Holidays in Ahrntal/Valle Aurina

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.

In the footsteps of miners: An educational trail starting from the St. Ignaz mining gallery (1,500 m) to Rötkreuz/Croce della Val Rossa (2,080 m) that passes entrances to mine and the dilapidated remnants of former mining works.

The Saint George tunnel (adit), which turns towards the right from the road and leads you directly into the mountain was built soon after 1528. Although it is no more than 100 metres long, ore was only found at the beginning of the 40’s, as at times, there was only one miner working in this tunnel. Near the ‘Jakober Stuben’, which are the remains of former mine buildings near the entrance (‘Mundloch’) to the Saint Jacob’s tunnel, the upper part of the mine begins. This is the part, where ore was found during the 15th Century. It is said that Prettau copper ore was first found during the Bronze Age. If this is true, it was most likely found here in this mine. At some stage, there were several tunnels leading into the mountain, but only a few of them can be seen today. The most upper tunnel was called Saint Wilhelm. This was the ‘treasure chest’ of the mine, i.e. copper ore was first found here. The wild and romantic landscape between the ‘Jakober Stuben’ and the Saint Wilhelm tunnel did not grow naturally, but was created by man. This happened during the 18th Century, when the ore was partly mined with the help of black powder. The educational trail ends at the Rötkreuz/Croce della Val Rossa (2,080 m).

The trail leads you to a truly unique sight: the artist Jakob Oberhollenzer’s exposition park that includes a series of breathtaking life-size wooden sculptures. You’ll quickly realize however that this is a trail every bit as much about the journey as the destination. You will see stunning scenery, views of life in this valley from long ago to now, farm work, art and reflections of times past. The trail starts in St. Jakob and goes along the sunny path above the village through fields, forests and after a short distance along the old “Mühlweg” it brings you back to where you started. At various spots hikers get a look into rural-life and farm work through texts and images. The focus is on the themes: “From grain to bread”, “From flax to linen” and “Woodwork in the forest” in the course of the various seasons. In addition, there is the possibility to experience going bare-foot and treading in the refreshing glacier water. The trail is named after the patron saint Leonhard,the advocate for farmers and their diverse interests. Religion and popular beliefs have left a lasting impression on rural-life here. You can walk back from the Sculpture Garden along the street directly to the village. Or the longer route takes you past some of the local farms, past the bus stop in front of Gasthof Garber and then back to the car park.

A ROUTE ON HISTORICAL PATHS FROM THE AHRNTAL VALLEY IN SOUTH TYROL TO MAYRHOFEN IN TYROL AND BACK AGAIN

Route: Steinhaus/Cadipietra - Kasern/Casere - Plauener Hütte - Mayrhofen - Kasseler Hütte - Steinhaus/Cadipietra

5 days - 4 nights

The mountain tour is classified as moderately difficult - difficult and offers unforgettable moments. Sure-footedness, good physical condition, experience and good equipment are required.


The yoke crossings are known as the old paths of smugglers between the Ahrntal valley and Austria. Especially the Keilbachjoch. This prompted the Kassel section of the German Alpine Club and Martin Gamper, hut keeper of the Kasseler Hütte, to call this tour "Ahrntaler smuggler paths".

Mühlenklamm a Molini di Tures. Sentiero circolare alla scoperta di un ambiente a un tempo romantico e selvaggio.
The wild and romantic Mühlenklamm in Molini di Tures-Mühlen in Taufers. Shady circular trail.

Once many different lines of people walked over the „Krimmler Tauern” - hunters, farmers, seamstress, smugglers, soldiers and the path makers themselves. The Tauern crossings into ‘‘Salzburgerische’’ (in Austria) have a tradition that goes back to thousands of years. The historical importance of the route is also confirmed by the ancient “Hl. Geist” church. Furthermore the area is interesting because of its flora and fauna.

