Around the magnificent Texel Group Nature Park

ARRIVAL TO MERANO

Stroll through the historic arcades of this charming spa town and wander along the Passer promenade to the impressive cathedral.

MERANO – PASSIRIA VALLEY approx. 5 hours 17 km 600 m/800 m

After a short bus ride, descend from Hohen Kreuz along shaded forest paths, passing the Longfall Hut before reaching the high trail with its stunning panoramic views. Wander past charming hamlets and quaint chapels to the lowest point of the Merano High Trail. Then, ascend once more through open fields before the Feuersteinweg guides you down to San Martino in Passiria. From there, you can either take a brief bus ride or enjoy a relaxed walk through the valley to San Leonardo in Passiria.

PASSIRIA VALLEY - PLAN approx. 5 to 6 hours 17 km 1.200 m/200 m

The Norggensteig trail leads you through dense mountain forest up to the panoramic path above San Leonardo in Passiria. Gentle ups and downs take you past blooming meadows and tranquil mountain farm settlements. Later, you’ll cross a rushing mountain stream and follow the final stretch along the riverbank to the rustic village of Plan – almost at the “end of the world”.

PLAN – SENALES VALLEY approx. 6,5 hours 21 km 1.300 m/1.200 m

The queen stage begins with a gentle climb into the dramatic valley head, where towering 3,000 m peaks loom above. Passing the picturesque Lazinser Alm, you set off on the challenging ascent to the Eisjöchl, feeling the altitude rise with each step. At nearly 2,900 m (9,500 ft), near the Stettiner Hut, a breathtaking panorama opens up, revealing the majestic giants of the Ötztal Alps in all their glory. The descent into the Pfossen Valley twists through rugged, rocky paths before opening onto sunlit alpine meadows in full bloom, guiding you down to the tranquil Vorderkaser. After a truly spectacular day, a transfer takes you comfortably back to your hotel.

SENALES VALLEY – NATURNO/SURROUNDINGS approx. 5 hours 13 km 800 m/800 m

The day begins with a bus transfer to the trailhead. From the deeply carved Senales Valley, framed by towering 3,000 m peaks, follow narrow paths to Katharinaberg, home to its dramatic cliffside chapel. Wander through meadows and forests, passing rustic farmsteads, until Reinhold Messner’s Juval Castle comes into view. From the Unterstell cable car, glide back down to the valley and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Adige River to Naturno, at the foot of the Texel Group.

NATURNO/SURROUNDINGS - PARCINES approx. 4,5 hours 10 km 550 m/750 m

Take the cable car back up to the high trail and savor the breathtaking views of the Venosta Valley from the lookout platform. Follow narrow forest paths to steeply perched mountain farms before beginning the descent into the wild Thousand-Step Gorge. A chain-secured path leads deep into the gorge and climbs back up over bridges, boardwalks, stairways, and rocky trails. The route then continues to the Giggelberg Alpine Inn, from where the cable car descends to Parcines.

PARCINES – MERANO approx. 5,5 hours 14 km 700 m/800 m

Take the cable car up to Giggelberg and continue along the spectacular high trail to the Nasereit Hut. Wander across scenic alpine meadows, passing the Hochganghaus, before reaching the rope bridge and onward to Leiteralm. The rocky path rewards you with breathtaking views over the Merano Basin. At Hochmuth, enjoy a final stop to soak in the panorama before descending by cable car to Tirolo. From there, a bus returns you to the starting point of your journey in Merano.

DEPARTURE