Kleiner Laugen

Kleiner Laugen is a 2,297 m mountain peak rising above San Pancrazio (Sankt Pankraz) in the Ultimo Valley (Ultental), South Tyrol, Italy.

Where is it located?

Together with its taller neighbor, Laugen (2,434 m), it forms a mountain massif overlooking the Ultimo Valley, east of San Pancrazio — the valley's first settlement, sitting at 736 m and about 10 km from Lana. To the west, the ridge continues toward Kleine Kornigl (2,311 m) and Große Kornigl (2,418 m).

How do you get there?

The hike starts at Gampenpass (1,518 m), following trail no. 10 along a forest road toward the Laugenalm pasture. The route is easy and family-friendly, requiring no climbing experience or technical gear. From Lake Laugensee (2,182 m), tucked in a hollow between the two summits, the final stretch to the top of Kleiner Laugen is straightforward.

What will you see along the way?

The trail crosses the Laugenalm pasture, opening up views over the Ultimo Valley. In the basin between Kleiner Laugen and the higher Laugen lies the scenic Laugensee, a popular rest stop before the last climb to the summit.

What's the view like from the top?

From the summit cross, the panorama stretches over the Adige Valley toward Merano and the Passeier Valley to the north, Hafling and Vöran to the east, and the Dolomites to the south. To the west you can see Lake Laugensee, the Laugen summit, and the whole Ultimo Valley.

When is the best time to go?

The trail is best hiked from late spring through early autumn, once the route from Gampenpass is free of snow. In winter, the climb via Laugenalm to Kleiner Laugen is also a popular easy ski tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Kleiner Laugen? The peak stands at 2,297 m, making it the lower of the two independent summits in the Laugen massif, alongside the taller Laugen (2,434 m).

Where's the best starting point for the hike? Gampenpass (1,518 m), via trail no. 10 along a forest road to Laugenalm, continuing from there toward Lake Laugensee and the summit.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, the hike is considered easy and family-friendly — no climbing skills are needed, and the final stretch from the lake to the summit is straightforward.

What's worth seeing along the way? The Laugenalm pasture and Lake Laugensee (2,182 m), set in a hollow between Kleiner Laugen and Laugen — a popular rest stop before the final climb.