Since ancient times, the path known today as the Archaic, or Wormision, Trail has been an important route across the Alps, connecting the Valtellina Valley in Lombardy with the Val Venosta via the Passo dello Stelvio. We explore the section from Prato allo Stelvio to Stelvio village.

Our starting point on this sunny June day is the Spondigna railway station, where the colourful trains of the Val Venosta line stop. Before reaching the actual Archaic Trail, we stroll through the biotope and local recreation area of the Arena di Prato. To do this, we follow the hiking trail to Prato allo Stelvio, which first leads to the fishing pond and then continues through the wetlands of the Rio Solda stream into the village of Prato allo Stelvio.

Here we follow the signposts to the church in Agumes. We begin our ascent along the path to the Sacred Heart Chapel. A bit further up, we already find the first signs for the Archaic Trail to Stelvio. Passing the Patzleid farm, we walk up a wide path until a narrow trail branches off to the left. This trail leads us along the slope, through a sun-drenched landscape of mixed forests and shrubs, deeper and deeper into the valley. These are ancient mule tracks and cart paths, known as the Wormision Trails. Ahead of us, the snow-covered peaks of the Ortles Alps rise up.

In the valley lies Gomagoi, and on the slope ahead is the village of Stelvio. The settlement was built in terraces on the steep hillside, with the paths running in rows through Stelvio. The back of the houses, which appears as the ground floor from the upper row, turns out to be the first floor from the front side. This style of construction is probably unique to Stelvio in South Tyrol, immediately bringing to mind images of more southern regions. There are three options for the return.

Walking back along the same path, descending to the district of Ponte Stelvio and choosing the Waalweg path, or a bus ride from Stelvio back to the starting point in Spondigna. We decide for the third option, a comfortably return by bus. By the way: Another Wormision Trail leads from the Forcola Hut above Trafoi to the Cima Garibaldi on the border ridge between Italy and Switzerland.

Author: AT

Experienced: June 2013
Last updated: 2026

For our hike on this May day, we have chosen a very special destination: the little Church of the Sacred Three Fountains of Trafoi all'Ortles, known as Heilige Drei Brunnen von Trafoi. The walk there is easy, and nature awaits us as a wonderful playground. Even the drive there is stunning.

At the first bends of the Stelvio Pass road, we reach the starting point of our hike, the Naturatrafoi National Park House. We have warm clothes with us, as it can quickly get chilly at over 1,500 metres above sea level. Following trail no. 18, we walk past the parish church, through mountain meadows, and reach a campsite. After that, the path leads through a forest to some barracks.

Right next to them are signposts. To the right, we can reach the Sacred Three Fountains red deer enclosure, while the path to the left leads to the church. We follow this path and, after a few metres, reach a picnic area in the forest, equipped with benches, a fountain, and plenty of space for a picnic. At the far end of the picnic area, we can see the bridge crossing the Rio Madaccio stream, with the church standing just beyond. According to legend, a miracle occurred here.

We look with interest at the wooden prostheses to the left of the entrance, which tell of various miraculous healings, and admire the beautiful stained-glass windows. Next to it are the well house, where the legend can be read, a small chapel, and toilet facilities.

We marvel at the fountain, set against a backdrop of waterfalls and the north-west flank of the Ortles in the Stelvio National Park. We then return to the starting point along the same path. A visit to the national park house after the one-and-a-half-hour walk makes for the perfect finish.

Author: MS

Experienced: May 2011
Last updated: 2026

The widely known Malles Heath is the largest debris cone in the Eastern Alps. For centuries, the Upper Val Venosta was considered the granary of Tyrol because rye and other grains thrived here, and irrigation channels known as "Waale" provided plenty of water. Our exploration of this part of the Val Venosta begins in Malles, the village of five towers.

From the main square (bus stop "Malles, Piazza Principale"), we walk north along the Via Dr. Flora road to the Chapel of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, where we turn right into the Via Spinaid. This road leads up along the edge of the forest to the hamlets of Ultimo and Alsago. Ultimo (Ulten) marks the end of the climb. Here, the road to the Valle di Planol valley branches off.

We turn left onto a dirt track which crosses the entire Malles Heath. The lowest point of the stage of the Val Venosta High Route from Mazia to Planol also touches the heath. Crossing the fields, which are crisscrossed by traditional irrigation channels, we reach Burgusio below the gleaming white Monte Maria Abbey. Burgusio is a charming village where many houses are decorated with frescoes, and the abbey above is the highest Benedictine monastery in Europe.

After a break, we head downhill. The cycling and walking path leads us past the Prince's Castle towards Clusio. From there, it is only a short distance back to our starting point in Malles.

This walk is almost entirely on asphalt paths and has a noticeable climb only at the very beginning. It is not recommended on hot days, as there is very little shade along the way. It can also be done as a short cycle ride (which can be extended to Lake San Valentino alla Muta and Lake Resia).

Author: AT

Experienced: June 2012
Last updated: 2026

From the car park at the valley station of the Malga di Tarres Chairlift up to the mountain pasture - this September loop takes around four hours and is ideal for this early autumn day. On the Monte Tramontana south of Tarres near Laces, a dense mixed and coniferous forest grows. We drive up a narrow road from the village to the valley station of the chairlift, where we start our walk.

We follow trail marker no. 1 to the Tarres Hut (Malga di Tarres, or Tarscher Alm). At the beginning, we head west without any significant incline along the forestry track and a forest path. After a clearing, the path becomes increasingly steep and rough. The route is around four kilometres long, bringing us to the Tarres Mountain Hut at 1,940 metres above sea level.

Only at the very top do alpine meadows replace the forest. The hut itself, a mountain inn with a sun terrace, is a popular place to stop for a bite to eat. It serves dumplings in all variations, traditional Speck platters, and sweet treats such as apple strudel and Kaiserschmarrn.

After a well-deserved lunch break, we head back down - this time, however, not on the steep forest path but on the forestry track, which soon branches off to the left and leads us down in long hairpin bends to the car park. An archery course is located at both the valley and mountain stations: the Schlegl-Almrausch 3D Archery Course at 1,180 and 1,940 metres above sea level.

Author: AT

Experienced: September 2013
Last updated: 2026

Nature awakening in the valley, snow on the mountains - old villages down below, imposing ruins higher up. This April excursion at an altitude of over 1,200 metres is still a bit too cold to really speak of warm spring days, but it is an extremely interesting discovery tour through the Val Monastero with some beautiful views. We start in the village centre of Tubre.

Along the way, we come across three churches: the Parish Church of St. Blaise, the Cemetery Chapel of St. Michael right next to it, and the small Church of St. John. The latter looks back on an eventful history, and its murals and old stone altar are well worth seeing. The Rotund and Reichenberg castle ruins tower above the village. We follow path no. 8, the "Turnauna Waalweg".

The next section of the path to the Calvenwald forest runs along the irrigation channel across the Turnauna debris cone. These old Waale, as the historic irrigation channels are called, are a vital part of the culture in the Val Venosta: It is a region with low rainfall where fields have been irrigated using this system for centuries. We follow the Sonnensteig path on the sunny slope.

Soon the trees thin out, opening up the view of the Val Monastero valley. At the eastern end, the channel and the path wind down into the valley to the Rio Ram. The Turnauna Waalweg path then ends at a junction on the Calvenboden plain, and we hike back along the same route. We reach Tubre after a total of one and a half hours and treat ourselves to a stop for refreshments.

The hike can alternatively be extended to include the two ruins. To do this, simply climb up path no. 6 via switchbacks to the Rotund Castle ruins and descend back to the starting point via the Reichenberg Castle ruins (adding around 45 minutes and 190 metres of elevation gain).

Author: RB

Experienced: April 2026

Arriving by the colourful trains of the Val Venosta Railway at the railway station of Sluderno, we head up the Monte Sole on this May day. We hike past Coira Castle, one of South Tyrol's most impressive castles, and continue steeply uphill. After passing the meadows near the Vernalhof farm above Sluderno, we reach the Bergwaal, a traditional irrigation channel.

It leads into the forested Val di Mazia. Information boards about the forest and mountain pastures line the path. Where the channel is fed with water, in the gorge of the Rio Saldura, we cross the middle of the valley to walk back towards Sluderno along the Leitenwaal on the other side.

On our way, we pass Ganglegg, a seemingly inconspicuous shale hilltop. But appearances are deceptive: It is the most thoroughly researched and fortified hilltop settlement of the Bronze and Iron Ages in the Alpine region. Several reconstructed dwellings from different eras can be seen here. This is perfectly complemented by a visit to the VUSEUM - Venosta Valley Museum.

