Hiking in South Tyrol

The Knottnkino is a lookout point. It's outfitted with thirty cinema seats, where the hikers can take a seat and enjoy the unique experience: nature as cinema. The site overlooks the whole of the Adige Valley so visitors enjoy stunning views that encompass the Texel Mountains, Mount Penegal, and even Weißhorn farther afield.

On this easy hike through forests and fields, you can experience the magic of winter in the Dolomites at close quarters.
The Cherz Plateau, between the villages of Corvara, La Villa and S.Cassiano, offers a 360° panoramic view over the surrounding Dolomites. It also an outstanding viewpoint for the Marmolada glacier.

Before heading out on the hike check the weather forecast and the avalanche report http://www.arpa.veneto.it/neve_valanghe/it/pdf/dolomiti_nevevalanghe.pdf.

The Via Monachorum, also referred to as “Silentium“ (Path of tranquillity) connects the villages of Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau and Monte S. Caterina/Katharinaberg with Certosa/Karthaus. There was a historic monastery there, founded by the Carthusian monks in the 14th century.  Dressed in their white robes, the monks lived in silence. Some large parts of the monastery walls have been preserved, as are the Gothic cloister and the former monastery kitchen. There are a number of plaques along this themed trail with philosophical quotations relating to tranquillity and silence. The trail is signposted using life-sized figures of monks.

This trail has been certified by 'Europäisches Wandergütesiegel' (European Certification for hiking trails).

Once you have left the village centre, you will understand why La Val is called the village of Alpine meadows: green, well-kept meadows will constantly surround you during this hike. The man-made landscape between 1300 and 2000 metres above sea level developed through the hard work of our farming ancestors, which today is facilitated by the use of agricultural machinery. 

As the altitude increases, so does the consistency of the meadows: from meagre meadows to the larch meadows of Armentara. Along the route you will find wonderful viewpoints, a sulphurous water spring at Al Bagn and several refreshment points where you can refresh yourself with some of the delicious Ladin specialities that can satisfy every palate: try the typical bales (dumplings) or snack on a well-earned slice of strudel.

Every year, the non-competitive half-marathon 'Tru di pra' takes place on this route.

The history: The mountains of Defreggen Tal Valley form a big border between Val Casies Valley (I) and Villgratental Valley (A). It has always been crossed by the residents of the two valleys to trade. During the years from 1810–1814 and after the 2nd world war different goods have been smuggled across the border. Because of this the three “The path across the cols” developed. Some informative signs were arranged along the paths to tell about the history and life in earlier times.

This scenic summit hike begins at the parking lot of the Ruis cable car at Furkel Pass. Follow trail no. 1 from there. After two wide bends, turn left into the forest. The shaded path climbs steadily and leads all the way to the summit of Kronplatz.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views and several dining options – perfect for a well-deserved break with a view.

Waalwege are paths along the ancient irrigation channels. From the Ungericht Hof farm (Neolithic engraved stone), follow the road for approx. 10 minutes up to the Mutlechnerhof farm (837m) from where the markers lead in a further 15 minutes to the 600-year-old Caines canal along a more or less flat trail. Follow this to its origin, the irrigation canal frame at the Finelebach stream (1,020m). This will take about 90 minutes. On the other side of the bridge, hike to the right of the canal some 100 m down into the valley, then turn sharply to the left onto the lower canal trail that takes you through shady woods back to the Ungericht Hof.

The path is not suitable for pushchairs.

On ancient paths

Starting point: Monguelfo / tourist information office (1087m)
Distance: 6 km
Descent: circular hike
Walking time: 01:45 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 130 m
Information: Castel Welsperg is open for visiting during the summer time |www.suedtirolmobil.info - Lin. 441

This hike leads you from the centre of Nalles to castle Katzenzungen, where the oldest and largest grapevine in the world is located.

On this segment, you will proceed from Aldein uphill to Montan. At first, you can proceed along a relatively relaxing trail until you reach Holen. From there, it gets steeper until you reach the Aldein Bridge (known as the "Little European Bridge" when first built in the 1960s). This is a good opportunity to make a rest-stop and/or get some refreshments. You then continue along the former route of the Fleims Valley railroad, through spruce forests (common here on the southwest flank of the Cislon). Just before arriving at Montan, you'll pass by the Elsenhof farmstead and the impressive Enn Castle. Then, continue via the "Wine Forest Water" Trail to the center of the village of Montan, famed for its Pinot Noir, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea-level. This is the end of the route.

This challenging segment leads from Gfrill / Cauria (1,330 meters above sea-level) via the hamlet of Gschnon / Casignano and the Cisloner Alm and to Aldein (1,200 meters above sea-level). At the beginning, the route is uphill via the Gfrill Saddle until you reach Gschnon (option for rest-stop, food/drink, and overnight lodgings). From there, you will continue over the asphalt road uphill until you come to Mühlen / Molini (again: option for food/drink and overnight lodgings). After that, it's a rather steep path up to the Cisloner Alm. From here, you will proceed downhill until you reach the Aldein Bridge (known as the "Little European Bridge" when built back in the 1960s). This is a good spot to make a rest-stop (lodgings also available). You can then continue via Holen / Olmi until your come to Aldein / Aldino.

