Finally we can get out and about again into the “wide open spaces”! South Tyrol private blogger Sabine is one of the many who can’t wait to get out hiking here with her loved ones! Here she tells us where hikers can get off the beaten track. ;-)

Peace, room and space: South Tyrol’s quiet side

FINALLY – OUT AND ABOUT AGAIN! After weeks of quarantine, my legs are longing to get moving in the great outdoors, while my heart yearns for freedom and company. Even if festivals and parties will be cancelled this year, we can still meet up with our loved ones and create happy memories together – without any risk of crowds! That is perhaps the best thing in my view! :-) So I will reveal a few little-known spots in South Tyrol where you can enjoy peace, room and space with your family to the full!

SWITCH OFF in the Vinschgau Valley
Also known as the “Valley of Contrasts” as anyone who has been here can confirm! As a holiday region the Vinschgau Valley not only has wild, impressive glaciers and rock formations, it also offers broad meadows, forests and mountain streams – and these contrasts can especially be felt in the Stilfserjoch National Park, 134,620 hectares in size. But do you know...

…the Vinschgau high-level trail?
It is particularly popular with hikers, yet somehow you have the feeling of being alone with the South Tyrolean mountains: the Vinschgau high-level trail runs some 108 km from the Reschen Pass up near the Swiss and Austrian borders down to Staben in the Lower Vinschgau. There are several stages along the Sonnenberg mountain, some of which also follow Waalwege [ancient irrigation channels] or the old paths connecting traditional mountain farms. The individual stages also make exhilarating day trips where you can truly “lose yourself”. :-)

 

…the lonely mountain villages of the Vinschgau Valley?
The beautiful mountain village of Schlinig near Mals, for example, is located near the Italian-Swiss border and is mainly known as a cross-country skiing area in winter. Also close to Mals is the hamlet of Matsch in the rustic Matscher Valley, with its enchantingly simple rural ambience. Settlements and farms lie scattered over the meadows on the valley slopes, underlining the village’s remoteness. Located directly on the Via Claudia Augusta, Burgeis too forms part of Mals. These secluded places offer nature lovers unspoiled and extensive hiking opportunities away from the crowds – especially in summer!

REGENERATE in the Eisack Valley
The historic Eisack Valley possesses a number of mystical, quiet paths and unspoiled areas for hikers, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Do you for example know…

…the Barbian waterfalls and Dreikirchen?
With its special sections by the water and past a number of sacred buildings – including a former spring sanctuary – the many facets of this four-hour circular trail offer hikers regenerative powers.

…Lüsen?
The Lüsen Valley is one of South Tyrol’s most untouched valleys. Considered as a “Gateway to the Dolomites”, it offers both gentle hikes and challenging mountain tours. Among the highlights are the Lüsner bathing pond and the summit of Campill, a leisurely walk among ancient legends with views of the surrounding mountains.



SAUNTERING through Bozen and environs
Here you can find not only busy Lake Kaltern and the equally popular lakes at Montiggl, but also “gentler” places, as I revealed in my last blog post, Secrets of the South! :-) The area of Bozen and environs has plenty to offer, especially in terms of smaller lakes and biotopes. Have you heard of…

…the Göllersee Lake?
A quiet 30-minute hike from Aldein leads you through spruce and pine forests to the tranquil lake known as the Göllersee. You can take a dip in its cool waters in summer!



…the “Alte Etsch” biotope?
If you want to observe the harmonious interplay of fauna and flora, visit the “Alte Etsch” biotope near Margreid, where aquatic insects, dragonflies, moorhens and reed warblers thrive between white waterlilies and milfoil.

REINVIGORATE THE SPIRITS in Meran and environs
Meran and its environs lie at the heart of South Tyrol. The spa town of Meran and its surrounding valleys and villages enjoy the best of both north and south – sometimes even in silence. Do you for instance know…

…the Hartungen waterfall?
This is located in St. Nikolaus, in the Ulten Valley, directly on the Ulten farm trail, while nearby can also be found the ancient Ulten larches. This authentic valley is a very special source of regenerative powers and thus ideal for hiking!



…the Passeier Valley?
Relax in an ambience that offers magnificent open spaces: the Passeier Valley is perfect for long hikes! There is certainly no lack of choice: Waalwege and themed trails, paths that lead past dairy huts, long-distance hiking routes and lakeside walks. :-)



MARVEL at the Dolomites
Stunning, impressive, legendary, unique of their kind: to the south of the Puster Valley rise the spectacular rocky giants of the Dolomites! There are dozens of possibilities for “intimate” walks! ;-) Have you heard of…

…the Three Peaks Nature Park?
Yes, of course you have! :-) And, even if the 11,635-hectare protected area around the Three Peaks is hardly an insider tip, there are countless opportunities for peaceful hikes – with the steep rock towers and scree slopes offering a particularly intense experience of the Dolomites, a UNESCO world natural heritage site!



…Spinges?
This little village near Mühlbach is located on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1,105 metres – right opposite the spectacular Dolomite landscape! From here there are numerous paths that you can take on quiet and peaceful walks through idyllic, unspoilt natural landscapes.

This was my selection of tips for South Tyrol’s quiet side. Let your gaze drift into the distance. Stroll along, switch off, recharge your batteries, reinvigorate your mind and marvel with your loved ones – after all, you’ve waited a long time – and you deserve it! :-)

Yours from the heart, Sabine!