It provides deeper insights into the history of settlement here, particularly that of the Venostes, a Rhaetian culture of the Val Venosta valley. We certainly do not want to miss this once we have completed our three-hour round trip and returned to Sluderno. A shorter alternative for this hike - omitting Ganglegg - runs from Coira Castle to the Leitenwaal, Berkwaal and Griggwaal channels.

Author: AT

Experienced: May 2007
Last updated: 2026

A sunny August day, the welcoming shade, and plenty of energy for a walk - our adventure starts with a visit to Coira Castle in Sluderno. This medieval complex, one of the best-preserved and most visited in South Tyrol, features a beautiful arcade gallery, fascinating historical details, and the largest private armoury in Europe, all shown during the guided tour.

It lasts one hour, after which we enjoy the view. It extends as far as Glorenza, one of the smallest towns in the Alps, and the white Monte Maria Abbey, the highest Benedictine monastery in Europe. The Vicolo Castel Coira road leads to the right of the castle, passing pear and apple trees, hazelnut bushes, and walnut trees, to the junction with path no. 17, which goes up the hill.

After half an hour, we reach the Vernalhof, a mountain farm with holiday apartments. Instead of continuing straight ahead to the right, we walk into the forest and reach the Leitenwaal and Berkwaal: By following these ancient irrigation channels locally known as "Waale" we come to the junction with path no. 18B, the Edelweiss Path, which leads down into the Rio Saldura gorge.

After the steep descent, a bridge leads across to the other side to the Griggwaal, which guides us back towards Sluderno. After hiking for more than an hour, we reach a playground surrounded by greenery at the edge of the village. It also serves as a festival ground and is popular with families.

To its left, the narrow path no. 18A winds up the hill, offering a lovely view over the roofs of Sluderno. Finally, we walk through an apple orchard back to Coira Castle. If you have a bit more time and energy, a slightly modified and longer version of the walk leads past the Ganglegg archaeological site, which is famous throughout the Alpine region.

Author: MS

Experienced: August 2019
Last updated: 2026

Here you can discover the originality of the Val di Mazia valley. Mazia is a mountain village, which belongs to the municipality of Malles in the Val Venosta valley and starting point of this hike. In the village centre we follow the signpost to the Ackerwaal (no. 11). After a short ascent we reach the level of the irrigation channel which soon accompanies us quietly burbling. The path runs at the western slope above the valley towards north. Now, in early summer, a rich variety of flowers blooms on the meadows crossed by the Waalweg path.

Without any major ascents we reach the origin of the channel after approx. 6 km, cross the road and the Saldurbach brook and follow the signpost to the Glieshöfe farms, which are already in sight. At the chapel of the Almhotel Glieshof (rest point) our hike ends after about 2 hours. For our way back we take the same route. This hike is particularly recommended from the end of May to mid-June.

Author: AT

Experienced: June 2018
Last update: 2025

Planol, the Planol Hut, and back to the village along the valley trail: This loop is perfect for this early June day. The mountain village of Planol in the municipality of Malles is our starting point. In the village centre, we follow trail no. 10 uphill through a steep valley towards the north. Here, the route runs through a larch forest as a forest track, before turning into a path that leads to the Planol Hut.

As we reach vast alpine meadows, the path flattens out and joins a cart track that leads to the alpine pasture. The Planol Hut at 2,203 metres is also known as Furgles Hut and provides wide panoramic views of the Punte Valbella peaks in the Oetztal Alps, alongside delicious dishes made with local produce. To the west, we can see as far as the mountains in the Swiss Val Müstair.

The hike up took us two hours, so it is time for a culinary break. For the descent, we choose the alpine path that leads downhill and slightly deeper into the Valle di Planol. We reach the Petasettes biotope, a protected fen with outstanding biodiversity.

Now we head back to Planol. Lush wildflower meadows, a rare sight nowadays, line our path back. Although the descent is almost twice as long as the ascent in terms of distance, we only need an hour and a half, as it follows a wide and easy alpine road the entire way.

Author: AT

Experienced: June 2020
Last updated: 2026

Our May hike starts in Oris near Lasa. We follow the road to Cengles and then, shortly before entering the village, follow the Via Claudia Augusta Cycle Route towards Prato allo Stelvio through the Cengles Biotope. This is how we reach Cengles from the north-west - in the beautiful historic village centre, we visit the parish church. We then follow trail no. 3 towards Lasa.

First along a forest road, then via a moderately difficult trail, we head east along the lower slopes of the shady Monte Tramontana. A few kilometres and we are in the Schgumsertal valley. Rare bird species, historic irrigation channels and spectacular mountain views characterise this side valley of Lasa in the Lasa Mountains in the famous Stelvio National Park.

Here, the forest road to Parnetz begins: The hamlet lies amidst blooming meadows at around 1,200 metres above sea level and opens up views of the valley and the opposite Monte Sole. At the chapel, we branch off to the right and follow the asphalt road to the forest, where it continues uphill as a forest track. The white gravel on the path is particularly striking as it glitters in the sun.

A closer look reveals that it is marble. At the highest point of our tour, we reach a transshipment station of the marble quarry: the mountain station of the Marble Railway of Lasa, which transports marble blocks down into the valley. The descent via the so-called "Bremsweg" (braking path) and "Schrägbahnweg" (funicular path) is steep, but the trails are in good condition.

We quickly reach the valley floor. Before that, we pass the St. Martin Chapel, which offers an excellent view of the valley. We take the Val Venosta Railway from Lasa back to Oris. By the way: In summer, Marmorplus runs guided tours and hikes dedicated to the marble theme.

Author: AT

Experienced: May 2017
Last updated: 2026

Silandro, the main town of the Val Venosta, is the starting point of this spring hike. From the main square in the village centre, path no. 7 leads us towards the Monte Sole in the Val Venosta and the entrance to the Valle di Silandro. We then follow the signposts for the "Sonnenpromenade", which runs westwards along an irrigation channel below terraced apple orchards.

At the end of the promenade, we follow the signs for the "Ilswaal" Waalweg path. A short climb brings us to this irrigation channel, where we walk past sweet chestnut groves, scrubland, and orchards. In April, the apple blossom adds a special charm to the landscape.

Following the irrigation channel, we head towards Corzes. The path ends below the small Church of St. Giles, where another climb begins, this time leading to the "Zaalwaal" path (no. 6A). We reach an altitude of almost 1,000 metres above sea level and pass two old mills.

Here, the Zaalwaal path turns down into the valley. Near the sports grounds in Corzes, we follow the Schweinweg path (no. 15A) up to Alliz. The landscape is fascinating: This is where the dry, steppe-like slopes of the Monte Sole meet the lush, irrigated orchards on the valley floor.

From Alliz, trail no. 19 leads us downhill. Walking through flowering apple orchards, we descend into the marble village of Lasa. To return to Silandro, we take the Val Venosta Railway.

Author: AT

Experienced: June 2013
Last updated: 2026

The starting and finishing point of this circular hike is Oris in the Val Venosta, a hamlet of Lasa at the foot of the Monte Sole. From the Parish Church of St. Remigius, we follow the road to the mountain and trail no. 21A towards the Monte Montaccio, known as Madatschknott. It leads past a farm through the forest and then narrows into a path that winds up the slope.

At a fork in the path, we turn right onto trail no. 21B up to San Pietro (St. Peter), a church on an isolated hill. A church dedicated to St. Peter stood here as early as the 14th century, but a mudslide destroyed it. A new church was built in 1513, which also fell victim to the forces of nature - today, the ruins of this chapel are still visible from the hiking path.

Today's St. Peter Church dates back to the 18th century and served as the parish church for the inhabitants of Tanas until 1895. The next stage takes us along trail no. 23 over to Tanas at around 1,450 metres above sea level, surrounded by meadows and fields. This is how we reach the Sacred Heart Church on the western edge of the hamlet. Located above it is the Paflur mountain inn, the only place to stop for refreshments on this tour, apart from those at the starting point in Oris.

The Val Venosta High Route from Resia to Stava passes directly by here. The view of the peaks of the Ortles Alps with the mighty Croda di Cengles is impressive. For the descent, we choose an easier route: forest road no. 25, which leads directly to Oris.

