Winterwandelen in Zuid-Tirol

The pharmacy trail on the Monte Sole mountain from the year 2017 is a special gift by the Lasa pharmacist Sigrid Haller on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the opening.

The hike starts directly at the mountain station of Monte Baranci, accessible by the 4-seater chairlift from the centre of San Candido/Innichen. From there you pass the Bagni di San Candido and then you arrive again in the town. 

A wooded area on the meadow track between Thurnerhof and Schenna Castle is home to scarily super legendary figures from Schenna. Kids’ imaginations will really run riot on this cross-country walk where they’ll encounter the carved figures. Mellow light suffuses the mixed woodland with chestnut trees, branches crack and rustling sounds emanate from the undergrowth... if you follow the path from Thurnerhof, where a hollow, ancient Keschtbam (South Tyrolean for chestnut tree) makes you want to play hide and seek, then that is the start of your mythical adventure. Perhaps timid forest fairies live here, or even a mischievous Nörggele. Stefan Kröll created the sculptures and - everyone who hears this is amazed - he did it with a chainsaw. All winter long he worked on the figures for his final high school graduation project at Fürstenburg Agriculture and Forestry Technical College in Burgeis, releasing giants and devils, Nörggele and a small church from pine wood. He selected six legends from the Schenna almanac, including “St. Oswald below the Ifinger”, “the Thaller Nörggele”, and “the Devil carries off a Perjuror”. The stories are told in German, Italian and English on the appealingly designed display boards. Admittedly some of the tales are rather spooky and macabre, and their content is more suitable for older children, but the figures are a delight for children of all ages, who can see what they want in them and even make up their own stories.

Explore the serene beauty of Val d'Anna with a relaxing walk that culminates in a small Kneipp path, ideal for rejuvenating body and mind. The walk is suitable for all and easily accessible even with a stroller.

We follow the sign "Guggal" (N. 8) which is in front of the hotel "Zum Rössl". We walk down to the stream "Guggal" through wonderful meadows and then up to the component locality Guggal. From here we follow the branding N. 8 through grasslands with larches on it until we reach the alpine cabin "Fraulalm".

The closely located "Schönblick" is for sure worth a quick side-trip. Back to the alpine cabin we follow the sign N. 7 "Sportplatz" and reach the access road to Altrei/Anterivo. After about 200m we get to the sports area and to the bar "Ebnerrast" which is the only possibility of fare. Now we follow the sign "Altrei".

A leisurely walk from Sesto over the Mitterberg/Monte di mezzo to the Gasthof Panorama with a wonderful view of the sundial of Sesto.

Bad Egart is considered the oldest spa in Tyrol. The spring has been used for drinking and bathing cures since 1430, but probably as early as Roman times. Today Bad Egart is home to one of the most extraordinary museums of the Imperial and Royal period as well as an open-air museum with many curiosities.
Walk suitable for children and buggies!

 

The Castle trail „Castelronda“ is about 20 km long and connects the castles and ruins of Bolzano, San Genesio and Terlano: Castle Roncolo/Runkelstein, Castle Rafenstein, Castle Grifo/Greifenstein (vulg. also called Castello del Porco, which means „Pork Castle“), Ruin Helfenberg and Castle Neuhaus (also called Maultasch). The efforts of hikers will be fully satisfied with magnificent views over the most beautiful castles and ruins of the region, in the middle of the nature.

The trail starts at the Castle Roncolo/Runkelstein in Bolzano/Bozen and leads to the Castle Runkelstein passing the San Genesio cable car valley station. Then you continue to Restaurant Noafer in Cologna/Glaning (a hamlet in the municipality of San Genesio), situated above the Castle ruin Grifo/Greifenstein. Next, you reach the Helfenberg castle ruin and at the same time you can enjoy the marvellous panorama of the surrounding area. The descent towards Terlano/Terlan leads you to the final castle ruin Neuhaus/Maultasch and here ends the trail „Castelronda“. 

You can choose to start in Bolzano, San Genesio or in Terlano and you can also hike partial sections at your discretion.

The hikes on the „Castelronda/Burgenweg“ trail are especialliy recommended in spring, autumn and winter.

The Castle trail „Castelronda“ is about 20 km long and connects the castles and ruins of Bolzano, San Genesio and Terlano: Castle Roncolo/Runkelstein, Castle Rafenstein, Castle Grifo/Greifenstein (vulg. also called Castello del Porco, which means „Pork Castle“), Ruin Helfenberg and Castle Neuhaus (also called Maultasch). The efforts of hikers will be fully satisfied with magnificent views over the most beautiful castles and ruins of the region, in the middle of the nature.

