The day starts quite easily, but soon requires you to get through some deep ravines and gullies, which must be crossed in part using stairs, ladders and other safety mechanisms. A series of traditional mountain farms will offer options for rest and refueling. From Linthof Farm, the trail winds into Val Senales (Schnalstal) Valley. With luck, Juval Castle will be visible far below: if you spend a little time with your binoculars, you may even be able to make out one of the most famous mountaineers in the world (Reinhold Messner calls Juval Castle home). Another rather easy couple of hours of hiking will bring you to the village of Monte Santa Caterina (Katharinaberg) at 1,245 metres, and you’ve reached today's milestone.

Click here for the entire route of the Alta Via di Merano (Meraner Höhenweg) high trail.