Hiking in South Tyrol

The Karer See is one of the most magnificent Alpine lakes, famed for its dark green water and the beautiful mountain backdrop.

From the top of the Mount Elmo across the Alta Via Carnica and through wood until Innichen / San Candido.

Short hike to the Festenstein castle ruins. Check the opening days. Experience a moment of freedom in the historic buildings of Festenstein walls and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Adige Valley there.

Tales and stories of Mount Kienberg

 With its 1222 m, Mount Kienberg stands out from its surroundings like an island. A plutonic rock formed during the creation of the Alps, it emerged from the heart of the earth only to be smoothed down by passing glaciers over the course of countless years. Today, Kienberg is a broad, rotund ridge shrouded in legends: The hike along the Kienberg trail from Casteldarne/Ehrenburg to Mantana/Montal runs past the Plattnerhof farm. Legend has it that once upon a time, it was the home of a stone-hearted man. One day, the farmer chased away a hungry beggar with nothing but insults and threats, upon which the beggar cursed the mountain, making all its springs run dry.
After a short break at the hamlet of Mantana/Montal, the hike runs back to Casteldarne/Ehrenburg along an old trail depicting the Stations of the Cross. Every year, pilgrims from Predoi/Prettau in the Aurina/Ahrntal valley flock here to ask the Madonna of the Grains to bless their home and livestock and to grant their fields favorable weather.
The highest point of the ridge is 1222 m above sea-level. This hike is ideal for those who love quiet trails far from the beaten track. Stop for a break at Gasthof Alpenrose (Mantana/Montal), Hofschenke Lerchner's (Ronchi/Runggen), or Gasthof Obermair.

Quite a challenging hike to the Haunoldköpfl panoramic mountain south of San Candido/Innichen. The hiking trail becomes quite steep in some places towards the end. However, when you reach the summit you have a breathtaking view of San Candido that makes all your efforts worthwhile. There is also a section during the climb up where you can catch a glimpse of all three of the Three Peaks.

The Speikboden is more than just a favorite ski area. It is also an ideal hiking area. The mountain got its name from a little flower that grows in the high mountains – Alpine valerian, or “Speik” in German – and that is in fact because this lovely flower is often found in the hiking area.

With the cable cars you can reach the "Speikboden Alm" at 2000 metres of altitude or the Sonnklar mountain at 2400 metres above sea level. Both are starting points for fantastic walks and hikes along well maintained trails. Particularly popular are the sunrise walks - to spot the first sunrays while the valley still lies in darkness is a memorable experience.

The ridge of the Schneid  (eng: “edge”) is an authentic walk on the edge in every sense of the word, forming as it does the border between South Tyrol and Trentino. But have no fear: From a technical point of view, this hike is not particularly difficult. However, given its length, it does call for a bit of stamina. The breathtaking views over the South Tyrol and Trentino Dolomites will reward you for your efforts. 

People have always looked on the Witches’ Benches on the Puflatsch as being a magical spot. It is here that the Schlern witches are said to have gathered together before flying over the Schlern. The witches are no longer here, but their benches are as wonderful as ever: The rocky porphyry boulders in the form of armchairs are a fabulous spot to stop off for a rest. And for an extra bonus: The 360° view over the Schlern and the Seiser Alm, Tiosels, the Val Gardena/Gröden Valley, Ritten and the Ortles in the distance.

The Laugenspitze is with 2.434 meters the highest mountain of the Nonsberg group in South Tyrol. Its striking double peak consists of the big Laugen and the small Laugen. The peak is accessible by several marked hiking trails. The easiest of these paths leads over the gentle south ridge.

This hike takes in sections of the historic Alpine crossing route, heads past the prehistoric settlement of “Gaschlin” and leads all the way to the rustic mountain village of Stilfs. Up here in the mountains, where they like to say that even the chickens wear crampons, visitors are certain to find the surroundings utterly charming. Be sure to explore the museum “Der Einstieg”, which tells the story of how the village came to be and explores the history of mining in former times.

