All high and long-distance hiking trails

On the Merano High Mountain Trail (trail n° 24), the entire Texel Group Nature Park can be circumnavigated in a hiking tour of four to six days. The best time to hike the Merano High Mountain Trail (trail n° 24) is: The northern part is a summer tour, walkable from the end of June to the beginning of October (depending on snow conditions). The southern and eastern sections can often be walked all year round and are suitable for one-day tours. The numerous typical South Tyrolean mountain inns and refuges inviting you to rest and have a snack, the varied world of peaks and the magnificent mountain lake landscape of the Spronserseen lakes make the Merano High Mountain Trail in the Texel Group Nature Park a unique hiking area!

The route of the the Dolomites High Route n. 9 , unlike most other Dolomite High Altitude Trails, runs as a transversal from west to east over the ridges of the Dolomites, most of which rise from south to north.

Long-distance hiking trail with panoramic views
The Dolomites High Trail No. 9 starts in the provincial capital of South Tyrol, Bozen/Bolzano, then crosses South Tyrol and part of the province of Belluno. The stages of the long-distance hiking trail are really short and therefore also suitable for hikers with less physical condition. This long-distance hike takes you to the most beautiful places in the Dolomites. The route is taken within 12 to 14 days.

The start of the fourth stage of the circular hiking trail 360° Upper Vinschgau Valley is the mountaineering village Matsch/ Mazia. Along this stretch, you will experience the numerous cultural highlights of the Upper Vinschgau Valley.

Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail II - from Bletterbach to the Sexten Dolomites

A hiking trail to discover the fossil archipelago of the  Dolomites UNESCO World Hetitage

In 2009 UNESCO listed the Dolomites as a World Heritage Site for the aesthetic value of its landscape and for the scientific importance of its geology and geomorphology. From this arose the idea of designing a trekking route through the Dolomites that would present this spectacular history and beauty to hiker.

The Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail explores the entire Dolomites World Heritage Site in 47 stages. 10 of these stages run through the South Tyrolean Dolomites, traversing some of the most beautiful and geologically interesting mountain ranges in the region. There are breathtaking views to be had along a route that features plenty of opposites, while hiking is a unique experience along the well-marked, well-maintained paths.

The Geotrail is thus a combination of long-distance footpath and educational trail. The individual stages of this trail are also possible as day tours; you can almost always use public transport to get back to your starting point or to return from the day’s destination. The main challenge is nevertheless to attempt the Geotrail in ten days, taking the time to explore a unique world full of secrets and for a while escaping the hustle and bustle of our (over-)organised everyday world.

For more information, please visit: https://www.dolomitiunesco.info/attivita/dolomites-world-heritage-geotrail/?lang=de

Lenght: 176 km

Duration: 10 days

Please check the opening hours of the huts and restaurants: www.seiseralm.it/huts

The eighth stage is the most demanding tour of the circular hiking trail 360° Upper Vinschgau Valley. The Tellajoch surprises with a typical 360° panoramic view to the mountain peaks of the Ortler group and the Sesvenna group. The 360° viewing platform titles the mountainous panorama.
From there it continues with insights into the Upper Vinschgau Valleys alpine pasture to Schlinig/ Slingia.

On this segment, you will proceed first from Gfrill to the bogland lakes of the "Weiss" and the "Schwarz." From there, the route continues to the Horn-Alm, the highest point of the segment. Hikers can stop here for refreshments and then continue downhill via the Ziss Saddle – not far from there, you can admire the stunning "huckete Stoan," a free-standing erratic boulder made of porphyry the size of a house – until you come to Altrei.

The first stage of the circular hiking trail 360° Upper Vinschgau Valley leads to the marvelous scenery of the Upper Vinschgau Valley with refreshments at Brugger Alm alpine pasture.

The European Long-Distance Hiking Trail E5 leads from the Atlantic Coast to the Adriatic Sea. One of the safest and most beautiful sections is from Meran 2000 to Jenesien/San Genesio.

From the small village of Buchholz, you will then continue on to Gfrill. Right after Buchholz, the Truden Faultline becomes especially noticeable. This boundary is visible not only on the basis of the different geological strata (dolomites and porphyry), but also due to the change in vegetation. The trail is steadily uphill until you come to the ruins of the walls of an old cableway. You continue along the old cableway trail, steadily uphill, until arriving in Gfrill, an alpine village surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

The scenic, long-distance hike through the western Dolomites runs from Brixen/Bressanone in the Eisacktal Valley to Feltre in the Province of Belluno.

This segment begins at the Jochgrimm, at an altitude of 1,989 meters above sea-level. It will take you directly at the top of the beautiful Weisshorn (tip: enjoy the sunrise). After the descent halfway around the Weisshorn and then downhill via the alpine meadows and larch meadows towards Aldein. The highlight, as far as natural beauty is concerned, is after you've overcome 400 meters of altitude-differential: The tillered meadows larch meadows and pastures are home to many rare species of orchids, alpine anemones, and paradise lilies. The route continues on pleasant paths along past several pleasant rest-and-refreshment stops and on to the village of Aldein, at 1,200 meters above sea-level on the Regglberg.

