Along the archaeological panoramic Trail you will Encounter traces of the Bronze, Iron and Roman ages.
Following in the footsteps of times long past, the archaeological panoramic trail near St. Lorenzen winds its way through a fascinating cultural landscape where history can be felt at every turn. Remains of walls and settlements, mysterious archaeological sites and impressive views make this circular walk of about 2 hours a varied journey. St. Lorenzen itself was once an important Roman staging post, known as Mansio Sebatum. Numerous archaeological findings and ruins of walls still serve as a reminder of this era today. Illustrations and clear explanations along the trail bring the ways of life and beliefs of earlier cultures back to life. Along the way, you’ll encounter significant traces from the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman period and Late Antiquity. A total of 16 vividly designed information boards provide fascinating insights into the excavation sites, former settlements and fortifications, as well as the artefacts discovered there. Among the most intriguing stops are the enigmatic cup-marked stones of Sonnenburg, which are thought to date from the Late Bronze Age. The Sonnenburger Kopf also harbours fascinating stories: this ancient place of worship was probably used for ritual ceremonies involving the lighting of fires and the offering of sacrifices. Further evidence of the past includes the hill forts at Schreckbühel, the ruins of the Roman settlement of Sebatum and an Iron Age burnt-offering site. As well as its historical discoveries, the Panoramic Trail never fails to delight with sweeping views of St. Lorenzen, Bruneck and the surrounding countryside. Several rest areas invite you to pause and enjoy the panorama. The walk is also well suited to children and offers plenty to discover along the way. However, some sections and sites are not accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair.
Anyone wishing to delve deeper into the town’s Iron Age and Roman settlement history should not miss a visit to the Mansio Sebatum Archaeological Museum.
As the hiking trails can be icy, it is advisable to use microspikes.
This varied circular walk, approximately 4 km long, starts at the striking parish church of St Lorenzen. Behind the church, you first follow the signposting no 5 towards the Archaeological Panorama Trail. The path initially runs alongside the River Rienz and then crosses a wooden footbridge to the opposite bank. This is where the actual, well-signposted Archaeological Panorama Trail begins.
At the start, the path climbs somewhat more steeply before continuing at a pleasant, steady gradient through a shady mixed woodland. At the hill "Sonnenburger Kopf", at around 972 metres, you reach the highest point of the walk. From here, the path curves and then leads gently downhill towards the hamlet Sonnenburg. In the final section, the route passes through meadows and fields, briefly follows a road and finally leads through an underpass back to St. Lorenzen and the starting point.
Citybus 420.2 Bruneck-St. Lorenzen, bus stop St. Lorenzen bus station - about 300 m distance from the church
Regular bus 401 Bruneck-Brixen, bus stop St. Lorenzen bus station
Regular bus 460 Bruneck-Gadertal, bus stop St. Lorenzen bus station
Train Innichen-Franzensfeste, stop St. Lorenzen train station - about 200 m distance from the church
Coming from Innsbruck/Brenner (A):
Drive on the Highway of Brenner (A22) until the exit Brixen/Pustertal, then continue along SS49-E66 for about 27 kms to St. Lorenzen.
Coming from Lienz (A):
Cross the Austrian-Italian border between Ahrnbach and Winnebach (B100-E66) and drive on SS46-E66 for About 45 km to St. Lorenzen.
Coming from Bozen:
Take the Highway of Brenner (A22) until the exit Brixen/Pustertal, then continue along SS49-E66 for about 27 kms to St. Lorenzen.
Various parking possibilities at the bus station of St. Lorenzen, at about 300 m distance from the church.