From Andrian along the Gaider Gorge to the ruins of Festenstein Castle - the path is only recommended for experts - on to the hamlet of Gaid (Moarhof), then down the Larchsteig to the Bittnerhof and back to Andrian.

Traditions and a glimpse of times long gone

The mountain farmsteads on the southern hillside of the Pusteria/Pustertal valley are a remnant of the times when the Romans began to settle in the area. Only a little is left of the ancient baths of Ilistra/Ilstern, to which the locals once flocked in search of the soothing medicinal effect of their spa waters. Not far off, a small chapel has successfully defied the centuries and can easily be reached on a meditation trail. But hiking along Monghezzo/Getzenberg also offers plenty of impressions of the hard life and labor of mountain farmers, and the ancient farmhouses are often named after the dwellers' special dedication: The Vögler farmstead, for example, recalls the old Tyrolean tradition of fowling, or bird-catching.
Half-way up the route at 1112 m, the Jausenstation Hoferhof inn is a fine place for a break and some refreshments. A small, carefully restored chapel is all that is left of a hermitage, which is said to have been located not far from the Getzenbergerhof inn. The Kustoler-Hof farmstead was named after the Romance term for a fortified area, and the Roman milestone on the western edge of the hamlet Casteldarne/Ehrenburg is yet another witness of the ancient settlements in and around Chienes/Kiens.

The Speikboden is more than just a favorite ski area. It is also an ideal hiking area. The mountain got its name from a little flower that grows in the high mountains – Alpine valerian, or “Speik” in German – and that is in fact because this lovely flower is often found in the hiking area.

With the cable cars you can reach the "Speikboden Alm" at 2000 metres of altitude or the Sonnklar mountain at 2400 metres above sea level. Both are starting points for fantastic walks and hikes along well maintained trails. Particularly popular are the sunrise walks - to spot the first sunrays while the valley still lies in darkness is a memorable experience.

The Speikboden is more than just a favorite ski area. It is also an ideal hiking area. The mountain got its name from a little flower that grows in the high mountains – Alpine valerian, or “Speik” in German – and that is in fact because this lovely flower is often found in the hiking area.

With the cable cars you can reach the "Speikboden Alm" at 2000 metres of altitude or the Sonnklar mountain at 2400 metres above sea level. Both are starting points for fantastic walks and hikes along well maintained trails. Particularly popular are the sunrise walks - to spot the first sunrays while the valley still lies in darkness is a memorable experience.

The Speikboden is more than just a favorite ski area. It is also an ideal hiking area. The mountain got its name from a little flower that grows in the high mountains – Alpine valerian, or “Speik” in German – and that is in fact because this lovely flower is often found in the hiking area.

With the cable cars you can reach the "Speikboden Alm" at 2000 metres of altitude or the Sonnklar mountain at 2400 metres above sea level. Both are starting points for fantastic walks and hikes along well maintained trails. Particularly popular are the sunrise walks - to spot the first sunrays while the valley still lies in darkness is a memorable experience.

The [E5] trail is the European long-distance hiking trail that leads from Constance over the Alps to Venice. By taking this route, the hiker can experience a small section of this trail. The hikers walk through the typical woods of the high plateau of Nova Ponente/Deutschnofen and Kohlern/Colle. At Rotstein and Rotwand, two panoramic outlook ponts, an overwhelming glance over the Überetsch/Oltradige, Unterland/Bassa Atesina and Etschtal/Val d'Adige is guaranteed.

Your starting point is the Perlung parking lot (1,375 metres, get there by car). From there, path # 8 runs on a forest path in a south-westerly direction, ascending to the Bärengraben. From there, take the foot path to the mountain ridge and then forest paths to the Hochwald (valley station for the goods railway). This path leads you in a north-westerly direction to the end of the forest and the Radlseehaus (2,284 metres). Approach the summit (path # 7), ascending to the North-East crest and along to the Königsanger (2,436 metres, panoramic platform). Descend on the same route.

Challenging hike along a remote track to the summits of the Schrotthorn, the Leierspitz and the Pfannscharte mountains in the latter Schalderertal Valley.

