Themed Hikes across South Tyrol

Waalwege are paths along the ancient irrigation channels. Ascend to the canal trail via the Kirchweg or Rösslweg streets. After approx. 300 m the Rösslweg branches to the left from the Kirchweg and rises gently to the shooting range where the Riffianer Waalweg trail begins. It runs between forest edge and meadows as far as Kuens/Caines and ends in the Kuensertal valley. Return either via the Kuenserstraße street, the Valtmaunweg trail or via the Hohlgasse street. If you wish, you can drive to the starting point in the Kuensertal valley by car, park there and then hike as far as Rifiano/Riffian (approx. 45 min).

The path is not suitable for pushchairs or strollers.

From Niederrasen (Pfaffingerhöfe) > on the edge of the woods (circular path) to the hunting lodge (Jagdhaus) > Burgfriedenhof > turn on the chapel > ascent to the ruins of the Neurasen Castle.

From Oberrasen> mark n. 3.

The Rasun Nuova Castle in Oberrasen is privately owned and belongs to the Burgfrieder farm.

This easy and pleasant tour leads you through the wild nature from Ortisei to S. Jacob. This forest experience, which is well suited for families with children, is a hike with a unique view of the Sassolungo.

This walk has been named after the important German painter Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). During his first trip to Venice, in 1494, due to a flood in the Adige Valley, he had to make a detour through Pochi di Salorno to the Val di Cembra. It is delightful to follow the historical trail through these enchanted woods. We can walk past the Pochi di Salorno mill, past the earth pyramids and the Segonzano Castle, which Dürer immortalized in his paintings.

Stages of the Route
1. Klösterle St. Florian - hamlet of Laag/Laghetti (3.2 km; difference in altitude -20 m; duration 1 hour)
2. Laag/Laghetti - Buchhol/Pochi di Salorno (4.4 km; Height difference + approx. 400 m; Time: 1 hour 40 min)
3. Buchholz/Pochi di Salorno - Sauch Hut (6.3 km; Altitude difference + approx. 450 m; Duration 2 hrs. 20 min)
4. Sauch Hut - Lago Santo/Heilgen See (3 km; Height difference +305 m; Time duration 1 hr. 10 min) 
Alte Dürer-Route: (4.6 km; Height difference +292; 1 hr 45 min)
5. Lago Santo - Cembra (4 km; Height difference -539 m; Duration 1 hr 20 min)
6. Cembra - Cantilaga (4 km; Height difference -180 m; Duration 1 hour and 20 min)
7. Cantilaga - Segonzano Castle - Segonzano Pyramids (2-4 km; Height difference +100 m; Duration 50 min)

The Peace Trail (Friedensweg) in Caldaro was created between 1995 and 2000 by an action group led by Georg Reider. It leads from the Sportzone St. Anton car park across the cultural and natural landscape through the Kardatschertal valley or the wild Rastenbachklamm gorge to St Peter’s Church in Castelvecchio/Altenburg.

Seven stations invite hikers and pilgrims to pause and reflect. Artists have interpreted the five themes of “Moderation, Wisdom, Justice, Belief and Hope,” artistically applying them to the environment. The sixth station (Courage) is the Rastenbachklamm gorge. The seventh, Love, is represented by the ruins of the early Christian St Peter’s Church in Castelvecchio, probably the oldest church ruins in Tyrol.

Sturdy footwear is recommended for the hike and sure-footedness is also essential in some places.

The Keschtnweg Chestnut Trail from the Neustift Monastery (560 m) to Terlan/Terlano (250 m) runs along the right bank of the Eisacktal Valley. It is in autumn, at the time of the Törggelen, that the trail is at its most eye-catching and many taverns and inns along the way offer traditional Törggelen dishes. The lush, diverse vegetation and simple, rural way of life also attracts visitors in spring and early summer.

Numerous herbal remedies have been used in traditional medicine over the centuries for the prevention of disease, to heal and for pain relief. Along the Panoramaweg panoramic trail in Spiluck/Spelonca, visitors learn more about local herbs and plants with medicinal effects.

From the church in Rasa/Raas, head east along the road following the signs for trail no. 4 to the Moser farm, then turn right following the symbol for the nature trail and walk round the Raier Moos biotope to the Moser and back on marked trail no. 4 to your starting point. The nature trail takes you round the Raier Moos biotope. With the help of information boards and observation points, visitors can learn about the habitats of all kinds of animal and plant species at first hand.