A beautiful one and a half hour hiking trip near Luttach/Lutago and around the mysterious Schwarzbachklamm is the round trip to the waterfalls. You start at the Sportbar in Luttach/Lutago and go into the woods along water channel heading towards Brunnberg. After crossing the stream and another branch-off, the trail takes you close to the Schwarzbach waterfalls. You then descend gently at first but steeper later on. Near to the Weißenbach/Rio Bianco road you will see and hear the thunderous waterfalls. Further down you will see the Schwarzbach gorge and the lower part of the waterfalls. The steep rock walls around take away a lot of the day light. You cross over the scary gorge and once close to Luttach/Lutago you will be in the sparse woods again.

15 covered wooden pillars have been erected between Kasern/Casere and Heilig Geist/S. Spirito. Each of these stations features carvings showing the suffering of the Lord. The creation of the trail was initiated by the Youth Service of the parish of Taufers in the 1980s. In collaboration with Catholic youth groups from several parishes in the Ahrntal valley and students from St. Jakob‘s Carving School, the dream was transformed into a beautiful reality. Each station is characterized by the arrangement of figures and embedded symbols from modern life, together with appropriate passages from the Scriptures. Heilig Geist (meaning Holy Spirit) is a dignified and sacred place, through history and the faith and dedication of many generations. Nobody knows exactly when the first chapel was built for the many travelers who used the Krimmler Tauern as a crossing into Pingzau and Salzburg.

Steinhaus/Cadipietra - Schwaiger farms - Moser Ebene - Hochfeld - Bärental - Hochfeldalm - Schwaiger farms

Beginning the walk in the cultivated land in the valley, we cross into typical high alpine larch forests. The forest is of great importance since it protects the valley from avalanches and falling rocks - but it can only fulfill this role if the flora and fauna are kept in a harmonious relationship. Above the woods, we find alpine cabins - witnesses of past labours. Over the years, farmers have shaped the landscape and kept it balanced.

Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the economy of the valley. Its history is closely linked to the flourishing of alpinism. For this reason, alpinism and tourism trails are interacted, both kinds of trails will result in a worthwhile day trip. The development of tourism was strongly influenced by Dr. Josef Daimer (1845-1909), the community of Sand in Taufer’s physician. He was co-founder of the village’s Improvement Society and saw to it that mountain trails and shelters were built. Another milestone was the art of healing by Dr. Anton Mutschlechner, who attracted many guests from all over the world to the area thus developing tourism and eventually leading to the construction of the lifts on Speikboden, which enhanced the development of winter tourism. Numerous infrastructures followed suit, the newest of which is the indoor and outdoor pools at the Cascade with its saunas and wonderful landscaped setting. The trail gives us insight into the development of tourism in the valley from the past to the present days with display boards and symbols along the way. Trail conditions : forest roads and paths. Difficulty: medium, walkable from spring to late autumn.

Dear winter hikers,
Because of their favourable location, negligible risk of avalanches and the large number of users the following hiking tips are suitable at all times.  Please be careful after heavy fresh snowfall or in extreme weather. Always: Check the avalanche status report and the weather forecast. The hiking paths are not cleared of snow.
Recommended equipment: snow and water repellent winter hiking clothing, mountain trekking shoes, warm drink, torch, spikes or trail crampons and gaiters.
Do not leave the paths. For the benefit of the wildlife that already struggles in winter, please avoid making loud noises. Unless the walks are circular walks, all descriptions are only for the outbound stretch. If you are unsure of anything, please ask your host or Tourist Information.

The Health Path Prettau/Predoi offers on 4 km a lot for the human well-being. Exercise in the wood, stunning views and much more. 

Mining museum Prettau - Bergstöckl - Rötalm - Brugger Hütte - Mining museum

As we walk along the “Knappensteig” path, passing by entrances to old mine galleries, we take a journey into the past and a time when the extraction of ore was just beginning. Above the tree line, we feast upon a richly diverse mountainous world — in one of the country’s most beautiful high valleys. The widespread distribution of the alpine cabins demonstrates the cultural imprint of people over centuries. The interesting remnants of glaciers can be seen in the form of old moraines at the “Röt” – and “Merb”alm cabin.