Author: AT

Experienced: May 2019
Last updated: 2026

By the Val Venosta Railway we go from Merano to Silandro, the main village of the Val Venosta, and walk into the centre of this very nice village. At the market square we find the first marker (no. 7) to the Sun Promenade (Sonnenpromenade). The first part of the path leads us towards the Valle di Silandro up to about 750 m a.s.l., then it runs along the mountain towards west.

Already this promenade is accompanied by an irrigation canal, above us apple orchards on the steep terraces. The path leads again downhill towards the village where we turn into the Franziskusstraße road. Here we find the first marker to the Ilswaal Waalweg path, we walk up to the canal at about 880 m a.s.l. Through forests, fruit orchards and chestnut trees the path proceeds. Above the Waalweg path the church of St. Egidio is located, which also can be visited.

Our path leads us to the edge of the village of Corzes where we find the marker to the Zaalwaal. Again an ascent to about 1,000 m a.s.l. We are rewarded by gorgeous views on the blooming valley, also two old mills are located directly at the canal. The Waalweg path ends westerly of Corzes and we walk back to Silandro along the path no. 15 down in the valley.

Author: AT

Experienced: April 2012
Last update: 2026

Laces, the lively main village of the municipality of the same name, is the starting point of our July hike. From there, the cable car runs up to San Martino al Monte, a hamlet high above the valley floor that also belongs to Laces. At the mountain station, perched on a steep slope at 1,740 metres above sea level, we head east along trail no. 2, the Val Venosta High Route.

The trail starts on asphalt before continuing as a pleasantly wide forest track. The Monte Sole itself, the sun-drenched side of the Val Venosta valley - contrasted with the forested and shady Monte Tramontana - is a little paradise for alpine flowers and butterflies. The views over the valley, towards Martello, and across to the glaciers of the Ortles Alps are equally impressive.

After less than an hour, just before the Platztair snack station, a narrow path climbs up the mountainside towards the "Dolomitenblick". However, it only gets really steep for a short stretch. Soon, we reach the viewpoint, which is equipped with benches and tables set in a meadow.

We can indeed see the Dolomites, but also dark clouds, which can gather quite quickly in the mountains. So we head back towards San Martino al Monte (St. Martin im Kofel) via trail no. 1B and then trail no. 6. The well-maintained trail, which passes the idyllic San Martino Alp, allows for a brisk pace, and we reach the cable car mountain station just as the downpour begins.

By the way, this area is also wonderful to explore during the colder months - a winter circular hike starts at the same point and leads to the Platztair mountain inn.

Author: AT

Experienced: July 2011
Last updated: 2026

Taking the Val Venosta Railway from Merano, we arrive at the lively little centre of Laces. We walk for ten minutes westwards along the main road, then turn right into Via Tiss road to reach the start of the Latschander Waal. This irrigation channel will accompany us along the Waalweg path to Castelbello and Ciardes. The first section runs parallel to the Val Venosta road through a deciduous forest, where the light traffic slightly disrupts the peace at first.

However, the road and the irrigation channel soon begin to diverge. The channel winds through pipes and rocky areas, spanned by wooden bridges. Below us, the Adige River flows through a narrow gorge, accompanied by the railway line, a cycle path, and the road. Above us, fruit trees grow on the slopes. The irrigation channel takes its name from this gorge, the Latschander.

We soon leave the forest and the trail crosses the Val Venosta vineyards, where Riesling is grown at an altitude of 650 metres. We then look down on the village of Castelbello with its "beautiful castle", the "castello bello". We now approach the Rio Colsano, where the Latschander Waalweg path ends. However, our hike continues along the Colsano Castle Path (Hochgalsaunweg, no. 3) with views of the small village of Colsano and the ruins of Colsano Castle, all the way to Ciardes.

Between Castelbello and Laces, running in the opposite direction, this trail no. 3 corresponds to the Via Vinum Venostis, a nine-kilometre wine trail dedicated to Val Venosta winegrowing. Walking in our direction on this October day, the path is known as the Colsano Castle Path.

This is also where we encounter the only significant climb. The trail rises steeply for about 100 metres in altitude along a stony path. The final section down to Ciardes then leads us through sweet chestnut groves. From Ciardes, we take the Val Venosta Railway back to our starting point.

Author: AT

Experienced: October 2010
Last updated: 2026

This 8 km long walking tour along the irrigation channels (Waalwege) near Morter leads through a varied natural and cultural landscape. Starting point is the village of Morter at the entrance to the Val Martello valley. From the parking space at the fire station we follow the marker no. 23 first towards Blasenegg. The path winds its way through the deciduous forest to the first junction at about 810 m a.s.l., where the Waalweg path starts at the Rautwaal channel.

We follow the Rautwaal towards south. This leisurely path along the burbling water course takes us a little into the Val Martello valley, until the bridge over the Plima river at the origin of the channel. Here we cross the road and follow the Neuwaal. This Waalweg path runs parallel to the Rautwaal on the opposite side of the valley. Soon we reach the turn-off to Montani. We continue until we reach the sunny hill where the Castello Montani di Sopra is located and straight below the chapel of St. Stephan. Both are beautiful witnesses of the past, which we watch from the outside.

Back at the turn-off to the Waalweg path, now we follow the path no. 5A which proceeds down into the valley, to the Bierkeller tavern. It’s lunch time and the tavern is a great place to stop and to enjoy a hearty meal. After our break we start our way back along the Mareinwaal channel through the now blooming orchards to Morter.

Author: AT

Experienced: April 2018
Last update: 2025

A special relic of bygone times is the Vallo Alpino, a system of defence works at the Austrian-Italian border. In addition to countless bunker, the Plamort Tank Barrier, which is located directly above the Passo Resia mountain pass at more than 2,000 m a.s.l., is also part of this system. Our easy hike leads us from the mountain station of the Nauders Bergkastelbahn cable car via a reservoir to the complex at the hill moor of Plamort and further on to a beautiful viewpoint on Lake Resia.

At the mountain station - there is also a restaurant - we take the path no. 33 towards south. The first stage ends already after 20 minutes at the Stieralm tavern. From there we continue towards the Plamort Reservoir and on through the meadows to the Plamorter Möser biotope which is already on South Tyrolean terrain. Here we find the concrete piles with the attached metal tips which form the tank barrier. The barrier was built in 1938, fell into disrepair in the 1960s and was restored and listed only after the turn of the millennium. The path proceeds further on past old bunker to a beautiful viewpoint on Lake Resia. For our way back we take the same route.

Author: AT

Three countries and an external EU border are crossed on this hike. From the village centre of Resia, we follow the road northwards and then the signpost to the "Dreiländereck" (trail no. 3). Soon, the path climbs the eastern slope of Mt. Piz Lat across meadows and through larch forests, offering a look back at the deep blue Lake Resia. Alternating between narrow paths and wide gravel roads, we reach the high trail and then the turn-off to the Boundary Stone (Dreiländerstein).

Ahead of us, we look down into the Lower Engadine and across to the Samnaun Alps with the snow-dusted Muttler peak. Deep in the valley, the Inn River forms the border with the Austrian state of Tyrol. In less than three hours, we reach the highest point at 2,172 metres: the Boundary Stone in the Sesvenna Alps. The stone itself is nothing extraordinary, except that its western third lies on Swiss soil, its southern third on Italian, and its north-eastern third on Austrian.

Anyone who sits on it is, so to speak, in three countries at once. We take two steps onto the Swiss side - but there is no going further, as the path ends in the dense mountain pine forest. Having made sure that the sky over Switzerland is just as cloudless and blue as in Italy, we continue our hike towards Austria. To do this, we retrace our steps for about 15 minutes back to the junction.

There we follow the signpost to the "Grüner See" (Green Lake). This trail leads across the Gufra meadows, which boast a highly diverse flora. After descending for a while, the path reaches the forest lake. It is time for a break. The next section leads to the Schwarzer See (Black Lake).

Is it the snow-white water lilies, the little grebe chicks, or the reflection of the Samnaun mountains in the water that make this place so enchanting? Only a short section remains - the trail to the mountain inn on the Small Mutzkopf, where a chairlift runs down to Nauders. In the North Tyrolean village of Nauders, we board the bus that takes us back across the border to Resia.

Author: AT

Experienced: July 2013
Last updated: 2026

We want to take a closer look at South Tyrol's largest lake, and the best way to do so is on a leisurely hike. Just a few kilometres south of the Italian-Austrian border at the Passo Resia lies the village of Resia, our starting and finishing point on this August day. It is, of course, also possible to start from Curon Venosta, San Valentino alla Muta, or other points along the lakeshore.

