Ifingerhütte & Lauwandspitze
In the north-east, high above Scena and the Merano basin, the imposing granite peak of Ifinger rises majestically, a proud 2,581 metres above sea level and geographically part of the Sarntal Alps. The summit of the Lauwand, also known as the "Lawand" or Lauwandspitze, towers at 2,251 metres along the long south-western ridge of this mountain.
The Lauwand reveals itself as a magnificent panoramic mountain, secluded and reachable in a maximum of three hours from the Schenner side. The view of the nearby Ifinger and its companions is impressive, while the view over large parts of South Tyrol is unique and almost limitless. The route passes the Ifinger Hut, which is open from the beginning of May and offers a wonderful place for a relaxing break.
The starting point:
There are two recommended starting points for this tour. From the Naturhotel Gruberhof we take the Taser cable car in the direction of Schenna or the "Schnugger Hof" inn above Verdins. The hike is of a similar length from both starting points, although starting at the Schnugger Hof saves the cable car fee.
The ascent to the Lauwand:
As mentioned, the car is parked at Schnugger Hof. From there, hiking trail 18 leads us behind the farm across the small pasture directly into the forest to Gasthof Egger at 1,505 metres.
Following the hiking trail markings and signs to the Ifinger Hütte, we reach it after about an hour at an altitude of 1,815 metres. The idyllic location of the hut below the imposing Ifinger and the Lauwand on a large alpine clearing tempts everyone to take a well-earned break.
From the Ifinger hut, we now follow trail no. 20 southwards upwards towards the Lauwand ridge (follow the "Lenzeben" signpost). After an initially steep ascent, the trail leads at a leisurely incline over a longer forest crossing to the "Lenzeben" clearing on the Ifinger south-west ridge at 1,900 metres. Here we turn left off the marked path and follow an unmarked but clearly recognisable path for the last few metres up to the tree line. We soon reach the weather cross at the "Egger Jöchl". From there, it's another 15 to 20 minutes along the increasingly rocky ridge up to the summit of the Lauwand at 2,251 metres.
The walk from the Ifinger Hut takes around 1.5 hours. The view from the Lauwand is almost endless and breathtaking, encompassing Merano and its surroundings, the Adige Valley, the Ulten Valley and the Venosta Valley, as well as all the peaks of the Stubai and Ötztal Alps, the Dolomites, the Adamello Group and the Ortler Group. The Tribulaun towers to the north, the Königsspitze and Ortler to the west and the Langkofel and Rosengarten to the south-east.