This hike is not only fascinating for amateur mineralogists but also offers stunning panoramic views. The Villandro Mine, one of the most renowned and profitable in Tyrol, dates back to the 12th century.
The route begins in the historic center of Chiusa, at the main square “Auf der Frag”. After passing under the main road and walking past Fragburg Manor, you reach the road to Villandro. Here begins the Erzweg, the old “mineral trail” once used by miners to transport ore by sled to the storage site in Chiusa.
The trail climbs steeply to Johannser (764 m), then continues along a white-blue marked path for about an hour until you reach a prehistoric menhir near Moar in Ums. This 3-meter-high stone likely had a cultic function and is thought to be linked to an ancient high-altitude route through the Isarco Valley.
The hike continues to the picturesque St. Anna Church (1133 m), built in 1736, and from there, trail no. 3 leads in about an hour to the Villandro Mine (1250 m). To reach the village of Villandro, follow trail 3B/3 for another hour to the road, then walk a few more minutes into the village center.
The hike can also be done in reverse, starting from Villandro and descending to Chiusa.