The trail starts at the Castle Roncolo/Runkelstein in Bolzano/Bozen and leads to the Castle Runkelstein passing the San Genesio cable car valley station. Then you continue to Restaurant Noafer in Cologna/Glaning (a hamlet in the municipality of San Genesio), situated above the Castle ruin Grifo/Greifenstein. Next, you reach the Helfenberg castle ruin and at the same time you can enjoy the marvellous panorama of the surrounding area. The descent towards Terlano/Terlan leads you to the final castle ruin Neuhaus/Maultasch and here ends the trail „Castelronda“. 

You can choose to start in Bolzano, San Genesio or in Terlano and you can also hike partial sections at your discretion.

The hikes on the „Castelronda/Burgenweg“ trail are especialliy recommended in spring, autumn and winter.

The "Vorbichl" Adventure Trail is located in Prissiano. This path is ideal for children and adults. 

Attention: the path is not cleared in winter and can be icy in places. Always wear good shoes!

We start behind Hotel Waldheim and follow street nr. 3 till Paso Cisa. From here we choose the nr. E5 till Malga Corno (1710m) which is open also in the winter from tuesday to sunday.
After lunch we turn back to Anterivo the same way we came.
Attention: winter equipment like snow shoes are neccessary!

These wetlands, known as Schludernser Au or Schludernser Erlenwaldbiotop alder biotope became a protected site in 1976 and cover an area of about 140 hectares. These meadowlands are the biologically most productive habitats with the greatest biodiversity. The education trail through alder woods, ponds, natural streams and rough gravel with 12 information boards in the Natura 2000 region, a veritable treasure trove of life and a refuge for endangered animals and plants.

Hiking tour to the lake Haidersee along the Adige River
Go from the market place in Burgeis to the Gasthaus Gerda inn, straight on along the Adige River to S. Valentin Lake. Start of the hike around the lake at landing (No. 1). After the circuit 2 trails lead back to Burgeis: 1: the same way back, along the Adige River (marked as a bike path); or 2: at the end, follow trail No. 5A to the Faulen See Lake and use trail No. 4 to the mountain lake. From here take trail No. 3 back to the village of Burgeis.

Rural tradition and stunning landscapes

From Gisser Eck in San Sigismondo/St. Sigmund, this hike runs along a sun-spoilt hillside dotted with fascinating glimpses of farm life in the Pusteria/Pustertal valley. On a three-hour hike, this circular trail sets off from the valley bottom and leads through granite-ridden slopes to low mountain plateaus with spectacular views of dense pine forests firmly grappled into the hillside with their widely ramified, deep-reaching roots. Scattered across the glacier-shaped landscapes, quartz phyllite rocks and boulders stick out alongside a number of granite glacial erratics. Many lookout points offer inviting spots for a long break, admiring the panoramic views.
Chosen to describe the tradition each farmhouse was known for, the names of the many widely dispersed farmsteads tell an interesting tale: Decker-Hof is derived from Decke, the German word for blanket, while Perchner-Hof refers to a birch grove, Friesenbühel alludes to a frosty hill, Gatscher Hof describes a badly-cut forest clearance, Hitthaler-Hof is reminiscent of a valley of inns and mountain huts (Hüttental), and Neller-Hof is a shortened reference to the name Cornelius.
From Chienes/Kiens, the trail continues back to San Sigismondo/St. Sigmund through these quaint rural landscapes. There are a number of inns to take a well-deserved break at: Hotel Gassenwirt, Gasthof Pizzeria Petra, and Bonfanti Design Hotel.

Start: Bergstation Seilbahn Vigiljoch, 1.486 m
Gehzeit: ca. 1 Stunde 15 Minuten
Länge: 3.424 m, Aufstieg 322 m

This is one of the oldest irrigation canals (Waalweg) of Merano and environs!
It was built in the XV century by the Counts of Stachelburg and is, therefore, more than five hundred years old. The canal is lined by birch-tree groves and rich, varied vegetation and is still used to irrigate the Parcines orchards, meadows and fields. 
An ancient “Wohnstein”, a free-standing, curved rock in whose shadow ancient people lived, and a pre-historic “Schalenstein” – a stone with strange round-shaped indentations on it, dating back to the Copper Age, can be seen at the eastern end of the Waal path.
This particular walk is especially interesting for those interested in local history.

The eight stations designed by Oswald Kröss will accompany you and will touch important values of your life.

The historic Nörderberg (Monte Tramontana) - magnificent views included!

The Castle trail „Castelronda“ is about 20 km long and connects the castles and ruins of Bolzano, San Genesio and Terlano: Castle Roncolo/Runkelstein, Castle Rafenstein, Castle Grifo/Greifenstein (vulg. also called Castello del Porco, which means „Pork Castle“), Ruin Helfenberg and Castle Neuhaus (also called Maultasch). The efforts of hikers will be fully satisfied with magnificent views over the most beautiful castles and ruins of the region, in the middle of the nature.

