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.