Crossing the meadows on the north shore, we reach the western side of the valley, where we pass the valley station of the Piz Belpiano Cable Car to join the cycling and walking route.

This asphalted path leads down the valley in a southerly direction. The ground is hard, but it is particularly easy to navigate with a pushchair. The landscape at the edge of the forest alternates with green meadows, but our gaze is constantly drawn to Lake Resia.

On the other side of the lake, Curon Venosta and the entrance to the Vallelunga valley come into view. Ducks, dragonflies and numerous butterflies gather at the water's edge. After about eight kilometres, we reach the southern shore. Only the power station facilities remind us that this is an artificial lake. We then cross over to the other side via the thick dam wall.

Here, the path essentially follows the route of the Passo Resia road to Curon and then to Resia. We also pass the tragic landmark of Upper Val Venosta, the sunken church tower of Curon Vecchia that soars out of the waters. Its history is told in the fascinating Upper Venosta Valley Museum in Curon Venosta along the way. After almost four hours, we reach our starting point once again.

Author: AT

Experienced: August 2011
Last updated: 2026

There is a small car park in Martello di Dentro near Lake Gioveretto in the Stelvio National Park. As it is very popular, we park at one of the first car parks near the end of the valley and take the shuttle bus that runs between the car parks and the head of the valley - a transport concept that has proven successful. The starting point is the Genziana mountain inn - at the beginning, a bridge leads to a small pond, the first of eight information points in total.

The description on the first information board is dedicated to amphibians as "dual creatures", while other boards along the trail tell of the spotted nutcracker, the moorland, and natural hazards. Just a short climb further up, and we reach the first of four Corten steel gorge installations: the "trowel" in the gorge. The view down into the roaring waters of the Rio Plima is impressive! About 15 minutes further on, the second viewpoint awaits us: a panoramic sickle shape with views down the valley and towards the Hotel Valmartello-Paradiso del Cevedale.

It was once a famous summer retreat - today, the hotel, whose red walls stand out against the surrounding green forest, is closed. We follow the hiking trail upwards through the forest to the third viewpoint, the viewing platform. The highest point of the Plima Gorge Trail, the Nino Corsi Mountain Hut in the middle of the Gioveretto Group of the Ortles Alps, is already visible.

Next is the suspension bridge, which was designed to be accessible all year round. It can support a snow load of several metres and is, of course, a highlight for children. Now comes the short climb to the Nino Corsi Hut, or Zufàllhütte, the highest point at 2,265 metres. Here, we treat ourselves to a rest before heading back down to the car park at the head of the valley on a circular walk taking about 45 minutes. There is also the option to climb a bit further up from the Nino Corsi Hut:

This is where the glacier educational trail is located, offering a beautiful view of the Ortles Alps - the first section is the one we use to descend to the Genziana mountain inn. By the way, two mountain hikes of five and six hours respectively also begin at this hikers' car park: the route to the glacier of Mt. Cevedale and the one to the Cima Rossa di Martello.

Author: MS

Experienced: August 2012
Last updated: 2026

The Val d'Avigna is a side valley of the Val Monastero that runs through the Sesvenna Alps from Tubre. The highest point forms the watershed between the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea, and also marks the border between Italy and Switzerland. A seemingly untouched landscape of alpine pastures and nature is there to be discovered and admired on this July hike.

By car, the route goes from Tubre village towards the Val d'Avigna. The mountain road leads to a car park below the Ponte di Monastero, or Mangitz bridge, beyond which cars are banned. Here, we start our hike and follow valley path no. 1 towards the Passo della Cruschetta (S-charl-Joch). Passing the Malga di Monastero hut, also known as Mangitzer Alm or Lower Hut, we hike through green meadows to the Malga di Mezzo and onwards to the Praviert Hut at the foot of Mt. Piz Sesvenna, at an altitude of 2,123 metres. None of these huts serve food or drinks.

That is why we have brought our own provisions. The path to the pass follows the number 45, which is the panoramic trail through Switzerland's National Park, a route stretching a total of 105 kilometres through the Sesvenna Group, Ortles Alps and Livigno Alps. The first and second stages also cover South Tyrolean territory, whilst the final two stages pass through the Swiss National Park. The higher we climb, the more diverse and species-rich the landscape becomes.

The driving track ends at Praviert, and a path continues up to the mountain pass. The 2,296-metre-high Passo della Cruschetta (also called Scarljoch or S-charl-Joch) has a unique feature: The spring at the pass splits its water - about half flows south-east via the Adige River into the Adriatic Sea, while the other half flows north-west via the Inn and Danube into the Black Sea.

A viewing platform with wooden figures stands at the highest point. There are no places to stop for refreshments along this route, which is probably why the area is not overcrowded. We return to the starting point - the car park below the Mangitz bridge - along the same path.

Author: AT

Experienced: July 2020
Last updated: 2026

The mountains in Martello di Dentro are famous for their impressive heights and alpine routes, but this hike is a relatively easy option for this area. Our starting point is the hikers' car park at Lake Gioveretto, a reservoir at 1,850 metres above sea level in the Stelvio National Park.

We have a total walking time of three hours ahead of us. On the other side of the road, the ascent towards the Livi Hut begins on trail no. 10. The path leads quite steeply uphill for about 45 minutes, though there is also a forest road as an alternative. After a climb of nearly 300 metres of elevation gain, we reach the Livi Hut, or Lyfi Alm, at 2,165 metres above sea level.

It is time for a cosy break at the hut. Just 15 minutes away, there are also 600-year-old ancient larches well worth a visit. Afterwards, we head on towards the Dosso di Peder (Pederköpfl). This summit is located 50 minutes above the pasture. First, we follow trail no. 33 steeply uphill through the forest, after which it winds further up above the tree line. The final section is very steep.

When we see the "Stone Men" (cairns), we have arrived at the 2,585-metre high summit. From here, we have a great view on the Cima Rossa di Martello, which can also be reached on a mountain tour, and of the Monte Cevedale. Down in the valley, Lake Gioveretto shimmers.

For the descent, we choose the same route. Alternatively, trail no. 39 leads back to the starting point via the Peder-Stier Hut (followed by trail no. 20a). Behind the car park at the reservoir, there is also a viewpoint overlooking the lake with life-sized animals carved from wood.

Author: AD

Experienced: August 2019
Last updated: 2026

This hike is particularly rewarding because of the stunning panorama - we start it on a beautiful August day. The Belpiano Cable Car takes us from the valley station west of Resia up to Belpiano. From here, hiking trail no. 14 runs southwards. After a short initial section, the gravel track no. 9B is replaced by the path no. 14, which runs along the slope with little variation in altitude.

We are walking along the tree line, which repeatedly opens up views of Lake Resia and the Passo di Resia up to the Austrian Inn Valley in the north and the Ortles Alps in the south. At the "Schönputz" rest area, there are several tables and benches - ideal for enjoying a picnic.

We are now level with Curon Venosta, enjoying a lovely view of the village, behind which the Vallelunga valley rises up to the mighty glaciers of the Palla Bianca.

The final section of the trail brings us to the Malga San Valentino mountain inn at an altitude of 2,200 metres. It is located right by the San Valentino-Malga San Valentino Cable Car, high above the village of San Valentino alla Muta and Lake San Valentino alla Muta, called Haidersee in German. We then take the cable car down into the village and return to Resia by bus.

Author: AT

Experienced: August 2014
Last updated: 2026

A wide, five-kilometre-long path leads from Pramajur directly up to two peaceful alpine lakes. We set off at the end of the summer season in glorious weather: In October, the first snow can already fall at these altitudes on bad weather days. This hike is highly recommended in summer.

But now in autumn, the bright colours of the larches and the high alpine heath dominate the landscape. The starting point is the valley station of the Watles Cable Car in Pramajur, a hamlet between Burgusio and Slingia. First, we hike towards Rameishof, then we follow forest road no. 20 uphill. We quickly reach the colourful larch forests: Soon, path no. 3 branches off.

It leads us to the Höfer Hut. From there, it is only a 20-minute walk to the mountain station of the Watles Cable Car and the Plantapatsch Hut right next to it. We are already at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, just above the tree line. The continued ascent to the Laghi del Prete (Pfaffenseen) is well worth it! The barren landscape is just as impressive as the sky.

