Italy

Hiking week from South Tyrol to Trentino

9 days · Group · from €1,590.00
‹ Adventure Europe
Duration
9 days
Start/End
Sterzing
Tour type
Group
Accommodation
Hotel
Price from · per person
€1,590.00
Dates & prices ›
Price from · per person
€1,590.00
Request

Hiking week from South Tyrol to Trentino

Duration

9 days

Start/End

Sterzing

Tour type

Group

Level

Demanding

Accommodation

Hotel

Overview

From medieval Sterzing you hike through the Ridnaun Valley, over the Penser Joch and the Sarntal Alps down to vineyards and orchards in the south. Seven demanding stages with views of the Dolomites, old mining culture and South Tyrolean food.

This long-distance hiking week through South Tyrol and into Trentino takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes, picturesque villages, and valleys. Experience a fascinating diversity of scenery, culture, and culinary delights! These regions offer a perfect blend of Alpine and Mediterranean influences, with routes that reveal views of the Dolomites and lead through vineyards and orchards. South of the Brenner Pass, our hiking week begins in the medieval town of Sterzing. From there, you'll hike through the Ridnaun Valley with views of the Becherhaus mountain hut and the Stubai Alps. Crossing the Penserjoch pass, you'll then reach the Sarntal Valley, renowned for the craftsmanship of its inhabitants, such as the hand-knitted "Sarner Jangger" jackets. With sweeping views towards the Rosengarten, Latemar peaks, and Langkofel mountains, we'll stop at the Latzfonser Kreuz mountain hut, the highest pilgrimage site in Europe. Your journey continues past the mystical power spot, the Stoanernen Mandln, with its gigantic 360° view, across the Salten, Europe's highest larch plateau. Along the South Tyrolean Wine Route, a Mediterranean setting awaits you, characterized by vineyards and adorned with magnificent castles and stately homes. Living winemaking traditions and a touch of southern joie de vivre shape this oasis of indulgence in the Southern Alps. In a historic wine cellar, you can enjoy a tasting of the quality of our accommodation's traditional, estate-grown wines. The crowning finale is Lake Molveno at the foot of the spectacular Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Trentino. This hiking week offers a perfect blend of nature experiences, cultural insights, and culinary delights in one of Europe's most beautiful regions!

Hiking
Culture
Mountains

Tour Code

AAINN003

Tour language

GermanGerman

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Sterzing

    Hotel

    On this day, you will travel independently to your first accommodation in Sterzing, south of the Brenner Pass. The group will meet the hiking guide at the hotel at 6:30 pm. The first hike will begin the following day! We recommend traveling to Sterzing by bus and train. If arriving by car, please leave your vehicle in a parking garage or parking lot in Sterzing.

    Arrival in Sterzing

    Day 1

    Hotel

    On this day, you will travel independently to your first accommodation in Sterzing, south of the Brenner Pass. The group will meet the hiking guide at the hotel at 6:30 pm. The first hike will begin the following day! We recommend traveling to Sterzing by bus and train. If arriving by car, please leave your vehicle in a parking garage or parking lot in Sterzing.

  • Arrival

    If you're arriving by train, you can have your "South Tyrol Guest Pass" sent to you in advance by email. This card allows you to use public transport in South Tyrol free of charge from the Brenner stop to your accommodation. The first hotel is about 950 meters on foot from Sterzing train station.

    Arrival

    If you're arriving by train, you can have your "South Tyrol Guest Pass" sent to you in advance by email. This card allows you to use public transport in South Tyrol free of charge from the Brenner stop to your accommodation. The first hotel is about 950 meters on foot from Sterzing train station.

  • Day 2
    Gorge hike & mining culture (12 km, 400 m elevation gain, 4.5-5 hours)

    Hotel

    In the Ridnaun Valley, a side valley where nature and history uniquely intertwine, we hike through the Burkhard Gorge with its impressive waterfalls, ascending to a romantic mountain cirque. This cirque is crowned by the Aglsbodenalm – a perfect spot for our well-deserved break. Here you can enjoy typical South Tyrolean specialties while admiring the peaceful atmosphere and the views of the surrounding peaks. After our hike, the Ridnaun Mining World offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of mining, which was practiced in this region for over 800 years. The exhibition illustrates how the miners worked under sometimes extreme conditions and the significance of mining for the region. The mineral room is particularly impressive, showcasing the diversity of ores and minerals found in the mountains. This collection is a true highlight for geology enthusiasts and perfectly complements our excursion.