This winter hike follows the "Herrensteig" from Welschnofen | Nova Levante to Lake Carezza (Karer See | Lago di Carezza), considered one of the most magnificent alpine lakes. The lake, located at the foot of the Latemar and known for its deep green waters and the beautiful mountain backdrop, is frozen in winter and usually covered with a white blanket of snow.

From Welschnofen | Nova Levante, the path ascends with a steady, gentle incline up to Lake Carezza. Along the "Herrensteig", you are treated to beautiful views of the picturesque village of Welschnofen | Nova Levante. Upon reaching the lake, a breathtaking panorama opens up with views of the impressive mountain ranges of the Rosengarten | Catinaccio and Latemar.

This snowshoe hike starts in Badia and takes hikers through the characteristic alpine landscape of the Armentara meadows. You walk across snow-covered meadows of unique beauty. The alpine huts and farmsteads along the way bear witness to the work of man: here the farmers have shaped the landscape through their labour over the years, maintaining an intact balance with the surrounding nature.

Val dl‘Ert (Art Valley), is a outdoor exhibition with the sculptures of the last editions of the SMACH art competition. Going up from the castle Museum Ladin after about 200 m take the path on the left that crosses the woods and that takes you to the Val dl‘Ert after about 1 km.

The route takes hikers mainly along wide paths through forests but also makes a stop at the idyllic Bruggen Weiher Pond, which has a very unique fauna.

Circular hike recommended all year round. Please note: Please note the opening times and closing days of the huts.

Passing Vernaun and Labers castles en route, the finishing point of this pleasant, approximately two hour-long hike is Trauttmansdorff. As well as a visit to the botanical gardens, a detour to the Museum of Tourism is also well worthwhile. 

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.

For generations, the path through the Masulschlucht gorge was an important link between Verdins and the mountain hamlet of Videgg. Yet, the path has also been the victim of nature’s cruel game… for example, the old bridge over the gorge was ripped away by the floods in the storm decades before and completely destroyed. Since then, the newly-installed wooden bridge offers breathtaking views of the lie of the land around the Masul torrent.

From the main square of Kurtatsch we take the Obergasse, a street that starts steeply up to the small square, where we turn right. At the next intersection - near the fountain - we follow the Schiessstandweg, which continues as a narrow street through the woods (Trimm-Dich-Pfad). This road takes us past Kastelaz to the southern limits of Tramin. We return to Kurtatsch over the street to Rungg, to the right just before the Elena Walch winery.

This short hike leads to the Waidmannalm Mountain Hut in Meran 2000. It is very easy walk and suitable for families with children.

Setting off from the chapel in Picolin, walk across the bridge and past the historic building Ciasa dl Maier. Head north along the forest road (no. 22) through the Plaies forest for about 5 km and then take the paved road to Marebbe. There, turn left and follow the roadside pavement to Longega. Return along the same route.

The Eichhörnchenweg trail trail in Marling/Marlengo functions as an educational nature trail and is identified with the emblem of a squirrel. The one km family-friendly circuit has 23 interactive stations which allow visitors to learn about the local environment while also experiencing adventures for themselves. The circuit is designed as an educational nature trail comprised of games, sports and relaxation, and to help hikers learn about forest life and wood in the process. A high rope facility within the Natur- & Erlebnisweg trail and a natural laboratory is fun for all age groups, encouraging visitors to play and experiment with wood.

From Jochgrimm first up to the Schwarzhorn (2,439 m above sea-level), where you are immediately rewarded with a great panoramic view. From here it goes back again to Jochgrimm and then up to the magnificent Weisshorn (2,317 meters above sea-level), once again you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view. You will then proceed through increasingly dense vegetation downhill and along the Zirmersteig staircase until you reach Oberradein, an idyllic village surrounded by verdant meadows and lush forests.

This magnificent panoramic snowshoe hike leads across the picturesque alpine area of the Frin meadows and offers breathtaking views of the Rosengarten | Catinaccio and Latemar. Along the way, you’ll enjoy fascinating panoramic views of the vast snow-covered meadows and the surrounding Dolomite peaks. On the plateau, you'll find numerous "Schupfen," traditional private alpine huts. These give the area a unique, charming, and authentic character. The Frin meadows are a special place where you can fully enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

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.

Searching for the ghost of the Castle

Starting point: Monguelfo / tourist information office (1087m)
Distance: 2,5 km
Descent: circular hike
Walking time: 00:45 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 800 m
Information: Castel Welsperg is open for visits during the summer timewww.suedtirolmobil.info - Lin. 441

The history: The mountains of Defreggen Tal Valley form a big border between Val Casies Valley (I) and Villgratental Valley (A). It has always been crossed by the residents of the two valleys to trade. During the years from 1810–1814 and after the 2nd world war different goods have been smuggled across the border. Because of this the three “The path across the cols” developed. Some informative signs were arranged along the paths to tell about the history and life in earlier times.