It is reflected in the clear water at over 2,200 metres. We walk around the bigger lake, the Grande Lago del Prete, enjoying the quiet of this mountain landscape guarded by the Watles summit. The smaller one, the Piccolo Lago del Prete, is equally beautiful. Later, we return along the same path.

Author: AT

Experienced: October 2018
Last updated: 2026

To reach the starting point of this June hike, we drive from the village of Lasa to the hamlet of Parnetz. From there, we follow the forest road surfaced with marble gravel to the car park by the old marble railway. Here, we begin our walk along the cart track heading into the valley.

The track soon follows the disused rails. This road, which is also used to transport the quarried marble blocks, leads down into the valley floor near the so-called Aufleg, a crossroads at the foot of a marble debris cone. From here, a forest road winds uphill for three kilometres to the Malga Lasa di Sotto, literally the Lower Lasa Hut, at 1,850 metres above sea level, which is unmanaged.

We admire the Vedretta di Lasa, the impressive glacial ice wall below the Punta Peder in the Lasa Mountains, which can be seen from here. Just above the mountain hut, the cart track ends and the trail up to the Malga Lasa di Sopra, the Upper Lasa Hut or Obere Laaser Alm, begins. At this refuge run by the Alpine Club we enjoy our lunch at around 2,050 metres above sea level.

We return to the starting point along the same route - alternatively, the shorter trail no. 14 leads slightly higher up through the forest. By the way, the Lasa marble, known as "white gold", is world-famous. Along our chosen route, we had a good view of several stages of the marble quarrying, with the first section of the path also being used by lorries transporting the marble.

Overall, the Lasa alpine pastures on the edge of the Stelvio National Park are peacefully situated and shaped solely by the natural landscape and alpine farming.

Author: AT

Experienced: June 2020
Last updated: 2026

The 3,123-metre-high Passo del Madriccio, or Madritschjoch, is the easiest connection between the two high valleys of Solda and Martello - and the destination of our early September hike, before the first snow falls at these heights. With the Solda Cable Car, we reach the Città di Milano Hut at 2,583 metres above sea level. It is called Schaubachhütte in German.

Trail no. 151 leads us from here, parallel to the Madriccio four-seater chairlift, up to the Madriccio Hut, which already perches at over 2,800 metres. We cross a barren stone desert, but a closer look reveals a surprisingly diverse and flourishing high-alpine flora. The Madriccio Hut, which serves as the hub of the Solda glacier skiing area in winter, is our first place to stop for refreshments.

Impressive views of the Ortles Alps with its giant peaks of nearly 4,000 metres and countless glacier tongues accompany us all the way up to the pass. Once we have crossed the Passo del Madriccio in the Stelvio National Park, dramatic landscapes await us on the descent into Martello.

The path, an easy alpine trail, winds its way down through a landscape of stones and heather in the Valle Madriccio, a high-alpine side valley of the Val Martello. After more than three hours of actual walking, we reach the Rifugio Nino Corsi in the Martello di Dentro area.

The hut is both a starting point for summit climbs in the Ortles Alps and a great place to stop on the popular Plima Gorge trail. From here, at 2,267 metres above sea level, the trail takes us down to the car park of the Genziana mountain inn in about 45 minutes. There, we catch the local bus to Coldrano. From there, the colourful trains of the Val Venosta Railway take us to Spondigna, where another local bus brings us back to Solda, the starting point of our mountain tour.

Author: AT

Experienced: September 2013
Last updated: 2026

The cable car takes us from Laces village up to San Martino al Monte. There, we immediately follow the signposts for the Val Venosta High Route heading west. The narrow asphalt road runs along the Monte Sole, passing first through meadows and then through a larch forest.

It is a gentle route with no significant climbs or descents - only the slope across which the path runs almost flat is steep. After about 40 minutes, we reach the Dreibrunntal, literally the valley of the three fountains, with the Egg and Forra farms, where the asphalt road ends.

Continuing west as a narrow trail, path no. 14 leads us to the ruins of the Lagar farm at the entrance to the "Vezzaner Gröben", a deep erosion gorge on the Monte Sole. From here, the walk can be extended along the Val Venosta High Route to Tappein and Monte di Silandro, or down to Coldrano and Silandro. The section from Mazia to Planol is described here.

As we only planned a short, relaxing walk on this November day, we head back to the San Martino al Monte mountain station. The hamlet is also known as St. Martin im Kofel in German. At the "Af' Egg 35" snack station, we stop for a break and watch the autumn mist slowly rolling in.

Afterwards, the cable car takes us back down to Laces. The beautiful larch forests in early November and the panoramic views are two excellent reasons to recommend this walk. Another trail leads from the mountain station in San Martino al Monte to the "Dolomitenblick" viewpoint.

Author: AT

Experienced: November 2013
Last updated: 2026

Please note: The stage from Müstair to Laudes is permanently closed due to a rockfall and the ongoing risk of further rockfalls! Only the section from Laudes to the Monte Maria Abbey in Burgusio, which is the second stage, is accessible.

World Heritage, castle ruins, larch forests, rocky dry slopes: In Malles, we board the Swiss PostBus, which takes us through the Val Monastero across the border to Müstair, where the Saint John Abbey Museum in Müstair is well worth a visit. We leave the village via the main square (Plaz Grond) and hike across lush flower meadows to Pontevilla and Tubre.

The national border is barely noticeable, but it is striking that the signposts are no longer in Romansh but in German - meaning we are in South Tyrol, and therefore in Italy.

Shortly before Tubre, the signpost points uphill: We hike quickly up through the forest to 1,500 metres above sea level. Larch trees dominate the landscape. The trail then leads us across the meadows by the Rio Tella up to the Rotund castle ruins - a spot offering great views of the route behind us, the Engadin Alps, the upper Val Venosta and the Oetztal Alps.

The next section follows a mostly narrow forest path across the rocks on the hillside. Above Laudes, it joins a forest track that winds down to the village in a series of hairpin bends, where this first stage ends. From here, it is only a short distance across the valley floor to the Malles railway station on the Val Venosta Railway, in case anyone - like us - started from there.

Author: AT

Experienced: May 2012
Last updated: 2026

We begin the second stage where the first one ended: in Laudes. Forest path no. 10B takes us to the junction of the Hours Trail at around 1,260 metres above sea level. After a few more gentle climbs, the route turns left into the Valle di Slingia. Here, the landscape changes from larch forest to pine and fir trees, and we soon find ourselves standing in the middle of flower-filled meadows.

After crossing the Rio di Slingia, we head back out of the valley on the opposite side. The scenery changes once again - the sunny slopes are ideal for the local larch forests and dry meadows. The next section above Clusio near the vast Malles Heath particularly highlights the arid nature of Val Venosta's sunny slopes. Here, the rocky hillsides resemble steppes.

Only heat- and drought-resistant plants can survive. However, this environment is ideal for butterflies, and their incredible variety and abundance show how untouched the local nature is. Apart from a few wooden huts, the entire route is free from human settlements.

This soon changes as we reach the road to Slingia. Just before crossing, we pass the small St. Stephen's Church and its cemetery, where the abbots of Monte Maria are buried. Shortly after, we reach the striking white building of the Monte Maria Abbey, beautifully set into the landscape.

It is one of the most famous landmarks in the Val Venosta. This is also where the original recipe for the Vinschger Paarl was discovered - a traditional sourdough bread that remains incredibly popular today. After visiting the abbey museum and the church, we walk down the Sonnensteig trail to Burgusio. Our adventure on the Hours Trail ends here - the bus takes us back to Laudes.

Author: AT

Experienced: June 2012
Last updated: 2026

The valley station of the Pulpito Cable Car in the mountain village of Solda is our starting point to climb a 3,000-metre peak. Here, we cross the road and follow trail no. 5 through the Valle di Zai. Alternatively, taking the Pulpito Cable Car to the mountain station saves about 500 metres altitude difference uphill. The Rio di Zai runs alongside the path until we reach a high pasture.

From here, a gentle climb leads us to the Rifugio Alfredo Serristori, or Düsseldorfer Hütte, at 2,721 metres. This ascent takes two and a half hours. Still following trail no. 5, we walk past several small mountain lakes beyond the hut and enter a moraine landscape. At a fork in the trail, there are two options: the normal route or the mostly highly exposed via ferrata.

We choose the normal route, which leads us up steep switchbacks to the col. From there, the path becomes more technically challenging. We have to scramble over stone slabs that are loose and slippery in places. A short climbing section gets our pulse racing before we reach the exit of the via ferrata, known as the Südwandsteig. Now we head up to the summit.