 

Trail of Legends: San Genesio Atesino/Jenesien Remarkably, it was 132 students from the municipality of San Genesio Atesino who are responsible for the creation of this fabulous Trail of Legends, which they based on 14 myths from their community. Trail of Legends: San Genesio Atesino/Jenesien Starting point: Salto Parking Area (sports fields in San Genesio Atesino) Highest point: 1.500

From the end of the Valler Tal valley, take a left at the Kurzkofelhütte hut over the bridge and on mountain trail no. 17, the Milk Trail, uphill to Fane Alm Alpine farm. All the way along the trail are interesting information panels explaining all about the dairy industry in South Tyrol.

The Gumperer Trail in Seis, at the foot of the Schlern Mountain, is a pleasure for all your senses. Here is where you can dawdle as long as you like.
Made by children, for children: the five stations invite you to discover the five senses. In a playful way, you get to know more about yourself and your surroundings. The more time you give yourself, the deeper you can dive into the wonderful world of nature, discovery and adventure.

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.

We start in the village of Gasteig/Casateia, cross the main road and go along the Mühlbachlweg trail as far as the signposts. We then follow the trail up the valley towards Stange/Stanghe. At first, a well-marked but narrow trail takes us through an interesting forest with a number of inviting benches to rest on. Soon the trail becomes wider and the scenery more varied: a river biotope, a newly-planted forest, low-growing mixed woodland and meadows. At Stange we go over a bridge and walk along the tarmac cycle path to Mareit/Mareta. If you wish, you can walk to the square by the church where an interesting nature trail begins. Exploring the themes of woodland and water, it takes you past the castle (open for visitors). The return is along the same route. You can also start the hike in Stanghe, which shortens it by about an hour. Quality of the trail: for a short distance, narrow, then wider and tarmac to Stanghe. All types of buggy. Things to see on the way: South Tyrol’s rock garden, museum at Wolfsthurn Castle (Schloss Wolfsthurn), Woodland & Water hiking/nature trail.

The little church of Santa Barbara, dating back to the 15th century, on the hills above the village of La Val in Alta Badia, is located in a very panoramic location. The inhabitants of this place still have very vivid memories of the history of the Lords of Rü: some centuries ago they buried money and precious jewellery near the church. Discover the legend of the most iconic village's place.

Along the geological trail between Passo Pinei and Bulla, you can find interesting information panels explaining the evolution of the world-renowned Dolomites. The path leads through geological highlights on the margin of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers fantastic panoramic views on the mountains of Val Gardena. The highlight of the trail is marked by panel No. 2; here the excursionist physically passes through the Permian-Triassic boundary, which marks one of the greatest changes in the development of life on earth. In fact, 250 million years ago, more than 90% of all species, plants and animals in water, land and air became extinct due to enormous volcanic eruptions.

From Niederrasen to Oberrasen (culture house) > along the river > after approx. 1 km turn right on a country lane > further on northwards to the biotope (the moor area - an integral natural reserve with nature trail). This hike can also be started from Antholz Niedertal or Antholz Mittertal!

Theme walk "Tru Vistles" - Culture, Tradition and Nature.
This theme trail combines nature with culture and tradition with numerous games and information boards and is therefore particularly inviting for families. Start from the road opposite the Church gate and follow the "Tru Vistles" signs.

Ski racers and mountaineers Hans and Paola Steger made their mark on the Seiser Alm like no other, before or since. Pioneers of mountaineering in the Dolomites, they made an immense contribution to the development of skiing on the Seiser Alm: The Hans & Paola Steger trail pays homage to their achievements. Info boards lining the route provide a host of information on the nature and culture of the Seiser Alm. A magnificent Dolomite panorama accompanies hikers along this leisurely yet fascinating trail. 

At the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage GEOPARC Bletterbach you can find adventure parks, learning center, nature monuments and an impressive Canyon with its geological treasures and diverse landscapes. Discover the history of earth in one of the most beautiful areas in the south of South Tyrol.

Waalwege are paths along the ancient irrigation channels. From the car park of the Hirzer cable car in Saltaus/Saltusio, head down to the Passerdammweg trail until reaching the Apfelhotel Torgglerhof hotel. From here, the canal trail leads into the centre of Scena/Schenna or after the Waalerhütte hut to Riffian/Rifiano and Meran/Merano.
After a comfortable hike of approx. 1.5 hours, you reach the small city centre of Merano, where you can, for example, take the bus back to Saltusio.

