Discover the earth pyramids in Terenten

Here’s a foretaste

It’s easy to see why they attract scores of visitors from far and near: the earth pyramids in the sunny village of Terenten, in the Pustertal valley, are a real spectacle. They formed in 1837, when a storm of historic proportions triggered a landslide. A huge amount of debris was washed away by the torrential Terner stream, along with a number of residential buildings. The rocks that form the pyramids themselves, however, are far older: they originate from moraine deposits dating back to the Ice Age! As years went by, massive columns formed through a process of erosion, sporting a “protective” capstone at their top – and that’s how the earth pyramids in Terenten came to be. A natural spectacle that never fails to amaze children and adults alike.

ideal destination for a family jaunt

40-minute walk

The earth pyramids in detail

The earth pyramids in Terenten are an ideal destination for a family jaunt, as they are only an easy 40-minute walk through a thick spruce wood. We especially recommend the route that takes you along the family-friendly Mills trail in Terenten. This themed path starts in the village centre and leads past seven historical mills located along the course of the Terner stream, some of which are up to 500 years old. Another recommended route that will take you to the earth pyramids in Terenten is the Nature and Culture path that starts at the village car park and leads to the Pichnermoos biotope.

From there, the path continues to the picturesque village of Margen before reaching the Mühlental valley and the earth pyramids. Enjoy the spectacular view of this nearly 200-year-old natural monument – a memorable experience for nature lovers and culture vultures of all ages.

The earth pyramids in detail

In winter, the hike to the earth pyramids takes on a magical quality. The thick spruce wood strewn with glittering snow crystals radiates a sense of deep tranquillity. As you crunch your way along the Mills trail, with or without snowshoes, you can feel the crisp mountain air, while the snow-capped mountains all around instil a new sense of wonder into your soul. After heavy snowfall, the earth pyramids look even more other-worldly – with their bizarre rock formations highlighted by a generous buttering of pure white.

If you prefer, you can make a circular hike of it and go across the Terner stream and wide snow fields instead of walking the same stretch of path in the other direction.

How to get there

The route leading to the earth pyramids starts directly by the large car park in the centre of Terenten. Follow the Mills trail signposts leading into the valley and then the signs to the earth pyramids. You can make it a circular hike and return to Terenten across meadows and through woodland by continuing along the same path.

How to get there

The route leading to the earth pyramids starts directly by the large car park in the centre of Terenten. Follow the Mills trail signposts leading into the valley and then the signs to the earth pyramids. You can make a circular hike of it and go across the Terner stream and wide snow fields.