Difficult and exposed sections are secured with steel cables and iron pegs. Once we reach the top of the Croda di Cengles (Tschenglser Hochwand), other peaks of the Lasa Mountains and the Ortles Alps tower before us: the Angelo Grande, Cima Vertana, Cevedale, Gran Zebrù, Zebrù, and "King" Ortles. The Lasa Mountains themselves are a sub-group of the Ortles Alps.

Alternative route: The Croda di Cengles is named after the village of Cengles in the valley. Its "New Via Ferrata", also known as the Südwandsteig, is one of the highest via ferratas in the Alps. Mostly exposed, it leads in places across the southern cliffs of the mountain up to the summit (difficulty rating C). Sure-footedness, a good head for heights, and alpine experience are essential for this mountain tour. The via ferrata should only be climbed with the appropriate equipment.

Author: PG

Experienced: August 2020
Last updated: 2026

On this cool July day, we decide against a proper mountain hike and opt for a walk along the banks of the Adige River from Lasa to Silandro. It is called Etsch in German. This hike is also ideal for families and follows the course of the Adige through a natural area.

At the end of the last Ice Age, the debris cone of the Rio Gadria - created by a landslide - forced the river into a narrow gorge on the southern edge of the valley basin. Our journey starts in the village of Lasa. At the railway station, we cross the Adige bridge and join the Val Venosta Cycle Path.

Following it eastwards, we can see the tracks of the marble railway and the old pillars of the Kandlwaal irrigation channel. Walking along trail no. 18, we pass the hydroelectric power station and head towards the gorge. While orchards dominated the landscape just a moment ago, our route now leads us through a wild alluvial forest. We continue along a narrow path.

This section is particularly pristine: The Rio Platzen stream and other small watercourses babble down the mountain into the Adige. Soon, the hiking trail and cycle path meet again, and we reach Covelano and, after another kilometre, Silandro. The colourful trains of the Val Venosta Railway now provide a comfortable and sustainable option for our return journey.

Incidentally, the Adige has its source near Resia, where the source of the Adige rises. This can also be visited on an easy hike. Its ultimate destination is the sea: After a journey of 409 kilometres, Italy's second-longest river flows into the Adriatic Sea, just south of the Venetian Lagoon.

Author: AT

Experienced: July 2011
Last updated: 2026

Whether in spring, summer, or autumn, this section of the Val Venosta High Route (Vinschger Höhenweg, or Alta Via Val Venosta) is easily manageable for most hikers. Another relatively flat stage runs along the Monte Sole, leading from San Martino al Monte to the Egg and Forra farms.

We reach the starting point of Mazia by city bus from Malles. In the village centre, we follow the signs for the Val Venosta High Route, which first climbs slightly and then runs along the slope towards the south-west with a gentle incline. These are mostly wide, easy paths that lead through mixed and larch forests in just under four hours.

After three kilometres, the trail goes down briefly towards the hamlet of Monteschino, turning into the forest just before reaching it towards Malettes, a small plateau with alpine meadows. Through the larch forest, we then hike down to the Malles Heath below Ultimo-Alsago. The vast Malles Heath is the largest alluvial cone in the Eastern Alps and was once the granary of Tyrol.

Finally, there is another climb of around 250 metres in altitude: The Val Venosta High Route brings us to the mountain village of Planol, perched steeply on the sunny slope. A place of peace! In Planol, after a four-hour walk, we choose the easy option: returning by bus to Malles village.

Author: AT

Experienced: May 2017
Last updated: 2026

The Pulpito Cable Car takes us up from Solda to the mountain station at 2,351 metres above sea level, where we begin our tour at a very leisurely pace. We hike northwards and slightly downhill along the wide trail no. 12 into the Valle di Zai valley. After crossing the Rio Zai stream, we reach the junction for trail no. 5, which leads us up to the Alfredo Serristori Hut (Düsseldorfer Hütte).

The hut features a sun terrace with panoramic views of the mountain trio of the Ortles, the Monte Zebrù, and the Gran Zebrù, and serves delicious South Tyrolean cuisine. Behind the hut, the route continues through a striking landscape of delicate greenery, rugged rocks, and tarns.

We then ascend into a barren, rocky terrain where it is not always easy to follow the sparse markings between the boulders. We stay on trail no. 5 until we reach the junction for the Croda di Cengles, then follow path no. 5B towards the Passo di Zai. This 3,224-metre-high pass in the Lasa Mountains connects the Solda Valley with the Lasa Valley.

Passing small tarns of meltwater, we eventually reach the glacier tongue of the Piccolo Angelo (Kleiner Angelus), which flows into a lake. We have now crossed the 3,000-metre mark. Its big brother, the Angelo Grande (literally: Big Angel), is the second-highest peak in the Lasa Mountains.

They are a subgroup in the Ortles Alps. The recent heatwave has left the glacier's ice sheet fragile, forcing us to abandon our plan of climbing to the summit. Instead, we enjoy the crisp air and the rugged landscape before returning along the same route. A longer tour in the same area, also with a stop at the Alfredo Serristori Hut, leads you to Mt. Croda di Cengles.

Author: ED

Experienced: August 2015
Last updated: 2026

Facing the mighty rock face of the marble mountain, the Croda Jenne, we head up to Lake Covelano on this August day. We start at the Haslhof snack station on the Monte Tramontana. Already here, at 1,574 metres above sea level, we are treated to beautiful panoramic views.

Climbing gently at first and then flattening out, trail no. 2 leads us through the forest towards the Covelano Hut. At the Köhlplätze crossroads, we follow the Covelano Marble Trail, which climbs more steeply to lead us directly to the pasture. This themed trail features 11 information stations, running from Köhlplätze to the Covelano marble quarry and telling the story of the local marble.

The Covelano Hut, situated at 1,826 metres and named after the village of Covelano, is the only place to stop for refreshments along the way. It lies in a meadow clearing at the foot of the Croda Jenne. The alpine pasture has received several awards, including recognition from Gault&Millau and the "Echte Qualität am Berg" initiative. From here, we follow trail no. 3 towards Lago di Covelano. We walk through the valley shaped by marble mining, passing the marble quarry.

The path climbs up to the scree slopes below the Croda Jenne and the Hörnele peak, where the "white gold" is quarried. The path grows steeper, and soon we traverse rocks on the final stretch to our destination. The secured rocky passage is the most challenging section of the tour, though this easy via ferrata presents no difficulty for experienced mountain hikers.

Lake Covelano shimmers in light blue here at over 2,500 metres above sea level. The descent follows the same route. The lake itself, beautiful larch forests, the marble quarrying sites, and the views of the main Alpine ridge are the highlights of this mountain hike in the Stelvio National Park.

Author: AT

Experienced: August 2019
Last updated: 2026

The route we are following on this June day is the lower section of the classic ascent to the Ortles, the nearly 4,000-metre-high "King". Our ambitions do not stretch that high today, as we want to keep the hike relaxed: To do this, we take the Orso Chairlift from Solda up to the K2 Hut.

Our tour starts here at 2,350 metres. Below the scree slopes of the Vedretta di Fine del Mondo, a glacier in the Ortles Alps, we follow trail no. 4A (later no. 4) heading north. The alpine roses are in bloom, and we soon cross the debris cones of the Vedretta di Marlet glacier.

After just under an hour on the easy high route in the Stelvio National Park, a steep climb leads up to the Cresta di Marlet ridge, where the Tabaretta Hut is located. The mountain hut, situated at 2,565 metres, sits in a sunny spot with sweeping views, directly below the mighty north face of the Ortles. In the distance, Lake Resia and Lake San Valentino alla Muta shimmer.

The trail continues through rocky terrain towards the Payer Hut: After a series of switchbacks, we reach the Giogo dell'Orso, or Bärenkopf-Joch, at 2,870 metres. The view is impressive, extending from the Stelvio Pass with its famous alpine pass road to the glacier tongues of the Ortles Alps. On the eastern side lies Solda, with the peaks around Mt. Angelo Grande towering above.

If you wish, you can continue climbing to the Forcella di Tabaretta fork and the Payer Mountain Hut at 3,029 metres, the starting point for alpine adventures around the mighty Ortles. For us, this is the end of the climb - we make our way back and stop for a bite at Tabaretta Hut.

