Day trip destination
Latzfonser Kreuz: the highest-lying place of pilgrimage in Europe
'Latzfonser Kreuz' church of pilgrimage is situated in the eastern Sarntal Alps. At 2296 metres above sea level, this contemplative spot is the highest-lying place of pilgrimage in Europe.
Latzfonser Kreuz mountain peak lies at the heart of South Tyrol in the eastern Sarntal Alps south of Kassianspitze peak. The path to the high-altitude church was used by pilgrims hundreds of years ago, making it the oldest pilgrimage trail in South Tyrol. Latzfonser Kreuz - also known as 'Holy Cross on Ritzlar' - is still a very popular hiking and pilgrimage site today, not only to thanks to its magical aura, but also because of the number of hiking paths leading off from it. On reaching Latzfonser Kreuz, pilgrim hikers are treated to a breathtaking view of the Puez Geislergruppe, Langkofel and Plattkofel, Grohmannspitze, Rosengarten and Kesselkogel mountains.
To the church itself
It's not only the pilgrim trail that has a lot of years under its belt, but Latzfonser Kreuz peak itself. The history surrounding this magical place dates back to 1700, when a cross was erected on the spot where the church now stands. The interesting thing about this cross is that it depicts a black Jesus and was taken out of the crypt at Latzfons. It was a popular pilgrimage destination even in those days. When, some years later, sufficient donations had been collected from pilgrims, a small neo-gothic chapel was built over the aforementioned crucifx, which calls the faithful to mass every Sunday. The refuge located above the church was built later and nowadays provides accommodation and refreshment for pilgrims.
Hiking like in bygone days
The hike is of easy to medium difficulty. You reach your destination in 1 hour and 30 minutes and cover a distance of 3.7 km and an altitude difference of 430 metres. Kaseregg is a popular starting point for the walk. Follow path number 15 for around 1 km until you get to a crossroads. Then take the right-hand turning and follow the 15B path up to the so-called 'Stange'. Finally, turn off left and follow path 15A, then taking path number 1 to get to Latzfonser Kreuz.
Latzfonser Kreuz
Further information
The church from Latzfons was mentioned for the first time in 1153 and is therefore older than the church in Klausen. The tower originates from tha 14th century and the again-gothical mechanism remained unchanged by the change in the year 1999.