut tree that is protected as a natural monument and a spectacular view of the Sassolungo and Sciliar.

Albions

The hamlet of Albions with its farms is reminiscent of times long past. During your holiday, be sure to visit the church of S. Nichola and S. George and see the impressive winged altar of the church. Albions is also home to an interesting fountain and the oldest sweet chestnut tree in Europe.

The marvellous landscape around Laion will get every nature lover active. Whether you're a hiker, cyclist or winter sports enthusiast - you're guaranteed to get your money's worth here. Get active in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, benefit from an exceptionally good infrastructure and recharge your batteries in the mountains.

Hiking holiday in Laion

Thanks to its location between the Val d'Isarco and Val Gardena, Laion is the ideal starting point for hiking holidays. There is a huge network of well-signposted hiking trails to choose from, leading you to picturesque viewpoints, through dense forests and across flowering meadows. A particular highlight is the approximately 12-kilometre-long Poststeig Trail, which used to be used to transport the post from Chiusa to Ortisei. Incidentally, you don't need to take a lot of provisions with you on your tours. In the mountain huts in the region, you will be welcomed with delicious South Tyrolean cuisine, which will keep you feeling well-fuelled after your rest.

Bike holidays in Laion

Laion is a paradise for mountain bikers: on trails of all levels of difficulty, you can reach numerous worthwhile excursion destinations from the hamlets of Laion. Visit rustic huts or plan a break at one of the viewpoints that await you along the way. You don't have to worry about strenuous climbs if you're not in top form: in addition to classic mountain bikes, modern e-mountain bikes are also available for hire at the bike hire centre in Laion, which are guaranteed to help you reach your destination.

Winter and ski holidays in Laion

A winter holiday in the Dolomites is possible without the hustle and bustle of many well-known holiday resorts. Snow-covered landscapes that invite you to go hiking, toboggan runs, cross-country ski trails and much more await you in Laion. Skiers and snowboarders benefit from the close proximity to Val Gardena, from where you can access the Val Gardena ski area, the Alpe di Siusi, the Sellaronda and the slopes of the Dolomiti Superski network. Let yourself be pampered in your accommodation, enjoy the tranquillity of Laion and look forward to a varied winter holiday in a very special place.

The seven hamlets of Laion invite you to take a closer look, discover what is special about them and get to know the culture and history of this extraordinary region. Discover churches and natural monuments, deep wells, an exhibition about Walter von der Vogelweide and many other sights that are well worth exploring.

Autumn in Val Gardena, with its colourful forests and indescribably clear views, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful seasons for hiking. It's a good thing that this activity can be combined with Törggelen in Laion's autumn - a wonderful tradition that attracts nature lovers and connoisseurs to South Tyrol every year. In the taverns and farmhouses surrounded by vineyards and chestnut groves, locals serve you the new wine of the season as well as delicious specialities such as Mezzelune, speck dumplings or rich meat platters.

In Laion, several Törggelen businesses take part in this popular custom. Look out for guided Törggelen hikes or explore the well-known hiking trails on your own. But be careful: some hikers have enjoyed themselves so much in one of Laion's taverns that they have had to take a bus or taxi on the way back.

Laion benefits from its central location between the Val d'Isarco and Val Gardena. During your holiday, you should definitely pay a visit to the three villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva. There are numerous restaurants, museums, sports venues, markets and events that delight visitors and locals all year round. If you feel like visiting a larger city during your stay, we recommend a day trip to Bolzano.