    Gorge hike & mining culture (12 km, 400 m elevation gain, 4.5-5 hours)

    Day 2

    Hotel

    In the Ridnaun Valley, a side valley where nature and history uniquely intertwine, we hike through the Burkhard Gorge with its impressive waterfalls, ascending to a romantic mountain cirque. This cirque is crowned by the Aglsbodenalm – a perfect spot for our well-deserved break. Here you can enjoy typical South Tyrolean specialties while admiring the peaceful atmosphere and the views of the surrounding peaks. After our hike, the Ridnaun Mining World offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of mining, which was practiced in this region for over 800 years. The exhibition illustrates how the miners worked under sometimes extreme conditions and the significance of mining for the region. The mineral room is particularly impressive, showcasing the diversity of ores and minerals found in the mountains. This collection is a true highlight for geology enthusiasts and perfectly complements our excursion.

  • Day 3
    Hike over the Penserjoch (10 km, 500 m elevation gain, 4.5-5 hours)

    Hotel

    We cross the Penserjoch Alpine pass, which connects the Wipptal valley with the Sarntal valley, the largest municipality in South Tyrol by area, on foot and summit the Gänsekragen peak (2,322 m). From there, we are treated to magnificent views of the Stubai Alps with their glaciers, stretching as far as the Dolomites to the east and the Texel Group above Merano. After a stop at the Alpenrosenhof inn at the Penserjoch, we hike down across the alpine meadows into the Sarntal valley and drive to our next accommodation in the small side valley of Reinswald, which lies off the beaten track. Here, comfortable accommodation awaits you, from which you can embark on further hikes or excursions into the tranquil and unspoiled surroundings of the Sarntal valley.

    Hike over the Penserjoch (10 km, 500 m elevation gain, 4.5-5 hours)

    Day 3

    Hotel

    We cross the Penserjoch Alpine pass, which connects the Wipptal valley with the Sarntal valley, the largest municipality in South Tyrol by area, on foot and summit the Gänsekragen peak (2,322 m). From there, we are treated to magnificent views of the Stubai Alps with their glaciers, stretching as far as the Dolomites to the east and the Texel Group above Merano. After a stop at the Alpenrosenhof inn at the Penserjoch, we hike down across the alpine meadows into the Sarntal valley and drive to our next accommodation in the small side valley of Reinswald, which lies off the beaten track. Here, comfortable accommodation awaits you, from which you can embark on further hikes or excursions into the tranquil and unspoiled surroundings of the Sarntal valley.

  • Day 4
    Hike in the Sarntal Alps (14 km, 500 m elevation gain, 5.5-6 hours)

    Hotel

    Take the gondola up to the starting point, where you'll begin your hike on the Urlesteig trail. This nature trail offers a relaxed and pleasant walk, lined with alpine meadows, forests, and idyllic streams. Along some sections, you'll find information panels explaining the Sarntal Valley's ingenuity and craftsmanship, which are particularly characteristic of the valley. Beyond the Getrumalm alpine pasture, we turn off through alpine landscapes to the junction leading up to the famous Sarner Horseshoe Tour. This path takes us to one of the most beautiful sections, offering stunning panoramic views. Here, hiking becomes pure joy: the view stretches far across the gently rolling Villanderer alpine pastures to the impressive peaks of the Dolomites. Another highlight of today's tour is the Latzfonserkreuz mountain hut, located next to the highest pilgrimage church in Europe (2,311 m). This spiritual place invites you not only to enjoy culinary delights but also to find inner peace. The pilgrimage church attracts many visitors who are captivated by its special atmosphere and spectacular panoramic views. Here you can gaze across the vast mountain landscape and experience the tranquility of the Alps while enjoying traditional South Tyrolean cuisine. We then return to our starting point via the Urlesteig trail.

