The sun is out, you’re fully packed – now where do you want to go? The peaks, pinnacles and towers of the Dolomites gleam invitingly in the morning light. Are they even more beautiful from the summit? The valleys are criss-crossed with trails through vineyards and apple orchards, past imposing castles, around enchanting lakes and along the Waalweg canal trails. South Tyrol has more than 16,000 km of signposted hiking trails that run through the ever-changing natural landscape, including themed trails, multi-day tours and high-Alpine trails.
A walk through history
More than 2000 years ago, the Puster Valley was under the administrative control of the Roman Empire. Today you can still discover evidence of the early history of the Noricum province, which was once part of the Great Celtic kingdom, in parts of Ehrenburg/Casteldare and the nearby settlement area of St. Lorenzen/San Lorenzo.
An attractive and leisurely circular walk between the southern center of Kiens/Chienes and the western landscape area of Ehrenburg/Casteldarne offers insights into the history of the Romans. The importance of travelling and the role of the rest stops around Kiens/Chienes are presented in an exciting way at various rest points, with information’s about the Romans, to bring the past to life.
One of the best-preserved milestones from Roman times is a two-meter-high column sculpted from quartz phyllite. The Roman stone was erected during the reign of the Roman Emperor Lucius Septinus Severus and shows the distance to the Roman town of Aguntum near Lienz in East Tyrol further to the east.
Also worth seeing (only from the outside) is the historic Ehrenburg castle, which was built in 1250, and the nearby baroque parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The beautiful wooden fences and the old dry-stone walls in Ehrenburg/Casteldarne are also particularly attractive. Refreshment stops to take a well-deserved break at: Bar Restaurant Obermair in Ehrenburg/Casteldarne and Riverhotel Post in Kiens/Chienes.
The round trail Simml is a small circular route situated above the village of San Genesio, with duration approx. 1 hour.
This trail isn't suitable for prams.
Signposted as „Sonnenrundweg“ trail (Sun Path), this simple 1 hr. 45 min. hiking circuit crossing over sunny slopes and through shady woods leads off the parking lot near the church. In winter the wooded sections are ideal for snowshoe hiking.
Refreshment stops: Various taverns in Stulles
The trail is not suitable for pushchairs.
From the Pares car park, take the forest road no. 5, 5A which leads gently uphill through the woods and on to the Medalghes pastures.
The refuge Sesvennahütte can be reached by the village Schlinig/ Slingia.
This hike leads through some fascinating, isolated Alpine terrain at unusually low altitude down in the valley. This is for those interested in seeing the renowned views of the Merano basin and willing to go on a longer excursion at high altitude. Starting at the unmanned Hahnenkamm refuge to the Pfitschkopf summit, take the Lustige Kameraden-Steig trail (5a) across the partly exposed ridge. Cross the very steep face that sometimes dips slightly downwards the exposed trail (5) northwest to the Obere Obisellalm hut and lake Obisellsee.
Starting point: Öberst-Vernuer/Vernurio
Endpoint: Öberst-Vernuer/Vernurio
Refreshment stop: Obere Obisellalm hut
High Above Marling with start in the center of Marling village.
The Puez-Odle Nature Park, which has been part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, boasts a fascinating geology. All the rock strata typical of the Dolomites can be found there. The hike, which starts in Colfosco at the southern edge of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, takes you via the Stella Alpina valley and the Puez Plateau right into the heart of the Nature Park. It offers both views of, and insight into, the landscape and history of the Dolomites.
The gentle hike through the Dolomites winter landscape winds at the foot of the majestic peaks Sella, Cir and Sassongher.
Walking along the Pisciadú river, crossing snow-covered meadows and silent woods you arrive at the foot of Pisciadú waterfalls. In winter the waterfalls form a spectacular ice fall.
Splendid forest tour above Morter
The hike begins in the idyllic village of Morter near Laces. On the alternating wide forest roads and narrow paths you will reach the so-called "Broatraschgl", a wonderful vantage point, where you have a view over the entire Val Venosta Valley. A highlight is the good view of the Castle Ruins Untermontani and the castle Obermontani.
