Enchanting nature & cakes
How can these two elements ever come together? To unite them: a beautiful excursion amidst the natural spectacle of the Earth Pyramids in Platten and the restaurant of an extraordinary South Tyrolean woman who bakes mouth-watering cakes. We assure you that enjoying an excellent slice of cake surrounded by the natural panorama you will find here will be something unique!
View of the village of Oberwielenbach, a fraction of Percha.
Tourismusverein Bruneck Kronplatz TourismusFrom Percha, you have to reach the hamlets of Oberwielenbach (at an altitude of about 1,400 m) and Platten (at an altitude of about 1,500 m). From here, you can enjoy a wide panoramic view of the Pustertal valley. The two hamlets can be reached quickly from Brunech by car or bus and are popular excursion destinations.
On the road between Oberwielenbach and Platten, a total of three car parks can be found. The two large car parks Wielental and Pyramids are pay car parks, the small Platten car park is not. As the name suggests, the Pyramids car park is the ideal starting point for an excursion to the earth pyramids, because this is where the path to the pyramids begins.
Some advice for the hike
Yes, in South Tyrol there are not only earth pyramids on Ritten, in Steinegg and Terenten, but also in Platten. Are you wondering what earth pyramids are? They are clay column formations, formed by erosion, landslides, water and thaw. They are an architectural masterpiece of nature, resembling spires rising proudly into the sky. At their summit, a stone prevents them from crumbling.
The earth pyramids can be reached from the car park along the path of the same name in about 30 minutes. Along the route there are several stations that combine art, nature and curiosity. There are several routes leading to the pyramids, which are more or less long and challenging. At the Wielental and Pyramids car park, you will find a poster illustrating all the hiking trails in the area. We recommend that you ascertain which paths are open and which are not, before setting off.
The Earth Pyramids of Platten can be admired during a pleasant excursion of about half an hour.
Tourismusverein Bruneck Kronplatz Tourismus
The Earth Pyramids were formed by erosion due to rain, landslides and thawing and are a unique natural spectacle.
Tourismusverein Bruneck Kronplatz TourismusAnd now it's time for a break
After the hike you deserve a nice culinary stop, to repay your efforts! Just five minutes from the car park is the Pyramidencafe, which offers delicious cakes prepared by the very talented Waltraud (Wally) Tschurtschenthaler. You can choose from a variety of cakes and if you really can't decide, you can ask for a trio of samples of your favourites. A dream for all cake lovers!
Pyramidencafe - Wally's delicious cakes!
Valentina Solfrini
The exterior of the premises of the now famous pastry chef Wally from the Pyramidencafe in Percha.
Pyramidencafe
Pyramidencafe - Wally's delicious cakes!
Valentina Solfrini
The cover of Wally's latest book: Wally's Cake Paradise.
Gerd EderWally's recipe books
Waltraud Tschurtschenthaler, who has been running the Pyramidencafe together with her husband Norbert since 1989, has made her passion for cakes her job and has published three cookery books (in italian and german): "Torte e Segreti", "La dolce magia di Wally" e "La regina delle torte”'.
The recipes in Wally's books are simple recipes but with that extra touch, suitable for every occasion. Alongside the recipes, Wally also tells amusing anecdotes from her everyday life, from when she lived in Sexten in the Dolomites as a child to her new life today.
For many recipes, you will also find a gluten-free, lactose-free or sugar-free version. The recipes are worthily complemented by beautiful photos and trivia on the preparation of each cake. All 3 books are published by Athesia and available in bookshops or online.
