Tematické procházky Jižním Tyrolskem

This alpine path leads along the north - south route through the eastern Dolomites. During the course of the hike you will get to know interesting areas of the eastern Dolomites. The main route leads along an average height of 2.000m - so you have to expect high - alpine conditions. With the exception of the last sections, which can be bypassed on an easier path, experienced hikers will have no difficulties.

Stages: 8 -12 days

From St. Andrä/S. Andrea near Brixen/Bressanone to the Freienbühel Pilgrimage Church following the Kreuzweg (Way of the Cross). 

Once many different lines of people walked over the „Krimmler Tauern” - hunters, farmers, seamstress, smugglers, soldiers and the path makers themselves. The Tauern crossings into ‘‘Salzburgerische’’ (in Austria) have a tradition that goes back to thousands of years. The historical importance of the route is also confirmed by the ancient “Hl. Geist” church. Furthermore the area is interesting because of its flora and fauna.

The Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on account of its distinctive natural features. The unique, legendary atmosphere of Fanes, the flora and fauna of the Dolomites and the stunning scenery all make this hike an unforgettable experience.
From our area, Fanes is reachable from Sciaré/San Cassiano.

The Gereuther Höfeweg farm trail offers insights into the different lifestyles of the Gereuth mountain farmers. Several drinking fountains and vantage points invite visitors to picnic and linger. The circular trail on the Pfeffersberg mountian side can be started from several points and is particularly recommended in spring and autumn.

During the First World War the area Lagazuoi - 5 Torri was the scene of severe fightings between Italian and Austria-Hungarian troops. The sacrifice of the Alpini (Italian Mountain Troopers) and the Kaiserjäger (Austro-Hungarian Alpine Troopers) will forever be a part of history. In their honour the via ferrata at Piccolo Lagazuoi was restored. Hikers can now enjoy a great excursion with an insight into the tragic history of the Lagazuoi area. The trail extends over approximately 3000 metres with a vertical drop of 700 metres, with iron ropes, a hanging bridge, tunnels and trenches. The trail is intended for trained and expert hikers.

A world of medicinal and edible herbs grow on our doorstep.

Along the Flora TraFul wild herb trail you’ll find information about our unique alpine plants and their multiple uses. The purpose of the Flora TraFul nature trail is to vividly illustrate how herbs are used in traditional folk medicine. Along the two-km-long hike, the rudiments of identification are explained, as well as the essentials of plant foraging, insights into herb processing, and the effects produced by some of the herbs.

Starting point of the hike is the naturatrafoi Visitor Centre of Stelvio National Park, or at the bus stop.

The path starts at the base of the castle hill opposite the parish church of Mareit/Mareta, leads north facing to untouched forest territories near the creek of Mareit and ends west of the castle at its pond. On this path have been set up different natural “stations”, where the visitors – especially interesting for children – can get in touch with nature. From the brookside to bar, forest and meadows, water and mossy soils, from the ant hill to small ponds, the forest telephone and a pavilion made of different wood types – various adventure-worlds are available. Get in contact with nature on soft mossy soil! Experience nature up close, with all your senses!

The thematic trail “Power Spots and Forest Therapy – Balance” invites you to immerse yourself in a special world where humans and nature harmoniously connect. The hike starts a little away from the volunteer fire brigade building, following the Rienzstraße up to the Kasbachergraben. From there, you follow well-marked paths along the scenic Tschachenweg to the St. Magdalena im Moos Church, a peaceful spot perfect for reflection and rest.

The trail then descends back to Niederdorf, passing through the artisan zone, before making a wide loop towards Maistatt and finally returning to Niederdorf.

Along the way, thoughtfully designed stations invite you to meditate and feel the healing energy of nature on body and mind. The ancient knowledge of geomancy – the study of interactions between cosmic, earthly, and human energies – helps you discover places of special power. These power spots are areas with increased earth radiation that promote well-being, inner calm, and renewed strength.

Another key aspect of the trail is forest bathing: by mindfully spending time in nature, you create a deep connection that strengthens your immune system, calms the mind, and brings inner peace.

Health and well-being have a long tradition in Niederdorf, as evidenced by the Kneipp facility established in the village. The meditation trail “Power Spots and Forest Therapy” offers a valuable addition that can serve as a spiritual and healing source for many people, providing a conscious alternative to the often consumer-driven lifestyle of today and opening the eyes to the simple yet powerful force of nature.

The climb up to Sas de Stria starting from Valparola pass – start is near the museum Forte Tre Sassi - is a relatively easy hike, though a very interesting one. Here you find a great combination of unique landscapes and historical evidences.

During the moderately easy ascent, you have the possibility to follow the traces of the First World War, including trenches and a tunnel - Sas de Stria was a strategic position for the Austro-Hungarian troops. The summit of the Sas de Stria is than a great panoramic point over the Dolomite mountains.

The "Tru di lersc" nature and educational trail extends for approximately 5.1 km, winding through larch forests and alpine meadows along the edges of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, between the villages of Rü and Rüdeferia.