 Trilingual information pillars near the castles and ruins will inform your whole family of interesting history facts and entertaining tips.  

The hikes on the „Castelronda/Burgenweg“ trail are especialliy recommended in spring, autumn and winter.

This winter hike to the Rittner Horn mountain starts at the Gasserhütte mountain hut. Follow the prepared winter hiking trail first to the Mair in Plun and from there to the Gasteiger Sattel saddle. Keep following the winter trail as far as the Rittner Horn. Refreshments are available en route at the Mair in Plun hut, Oberes Horn Haus and Gasserhütte. Return is by the same route.

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.

This scenic path in the nearby district of Ortisei - the Anna valley - is recommended for people with impairments who want to enjoy the unspoilt nature.

Round trip through the apple orchards of Partschins/Parcines with the whole family suitable for children and buggies!

This beautiful hiking tour leads from Aldino to the place of pilgrimage "Maria Weissenstein/ Pietralba". We go past spectacular viewpoints and the mountain huts "Schmieder Alm" and "Schönrast Alm".

Discover Ortisei in Val Gardena on a cozy village stroll along the Luis Trenker Promenade. Perfect for all ages, this route offers beautiful views, traditional architecture, and the unmatched atmosphere of the village.

This easy circular route starts at the Tourist Office in San Leonardo. Crossing the steel bridge (above the bus station), follow the road on the right all the way up to the church. The route then passes the Brühwirt Restaurant leading right up to the primary school buildings. Turn right and take the Happergweg road as far as the Happerg farm at the edge of the forest. Follow the signs to the Andreas-Hofer-Rundweg circuit until Gerlosweg/Via Gerlos road then turn right across the main street and continue to the historic Sandwirt farm, Andreas Hofer’s place of birth and the museum named after him. The route back to San Leonardo follows the Gandellenweg road, under the main road.

A wonderful option on foot or on cross-country skis from "die Egge" via "Saumahd" to Klammbachalm and Nemesalm.

The starting point for this beautiful hike is the Costamula farmstead towards Mount Seceda, and it is one of the oldest farms in Val Gardena. The first section of the hike, which takes you up to the Nudrei farmstead, is the steepest, but don't let this discourage you. Further on you will reach the middle station of the 'Furnes' cable car, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view. The hike continues to the left until you reach the Cuecenes stream, where you can also take a regenerating and refreshing break along the stream. On the way back you pass a private hut and descend to Martin, from where you can take the local bus back to Ortisei.

This simple and easy family hike leads in about 20 minutes to the Mountain Lodge Prennanger Inn, which has a a lovely, modern panoramic terrace with lounge chairs and couches. The new
children’s playground next to the church in Prenn (100 m from the inn) is perfect for fun, games and entertainment for the kids.

The Stone Men (Stoanernen Mandlen) - Moonlight and Satan’s milk - the true story of the Val Sarentino witch ‘Pachlerzottl’

Barb (Barbara) Stöckele married Kunz Pachler and moved to the Bachlerhof from her home on the opposite side of the valley. The cheerful young farmer’s wife brought new prosperity to the farmstead, though Katl Hiller, the former housekeeper at the Bachlerhof grew suspicious of her. Several years later, after no heir to the farm had been born, Katl took Kunz aside, asking if he hadn’t noticed that Barb was involved in black magic and saying that God would never entrust her with a child. Kunz became increasingly estranged from Barb, who grew lonely and depressed realising she had been abandoned. One day Katl observed her as she splashed around in a water trough, deep in thought. Straight afterwards a devastating thunder storm broke out over the Sarntal valley and all Windlahn blamed it on Barb, saying she had brought it about by magic. Barb soon realised that she had been branded a witch, and that every kind of misfortune was attributed to her: the death of a child, just as much as a cornfield flattened by hail. Barb became a recluse and hid at her mother’s for weeks on end. After her mother’s death she went to ruin, wandering from place to place, homeless, in rags, ‘zottelig’ (unkempt, with matted hair). The accusations of witchcraft accumulated and she, the ‘Pachlerzottl’ was imprisoned in Schloss Reineck castle. Under torture she admitted to making mice out of coal, to putting a spell on milk, to riding on a broomstick to the Steinernen Mandlen at Auen, to masticating children and to copulating with the devil. She was tried in the Kellerburg in 1540 and the trial records are still preserved complete. ‘Pachlerzottl’ was condemned to death for witchcraft and burnt alive at the ‘Galgenangerle’ (gallows corner) at the northern end of Sarnthein where the Öttenbach stream runs into the Talfer.

The Pachlerzottl tragedy is re-enacted as a play on the first three Thursday evenings in July, with the original Steinernen Mandeln as a backdrop.