Südtirol Guide App
South Tyrol´s digital travel guide
Nestled in the stunning nature of South Tyrol, the region around Algund offers numerous hiking trails that lead through dense forests, blooming meadows, and picturesque vineyards. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, you'll find the perfect route for your hiking adventure.
The Meran High Mountain Road is one of the most beautiful high-Alpine circular trails in Europe. At a length of 100 kilometres, it surrounds South Tyrol’s largest nature park, the Texel Group Nature Park, at an altitude of approx. 1,400 metres. There are altitude differences at around 100 metres along the way. The Texel Group is situated between the Italian-Austrian border, the Meran basin, the Passeier Valley and the Schnals Valley.
The Meran High Mountain Road is divided into a Northern and a Southern route. The northern part of the mountain road has its peak at the Eisjöchl, which is at an altitude of 2,895 metres. In the southern realm, you can reach an altitude of 1,839 metres at the Hochganghaus Hut.
Depending on your condition and the length of the stages you choose, it will take you between 3 and 8 days to cover the entire circular route. No fear! Along the way, there are numerous Alpine huts, offering South Tyrolean delicacies and protection from the rain and storms. Please check out the opening times of the individual huts.
Lagundo is situated at the southern side – also called the sunny side. The route leads you along the southern slopes of the Texel Group. Enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of an impressive cultural landscape, particularly the Vinschgau region, as well as the Burgrave’s office and the Passeier Valley. In general, the southern part is recommended for trips from May to November. Some parts of the route are walkable all year round – depending on the weather conditions.
There are many places of natural beauty along the High Mountain Road waiting to be discovered and definitely worth seeing. Enjoy the breath-taking views of the impressive Tschigat peak (2,998 metres), the Mutspitze (2,294 metres), as well as the Matatzspitze (2,179 metres). Another highlight is the Partschins waterfalls, which roars down from a height of 97 metres and is therefore one of the highest South Tyrolean waterfalls. In addition, there are the Spronser Lakes, the highest located Alpine lake area in South Tyrol with 10 lakes at an altitude of 2,117 metres to 2,589 metres.
While walking, you will keep coming across mountain farmhouses, which are several hundred years old and have marked the Alpine landscape enormously. In the old days, farmhouses were built on higher ground due to insufficient space in the valley regions. You can imagine that cultivation at such an altitude was quite difficult – and still is today.
The Northern part of the High Mountain Road has a high-Alpine characteristic. It leads through the Pfossen and Pfelder Valleys. The Eisjöchl at an altitude of 2,895 metres is the highest point and divides the valleys from each other. Due to its high-Alpine character, the Northern part can only be accessed through the summer months, from June to September.
Aschbach, a fraction of Algund, is a small mountain village at 1,360 meters. It is located southwest of Algund and can be reached by cable car in only 7 minutes. In a circular hike you will discover the Naturnser Alm (mountain hut) and its surroundings at 2.000 m, located below the Mount Guardia Alta at the eastern foothills of the Ortles-Cevedale Group.
The climatic terrain cure is a special form of exercise therapy characterised by activity adapted to one’s fitness level, endurance training, and time spent in the outdoors experiencing the landscape, which is carried out through a personalised walking programme.
So-called terrain hiking improves endurance and agility, increases speed and flexibility, reinforces the cardiovascular system, stimulates breathing activity and strengthens muscles, ligaments and joints. It has a positive impact on the metabolism, activates the digestive system and noticeably increases the expenditure of calories.
The climatic terrain cure is recommended for functional cardiovascular disorders, respiratory and metabolic disorders, and above all is a tried and tested method of primary prevention and general health promotion.
The "Terrainkur" trails in Partschins/Parcines have been certified by the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich.
The Felsenweg (Rock Trail) is a well-maintained hiking trail close to the edge of the mountain, a rather easy and flat path but you need to be sure-footed and free from giddiness. Take special care if the ground is slippery - you should avoid the hike in case of snow and ice as well as on hot summer days. After heavy rain there’s also a risk of rockfall!
Friendly atmosphere, Tyrolean dishes, camp bed, board games - the "Hochganghaus" invites you to take a break. For families and hikers who enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
The circular hike Martinsweg is an easily walkable circular trail named after the little church of St. Martin, near the Eggerhöfe farm houses. The Martinsweg is signposted as saasy family hiking tour with spectacular mountain views!
Waalwege are paths along the ancient irrigation channels. The Algunder Waalweg Trail is split into two parts with a lenght of 5 to 6 km. The hike leads along an historical irrigation canal. The canal trail is almost flat. It is therefore ideal for older people or families with children. Hikers, young and old, will be rewarded with fantastic views of Lagundo/Algund as well as the entirety of Merano/Meran and the surrounding area.
Twelve kilometers long, the Marlinger Waalweg trail is a popular hiking trail which runs along the former irrigation channels, the longest of its kind in South Tyrol. Starting at the Töllbrücke bridge, the 250 year-old path gently ascends through apple orchards and woods to firmer and more level ground. After pausing to admire the medieval Lebenberg Castle, hikers continue slightly downhill along the slope of Marling mountain to the village of Lana.
Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains can be seen along the entire length of the Marlinger Waalweg trail. The agricultural landscape lining the irrigation channels is also impressive, with meadows and forests alternating with vineyards and orchards. Along the Marlinger Waalweg trail there are also impressive views of the Merano basin, the Val Passiria/Passeier Valley, and the imposing Texelgruppe mountain range.
The Merano High Mountain Trail, considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the entire Alpine region, is an approx. 100-km circular hike. It can be circumnavigated in both directions in five to eight daily stages.
The Merano High Mountain Trail is divided into a northern and a southern part. Extending along route 24 at a relatively constant altitude, the trail surrounds the Texelgruppe Nature Park. The northern part features the high mountain climate typical of the Texelgruppe range while the southern part boasts a sub-Mediterranean climate with characteristically lush flora. In particular, the southern part features fantastic views of the city of Meran and the Etschtal and Vinschgau valleys.
The lowest point of the trail is 839 m elevation while the highest section extends to nearly 3,000 m. Hikers along this route can ascend and descend to and from the Etschtal, Passeiertal and Schnalstal valleys. Additionally, there are numerous overnight accommodation options along the trail that make it possible to hike only individual stages or to tailor the route to personal preferences. The trail demands both sure-footedness and alpine experience and the exposed areas are always secured with chains or ropes.
Possible start and finish points: Katharinaberg, Unterstell, Hochmuth, Ulfas, Vellau, Giggelberg, Pfossental, Christl, Matatz
Duration: 5-8 days
Length: approx. 100 km
Total difference in altitude: 5,100 m
Lowest point: 839 m
Highest point: 2,895 m
Level of difficulty: for experienced mountain hikers
Best period: from July to September
Information about possible closed trails on maps.merano-suedtirol.it
General information: www.meranerhoehenweg.com
The vineyards along the Algunder Waal and the Schlundensteinweg are a special example of a cultural landscape shaped by the diligence of farmers. On the Algund Wine Trail, the history of the cultural vineyard landscape comes to life and is tangible for hikers. The simple panels describe the Algunder Waal, the old grape varieties and the work of the vineyard watchman known as the Saltner. His job was to watch over the ripe harvest.
Beautiful mountain hike with a wonderful view of the Merano region and the surrounding mountain scenery. There are some alpine pastures along the way that invite you to stop and relax.
Especially on warm days, the Marling mountain road is an ideal hiking path particularly on warm days, along the North-Eastern slope of the Marling mountain.
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