From the Tourist Office in Sand in Taufers/Campo Tures, walk in a easterly direction and cross the bridge to St. Moritzen/San Maurizio. Turn right and walk along the left banks of the river, cross another bridge to the right bank. Then take another bridge on the left and turn right towards Winkel. On the left side you can find the Kneipp trail. Walk along the road to the car park for the Reinbach Waterfalls. Turn left into the forest (nr. 2) until you come to the first Reinbach waterfall. The road leads upwards to the 2nd and the 3rd waterfall. Cross the high bridge at the 3rd waterfall and turn onto path number 2 towards the Toblhof restaurant. Cross the road and follow path number 2A, which leads you slightly descending to the Pircherhöfe. Then turnleft throught the forest until you come to a crossroads. Turn right and walk to Taufers Castle and enjoy the panoramic views. Walk along a small path, passing the castle chapel until you are bacj in Sand in Taufers/Campo Tures. Cross the bridge at the main road and walk towards the end of the village.

Easy and magnificent path from the mountain hut Vorderkas/ inn Jägerrast to the mountain pasture Eishof, also suitable for children and elderly people. In the further course more and more surefootedness is required. 
Tips: the informational boards along the Alpine Pasture Experience Trail (Almerlebnisweg) are interesting. Not far from mountain pasture Rableid, there is a lime kiln, in which the limestone from the Hohe Weiße mountain was fired to make building lime, which was also presumably used to construct the monastery in Certosa/Karthaus.

In 15 interesting stations, many different games await the families. Together with the wood mouse Ferdinand, the parents and their kids search for animal tracks, listen to bird voices, lift up the horn of a deer, work themselves through a tunnel and climb up the pecker-hill.

The Völser Aicha Höfeweg farm trail is a beautiful hiking route through ancient farmsteads, mountain restaurants, vineyards and chestnut groves. This trail can be seen in all its glorious beauty in springtime when the mountain meadows are blossoming all around, and in autumn when the trees are decked in vibrant hues.

At Castle Prösels, you can take a trip back into the Middle Ages on a guided tour of the   Knights’ Hall, the castle chapel and other parts of the Renaissance castle and grounds.

This easy hike through flower-filled meadows, pastureland and woods between San Cassiano and Badia, passes along the feet of the Sas dla Crusc/Sasso di Santa Croce 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.

Demanding hike from Laives/Leifers via the Via Crucis with its 14 stations to the pilgrimage site of Madonna di Pietralba in Nova Ponente/Deutschnofen.

The trail to the Barbiano Waterfalls starts in the centre of the village of Barbiano/Barbian (refreshments available). The Waterfall Trail (Wasserfallweg) first goes to the lower falls and then to the upper falls. Then you follow trail no. 34 and 27 to the Briol inn (refreshments available). Continue to Tre Chiese (refreshments available) on trail no. 4. The route back to Barbiano takes you first along trail no. 6, which then branches off into trail no. 3. Follow the Dorfstraße road to where you started.

It goes without saying that the highlight of this hike is the spectacular Barbiano waterfalls, which plunge in several cascades over a total drop of 200 m. But there are also other interesting things to see along the way, such as the leaning tower of the church in Barbiano.

Anyone with an interest in architecture will love the Briol inn, which is an amazing example of Bauhaus style right in the heart of the Alps. The artist Hubert Lanzinger transformed a former refuge here into a complete work of art in which you can stay and dine.

We must also mention Tre Chiese, a fascinating collection of buildings constructed on the site of an ancient sacred spring.

The Wine Trail is layed out in the form of an "8" and takes you from the village centre, down to the lake and back – past wine vineyards, farms and estates. Ground markings have been laid into the ground so that the hiker is aware of the various vineyard names as he passes by. You will see some of the age-old poetic vineyard names, which date back to either Rhaetian or Romantic origins: "Vial", "Prunar", "Puntara", "Palurisch" …

This walk dedicated to the minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide runs between Laion, Novale and Albions. In the future there will be information board placed at specific points along the route, on the life and work of this minstrel, to pass on this information to those walking through this beatiful landscape. There are several places to stop for meal or a rest along the route.