At the Rüdeferia farmhouse, you can admire a characteristic water mill, recently restored and now fully operational. Along the trail, designed by the Office of Natural Parks of the Province of Bolzano, you will encounter traditional features such as alpine fences and dry stone walls, as well as informational panels on the area's flora, fauna, and geology.

As we walk along the "Knappensteig" path, passing by entrance to old mine galleries, we take a journey into the past and time when the extraction of ore was just beginning. Above the tree line, we feast upon a richly diverse mountainous world - in one of the country's most beatiful high valleys. The widespread distribution of the alpine cabins demonstrates the cultural imprint of people over centuries. The interesting remnants of glaciers can be seen in the form of old moraines at the Rötalm hut - and "Merbalm".

This easy hike through flower-filled meadows, pastureland and woods between San Cassiano and Badia, passes along the feet of the Sas dla Crusc and presents wonderful views of the Marmolada, Sella massif, Puez and Sass de Pütia.

The unspoiled scenery, unique flora of the Dolomites and glimpses of game such as chamois and roe deer make this hike an unforgettable experience.

The valley end of Solda/Sulden forms a particularly fascinating natural scenery due to its exposure and wilderness at 2000 m above sea level. Forest, pastures, scree, glaciers, rocks and torrents shape the appearance. This wild and romantic beauty provided the inspiration for the responsible persons to create offers, which gives the locals and guests the opportunity to experience the valley of Solda in an intensively natural way. Therefore, the idea was born to build a water and nature facility, a suspension bridge and an adventure path in the middle of the Stelvio National Park, under the name "NATURAronda", which means to make a tour in nature and enables a mental and physical well-being. The Naturaronda consists of the bear bath, EVOPÄD and the suspension bridge.

Attention: the bear bath is closed at the moment!

15 covered wooden pillars have been erected between Kasern/Casere and Heilig Geist/S. Spirito. Each of these stations features carvings showing the suffering of the Lord. The creation of the trail was initiated by the Youth Service of the parish of Taufers in the 1980s. In collaboration with Catholic youth groups from several parishes in the Ahrntal valley and students from St. Jakob‘s Carving School, the dream was transformed into a beautiful reality. Each station is characterized by the arrangement of figures and embedded symbols from modern life, together with appropriate passages from the Scriptures. Heilig Geist (meaning Holy Spirit) is a dignified and sacred place, through history and the faith and dedication of many generations. Nobody knows exactly when the first chapel was built for the many travelers who used the Krimmler Tauern as a crossing into Pingzau and Salzburg.

The ninth stage of the Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail II leads up the Rienztal valley to the Dreizinnenhütte hut in the shadow of the Three Peaks. This stage takes in a precise moment in the geological history of the Dolomites, namely when, 235 million years ago, after a period of intense volcanic activity, new reefs of algae, sponges and corals took root on the cores of the previous tropical atolls.

More information: https://www.dolomitiunesco.info/attivita/dolomites-world-heritage-geotrail/?lang=en

The hike starts at the parking lot in St. Nikolaus, just below the inn "Gasthaus zur Linde". From the starting point, follow the symbol of the two towers, passing the Pfusser Weather Cross, along the Mendel Trail to the Zollwiese (border meadow). Continue along the forest road to the Booshütte hut and descend back to the starting point.

St. Johann‘s meditational trail was established in 1996 by the local parish council and St. Johann‘s Schützenkompanie (protection guards). Its creation commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus pledge that was sworn in 1796 and remains part of the local tradition today. Walkers are invited to stop at each station along the path to be informed by the contemplative texts and images.

In the footsteps of miners: An educational trail starting from the St. Ignaz mining gallery (1,500 m) to Rötkreuz/Croce della Val Rossa (2,080 m) that passes entrances to mine and the dilapidated remnants of former mining works.

The Saint George tunnel (adit), which turns towards the right from the road and leads you directly into the mountain was built soon after 1528. Although it is no more than 100 metres long, ore was only found at the beginning of the 40’s, as at times, there was only one miner working in this tunnel. Near the ‘Jakober Stuben’, which are the remains of former mine buildings near the entrance (‘Mundloch’) to the Saint Jacob’s tunnel, the upper part of the mine begins. This is the part, where ore was found during the 15th Century. It is said that Prettau copper ore was first found during the Bronze Age. If this is true, it was most likely found here in this mine. At some stage, there were several tunnels leading into the mountain, but only a few of them can be seen today. The most upper tunnel was called Saint Wilhelm. This was the ‘treasure chest’ of the mine, i.e. copper ore was first found here. The wild and romantic landscape between the ‘Jakober Stuben’ and the Saint Wilhelm tunnel did not grow naturally, but was created by man. This happened during the 18th Century, when the ore was partly mined with the help of black powder. The educational trail ends at the Rötkreuz/Croce della Val Rossa (2,080 m).

