The walk to the earth pyramids of Plata is suitable for families and leads to a unique attraction in the Puster Valley.
Almost like stone sentinels, the earthen pyramids of Platten near Percha rise up from the steep terrain. Some stand alone, others in small groups; a few still bear their characteristic capstones, like hats. Their appearance even changes depending on the light and weather: in the sunshine, the clay-rich columns glow yellowish, whilst on cloudy days they appear grey and almost mysterious. No wonder that the earth pyramids are now counted amongst the most impressive natural sights in the Puster Valley.
Anyone exploring this area not only enjoys a beautiful walk but also experiences a fascinating chapter in the Earth’s history. Over centuries and millennia, rain, snowmelt, landslides and erosion have created these extraordinary formations. Large stones protect the underlying moraine clay from running water, whilst the surrounding material is slowly eroded away. This is how the slender columns, which appear to grow out of the ground, are formed. Should their protective capstone eventually fall away, the pyramid too will begin its slow process of decay.
It is precisely this interplay between permanence and transience that makes the earth pyramids so fascinating. They appear mighty and almost monumental, yet at the same time they are delicate natural formations that are constantly changing. The earth pyramids of Percha lie on the edge of the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park and are regarded as the most significant concentration of earth pyramids in the Puster Valley.
A walk to this natural monument combines the experience of the landscape, physical activity and a sense of wonder in a special way. Along the way, sections of woodland alternate with open hillsides and beautiful views, until the striking earth pyramids finally come into view, a special experience for young and old.
