Hiking trails in Ahrntal/Valle Aurina

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 six-hour, high-altitude hike culminating in a visit to Lago di Cavoni/Tristensee Lake and a stop for something to eat at the Rifugio Porro/Chemnitzer Hütte mountain hut at Passo di Neves/Neveser Joch Pass

Enjoy traditonal local dishes and spend happy hours in a friendly atmosphere.

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 developent of the valley. Continuing to "Innerbichlalm" you ascend 300 m through high alpine forests until at the "Pichlwiesn" (meadow) the mountainous panorama of the inner Ahrntal valley reveals itself to you. The unique flora is continuously noticeable until the Stegeralm hut, which gives an opportunity for a break in the midst of the stunning mountain scenery of the Durreck Group and Zillertaler Alps. If the group is still in good shape you can aim to the cross the "Alprechtgraben" gully to reach the cabin with the same name and th Felams look-out. The descent continues on he "Alprechter Almweg" path to the "Alprecht-Stöckl" chapel, and then on the bus stop at the "Stegerbrücke" bridge.

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.

The valley Bärental lies between the villages St. Jakob/San Giacomo and Steinhaus/Cadipietra in the Ahrntal valley.

A very rewarding, medium difficulty hike to the most beautiful alpine lake in the Durreck group. Trail no. 33, 1,5 to 2 hrs elevation gain: 560 m The trail starts from the Klausberg upper station, passes the Speck & Schnapsalm, and reaches the Baurschaft refuge and lake Klaussee. From there, you can continue up to the Rauchkofel or Breite Rast.

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.

St. Johann‘s meditational trail was established in 1996 by the local parish council and St. Johann‘s Schützenkompanie (protection guards). Its creation commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus pledge that was sworn in 1796 and remains part of the local tradition today. Walkers are invited to stop at each station along the path to be informed by the contemplative texts and images.

The sun trail "Sunnsat" is a net of ways and invites to walk and to peregrinate. These ways in the times gone by, were used by smugglers and for other things. Now doing this ways you can pass the blooming fields, the mixed forest, the traditional farms und the huts.

DOWNLOAD AHRNTAL SUN TRAIL - MAP

The goal of the hike are the “Koflerseen“ lakes. You pass through varied parts of the forest and mountain pastures. Over centuries people have shaped the landscape and cultivated the land which is still well maintained. The lakes themselves are embedded in a mountainous region bounded by the boulders and debris left by the retreat of an old glacier. Around the banks of the lakes there are meadows covered by a vast variety of flowers spreading in all directions. These flowers show the art of survival in the high mountains. Last, but not least, the hike offers views of the glacial peaks of the Rieserferner Mountains.

Climbing up, the hike leads you through bright larch forests which were used as pastures in former times. The variety of blossoms on the rough grassland just above, is absolutely unique. The Almweg crosses the socalled “battle zone” with dwarf shrubs, sedges and isolated trees. Mankind has decisively shaped the landscape in alpine pastures. The descend will take you through some remains of a dense highalpine pine forest.

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 in balanced.

Ideal continuation from lake Klaussee to return to the mountian station. Trail no. 33b hike time: 1hrs modest elevation gain from Lake Klaussee. The trail starts from the lake, passes through moraine hills, by an old cattle shed and reaches the "Breite Rast", where there is a fantastic view of the Zillertal Alps. From there, one can either descend to the upper cableway station or continue crossing the "Großklausental" and "Ploden", to St. Jacob or Steinhaus.

Beautiful hike to the summit of the Klausberg. Offers an enchanting panoramic view of the Dolomites, Zillertal Alps, Durreck and Rieserferner Group. Trail no. 33 hike time: 3 to 3.5 hrs elevation gain: 1050 m From the Klausberg upper station to Lake Klaussee. From there, the trail continues to the pass and then, in about 20 minutes it reaches the summit (the section from the pass to the summit involves some light bouldering). You can descend by the same trail. Tip: from "Jochkofel", passing Obersteiner Alm, down to Luttach or through the Pojental to Sand in Taufers (fantastic hike requiring an additional three to four hours).

