If you love walking in nature but also enjoy being inspired by stories and legends, the King Laurin Tour in Val d’Ega is the perfect hike for you. It is one of those trails that combines the beauty of the Dolomites with the magic of ancient tales, leading you through woods, meadows, and enchanting landscapes at the foot of the Catinaccio, the kingdom—according to legend—of the king of the dwarves.
A hike suitable for everyone.
The ideal starting point is Malga Frommer Alm.which can be reached by car from Nova Levante or by cable car from Tires or Passo Costalunga. From there, a well-marked circular trail takes you along the southern slope of the Catinaccio/Rosengarten massif, with constant views of the Dolomite towers and glimpses that change at every turn.
The complete tour lasts about 3.5 hours (approximately 8 km), with an elevation gain of about 400 meters, suitable for families with children and moderately fit walkers. Alternatively, you can shorten the hike by choosing one of the most scenic sections and enjoy the surroundings at a leisurely pace. The trail is accessible from late spring to autumn, with different and fascinating landscapes in every season.
In the realm of legends
But why is it called the “King Laurin Tour”? Legend has it that these mountains were once ruled by a dwarf king, Laurin, who had a magnificent rose garden hidden among the rocks. When it was stolen, he cast a curse so that no one could see it again, either by day or by night, but he forgot about twilight. And it is precisely at sunset that the peaks of the Catinaccio turn pink: the phenomenon of enrosadira, one of the most spectacular in the Dolomites.
During the excursion, you will encounter narrative panels, wooden art installations, sculptures, and themed scenes that recount the legend step by step, involving even the youngest visitors in an adventure that blends nature and imagination.
Panoramic stops and shelters
Along the route, you will find mountain huts and refuges where you can stop for a break: the Coronelle refuge, the Heinzen Almo hut, and the Kölner Hütte refuge. (ideal if you want to continue with the chairlift). Here you can sample typical dishes such as canederli, barley soup, polenta with melted cheese, or enjoy a slice of strudel with a view of the Latemar.
Bring comfortable hiking boots, a light backpack with water, sunscreen, and perhaps binoculars to observe ibex and marmots among the rocks. If you want an even more immersive experience, try leaving at dawn or staying until sunset: seeing the enrosadira right in Laurino’s garden is something you won’t easily forget.
