Most beautiful hiking routes

In the footsteps of Rhaeto-Romans and Walsers

On the way to Ludescherberg, hikers can enjoy many fantastic views.

(Bild: Bergauer)

Due to its great natural diversity, the Ludescherberg is now a European nature reserve. Rhaeto-Romanic and Walser people shaped the landscape through their pasture farming.

The Ludescherberg is a slope on the Hoher Fraßen and at the same time a district of the municipality of Ludesch. The area was already used by the Rhaeto-Romanic people as mountain pasture in the first millennium: The inhabitants of the valley brought their cattle up to the heights to graze in spring and fall. Around 1300, the authorities granted settlement rights to Walser families.

Living together was not without friction
The previous population in the valley still spoke Rhaeto-Romanic, the Walser German. This circumstance already caused tensions, in addition to the fact that the Walser were personally free and largely exempt from taxes and other levies, while the original inhabitants of Ludesch had many obligations to fulfill towards the lordship. The settlement of the Walser also led to disputes regarding the rights of use of the Allmein on the Ludescherberg, but at the same time the Walser were not allowed to establish new residences on the mountain, which resulted in the construction of semi-detached houses when farms were divided up - an example of this is the "Ludescherberg 2/3" building, which is now a listed building.

View of the Walser ridge from Raggal.

(Bild: Bergauer)

The area itself was reclaimed by the Walser people. Their legacy is still very much in evidence today.

(Bild: Bergauer)

When compulsory schooling was introduced in 1774 during the reign of Maria Theresa, it was often not possible for girls and boys from Ludescherberg to attend school in Ludesch in winter due to the high snow conditions and the danger of avalanches. On the initiative of various Walser families, a teacher was then employed who held lessons in various farmhouses on the mountain until a schoolhouse could finally be built. The coexistence of the "mountain people" with the inhabitants of the valley remained clouded for many generations.

Facts and figures

Type: extended walk/easy hike
Duration: two to two and a half hours (there/back)
Starting point: church in the center of Raggal
Equipment: shoes with good tread soles, clothing suitable for the weather, drink, possibly hiking poles
Refreshment stops: available in Raggal
Public transport: Bus route 575 from Thüringen bus station (or Ludesch "Zimbablick")

Today, almost 70 people live on the Ludescherberg, which is now one of the country's European nature reserves due to its great natural diversity. Ten endangered bird species as well as various orchids and other plants and animals have their habitat there. Starting from the village of Raggal, you can take a scenic walk to Ludescherberg. The starting point is at the church, where there are numerous signs indicating the various hiking trails.

View from Ludescherberg towards Walgau.

(Bild: Bergauer)

A former inn with a long history
There are various route options: You can either hike to Rapiert and past the Gafiduralift via the Labomweg towards Ludescherberg to the Grüneck district. Or you can stay on the little road with little traffic and follow it uphill, past the sports field and on to your destination. On the way, you have a beautiful view of the Walser ridge and also pass the site of the former "Alte Rössle" inn. This was located directly on the Walserweg and carters and their animals could take a break here after the steep climb out of the valley.

The daffodil.

(Bild: Bergauer)

Daffodil

Daffodils belong to the amaryllis family and are perennial, herbaceous plants that grow to a height of between five and 80 centimetres, depending on the species. The original home of daffodils is in southern Europe, mainly on the Iberian Peninsula. Narcissus poeticus (Narcissus poeticus) and Narcissus pseudonarcissus, known as the daffodil or yellow narcissus, are particularly widespread. Habitat requirements can vary depending on the species, but most daffodils prefer acidic soils. In its wild form, the daffodil, which is also familiar to us, prefers low-limestone, light habitats in mountain meadows or mixed forests. The wild plant differs greatly from the cultivated form of this plant - among other things, the flowers are considerably smaller. Wild occurrences of the daffodil are sometimes highly endangered, which is why picking is prohibited. The flowering period extends from March to April, which also makes it an important early food source for insects. Like all amaryllis plants, daffodils contain alkaloids, which serve as natural protection against predators. Poisoning in humans occasionally occurs because the bulbs of the daffodil look very similar to kitchen onions when dormant. Symptoms of poisoning include paralysis, vomiting and drowsiness. The sap can also cause skin irritation. Daffodils are very important as ornamental plants and there are now over 24,000 cultivated forms. The daffodil is also important as a symbol of resurrection.

After the Raggalerstraße was built in 1925, the owner at the time moved his restaurant to the village, as the old cart track was only used a little. Today, an information board commemorates this once important stop. The road continues gently uphill until you reach the fork in the road to Ludescherberg. Shortly afterwards, there is also a seating area from which you can enjoy the spectacular panoramic view towards Walgau and the Rhine Valley. You can either return via the same route or the meadow path.