This special hike combines nature, Earth's history and art, taking you on the trail of Lacerta Prima through the varied landscapes surrounding Olang. The trail takes its name from the impressive wooden sculpture “Lacerta Prima”, which depicts the head of Megachirella wachtleri. Along the way, you'll discover fascinating insights into our planet's ancient past and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the highlights of the hike is the Eight Churches viewpoint, offering magnificent views of Kühwiesenkopf mountain. Located within the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, this mountain is where the extraordinary fossil of Megachirella wachtleri was discovered.
Since autumn 2026, the impressive wooden sculpture “Lacerta Prima”, created by artist Marco Martalar, has been a special attraction along the trail. The sculpture brings the story of this unique fossil discovery to life through art and is one of the highlights of the hike.
More information about the "Lacerta Prima": https://www.olang.com/en/info/lacerta-prima_221502
More information about the "Megachirella wachtleri": https://www.olang.com/en/info/megachirella-wachtleri_185810
Refreshment stops:
Messnerwirt's Bar und Stuben (directly at the start and finish point)
Café Bar Pfiff (directly at the start and finish point)
Drinking water:
Fountain "Kirchgasse" at Oberolang (directly at the start and finish point)
Fountain next to the pavillon in Oberolang (approx. 400 m after the start)
Fountain in the Kids World at Oberolang (approx. 700 m after the start)
Fountain at the football field in Oberolang (approx. 2 km after the start)
The starting point of the themed hike is the church in Oberolang. From there, the route first leads past the Kids World towards the Forge and Sawmil Lipper. After crossing the Brunstbach stream, a narrow path follows the water in an idyllic setting all the way to the Chill Area. A forest road then takes you up to the “Eight Churches" viewpoint. From there, an impressive view opens up over the Pragser Dolomites and the Kühwiesenkopf, where the fossil of Megachirella wachtleri was discovered in 1999. Back on the forest road, the hike continues towards "Alte Böden". In autumn 2026, an oversized wooden sculpture in the shape of the Megachirella wachtleri’s lizard head will be created there, made from tree remnants – a special artistic highlight along this themed hike. The route then continues towards Seefelder, passing wide meadows and offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, before the circular tour finally leads back to the starting point at the church in Oberolang.
The starting point of the walk is easily accessible by Citybus 435.1 and CallBus (bus stop: Oberolang, Kirchgasse).