Author: AT

Experienced: June 2015
Last updated: 2026

Wormision Trails is the name given to the ancient pack animal routes and cart tracks in this area - one of which is known locally as the Archaic Trail. On this August day, we want to explore another of these routes: a prehistoric path connecting north and south that takes us up to the mighty Passo dello Stelvio at 2,757 metres. The highest point in the municipality of Stelvio is also the highest mountain pass in Italy that can be reached by car. This tour therefore takes us to several boundaries: the tree line, national borders, regional borders, and language barriers.

In Trafoi all'Ortles, we take the chairlift up to the Forcola Hut at 2,150 metres and start our three-hour tour. Even from here, the panoramic views of the majestic Ortles are impressive. Path no. 20 is a narrow but well-maintained trail that climbs steadily towards the pass. We soon leave the forest behind us, entering a high-alpine landscape of sparse flora in the Stelvio National Park.

A vast stony desert stretches out ahead, while the ice and glaciers of the Ortles massif dominate the opposite side of the valley. We continue to climb as rocks and stones replace the grassland. Yet on closer inspection, it is striking how many miniature plants and flowers grow among the barren scree slopes. Life and nature cannot be stopped, even here at an altitude of nearly 3,000 metres. Passing the Lago d'Oro (literally: Gold Lake) and the ruins of First World War fortifications - where information boards explain the terrible battles of that era - our destination draws closer.

We climb a few more metres to the Cima Garibaldi, a 2,843-metre peak in the Ortles Alps on the border between Italy and Switzerland. "Rifugio Garibaldi", the mountain hut on the Cima Garibaldi (which is no longer managed), marks the spot where Italian-speaking Lombardy meets the Romansh-speaking Engadine and trilingual South Tyrol (German, Italian, and Ladin).

Just below lie the Umbrail Pass to the west and the Passo dello Stelvio to the south, which is where we descend. The public bus then takes us back to Trafoi.

Author: MS

Experienced: August 2013
Last updated: 2026

The valley station of the cable car in Solda is already at an altitude of 1,900 metres, and it quickly takes us up to 2,600 metres. The weather on this July day is sunny, and a wonderful mountain tour to the Punta Beltovo di Dentro lies ahead of us - a three-thousand-metre peak in the Ortles Alps.

Even the view from the mountain station of the famous trio of Gran Zebrù, Monte Zebrù, and Ortles is unforgettable. Following trail no. 151, we walk along the ski lift pylons, climbing gently through wide meadows. In winter, this is where the slopes of the Solda Glacier Skiing Area run.

After 40 minutes, we reach the Madriccio Mountain Hut - in mid-July, there are still extensive patches of old snow here. Another half an hour brings us to the Passo del Madriccio, the 3,123-metre-high pass leading into the Val Martello, which can be reached on a four-hour mountain tour. The air is already a bit thinner here. We still have 200 metres of elevation to cover to reach the summit of the Punta Beltovo di Dentro (Hintere Schöntaufspitze).

We follow the markers to the left, climbing steeply upwards. Sure-footedness is required due to the scree and boulders - this is the most challenging section of the tour. After another half an hour, we reach the summit in the heart of the Stelvio National Park. Mt. Gran Zebrù and Mt. Ortles, both over 3,800 metres high, seem to be at eye level, while the Cima Cevedale and the Monte Cevedale, both over 3,700 metres high, tower to the south-west. After a short rest, we turn back.

Via the Passo del Madriccio, we reach the Madriccio Hut at an altitude of 2,820 metres again, where we stop this time. At the mountain station of the Solda Cable Car, we decide to descend on foot. We walk past the left side of the mountain station to the Città di Milano Hut and follow the forest trail to Solda. By the way: The slightly shorter and easier mountain tour on the Solda Glacier Trail also starts at this same point, the mountain station of the Solda Cable Car.

Author: AT

Experienced: July 2010
Last updated: 2026

On a fine July day, our starting point for this challenging tour is the car park at Lake Gioveretto in Martello di Dentro. To begin, we follow path no. 10 steeply upwards through the forest to the well-known Livi Hut (Lyfi Alm). It sits at an altitude of 2,165 metres and serves traditional rustic cuisine like dumplings, sweet shredded pancakes, mutton dishes, and apple strudel.

After the hut, we leave the forest behind and reach the Dosso di Peder - Val Peder fork. Next, we cross the meadows by the Rio Livi stream, which lead through the wide Livi Valley. The Dosso di Livi, standing at 2,851 metres, towers ahead. We bypass it on the left, and the well-marked path becomes rocky and steep. Two lakes come into view, nestled in the basin between Cima di Peder di Fuori and Punta Livi. The final 400 metres of elevation gain to the summit are quite demanding.

The trail leads over loose boulders and scree fields. Once we reach the summit of the Punta Livi at 3,352 metres, we are rewarded with magnificent views across the three-thousand-metre peaks of the Stelvio National Park. In winter, this peak is a wonderful destination for a ski tour.

The view extends to the massive glaciers of the Ortles Alps, down into the lower Val Venosta, and all the way to the main chain of the Alps. By the way, the hikers' car park at Lake Gioveretto is also the starting point for an alternative, shorter and easier hike to Mt. Dosso di Peder.

Author: PG

Experienced: July 2020
Last updated: 2026

At Passo Resia, representing a 1,500 m high border between Italy and South Tyrol, the cycle track of the Val Venosta starts. It hugs Lake Resia and provides a great view on the famous Church Tower rising from the lake, a remnant of the drown village of Curon Vecchia. We proceed across San Valentino alla Muta and pass Lake San Valentino. Along the Adige, we cycle to Burgusio, Clusio and finally reach Curon. From this little Mediaeval village, which is absolutely worth to be visited, the cycle track continues to the Arena di Prato, which is a meadow landscape at the Rio Solda river, that is to say a protected area. The route until Prato allo Stelvio is not asphalted.

The oncoming section, past Cengles and Oris to Lasa, is mainly characterised by fruit-growing. The burnt Monte Sole on the left stands in contrast to the densely forested Nörderberg on the right. At Lasa (Laas) we recommend you a break, as the centre is really worth a visit. By the way, in this village marble is mined and is also considered a stronghold for the cultivation of apricots. The next section stretches along a savage part of the Adige riverside. The river has carved a deep canyon into the ground, which is part of the Stelvio National Park (that's why this section is not asphalted). Via Covelano we reach Silandro (Schlanders), the main village of the valley. The cycle track continues across a landscape of fruit orchards at Morter at the entrance of Val Martello to Laces.

Cycling across the village, we pass the Latschander Gorge down to Castelbello, its charming castle strikes the view. Stava, Naturno, Plaus, Rablà and Plars are the next villages we pass on the cycling track, leading us the way to Lagundo and Merano, the end of our tour across the Val Venosta. If you would like to, you can proceed to Bolzano (Valle dell'Adige Cycle Track).

• Train & bicycle: regional trains of the Val Venosta with limited bicycle capacity (stop at: Malles, Oris, Lasa, Silandro, Castelbello, Naturno, Merano)

Connection to further cycling routes in the cycling network of South Tyrol:

• At Merano: Valle dell'Adige Cycle Path to Bolzano (Via Claudia)
• At Merano: Val Passiria Cycle Path to S. Leonardo
• At Passo Resia: Via Claudia Augusta in South Tyrol to Nauders / Landeck (A)

The following cycle track is called cycle route, but is only in part a bike lane only. It also includes lightly trafficked roads on which cars and tractors run. Please cycle with caution!

The Val Venosta bicycle track, which runs along the Adige river from Passo Resia to Merano, forms a part of the Via-Claudia-Augusta bicycle track. We start our tour in the village of Malles right under the mountain pass.

In order to reach our starting point at 1,050 metres a.s.l., we take the Val Venosta train from Merano (we can take our bike with us, see 'Bicycle & Train') to Malles. Arrived in Malles, we follow the main road down to the small medieval city of Glorenza, which is very worth to be visited!

After Glorenza, we turn right into the bicycle track along the Adige river, which leads us into the 'Prader Sand' biotope south of Sluderno, with its rare bird and fish species. In the background we see the impressive white peaks of the Ortles group.

Crossing the village Prato allo Stelvio, we continue our bicycle tour on country trails leading towards east. Since we cycle at the boarder of the Stelvio national park the ground is not asphalted. Therefore, we recommend to use mountainbikes. After a while we reach the village Lasa. Lasa is known for the pure white marble quarried in the mountains south of the village. Moreover, Lasa is the centre of the apricot cultivation in the Val Venosta.

