Glacial mills

Plata in Val Passiria boasts a scientific pecularity, which are the glacial mills.

The glacial mills are a particular natural monument and there are 15 of these glacial appearances of this kind in Val Passiria. Averagely they are 2.5 m wide and 3 m deep. The largest glacial mill is 8 m deep and almost 7 m wide.

Glacial mills are impressive tubes that have been cut into the ice by the churning action of water. The stones transported by the current are grinded and they deepen the hollow in the rocks. Glacial mills are particularly interesting for the a special field of science, which is glaciology. This science is an earth science and is the study of glaciers and ice as well as natural phenomena that involve ice. Permafrost, glaciers and barrier ice are also subjects that are treated in this science.

The glacial mills can be reached from Plata, where you best park your car. This is where a trail starts towards Pianlargo, where you come across a chapel. Take the signposted path and you will reach the glacial mills.