The stroll begins on Str. Fanes: Walk through the Pes-Pesc playground, then continue along the paved dirt road parallel to the cross-country skiing slope (pedestrians: please keep off the slope) until just before you reach the Ciamaor sports grounds. The forest trail will take you to Ciamaor (to the left of the football pitch). Having passed the Ciamaor bridge, keep left and continue along the picturesque trail until you get to Lé dla Creda. Continue along the main road until you reach the Tamersc fields and, after 3 km, the Pederü mountain inn.
This easy hike through the wooded plateaum leads to two fantastic and very unique panoramic outlook-points with a beautiful view to the Adige Valley.
The “Birmehl” trail begins in the village centre of Verdings and leads through the arid meadows of the southern side of the church hill down to the hamlet of Pardell and from there up to the beautifully situated Moar zu Viersch farm. An old cobblestone path takes you back to your set-off point.
This easy hike is recommended for all those who enjoy a pleasant walk in beautiful natural surroundings. The Verdins cable car makes the climb easier.
This circular hike in Badia takes visitors into the very heart of the unique natural landscape of the Armentara meadows.
You cross snow-covered meadows in an incredible beauty. Above the tree line extend the alpine pastures, testimony to the work of man. Farmers here have shaped the landscape while still maintaining its equilibrium.
Easy snowshoe hike from the Hotel Bad Bergfall in direction Inn Trattes.
We park in front of the Inn Bad Bergfall and start our walk along the brook on a forest road, signposted with the number 3, slightly uphill. After about half an hour we reach the sulfur source. We cross the brook, after a rocky bottleneck the path turns to the right and goes across fields to the mountain inn Trattes, which is located in a beautiful viewpoint not far from the road to the Furkelpass.
The way back is the same way.
This relaxing winter hike starts at the parking place of Spëscia. During this hike you can enjoy the fresh air of the forest up to the Hospice Santa Croce, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the peaks of the Dolomites.
Starting from the local tourist office, follow trail no. 3a and walk along trail no. 3b until you reach the Unterweg restaurant. Walk along trail no. 3a through the Afing gorge and you will reach Afing. Your way back will be on trail no. 31 and than along trail no 30 to reach Jenesien. Duration of the excursion: 4 hours and 45 minutes - Drop/rise: 850 m
Hike from Schleis to the rustic village of Schlinig or in the other direction.
The Ütia Gardenacia hut lies at the eastern end of the Nature Park Puez-Odle over the village of La Villa, in the middle of green meadows dotted with larches. It offers a spectacular view over the villages of Alta Badia and its mountains, such as the Sas dla Crusc, Lavarela and Conturines, while in the distance the Tofane, the Pelmo, the Civetta and the Marmolada can be discerned.
The path to the Waterfalls starts and ends at the three Holy Wells. The comfortable hiking trail, with slight inclines, is about 6.4 km long and offers cultural experiences as well as a stop at the beautiful waterfalls.
This excursion is a very beautiful daytour along various peaks, which you ascend without much effort. The best way to arrive at the parkingspace Falzeben is to take the bus from Mölten. From Lavenna you can return easily to Mölten by autobus or walking.
The romanesque church St. Jakob on the Langfenn is positioned on the highest and most visible point of the Salto (1525m). The church stands on prehistoric ground and could tell us probably many interesting and exciting historical things. On the altar we can see St. Jakob, the protector of all hikers, and on his side the two Patrons of the pest, Rochus and Sebastian.
A special adventure at Meran 2000 is the idyllic loop trail that runs from either Falzeben or Piffing to Kratzbergersee Lake. The small mountain lake, which is easily accessible to families with children, offers a magnificent view of the neighbouring Sarntal Valley. Hikers can cool tired feet in the cold water.
Please note: This is not a bathing lake.
Challenging hike from Vilpian to Schlaneid.
You hike past several farms, cross the suspension bridge over the Mölten stream and continue hiking to the Schlaneid mountain station. Enjoy the view over the Etschtal valley.
From Martello up to the Passo Madriccio/Madritschjoch in the Sulden Valley
Hiking through the Stelvio National Park: a breathtaking natural wonder.
Starting point: Val Martello | Highest point: 3,123m | Map/guide: Kompass Karte Ortles/Ortler, Passo dello Stelvio/Stilfserjoch