    Hike in the Sarntal Alps (14 km, 500 m elevation gain, 5.5-6 hours)

    Day 4

    Hotel

    Take the gondola up to the starting point, where you'll begin your hike on the Urlesteig trail. This nature trail offers a relaxed and pleasant walk, lined with alpine meadows, forests, and idyllic streams. Along some sections, you'll find information panels explaining the Sarntal Valley's ingenuity and craftsmanship, which are particularly characteristic of the valley. Beyond the Getrumalm alpine pasture, we turn off through alpine landscapes to the junction leading up to the famous Sarner Horseshoe Tour. This path takes us to one of the most beautiful sections, offering stunning panoramic views. Here, hiking becomes pure joy: the view stretches far across the gently rolling Villanderer alpine pastures to the impressive peaks of the Dolomites. Another highlight of today's tour is the Latzfonserkreuz mountain hut, located next to the highest pilgrimage church in Europe (2,311 m). This spiritual place invites you not only to enjoy culinary delights but also to find inner peace. The pilgrimage church attracts many visitors who are captivated by its special atmosphere and spectacular panoramic views. Here you can gaze across the vast mountain landscape and experience the tranquility of the Alps while enjoying traditional South Tyrolean cuisine. We then return to our starting point via the Urlesteig trail.

  • Day 5
    From the rustic Sarntal valley to the high plateau at Tschögglberg (10 km, 560 m elevation gain, 4-4.5 hours)

    Hotel

    On our way south, a special group of men stands guard and lined the route: the "Stoanarnen Mandln." This formation of stacked stones, said to have been erected by witches and spirits, has attracted hikers for centuries. The legendary Hohe Reisch mountain peak, where we are currently located, is one of the most fascinating viewpoints in the Sarntal Alps. From here, we continue across the Salten, the highest larch plateau in Europe. This region is known for its expansive meadows and the larch trees that bloom in summer. Cozy, traditional alpine pastures invite you to stop for refreshments. With views of the Dolomites World Heritage Site, the Adige Valley, and the Ortler Mountains, we finally reach Jenesien, from where we take a bus to the South Tyrolean Wine Road and our accommodation for the next two nights.

    From the rustic Sarntal valley to the high plateau at Tschögglberg (10 km, 560 m elevation gain, 4-4.5 hours)

    Day 5

    Hotel

    On our way south, a special group of men stands guard and lined the route: the "Stoanarnen Mandln." This formation of stacked stones, said to have been erected by witches and spirits, has attracted hikers for centuries. The legendary Hohe Reisch mountain peak, where we are currently located, is one of the most fascinating viewpoints in the Sarntal Alps. From here, we continue across the Salten, the highest larch plateau in Europe. This region is known for its expansive meadows and the larch trees that bloom in summer. Cozy, traditional alpine pastures invite you to stop for refreshments. With views of the Dolomites World Heritage Site, the Adige Valley, and the Ortler Mountains, we finally reach Jenesien, from where we take a bus to the South Tyrolean Wine Road and our accommodation for the next two nights.

  • Day 6
    Hike along the South Tyrolean Wine Route

    Hotel

    A day in the enchanting wine country of South Tyrol is a wonderful opportunity to discover the cultural and culinary side of this region. The picturesque wine villages and rolling hills invite you to both leisurely explorations and invigorating hikes. The well-developed public transport network allows for easy, independent exploration of the South Tyrolean Wine Route. Our hotel boasts a historic wine cellar as well as a demonstration orchard with rare and rare apple varieties. The owner will personally guide us through the grounds and treat us to a tasting of his own wine, allowing us to end the day in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

    Hike along the South Tyrolean Wine Route

    Day 6

    Hotel

    A day in the enchanting wine country of South Tyrol is a wonderful opportunity to discover the cultural and culinary side of this region. The picturesque wine villages and rolling hills invite you to both leisurely explorations and invigorating hikes. The well-developed public transport network allows for easy, independent exploration of the South Tyrolean Wine Route. Our hotel boasts a historic wine cellar as well as a demonstration orchard with rare and rare apple varieties. The owner will personally guide us through the grounds and treat us to a tasting of his own wine, allowing us to end the day in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

