Hikes in St. Martin in Passeier

The Merano High Altitude Trail is one of the best known - and perhaps also one of the most beautiful - long-distance hiking trails in the Alps. Its southern part runs through the Passeier Valley and is ideal for getting to know the region around St. Martin. On the way you will always enjoy the view of the fantastic mountain scenery around the Passeier Valley. In its entire length, the Merano High Altitude Trail leads in a large loop all around the Texel Group Nature Park. With a total path length of a good 93 km, the pure walking time then amounts to about 38 hours. The hike is considered moderately difficult, with the southern part through the Passeier Valley towards Merano being somewhat more relaxed than the northern section. At many points on the Merano High Altitude Trail there are opportunities to branch off into the interior of the mountain group and climb one of the high peaks. However, those who dare to climb into the alpine terrain should have a good physical condition, mountain experience and the right footwear. A lot of useful information about the Merano High Altitude Trail is available at the tourist office in Merano.

St. Martin in the Val Passiria is an ideal base for passionate climbers and hiking enthusiasts. On varied nature trails, alpine paths, "Waalwege" and lake walks, well signposted hiking trails lead to the rustic alpine pastures of the Sarntal Alps. On some hikes the walking time is several hours, and a solid level of fitness is required.

One of the most beautiful circular hikes in St. Martin is the route to the Schildhöfe, which runs across the sunny mountain meadows and panoramic slopes above the village. Along the way, you will pass several Schildhöfe that are worth seeing and that were once stately, rural estates. If you want to delve even deeper into the history of the region, hike in the footsteps of Andreas Hofer to the Pfandleralm. This was the last hiding place of the famous Tyrolean freedom fighter in 1810, before he was captured by Napoleon's troops. Afterwards, it is worth visiting the Museum Passeier in the center of St. Leonhard, where you can discover even more interesting facts about the history of the folk hero.

Not to be missed in St. Martin is a walk to the Kalmtal waterfall, which forms a beautiful natural spectacle with its drop height of 48 meters. It can be easily and comfortably reached from St. Martin via the Passerdammweg trail in about 2 km.

From St. Martin, numerous worthwhile day trips can be made in the Passeier Valley. Hiking trails for every taste can be found between the lovely alpine meadows around St. Leonhard and the high alpine terrain of the Texelgruppe. Idyllic mountain villages like Stuls or Pfelders are ideal starting points for beautiful hikes. Mountain bikers can also enjoy nature here on numerous routes.

The winding pass roads at Timmelsjoch and Jaufenpass are dream destinations for motorcycle tours. If you want to combine the ride on the panoramic road to the Timmelsjoch with a hike, you can walk to the pictoresque Seebersee lake. The snow-covered peaks of the Ötztal Alps are reflected in the crystal-clear mountain lake. The loop to Seeber Lake can be completed in about 2.5 hours and is classified as easy. Two alpine huts also invite you to stop for a bite to eat along the way.

For families, Pfelders offers beautiful hikes in the rear Passseier valley. A special experience here is the stone labyrinth high above the scenic valley and the rapid descent down the winding road with the "Mountain Carts" from the mountain station of the Grünboden cable car. Another hike leads from Stuls to the sunny Hochalm. This beautiful route, however, is considered rather difficult for smaller children.

The Stuller waterfalls in the Passerschlucht gorge are a natural experience in a class of its own. From Moos in Passeier, the gorge is perfectly accessible via a beautiful hiking trail. In two cascades the Stuller waterfall drops 112 and then 230 meters, which makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.

For a full day hike, the charming mountain village of Walten, situated on a sunny slope above St. Leonhard, is well worth a visit. Traditional farms and alpine terrain characterize the landscape here. If you have enough time and are in good shape, you can hike from Wannser Hof to the left all the way to Wannser Joch and via Sailer Joch back down to Walten. This hike is difficult and takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. You will be rewarded on the Joch with a fantastic view of the many peaks of the Sarntal Alps and the Unterbergtal valley.