Leisurely hiking paths wind their way through the middle mountain region of Laion. At the centre of things are the centuries-old farms, lively districts and many an impressive cultural and natural monument. When you go on an autumn pleasure hike, the views you can expect to see are unparalleled.

The Laion alpine huts are well known for their warm hospitality, wonderful panoramas of the Dolomites and traditional dishes made from homemade products. They offer cosy parlours, sun terraces and are ideal for families with children.

Laion-Ried is described as the “Cradle of the Törggelen”. In the rustic wine taverns, you can enjoy good company with everything the farmhouse kitchens and cellars have to offer: bacon, wine, traditional barley soup, dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen (filled pasta), ribs, homemade sausages, sauerkraut, chestnuts and sweet doughnuts.

On the first Sunday in October, the Laion cattle are herded down from the alp. They are driven through the spruced up and decorated village square as a symbol and way of saying thank you for an incident-free summer up on the mountain pasture. A hearty festival with music and all manner of delicacies.

The bike tours around Laion are particular popular when the forest slip on their colourful garb and the dominating feature is the incredibly clear view into the distance. Cycle paths snake through the valley floors, past castles and palaces, through golden vineyards and high up to the alpine huts.

How do you press the restart button? Stress-free and worry-free? In September and October, Laion offers a special “balance” programme. Four people who have escaped the rat race or swapped their jobs tell us how they have changed their lives for the better, how to focus on what is important and be more mindful when out and about.

Insider tip in the autumn: Set off on your hike in the dark and be standing on the peak as the sun rises. This season is ideal for this because the sun rises much later in the autumn than it does in the summer. You will never forget the moment when the first rays hit the Dolomite peaks making them glow.

Together we hike to Werner the beekeeper’s forest refuge, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the world of bees. He shows how they get the honey, after which you get to sample the range of his 100% natural honey varieties. After this, we move on to find Hans, a wine sommelier, where you can taste the best Laion wines.

The autumnal play of colours is particularly awe-inspiring on the guided hike to Trostburg Castle, where Oswald von Wolkenstein once lived. Together, we’ll go for “Törggelen” in a rustic wine tavern and then come back on the circular Walther von der Vogelweide trail.