Feuer und Eis Product Manager Andreas Braun, a self-confessed fan of South Tyrol, designed and tested the route. For him, the Merano High Mountain Trail is the perfect mix of hiking, nature enjoyment and vacation feeling. He explains why in this blog post about the four stages from Naturns to Riffian.
The Merano High Mountain Trail is signposted throughout and offers around 100 km of impressive panoramic trails around the Texel Group.
Stage 1 | Hiking trail from Schnalstal Valley to Naturns with a view of Juval Castle.
Stage 1 | Hiking trail from Schnalstal Valley to Naturns
Stage 1 | Stop off at the Wald snack station for a hearty South Tyrolean “Marende” (bacon and cheese platter).
Stage 2 | The 1000-step gorge on the way to Parcines is a spectacular section of the Merano High Mountain Trail.
Andreas Braun on the 2nd stage from Naturns to Partschins.
Stage 3 | Hiking trail from the Leiter Alm to the Hochmuth.
Stage 3 | Descent with the basket lift from the Leiter Alm to Algund.
Stage 4 | View from the Hochmuth mountain station of Merano, Dorf Tirol and the Adige Valley.
The Merano High Mountain Trail — long-distance hiking experience in South Tyrol
The Merano High Mountain Trail is one of the most impressive long-distance hiking trails in the Alps because it combines the contrasts of South Tyrol in a unique way: high alpine landscapes, sunny slopes, dense forests and Mediterranean-influenced valleys around Merano. The tour is particularly varied if you combine it in several stages with cable cars, train rides and clever descents. It is precisely this variant that leads from Katharinaberg to Riffian to the Oberöster mountain inn and combines an experience of nature with a high level of comfort and adventure factor.
Stage 1: Katharinaberg — Naturns
Stage 2: Naturno — Parcines
The next stage continues from Naturns towards Partschins, whereby part of the route is again deliberately combined with a climb. The return to the Merano High Mountain Trail takes place comfortably via a cable car, so that the most beautiful panoramic sections can be reached without long ascents. Once you have gained altitude, an impressive hike opens up along sunny slopes and panoramic paths with constant views of the Merano basin. A highlight of this stage is the 1000-step gorge. The transition to the Partschins region, where the landscape becomes increasingly greener and richer in water, is particularly attractive. The descent is via the Dursterhof farm, a traditional farm nestling idyllically in the hillside landscape. Here, the Merano High Mountain Trail shows its quieter side: fewer spectacular peaks, but an authentic cultural landscape, meadow paths and a very original South Tyrolean feeling.
Stage 3: Parcines — Lagundo / Dorf Tirol
From Parcines/Partschins, the tour continues in the direction of Lagundo/Algund. The start of the stage is deliberately relaxed: A shuttle takes you to Parcines first, making it easier to start the hike. At the same time, there is more time to enjoy the most beautiful sections in peace and quiet. The cable car takes you back to the high altitude hiking world in comfort. Open hillside paths, shady forest passages and spectacular views of the Adige Valley await you on your hike. The view of the city of Merano and the surrounding vineyards, which clearly reflect the Mediterranean climate, is particularly impressive. An absolute highlight of this stage is the descent on the Leiteralm basket lift. This ride is a real experience, as you slowly float down into the valley in open baskets and enjoy an extraordinary view of the steep slopes and the town below. It is one of the most iconic means of transportation in the entire Merano area and gives the tour a special nostalgic character.
Stage 4: Parcines — Rifugio
The last stage finally leads from Algund to Riffian, more precisely to the Oberöster mountain inn, with unique landscape impressions of the South Tyrolean mountains. Particularly noteworthy here is the famous Vellauer Felsenweg, which runs spectacularly along steep rock faces and repeatedly offers narrow, secured passages. The Vellauer Felsenweg is not only scenically impressive, but also technically exciting and conveys a real feeling of alpine heights and far-reaching views. During the hike, the view of the entire Merano region opens up again and again, spreading out deep below the hikers. Finally, you reach the Riffian area, where the tour ends in a quieter, almost Mediterranean landscape. The Oberöster mountain inn is the perfect end to this varied multi-day tour, combining peace and quiet with an impressive view of the surrounding mountains before you are taken back to your accommodation, inspired by the impressions of the day.
Why should you definitely experience the Merano High Mountain Trail?
All in all, this variant of the Merano High Mountain Trail combines everything that makes a perfect multi-day tour: spectacular high-altitude trails, comfortable ascents and descents, impressive nature experiences and the constant change between Alpine and Mediterranean landscapes. The result is a tour that is not only attractive from a sporting point of view, but is also memorable for its variety and extraordinary perspectives.
Best of Merano High Mountain Trail: find your dream vacation with Feuer und Eis
Merano High Mountain Trail as a star tour: With this comfortable option, you stay in a hotel for the entire duration of the 6‑day tour. A daily, personal transfer takes you comfortably to the respective start and end points of the stages. This is a relaxed and flexible way to experience the Merano High Mountain Trail.
Merano High Mountain Trail with charm & flair: With this variant, you enjoy special comfort in your daily accommodation.
The Merano High Mountain Trail as a stage tour: a total of 6 stages on sunny panoramic paths from the Schnalstal Valley to the Pfelder Valley. The walking time is around 5 to 6 hours, with alternatives and shortcuts available.