Hikes in the Eisacktal

Typical for the Eisack Valley, also called Val d'Isarco, is the varied landscape: at the foot of the mountain ranges, nature lovers will find shaded valley floors, while impressive rocky peaks rise above. Here, high alpine terrain meets rolling hills, evergreen side valleys and unspoiled deciduous and coniferous forests. The peaceful chestnut groves and colorful orchards complete the diverse landscape.

The valley takes its name from the Eisack River, the second largest river in South Tyrol. The Eisack rises at the Brenner Pass, flows through the Alpine valley in a southerly direction and then flows into the Adige River near Bolzano. On its almost 100 kilometer long way through the Eisack Valley, it not only passes through Brixen, one of the largest towns in the region. It also flanks some of the most important traffic routes of the Brenner transit route, which is why the region can be reached quickly by car and is also suitable for a weekend excursion.

For hikers, there is a wide range of possibilities, with something for every taste and requirement: Hikes through low mountain ranges, leisurely walks, walking tours to mystical places, regional products or to explore the most significant cities of Bressanone, Sterzing and Chiusa. For cyclists, the almost 134 km long and almost continuously asphalted bike route 1 "Brenner-Salurn" is worth exploring in the area.

If you want to take on one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in South Tyrol right at the beginning, you can start with the 5.7 km long hike to the Gilfenklamm gorge in Ratschings. Over suspension bridges and stairs you go deep into a gorge, through which the water masses of the Ratschinger stream roll with impressive power. The Gilfenklamm is also the only marble gorge in Europe, which gives hikes in this area a particularly refined ambience. In terms of difficulty, the hike is classified as easy to medium, since after all, 280 meters of altitude have to be overcome.

From the deep gorges, the next route should take you quite high up, so to speak, to the roof of the South Tyrolean Alps. On hikes to the Becherhaus, which lies at an elevation of 3,195 meters, there are numerous meters of altitude to overcome. Fortunately, the highest refuge in South Tyrol is well managed, offering food, running water and accommodation for up to 100 people. Starting point is the head of the valley in Ridnauntal, the hiking trail leads from there through mountain forests and pastures to the Grohmann hut. From there it continues partly over alpine paths and a glacier tongue until the entire 1,911 meters in altitude of the approx. 11.5 km long route are mastered. The route is therefore also classified as difficult and is not suitable for beginners, as it requires not only a good physical condition, but also surefootedness and a head for heights.

The Eisack Valley is large enough to allow hiking tours of several days and yet discover something new every day. The Keschtnweg, also called the South Tyrolean Chestnut Trail, is the ideal route with its 60 km and leads in four to six stages from Vahrn via Felthurns, Barbian and Leitach to Bolzano. Some stamina is required for the enduring hike, as a total of about 2,000 meters in altitude must be overcome. Along the way there are chestnut groves, orchards and several vantage points. Numerous accommodations for every need are available along the way - from hotels with spas to cozy inns, there is something for every taste. Sporty hikers can also complete the trail in fewer daily stages with a pure walking time of 19 hours, but speed is of secondary importance in view of the South Tyrolean scenery.