  • Day 7
    Hiking day from the Wine Route to Lake Molveno (12 km, 650 m elevation gain, 4.5-5 hours)

    Hotel

    After an eco-friendly journey by public transport in the morning, we begin our hiking stage in Sporminore towards Lake Molveno. Along the way, we walk through numerous orchards and past interesting historical buildings. On the "Via Imperiale," the ancient Roman road connecting to the German-speaking Alpine regions, we hike through the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park. Here, you'll hike through picturesque mixed forests interspersed with gentle clearings. The light filtering through the leaves creates a calming atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. Your hike takes you to the sports resort of Andalo, situated on a high plateau between the Paganella massif and the Brenta Dolomites. This region is known for its outdoor activities and offers a wide range of leisure options. From Andalo, you'll conclude the stage with a short bus ride to Molveno, one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Trentino, located on the shores of the alpine lake of the same name. Lake Molveno is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the impressive backdrop of the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, you can also hike this 5 km section (250 m elevation gain) with your hiking guide.

    Hiking day from the Wine Route to Lake Molveno (12 km, 650 m elevation gain, 4.5-5 hours)

    Day 7

    Hotel

    After an eco-friendly journey by public transport in the morning, we begin our hiking stage in Sporminore towards Lake Molveno. Along the way, we walk through numerous orchards and past interesting historical buildings. On the "Via Imperiale," the ancient Roman road connecting to the German-speaking Alpine regions, we hike through the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park. Here, you'll hike through picturesque mixed forests interspersed with gentle clearings. The light filtering through the leaves creates a calming atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. Your hike takes you to the sports resort of Andalo, situated on a high plateau between the Paganella massif and the Brenta Dolomites. This region is known for its outdoor activities and offers a wide range of leisure options. From Andalo, you'll conclude the stage with a short bus ride to Molveno, one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Trentino, located on the shores of the alpine lake of the same name. Lake Molveno is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the impressive backdrop of the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, you can also hike this 5 km section (250 m elevation gain) with your hiking guide.

  • Day 8
    Hiking day in the Brenta Dolomites in the Valle delle Seghe (8 km, 440 m elevation gain, 3.5-4 hours)

    Hotel

    The final day of hiking in the breathtaking Brenta Dolomites promises an unforgettable experience in one of the region's most distinctive valleys. Dolomite and limestone give the Valle delle Seghe its unique geological formations. In the upper reaches of the valley, glacial activity over millennia has carved impressive glacial valleys and lakes. The Massò River flows through the middle and lower reaches, eventually becoming subterranean in some places, flowing towards Lake Molveno. After this exhilarating hike, a stop at the Croz dell'Altissimo mountain hut is an absolute must. Here, you'll find a selection of typical Trentino specialties. Whether it's savory speck, fresh dumplings, delicious polenta, or sweet pastries, the hut's cuisine offers an authentic taste of the region. With views of the surrounding peaks and the soothing sounds of nature, you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

    Hiking day in the Brenta Dolomites in the Valle delle Seghe (8 km, 440 m elevation gain, 3.5-4 hours)

    Day 8

    Hotel

    The final day of hiking in the breathtaking Brenta Dolomites promises an unforgettable experience in one of the region's most distinctive valleys. Dolomite and limestone give the Valle delle Seghe its unique geological formations. In the upper reaches of the valley, glacial activity over millennia has carved impressive glacial valleys and lakes. The Massò River flows through the middle and lower reaches, eventually becoming subterranean in some places, flowing towards Lake Molveno. After this exhilarating hike, a stop at the Croz dell'Altissimo mountain hut is an absolute must. Here, you'll find a selection of typical Trentino specialties. Whether it's savory speck, fresh dumplings, delicious polenta, or sweet pastries, the hut's cuisine offers an authentic taste of the region. With views of the surrounding peaks and the soothing sounds of nature, you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

  • Day 9
    Shuttle service to Sterzing and return journey

    After our final, hearty breakfast, an included shuttle service will ensure your comfortable return to Sterzing (to the parking lot or train station). Arrival in Sterzing is scheduled for approximately 11:30 a.m., giving you ample time to organize your journey home. A relaxing end to your trip!