The refuge "Edelrauthütte" is situated on a border, who is a passage fram Lappago/Lappach to Fundres/Pfunders. There starts a lot of hiking tours in the "Zillertaler Alpen", for example: Gran Pilastro/Hochfeiler, Punta Bianca/Hoher Weisszint, Grande Mesule/Großer Möseler and the beautiful mountain trails: Alta via di Fundres/Pfunderer Höhenweg and alta via di Neves/Neveser Höhenweg.

Casere-Kasern - Innerbichlalm hut - Stegeralm hut - Alprechtalm hut - descend through Hasental

Passing by “Knappenegg” and “Bruggerpichl” we reach the “St. Nikolaus-Herrenbaustollen” (adit) Historical Copper Mine. Here there is much to learn about mining and its influence on the development of the valley. Continuing to “Innerbichlalm” cabin you ascend 300 m through high alpine forests until at the “Pichlwiesn” (meadow) the mountainous panorama of the inner Ahrntal valley reveal itself to you. The unique flora is continuously noticeable until the Stegeralm cabin, which gives an opportunity for a break in the midst of the stunning mountain scenery of the Durreck Group and Zillertal Alps. If the group is still in good shape you can aim to cross the “Alprechtgraben” gully to reach the cabin with the same name and the Felmas lookout. 

Dear winter hikers,
Because of their favourable location, negligible risk of avalanches and the large number of users the following hiking tips are suitable at all times.  Please be careful after heavy fresh snowfall or in extreme weather. Always: Check the avalanche status report and the weather forecast. The hiking paths are not cleared of snow.
Recommended equipment: snow and water repellent winter hiking clothing, mountain trekking shoes, warm drink, torch, spikes or trail crampons and gaiters.
Do not leave the paths. For the benefit of the wildlife that already struggles in winter, please avoid making loud noises. Unless the walks are circular walks, all descriptions are only for the outbound stretch. If you are unsure of anything, please ask your host or Tourist Information.

Acereto, sun-kissed, scattered rural settlement on a slope, opposite imposing Punta della Cascata.

St. Johann/San Giovanni - Faden - Obersteiner Holm - Niederhofer Alm - St. Johann/San Giovanni

A nice path leads us to the ‘‘Stöckl’’ at Faden, a viewpoint within a basically untouched high alpine landscape with a wide variety of vegetation. This region is also a hideaway for rich fauna; in particular the hiker can enjoy observing the wide variety of bird species. The massive mountain chain of the Zillertal Alps lies directly in front of us and allows an insight into the various forms of erosion at work in the high mountains. A special panaromic view can also be found at the “Obersteiner Holm”: Durrecker Group, Rieserferner: The lower end of the Ahrntal valley provides a window to the distant Dolomites.

Dear winter hikers,
Because of their favourable location, negligible risk of avalanches and the large number of users the following hiking tips are suitable at all times.  Please be careful after heavy fresh snowfall or in extreme weather. Always: Check the avalanche status report and the weather forecast. The hiking paths are not cleared of snow.
Recommended equipment: snow and water repellent winter hiking clothing, mountain trekking shoes, warm drink, torch, spikes or trail crampons and gaiters.
Do not leave the paths. For the benefit of the wildlife that already struggles in winter, please avoid making loud noises. Unless the walks are circular walks, all descriptions are only for the outbound stretch. If you are unsure of anything, please ask your host or Tourist Information.

Lappago bathed in luminous winter light at the foot of gentle Sasso Tondo.

The Arthur Hartdegen Höhenweg was built in 1910 and it is one of the most beautiful mountain trails in South Tyrol.

