Hikes in South Tyrol

The Dolomites are the right place for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers: impressive mountain massifs and breathtaking views of picturesque landscapes await you. The legendary Catinaccio offers one of the most beautiful natural spectacles: The alpenglow makes the rocks of the massif glow red at sunset.

A tour to the Three Peaks, the landmark of the Dolomites, is a must for every visitor. However, if you prefer a more relaxed excursion, you can reach the crystal-clear Braies Lake in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park after a 30-kilometre drive.

A highlight for hikers is the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high alpine pasture in Europe, located in the South Tyrolean Dolomites. You have the option of taking the train from Siusi allo Sciliar to the mountain station of the Alpe di Siusi and starting from there - and then you go from hut to hut with a well-deserved stop.

On the southern side of the Alps, the Merano region invites you to take leisurely walks along the promenades and through the city's parks, easy hikes along the Waal paths or to a rustic hut, but also alpine tours in the surrounding mountain landscape. In the colourful spa town alone, holiday feelings arise, as a culturally rich and diverse environment awaits you with Mediterranean flair. If you wish, you can also use one of the surrounding cable cars and lifts to overcome numerous metres in altitude and start your hike in a relaxed manner at the mountain stations.

The popular hiking tours along the Waalwege are characterised by varied paths and unique distant views. The gradients are rather low and therefore also perfectly suitable for families. If you want to go higher and are in good shape, you can explore the Texel Group on individual stages of the Merano High Trail. You hike along the Vellau Rock Trail and the Hans Frieden Rock Trail on a path that runs along a vertical rock face. Or you can walk up and down almost 1000 steps through the impressive 1000-step gorge.

Merano is also the destination of the long-distance hiking trail E5, the classic across the Alps. The Alpine crossing starts in Oberstdorf and ends in picturesque Merano.

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The Vinschgau Valley also offers beautiful Waal trails as well as the long-distance hiking trail Vinschger Höhenweg, the stages of which can be used for day tours.

The Vinschgau extends in the Etschtal from Reschen to Töll as the highest part of the Etschtal and, as one of the most beautiful hiking regions in South Tyrol, is ideal for a holiday. The Vinschgau Valley is also home to the Stilfser Joch, which, at an altitude of 2,757 m, is the highest passable mountain pass in Italy. With its 48 hairpin bends on the South Tyrolean side, the Joch is one of the most winding roads in the world.

Numerous picturesque lakes also await you on hikes in Vinschgau. Hiking trails to Lake Haider, Lake Tarsch or Lake Zirmtal provide idyllic experiences. But one lake will definitely remain in your memory: in the middle of Lake Reschen, the Romanesque church tower of the parish church of Alt-Graun rises out of the water against a unique mountain backdrop. The tower has become the landmark of the Vinschgau Valley.

Almost 430 kilometres of hiking trails await you in Brixen and the surrounding area. Varied hikes through the valley and up Bressanone's local mountain - the Plose - provide beautiful moments in nature and magnificent views.

The popular WoodyWalk hiking trail, one of the most beautiful hikes for families in South Tyrol, starts at the mountain station of the Plose. All in all, the walk takes less than two hours, but you should plan more time if you are travelling with children. The little ones can let off steam at various play stations such as the "don't touch the ground" trail or the Viking ship, while the grown-ups enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains.

The WoodyWalk forms the first part of the Dolomites Panorama Trail. So if you want to continue enjoying the unique views of the western Dolomites, continue on the Panorama Trail and embark on a circular tour of around 12 kilometres.

Other highlights are the Brixner Höhenweg, also known as the Zirmhöhenweg, which also takes you along the Plose, or the Gilfenklamm, which delights with thundering waterfalls, airy suspension bridges and outstanding gorges.

In the wide valleys around the provincial capital of Bolzano, which lies directly on the South Tyrolean Wine Road, paths lead through idyllic vineyards and colourful apple fields, past castles and palaces. An ideal setting for relaxing walks and hikes with the opportunity to pause in the charming wine villages.

From the valley basin you can walk or take the mountain railway to the panoramic mountain Rittner Horn and enjoy the magnificent view of the Dolomites from the summit.