    Shuttle service to Sterzing and return journey

    Day 9

    After our final, hearty breakfast, an included shuttle service will ensure your comfortable return to Sterzing (to the parking lot or train station). Arrival in Sterzing is scheduled for approximately 11:30 a.m., giving you ample time to organize your journey home. A relaxing end to your trip!

Price from

€1,590.00

Phone: +43 512 209071

Services

What's included

  • 8 nights including half board

  • Luggage transport according to the tour description (Note: 1 piece of luggage per person with a maximum weight of 20 kg)

  • Journeys by public bus and lift according to the stages

  • Shuttle bus back to Sterzing on the day of departure

  • 7 guided hikes with a mountain guide

  • Local and tourist taxes

  • Wine tasting on the South Tyrolean Wine Route

  • Insurance certificate/Insolvency protection

  • Guest card “Südtirol Guest Pass”

What's not included

  • Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)

  • Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)

  • Personal equipment

  • Tips

  • Parking lot in Sterzing

  • Drinks, packed lunches or lunch

  • Any additional transfers that may be required

Character of the trip

Fitness

Demanding

Altitude

Gentle

Culture / nature

Balanced

Our long-distance hiking week in this impressive region is manageable for healthy people with a reasonable level of fitness. We will primarily be hiking on established paths and well-marked trails. Good stamina is necessary to complete the seven daily stages without difficulty and fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

The difficulty level of our hikes is classified as "challenging." It is important that you already have experience with hikes lasting several hours in low mountain ranges at altitudes of around 2,000 meters.

  • The maximum hiking time per day, without breaks, is approximately 6 hours.
  • In total, we will cover between 55 and 72 km and approximately 2,700 to 3,500 meters of elevation gain, enjoying many breathtaking views of the main Alpine ridge.

Some hikes require a bit more skill, as they involve steeper descents over uneven terrain. We recommend using hiking poles for these sections.

Should you feel the need to skip a hiking stage, you can easily take a "rest day" at the accommodation to relax or enjoy other activities.

Our experienced mountain guides reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary in the event of unforeseen weather conditions to ensure the safety of the group and individuals. Furthermore, participants who do not possess the necessary physical fitness or appropriate equipment may be excluded from individual stages or the entire trip for safety reasons. In such cases, no refund will be issued.

Dates and prices

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

There are no departures available at the moment. Send a request and we will find a suitable date.

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Notes on the trip

Additional nights before and after the hiking week

Upon request, we also offer additional overnight stays in our partner hotels before or after the hiking week (subject to availability). We recommend extending your stay in Sterzing to explore the surrounding countryside.

Program adjustments depending on weather conditions

The safety of our participants is our top priority on our active tours. Since we often travel in alpine or remote regions, weather conditions such as strong winds, fog, persistent rain or snowfall, as well as other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the execution of the planned route. In such cases, our experienced local guide will react flexibly and adjust the route or program accordingly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. These decisions are always made in the best interests of all participants, so that the tour remains safe and as enjoyable as possible. Any claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.

Guest card “South Tyrol Guest Pass”

With the South Tyrol Guest Pass, your holiday in South Tyrol is completely hassle-free. It's valid for the entire duration of your stay and allows you to reach your desired destinations using public transport. The pass is valid from midnight on your arrival day, so you can use public transport from the very first moment. Please note: The Guest Pass is not valid for travel on long-distance trains (e.g., EC trains, Railjet, Frecciargento, Italo), for transporting bicycles and animals, or on some tourist bus services. The pass will be provided by email before your arrival. The email contains the South Tyrol Guest Pass digitally (as a mobile website or PDF), which can be added to your digital wallet. Alternatively, the PDF version can be printed at hotel check-in or even during pre-check-in. Regardless of whether you have the Guest Pass as a physical card or in digital form, you must validate it before using certain services. For example, when you board public transport, you must validate your Guest Pass card at the blue ticket machines. If you have a digital Guest Pass, simply scan the QR code with the scanner on the blue ticket machine.