Back on the bicycle track, we continue to cycle along the Adige river until we reach the village of Silandro (locality Covelano), which is considered to be the centre of the Val Venosta, and finally the village of Laces at the entrance of the Val Martello. The bicycle track crosses Laces and we may have a look at its Romanesque centre.

In Castelbello the Val Venosta gets warmer and we see the first vineyards. Castelbello Castle can be seen very good from the bicycle track. We pass the entrance of the beautiful Val Senales and the village of Naturno.

Passing the villages of Plaus and Parcines we arrive at the small locality Tel, where we turn left and cycle downwards to Lagundo and finally Merano.

With the impressive walls of Mount Ortles and the sunny slopes of Monte Sole, the Stelvio national park and the fruit orchards and vineyards, the Val Venosta bicycle track offers a very beautiful and varied landscape.

Merano is the destination of this route, but once you arrive at the Maia Bassa railway station (or, alternatively, in Merano's city centre), you can also continue towards Bolzano, following the Adige cycle path.

Author: AT

Experienced: July 2009
Last update: 2026

This time, we have chosen the special paths in the Val Venosta where the "white gold" is transported: Lasa marble is world-famous. Our starting point is Lasa. From the village centre, we cycle shortly downhill towards the east on the Via Claudia Augusta and then branch off to the right towards the hamlet of Sopramolino, where the road up to the small settlement of Parnez begins.

We cycle along the wooded slope until we reach the farms at around 1,200 metres above sea level. After the last farm, the path curves back towards the forest, and the asphalt is replaced by marble gravel. Soon we reach the car park by the old inclined railway of the marble works.

From here, a gravel road, which was built on the track of the decommissioned marble railway and has no hiking or biking trail markers, leads into the Valle di Lasa. At the so-called "Aufleg" below the "Weisswasserbruch" quarry, where the famous Lasa marble is mined, the road crosses valley trail no. 5. This trail leads us into the inner Lasa Valley. The route climbs noticeably again, with the mountain pasture road rising to almost 1,900 metres above sea level.

After passing the Lasa di Sotto Hut (Untere Laaser Alm), we cycle towards the upper hut and reach a wooden hut at the edge of the forest: This is where the rideable track ends. From here, you can climb a further 150 metres in altitude on foot along a steep path to reach the Lasa di Sopra Hut, or Obere Laaser Alm, in the Stelvio National Park. Located at over 2,000 metres above sea level, it serves traditional food with views of the mighty Croda di Jenne, the marble quarry, and the glacier.

The descent then follows the same route. An alternative route for the return journey begins at the "Aufleg": Instead of riding along the track of the former marble railway, simply stay on trail no. 5, which leads steeply down into the valley. It brings you back to Lasa, without going via Parnez.

Author: AT

Experienced: June 2020
Last updated: 2026

At 2,200 metres above sea level, high above the Val Venosta village of Covelano, this "white gold" is still mined today. On this August day, we want to explore the site by mountain bike. Our starting point is Covelano itself: We ride along Via Schmidinger road towards the church and then immediately face a steep climb. After a few minutes, we reach the road to Monte Tramontana.

At the first junction, we keep right towards Monte Tramontana di Dentro, then turn left to the Wiebenhof farm and right again towards the Tafratz organic farm. After this zig-zag section, we join the forest road and follow the signpost for "Malga Covelano / Göflaner Alm". Twelve hairpin bends later, we reach the pasture at 1,826 metres, which also has a mountain hut serving snacks - a pleasant place for our first break. After this, we tackle the final section along the hiking trail.

It takes us towards the marble quarry. The ascent of almost 200 metres of elevation gain over a distance of 800 metres can be done by alternating between riding and pushing. Alternatively, we recommend taking the forest road for this section! Large, freshly cut blocks of the glowing white stone - one of the purest and hardest marbles in the world - lie at the quarry. Old buildings like the Wantlhütte cabin and the machine house bear witness to the long history of marble mining.

The extraction sites are located at the foot of the Hörnele and Croda Jenne in the Lasa Mountains - both of which reach a height of almost 3,000 metres. For the descent back down into the valley, we choose a different route and ride down the switchbacks to just below the Covelano Hut, where we join trail no. 10. This path, which widens further down, leads us to Monte Tramontana di Dentro.

As this section is difficult for e-bike riders due to some parts where you have to push, you can turn right onto path no. 3 (towards Covelano) instead. However, there is a short section right by an alpine hut where you will need to carry your bike. This brings you onto a forest road that also leads to Monte Tramontana di Dentro. From there, the final stretch back to Covelano is on asphalt.

Author: AT

Experienced: August 2019
Last updated: 2026

At 2,757 metres, the Passo dello Stelvio, or Stilfserjoch, is more than just a name - it is an inspiration and a challenge for cyclists! It is the highest paved mountain pass in Italy and the second highest in the Alps after the Col de l'Iseran. Ahead of us lie 48 hairpin bends, followed by the neighbouring Umbrail Pass to complete a memorable circular tour. We start in Glorenza.

From one of the smallest towns in the Alps we cycle along the SS 41 to Tubre, where we cross the Swiss border into Müstair. In the next village, Santa Maria, the turn-off on the left leads to the Umbrail Pass towards Bormio in the Italian province of Sondrio: At 2,501 metres, it is the highest paved road pass in Switzerland. A series of sharp hairpin bends takes us up to the Alpenrose mountain inn at 1,800 metres, before we continue through the Valle dell'Umbrail valley.

An unpaved but well-maintained section of about one and a half kilometres is still present here, but it is manageable on a road bike. The advantage of this route for the climb is the lack of traffic: Very few cars and motorbikes disturb the peace of the high-alpine landscape. At the Umbrail Pass, or Giogo di Santa Maria, at 2,501 metres, we cross back into Italy (Lombardy).

Shortly afterwards, the road joins the SS 38 (Statale dello Stelvio). Only another 260 metres of elevation gain to master, and we are right at the top of the Stelvio Pass. For a great view of the road, the mountains with the mighty Ortles, and the Stelvio National Park, the short detour to the Tibet Mountain Hut at 2,800 metres is well worth it. The descent is pure riding pleasure!

Bend by bend, we descend the famous road, passing the Franzenshöhe mountain inn and eventually reaching the tree line, riding past the village of Trafoi all'Ortles down to Prato allo Stelvio. Here, we turn left onto the road to Glorenza, and 20 minutes later we finish our loop - complete with memorable impressions and classic photos of and on the passes!

Author: AT

Experienced: September 2013
Last updated: 2026

Good fitness and training are essential for this challenging tour. It is early September - the weather is sunny and not too hot. We start in Spondigna, where the Passo dello Stelvio road branches off from the Passo Resia road, and cycle along the path through the alluvial forests of the Arena di Prato towards Prato allo Stelvio. This is where the first steep climb begins. We follow the pass road as far as the village of Ponte Stelvio, where a forest path branches off to the left, marked "Solda".

This shortcut up the slope bypasses the first hairpin bends of the Solda road and Gomagoi. We then ride on asphalt to Solda di Fuori, through Solda and on to the cable car valley station, which is already at an altitude of 1,920 metres. We have gained over 1,000 metres in altitude here. The cable car ride up to the Città di Milano Hut (Schaubachhütte, permanently closed) is a welcome relief, saving us 700 metres of climbing. Once at the top, the challenging part begins.

We take the gravel track that winds up parallel to the ski lift to the Madriccio Hut at 2,820 metres. After a lunch break, we tackle the final section of the climb. Alternating between pedalling and pushing - sometimes through snowfields - we reach the Passo del Madriccio at 3,125 metres. An impressive view of the mighty Ortles Alps is the reward for our efforts.

Now the question is: How flowy will the trail down to Martello be? The first section is barely rideable, as the stones are too steep, slippery, and jagged - meaning we have to carry our bikes downhill. However, the terrain soon allows for a fast descent with fantastic views. Take extra care in this section! Just before the Nino Corsi Hut, the trail turns left towards the Genziana mountain inn. With asphalt under our tyres, the descent begins down the entire Val Martello to Morter.

We end our tour here. Those wishing to return to the starting point can take the Via Claudia Augusta cycle route from here. Forests, glaciers, stony deserts, high alpine heathland... this mountain bike tour in the Stelvio National Park features all of this and more, leaving a lasting impression. Cycling at an altitude of over 3,000 metres is certainly not an everyday occurrence!

Author: AT

Experienced: September 2013
Last updated: 2026