This hike offers an excellent opportunity to explore and admire the unique beauty of this alpine landscape.

This challenging segment leads from Aldein via the Cislon to Gschnon and on to Gfrill. You will proceed along pleasant trails and come first to Holen, then past it to the Aldein Bridge (known as the "Little European Bridge" when first built in the 1960s). Here there are various refreshment options. And provided that you have the necessary physical fitness, you can then continue on upwards to the Cisloner Alm. A quite challenging part of the trail is over the Reiterböden. Later, you will proceed to Mühlen (option for rest-stop, refreshments, and overnight lodgings). You can then continue over a short stretch over an asphalt road and uphill to the hamlet of Gschnon (option for rest-stop, food/drink, and overnight lodgings). After that, there's a somewhat more-comfortable segment over pleasant forest paths and the Gfrill Saddle until you come to Gfrill.

Our day on the mountains starts at Falzeben to reach the Meranerhütte. On the way you frequently pass  different alpine huts where you can have a rest. For example, the "Zuegghütte", the "Rotwandhütte" or the "Waidmannalm". From the "Meraner Hütte" (1937m), you will pass the ridge "Kreuzjöchl" (1981m) to the mountain "Kartoffel" (2084m), the highest point of this hike. Crossing the ridge "Auener Jöchel" (1925m), you will descend to the "Stoanernen Mandlen" (2003m) and finally to the "Möltner Kaser" (1766m). Here you can always walk over gentle alpine meadows and on the "Stoanernen Mandlen" you have a particularly good view of the nearby Dolomites. Via "Möltner Joch" you will reach the parking space Schermoos and Meltina.

This segment begins in Oberradein. Follow the Zirmersteig staircase uphill through the increasingly sparce high-alpine vegetation until you come to the Weisshorn (2,317 meters above sea-level). Here you can enjoy the fabulous panoramic view before embarking on the return trip down to the Jochgrimm. There are various refreshment options as well as plenty of opportunity to admire the very diverse flora of the alpine meadows. After a short breather, the segment goes up to the Schwarzhorn (2,439 m above sea-level).

Passing the impressive Churburg Castle is where the fifth stage of the circular hiking trail 360° Upper Vinschgau Valley starts. Probably the most beautiful view to the Ortler mountain group with the highest glacier in South Tyrol is what the stretch along the Monte Sole mountain in Vinschgau, which is rich in vegetation, has to offer.

The third stage of the circular hiking trail 360° Upper Vinschgau Valley trumps with unique views from the giant swing.

This segment leads from the village of Gfrill (1,300 meters elevation) to Montan (500 meters above sea-level). At the beginning, the route is slightly uphill via the Gfrill Saddle and then downhill until you reach Gschnon (good place to stop for a rest). You will then ascend via Gsteig (option for refreshments and overnight lodgings) and down to the impressive Glen Waterfall. You will then take the last part along the old railroad route of the former Fleims Valley railroad to the famed Pinot Noir village of Montan.

Helpful hint for this route: Take the little side-trip from Gsteig to the impressive "Kanzel" looming high above the Unterland district. You'll be rewarded with a fantastic view!

The first stage of the Geotrail climbs up from the Bletterbach gorge to the summit of the Weisshorn. We pass through stunning scenery that reveals various layers of rock with the oldest at the bottom, the most recent at the very top. Like a book, these layers tell a story – a story that has lasted 40 million years, with the transformation of the Dolomites of the time from a landmass into a sea.

The first part of the sixth stage of the circular hiking trail 360° Upper Vinschgau Valley runs along the animal forest path “Gumperle”. From there it goes past the Lichtenberg Castle to the medieval town of Glurns/ Gorenza.

The Hufeisentour is a seven-day-lasting mountain trail in the Alpes of Sarntal. The route proceeds through the heart of South Tyrol along alpine areas, meadows, traditional alpine huts, peaks and yokes. You walk on unbeaten tracks and natural paths. As well as wounderful and unforgettable views on the UNESCO world natural heritage, the Dolomites, the Zillertaler Alps, the Stubaier Alps, the Ötztaler Alps and the Mountain Ortler in the Brenta Group are waiting for you.
The classical Hufeisentour starts in the eastern Alps of Sarntal at Sarnthein and contains 7 to 8 stages, running in counterclockwise rotation. Of course you can walk into the other direction as well or start at other starting points, for example at Mölten. Here you walk onto the stone cairns "Stoanerne Mandln" and can decide if to walk to the starting point Sarnthein or to the area Meran 2000 (opposite direction).