Ten meditational spots are found along the side of the path until we reach the "Franziskus and Klara" chapel. Those who hike this path in silence will have a rich experience. The chapel is open day and night.  Any plan to celebrate the Eucharist (communion) should be reported to the "service for youth organisation", tel. + 39 0474 678119 or the priest´s office Taufers, tel. +39 0474 678060 

HISTORICAL PATHS BETWEEN SOUTH TYROL AND SALZBURG REGION 

Tour: Kasern/Casere – Krimmler Tauernhaus mountain refuge – Warnsdorfer Hütte mountain refuge – Birnlücken Hütte mountain refuge Kasern/Casere

4 days – 3 overnight stays

The hike is rated intermediate-high for level of difficulty and offers unforgettable moments. The tour requires experience, not to suffer from vertigo, sure-footedness, physical fitness as well as suitable equipment. 

Breath the sparkling air and enjoy the silence of nature!

The Ahrntal Sun trail takes you to several traditional mountain lodges where you can stop to eat and through magnificent flower fields on the sunny side of the Zillertal Alps. You will get to see breathtaking views of the Ahrntal (valley), of the Dolomites and of the Rieserferner mountain group. Particularly impressive are the pastures and the beautiful flowers on the mountain meadows in almost alpine terrain. Up here the farmer produces food in accordance with nature and he gives the land back what he takes from it. You will get an insight into the difficult life as it once was up in these meadows and can compare it to the much less difficult life up there today. If you get hungry, you can always try the typical specialties from the area.

Children need constant change and are always looking for adventure. The Ahrntaler Sonnenwege (sunny trails) and especially its Ahrntaler Hexensteig (Witch’s trail) is the ideal spot to give families such exciting adventures. It starts at the Platterhof mountain lodge from where you walk to the rushing Frankbachwasserfall (waterfalls). Continue on and pass an old millstone which tells us a little about the farm life of long ago. You then get to some rocks which are ideal for children looking for adventure and who want to test their climbing skills. The very brave children may even dare to enter into the bear cave and walk through the 20 m long underground tunnel where they will have to pass the witch’s big chair and a wooden carved family of bears before reaching the end of their hiking destination – the family friendly Bizathütte (lodge) which welcomes you with its mountain restaurant.

The High Altitude Trail Neves - high above the lake Neves in Lappach/Lappago! The trail connects the two mountain refuges Edelraut Hütte/Ponte di Ghiaccio (2,545 m) and Chemnitzer Hütte/Giovanni Porro (2,419 m). 

The hike is rated intermediate for level of difficulty and offers unforgettable moments. The tour requires experience, not to suffer from vertigo, sure-footedness, physical fitness as well as suitable equipment. 

Dear winter hikers,
Because of their favourable location, negligible risk of avalanches and the large number of users the following hiking tips are suitable at all times.  Please be careful after heavy fresh snowfall or in extreme weather. Always: Check the avalanche status report and the weather forecast. The hiking paths are not cleared of snow.
Recommended equipment: snow and water repellent winter hiking clothing, mountain trekking shoes, warm drink, torch, spikes or trail crampons and gaiters.
Do not leave the paths. For the benefit of the wildlife that already struggles in winter, please avoid making loud noises. Unless the walks are circular walks, all descriptions are only for the outbound stretch. If you are unsure of anything, please ask your host or Tourist Information.

Roaners Bauernkuchl is a mountain farm 600 m above Taufers Castle.

SOUTH TYROL – SALZBURG – TYROL: 3 REGIONS AND 5 MONTAIN REFUGES IN 6 DAYS

Tour: Kasern/Casere – Birnlücken Hütte mountain refuge – Krimmler Tauernhaus mountain refuge– Zittauer Hütte mountain refuge – Richterhütte mountain refuge – Plauener Hütte mountain refuge – Kasern/Casere

The hike is rated intermediate-high for level of difficulty and offers unforgettable moments. The tour requires experience, not to suffer from vertigo, sure-footedness, physical fitness as well as suitable equipment.