Hiking and Mountaineering

Whether you seek a circular, elevated, panoramic, adventurous, or leisurely hike, the trails surrounding Sterzing offer a diverse range of experiences to suit every preference. Immerse yourself in nature along the energy-infused paths of Ladurns, embark on an exhilarating mountain trek to Becherhaus, South Tyrol's highest mountain hut nestled at 3,195 meters, or witness the joy of children exploring the winding trails of the Ratschings mountain adventure world. The choice is yours—where will your adventure lead you today?

After strolling through the charming old town of Bolzano and along its verdant promenades, extend your adventure to the sun-drenched high plateaus and pristine nature reserves nearby. A convenient cable car whisks you from the city to Ritten, where you can explore the fascinating earth pyramids or meander along the picturesque Freud Promenade, offering breathtaking vistas of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the enchanting crocus bloom on Salten, discover the awe-inspiring Bletterbach Gorge natural monument in Trudnerhorn Nature Park, and hike to the mystical Stoanernen Mandln on Tschögglberg. Each destination promises a unique and unforgettable encounter with nature's wonders.

Summit crosses, alpine meadows, cozy wine taverns, and rich cultural landmarks await your exploration in the vicinity of the bishop's town. Whether amidst the vibrant blooms of spring, the serene shade of forests, or the golden glow of autumn sunlight, there's a hiking destination for every season. Consider the Dolorama long-distance hiking trail, the Latzfonser Kreuz, the tranquil Fane Alm nestled in the Gitschberg-Jochtal hiking area, the scenic Keschtnweg (chestnut hiking trail), or the panoramic vistas of Plose. Each promises a rewarding and unforgettable hiking experience.

Have you ever witnessed the spectacle of a mountain aglow? As the evening sun bathes the rock faces of Sas dla Crusc/Geiligkreuzkofel in hues of pink, its magnificence transcends the ordinary. Yet, the peaks of Val Badia, where the Ladin language is still spoken, offer an array of equally impressive sights, each deserving of exploration. Ascend the Sassongher for a breathtaking vista of the Sella Group, traverse the expansive alpine meadows of the Pralongià high plateau, or delve into the echoes of the First World War atop Lagazuoi.

Romantic promenades, adventurous mountain climbs, trails along old irrigation canals, and themed trails: the area around the Texelgruppe Nature Park offers a wealth of hiking experiences. Want to stroll and marvel at a Mediterranean-like flora? Walk along historic irrigation canals? Explore the serene side valleys on alpine trails? Or immerse yourself in nature with a multi-day hut tour through high alpine terrain? Here, you can have it all.

Val Gardena is a land of impressive landmarks. The Langkofel Group, the Seceda and the Sella Massif are all worldwide reknown and contribute delineate the features of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on hiking trails suited to all levels of expertise, such as the circumnavigation of the Sella Massif by foot and lift, the traverse of the Langkofel Group, or the exhilarating summit tour to Seceda. Once you experience the beauty of this region, you'll surely find yourself drawn back time and again.

Rosengarten, Latemar, and the Grand Canyon of South Tyrol: three compelling reasons to hike in this remarkable region. Here, you can traverse steep rock faces, climb towering spires, and explore the largest gorge in South Tyrol. The area is steeped in legend, home to the mythical dwarf king Laurin, once the ruler of the Rosengarten, and the enchanting mermaid of Karer See. These legends have bestowed the rugged mountains and the Rainbow Lake with their unique charm and mystique.

The Kronplatz area boasts a prime location between the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main Alpine ridge. This central position offers a diverse array of hiking and mountain trails in the side valleys and at the foot of the striking Peitlerkofel. After your hike, take a break and visit the MMM Corones and LUMEN - House of Mountain Photography museums, both located on the summit plateau of Kronplatz.

Explore the vast expanse of Europe's largest high Alpine pasture, summit peaks in the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, or embark on a hut-to-hut hike in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region offers a myriad of hiking trails, especially around South Tyrol's iconic Sciliar mountain. Popular routes include the Dolomites High Trail No. 9, the hut tour to Tierser Alpl, and the scenic path to Haniger Schwaige beneath the Vajolet Towers mountains. Many of these adventures begin in one of the five quaint villages nestled in the Dolomites.

Where does Reinhold Messner's passion for the mountains come from? It goes without saying that it all started in the alpine world where he grew up. He honed his climbing skills on the majestic Geisler peaks, after which the Puez-Geisler Nature Park was called. He ascended the 3,025-meter high Sass Rigais and trekked to alpine inns and mountain huts at its base. You can follow in his footsteps to witness the unique beauty of the Villnöss Dolomites from afar and start your hiking adventure on the Dolorama long-distance hiking trail.

In the valley of 80 three-throusanders, you'll hike through untouched nature, past rushing waters, and breathe in the purest air. Architecturally outstanding mountain huts, such as the Schwarzenstein and Edelrauthütte, offer shelter within South Tyrol's most glacier-rich nature park. From these high vantage points, you can truly appreciate Ahrntal's mighty peaks as you gaze over the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Zillertal Alps, and the Dolomites.

Climb the highest mountain in South Tyrol, cross the valley in five-day stages, or visit the country's only national park. As you can probably imagine, the west of the region boasts impressive elevations, home to the highest peaks: the Ortler, the Königsspitze, and the Ortler-Cevedale group. Explore the lower surroundings on foot, following sunny paths through cultivated landscapes and uncovering cultural and historical treasures along the way.

Nestled close to the south, the Alto Adige Wine Road best known as "Südtiroler Weinstraße" invites you to hike along signposted wine trails from as early as March, enjoying pleasant temperatures and the awakening of nature. As you walk, you'll explore historic residences set against the green backdrop of vineyards. Take a walk around Lake Kalterer to discover its stunning landscape or refresh yourself after a hike with a dip in the Montiggler lakes. For a mystical experience and panoramic views, the Castelfelder hill further south is a must-visit destination year-round.