The Speikboden is more than just a favorite ski area. It is also an ideal hiking area. The mountain got its name from a little flower that grows in the high mountains – Alpine valerian, or “Speik” in German – and that is in fact because this lovely flower is often found in the hiking area.

With the cable cars you can reach the "Speikboden Alm" at 2000 metres of altitude or the Sonnklar mountain at 2400 metres above sea level. Both are starting points for fantastic walks and hikes along well maintained trails. Particularly popular are the sunrise walks - to spot the first sunrays while the valley still lies in darkness is a memorable experience.

Looking to fill your lungs with wonderfully pure air amidst wild and romantic scenery? You’ve come to the right place! This circular Alpine pasture hike in the heart of Stilfserjoch National Park starts at the “Fragges” wildlife reserve, leading through forests and Alpine meadows to the Prader Alm Alpine farm and the Furkelhütte mountain hut. In the untamed surroundings of Stilfserjoch National Park, quiet hikers have every chance of experiencing the local wildlife.

This leisurely winter hike along an Alpine and farm trail leads to the Untere and Obere Stilfser Alm Alpine farms. Hikers follow a gentle forest trail through snowy meadows and forests to the Obere Stilfser Alm Alpine farm (2,077 m).

From Baranci/Haunold valley station follow the route 28 and then route 6 to the "Riese-Haunold-Hütte" mountain refuge. Then take the steep path next to the ski lift "Untertal" which brings you first to "Maierkaser" (unmanaged hut) and then to "Pausa Ganda/Gantraste". You will have a beautiful view over San Candido!

This circular hike from Nova Levante leads along a refreshing forest trail to Lake Carezza, which is considered one of the most magnificent Alpine lakes and is known above all for its deep green water and the beautiful mountain scenery in the background. Return to Nova Levante along the historic "Herrensteig" trail.

A breathtaking high-altitude trail leads around the imposing Langkofel group with the Langkofel peak and the Plattkofel. Given the length of this route a good level of fitness is required, but the route around the Plattkofel and the Langkofel is not particularly steep. Your efforts will be amply rewarded with the beautiful views of the Langkofel group and the breathtaking view of the neighbouring valleys of Val Gardena and Val di Fassa.

The Speikboden is more than just a favorite ski area. It is also an ideal hiking area. The mountain got its name from a little flower that grows in the high mountains – Alpine valerian, or “Speik” in German – and that is in fact because this lovely flower is often found in the hiking area.

With the cable cars you can reach the "Speikboden Alm" at 2000 metres of altitude or the Sonnklar mountain at 2400 metres above sea level. Both are starting points for fantastic walks and hikes along well maintained trails. Particularly popular are the sunrise walks - to spot the first sunrays while the valley still lies in darkness is a memorable experience.

The Speikboden is more than just a favorite ski area. It is also an ideal hiking area. The mountain got its name from a little flower that grows in the high mountains – Alpine valerian, or “Speik” in German – and that is in fact because this lovely flower is often found in the hiking area.

With the cable cars you can reach the "Speikboden Alm" at 2000 metres of altitude or the Sonnklar mountain at 2400 metres above sea level. Both are starting points for fantastic walks and hikes along well maintained trails. Particularly popular are the sunrise walks - to spot the first sunrays while the valley still lies in darkness is a memorable experience.

The Speikboden is more than just a favorite ski area. It is also an ideal hiking area. The mountain got its name from a little flower that grows in the high mountains – Alpine valerian, or “Speik” in German – and that is in fact because this lovely flower is often found in the hiking area.

With the cable cars you can reach the "Speikboden Alm" at 2000 metres of altitude or the Sonnklar mountain at 2400 metres above sea level. Both are starting points for fantastic walks and hikes along well maintained trails. Particularly popular are the sunrise walks - to spot the first sunrays while the valley still lies in darkness is a memorable experience.

Leaving the town towards west, shortly before the gas station, turn right and go up until the Hotel "Schopfenhof". From there go straight ahead and you will pass several farms until arriving to Dobbiaco/Toblach. Return by bus or train. Otherwise you can also return on foot, starting from the train station in "Neutoblach" and following the bike route along the rails to San Candido/Innichen.