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.

As we walk along the "Knappensteig" path, passing by entrance to old mine galleries, we take a journey into the past and 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 beatiful 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 Rötalm hut - and "Merbalm".

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.

Since ancient times the population of Ahrntal was always closely related to its mountains. The south side of the Zillertal Alps, the Hohe Tauern and the Rieserferner mountains have left impressions on its surrounding life and people. Whereas years ago the high peaks were unaccessible and unclimbable, the situation changed with land surveying in the 19th century and the flourishing of tourism around the turn of the century. Alpinism can thus be seen as a foundation for tourism in Sand in Taufers. The valley became interesting as there was a lot of, until then unknown, new climbing territory which attracted climbers from England and Germany to conquer first ascents. Simultaneously, the need for mountain guides and the construction of shelters and paths emerged. The most famous local mountain guide around the previous turn of the century was Johann Niederwieser Stabeler, the most famous local climber of the modern era is Hans Kammerlander. The path gives us insight into the mountaineering of the valley from past to present times. Charts and symbols along the way. Trail conditions: forest road. Difficulty: easy, walkable from spring to late autumn.

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 Mühlegg/Costa Molini 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.

10 meditational spots are found along the side of the path until we reach the "Franziskus and Klara" chapel. By entering the symbolic gate near the car park you enter a new world. Furthermore, those who hike this path in silence will have a rich experience. The chapel is open day and night. The Liturgy of the Word (religious readings) can be celebrated by groups without asking beforehand. 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

Following a long ridge between Wielental and Tesselberg you climb through thick, almost untouched, forest. The ecology aspect of a healthy forest ground covered with mosses, lichens and mushrooms provides for topics of conversation. The viewing points offer a wide panorama: you can see from the huts of the Wielental and Mühlbacher tal valleys over to the nearby three thousand metre peaks of the Rieserferner Mountains as well as the distant Hohe Tauern, the Zillertal Alps and the Ötztal Alps. To the South lies the unusual world of the Dolomites, which stimulates conversations about the development of their diverse geological formations.

Hiking trough typical high forests and partly abandoned alpine pastures to reach the glacier world of the Rieserfernergruppe mountain range. Lots of creeks, brooks and waterfalls, fed by the glaciers, will give you an idea of the abundance of water in this area. At the Tristennöckl summit (2465 m) you can observe some arolla pine trees in their highest habitat in the Eastern Alps. The walk over boulders and moraines will bring you close to the edge of the floating ice which has vitally shaped the landscape.

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.

The Neveser Höhenweg is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountain trails in South Tyrol and it joins the Nevesjoch/Chemnitzer Hütte with the Eisbruggjoch/Edelraut Hütte. The starting place is the Neves lake (1865 m).

The area around the “Weisse Wand” is an eldorado for botanists, or anyone who admires flowers. Thanks to the influence of lime in the region you can find Steinröschen, Edelweiss and many other species here. The plants on the south of the “Durreck Group” are of particular interest and value, with the soft Matreier shale allowing vegetation to shin to the peaks. At the crest of the “Ochsenlenke” the breathtaking views of the “Zillertaler Hauptkamm” mountains, Europe’s primary rocks, open up. In the centre of the eighty 3,000 m+ peaks nestles the Ahrntal Valley which has retained much of its native qualities.

Bringing people close to nature...this is the aim of the nature experience path in Sand in Taufers. The circular path is about 3 to 4 miles long and was partially financed by the village of Sand in Taufers and the Department for Natural Parks.Its logo is a squirrel, which accompanies the hiker from one station to the next. Many themes are touched upon: nature, fauna, flora, geology, mythology, legends, myths….. Interesting ideas such as a look-out platform make this round-trip trail even more attractive. The Adventure Path for a Healthy Community will be built or accordingly expanded as part of a theme trails’ project in the autumn of 2015.