Passing by "Knappenegg" and "Bruggerpichl" we reach the "St. Nikolaus-Herrenbaustollen" (adit) Historical Copper Mine. Here there is much to learn about mining and its influence on the developent of the valley. Continuing to "Innerbichlalm" you ascend 300 m through high alpine forests until at the "Pichlwiesn" (meadow) the mountainous panorama of the inner Ahrntal valley reveals itself to you. The unique flora is continuously noticeable until the Stegeralm hut, which gives an opportunity for a break in the midst of the stunning mountain scenery of the Durreck Group and Zillertaler Alps. If the group is still in good shape you can aim to the cross the "Alprechtgraben" gully to reach the cabin with the same name and th Felams look-out. The descent continues on he "Alprechter Almweg" path to the "Alprecht-Stöckl" chapel, and then on the bus stop at the "Stegerbrücke" bridge.

The Culture Promenade is a beautiful circular trail of about 7 km in length, located in the valley floor of Sulden. The path is even, with almost no elevation gain, and passes by 12 cultural sites and museums that tell the history of tourism in the Ortler region, from its pioneering days to the present. The promenade is accessible year-round and offers seating areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

You will see stunning scenery, views of life in this valley from long ago to now, farm work, art and reflections of times past. At various spots hikers get a look into rural-life and farm work
through texts and images. The focus is on the themes: “From grain to bread”, “From flax to linen” and “Woodwork in the forest” in the course of the various seasons.

In addition, there is the possibility to experience going bare-foot and treading in the refreshing glacier water of the Kneipp facility. The trail is named after the patron saint Leonhard, the advocate for farmers and their diverse interests. Religion and popular beliefs have left a lasting impression on rural-life here.

Towards the end of the themed path you reach the sculpture garden and the studio of the artist Jakob Oberhollenzer. The wooden figures along the path and the St. Jakob fountain made of slate
stone at the starting point of the circular path were also created by the renowned artist from St. Jakob/San Giacomo.

You can walk back along the “Sonnenweg/Sun path” or along the street directly to the village.

From Selva / Plan path no. 654 starts in the direction of Passo Gardena via the beautiful Plans de Frea.

In Alta Badia you encounter the oldest culture in South Tyrol and during your excursions it is easy to meet traces of typical cultural assets such as the "viles", the ancient rural settlements with their classic Ladin architecture.

This leisurely circuit leads through meadows and forests slightly above the valley floor, along some of the typical Ladin farmsteads.

The height difference of this walk is small, so the route is recommended even for less experienced and trained hikers.

A walking trail dedicated to the Alpine Ski Champions in Val Gardena.

The route is dedicated to all those who have won a World Cup race since 1969 or a World Championship race in 1970 in Val Gardena, as well as to who believed in the idea of skiing in Val Gardena with great ambition and pioneering spirit.

This themed trail starts in the village center of Selva, behind the Ski School. It is a journey through the history of skiing in Val Gardena, from the beginnings of Alpine skiing, to its establishment as a world-famous ski area which hosts breath-taking ski world cup races every year. In the audio guide you are accompanied by Erich Demetz, honorary citizen of Selva, pioneer and conceiver of the alpine Ski World Cup races in Val Gardena and President for 28 years of the FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski).

This fascinating story should not be forgotten!

https://www.valgardena.it/dl/walkoffame/Walk_of_fame_ENG.mp3

The tunnels in the Lagazuoi mountain

A 1.5-hour hike through the open-air museum of Lagazuoi: the rock tunnel, a former battlefield between the former wartime enemies of Austria and Italy, has now become a symbol for peace and mutual understanding, a meeting point of the history of the province.

The Val Gardena rail tracks course through the whole valley on a sunny stroll across forests, meadows, villages and local sights. Choose from Roncadizza, Ortisei, S. Cristina or Selva as a starting point. The walk follows the old rail tracks of the Val Gardena locomotive built during WWI (1915-1916) by Russian prisoners. Along the old railway line from La Poza to Santa Cristina you can find the diagram of the snow that fell since 1951.

The Health Path Prettau/Predoi offers on 4 km a lot for the human well-being. Exercise in the wood, stunning views and much more. 

Embark on a four-hour hike from Colfosco to Passo Gardena, and you will find yourself in the footsteps of the Salvan, the mythical little man of the forest who lived on the border with the Val Gardena.

Relaxing walk by the refreshing waters of the Gadera stream and through shady conifer woods, sloping gently uphill from La Villa to the enchanting village of San Cassiano at the feet of the Lavarela and Conturines peaks.

The "Tru di artisć", as the path of the artists is called in Ladin, is an open-air gallery that was inaugurated in summer 2011 and is regularly enriched with artworks by various artists from the Ladin valleys. The starting point of the exhibition is in La Villa in the neighbourhood of Altin. The approximately 3.5 km long path is closed to motorised traffic and winds along the Gadera River to the Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus in San Cassiano.

As among the various artistic forms, poetry plays an essential role in addition to sculpture several panels have been erected along the path in this regard, presenting verses in Ladin language.