This challenging hike begins from the Jochgrimm. You then have to master approx. 500 meters of altitude-differential until you come to the Schwarzhorn (2,439 meters above sea-level). The trail then leads you around and down the other side of the Schwarzhorn until you come to the Kugeljoch; from this pass, you have a magnificent panoramic view of the Fleims Valley. You can now proceed down the "Leitensteig" staircase until you reach the Kaltenbrunn "Ice Holes," where it's pleasantly cool even in the summertime. From Kaltenbrunn (where hikers will find a number of refreshment options and also access to public transportation), there is still a short segment slightly uphill to Truden. This is a uniquely beautiful hike and is – in spite of the level of difficulty – an absolute "must" for ambitious hikers.

This challenging hike from Truden via the Schwarzhorn and all the way to the Jochgrimm is a unique adventure. From Truden, you'll first proceed uphill to Kaltenbrunn (refreshment stop and access to public transportation). From here, you can then proceed to the famous "Ice Holes" – an unusual phenomenon where cold air streams out of holes in the ground even on the hottest days of summer. You will then proceed steadily uphill via the challenging "Leitensteig" staircase until you come to the Kugeljoch; from this pass, you have a magnificent panoramic view of the Fleims Valley. From the Kugeljoch, you will continue to the Schwarzhorn (2,439 meters above sea-level). Finally, you follow the descending path to the Jochgrimm, the goal of this tour. This hike offers a wealth of unique natural beauty and is – in spite of the level of difficulty – an absolute "must" for ambitious hikers.

We follow the forestry trail no. 2 through a shady forest. After a while, the path gets straighter and winds over big meadows with larches on it until it passes idyllic chalets. We will often get past cured moors. Then we follow the forestry trail E5, which is the European Long Distance Path, and we get back to the "Trudner Horn" on 1.710m where we can enjoy a marvellous view over the Alps of Val die Fiemme. After a rest on the alpine cabin "Trudner Horn Alm" we walk down to the "Ziss-Sattel" and follow the forestry road no. 3 past the lime kiln through spruce and fir forests back to Anterivo.

The newly created 360° Upper Vinschgau Valley is an adventure-packed circular hiking trail through the villages of the Upper Vinschgau Valley. For families and pleasure hikers the nine stages can be seen as individual hiking tips for day tours. Experienced hikers looking for a challenge can plan a hiking tour consisting of several stages.
At each stage interactive nature installations from local larch await young and grown-up hikers.

When you take this extra segment, you will begin from Gfrill, which is located at approx. 1,300 meters above sea-level, and continue to Buchholz at 560 meters above sea-level. At first, you'll have a pleasant, relaxing stroll downhill until you come to Unterstein. You can then continue along the old aerial lift trail until you reach the vestiges of an old cableway. The trail then goes downhill until you come to the brook where the Truden Faultline is especially noticeable. This boundary is distinctly visible not only on the basis of the different geological strata (dolomites and porphyry), but also due to the abrupt change in vegetation. You can then continue to the small village of Buchholz.

Hiking through Passeier Valley

The E5 (Constance – Bozen – Venice) is one of the special European routes. Almost all of the route is an Alpine route and is marked most of the way as E5. This part of the route describes the part from the Austrian / Italian border at the Timmelsjoch through the Passeier Valley to Bozen.

The way is marked always well and crosses a nature protected zone of full fascinations. This way was already committed by the smugglers.

This segment starts in the village of Aldein, which is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea-level on the Regglberg. From here, you will proceed past several alpine meadows and upwards towards the Jochgrimm. After a few hundred meters of altitude-differential, you will reach the "Stockwiesen" (the local name of these tillered meadows which refers to the intertwining roots and tree stumps that remain in the ground after the land has been cleared) – a real highlight of natural beauty. These larch meadows are home to many rare orchids, alpine anemones, and paradise lilies that thrive here. The route continues uphill, past the Neuhütt-Alm, halfway around the Weisshorn, and then at the Jochgrimm, at an altitude of 1,989 meters above sea-level. Finally, the real highlight of the stage follows: It goes up to the top of the impressive Weißhorn (tip: enjoy the sunset). This pleasant hike will take you through a pristine natural landscape of unique beauty.

You can proceed along this very easy segment from Altrei uphill via the Ziss Saddle – not far from there, you can admire the stunning "huckete Stoan," a free-standing erratic boulder made of porphyry the size of a house – until you come to the Horn-Alm (which is managed). From here, you will proceed slightly downhill until you come to the bogland "Schwarz" and "Weiss" lakes. It's now only a short stretch to Gfrill, the goal of this segment.

Idyllic mountain villages with a unique charm is what the second stage of the circular hiking trail 360° Upper Vinschgau Valley has to offer.

Along alpine meadows to the waterfall below the alpine hut Sesvenna leads the first part of the ninth stage of the circular hiking trail 360° Upper Vinschgau Valley. It continues on the high mountain trail to the mountain restaurant Plantapatsch and along the “Almenweg” path to Prämajur.