Summer fun
in the Eisack Valley
NEW: Guided hikes in the most beautiful
regions of the Dolomites from May to October.
Boredom will not manifest itself during the summer holidays in the Eisack Valley. With the Trostburg Castle, the Feldthurns Castle and the Sabiona Monastery, the medieval buildings invite you to visit it, and the romantic medieval old towns of Bressanone and Chiusa invite you to take a leisurely walk. The crystal-clear lake Varna and the outdoor pool in Klausen/Chiusa are excellent waters for bathing, and on rainy days you can visit the fun and adventurous pool area Acquarena in Bressanone. The colourful farmers’ markets in the area and the traditional festivals, the “long evenings” in the villages with live music and South Tyrolean cuisine, offer variety during the summer holidays in the Eisack Valley.
We don’t go hiking today: shopping and fun in
South Tyrol
In the cities of South Tyrol, shopping becomes a pleasant journey of discovery. The historic medieval town of Bressanone boasts numerous extraordinary shops to offer in the winding alleys, under the arcades and in the moat. Traditional handicrafts, local costumes and international fashion are offered in the shops and boutiques. No less exciting is a shopping tour in the capital Bolzano. The arcades of Bolzano invites you to stroll through outdoor shops and exclusive fashion boutiques. At the end of the arcades, the fruit market awaits you, where you can buy numerous fruits and fresh vegetables from all over Italy. The South Tyrolean Museum of Archaeology – “Ötzi” the Iceman and the Museion (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) located directly on the beautiful Talvera promenade are also worth a visit.
The small alpine town of Klausen/Chiusa is divided into high and low towns. In the narrow alley of the city, shops with South Tyrolean specialties, alpine handicrafts and rustic inns are piled up. In addition, jewelers, shoemakers and fashion boutiques have settled in the historic town of Klausen/Chiusa.
However, all the cities in South Tyrol have one thing in common: their beautiful squares with great bars and restaurants where you can linger, marvel and enjoy an aperitif.
Hiking around Gufidaun/Gudon:
Easy to get around in beautiful nature without a car
Various hiking trails and circular routes start directly from Gufidaun/Gudon, such as the new Gufi-trail “Gufiweg”, which passes by two castles rich in nature, views, history and culture, passing through the village and entering the natural area (approx. 45 minutes).
There are also two forest trails: one leads to a natural waterfall, the other to a beautiful inn with a view of the Eisack Valley and the beautiful mountain landscape (about 30 minutes).
Above Gufidaun/Gudon runs the meadow path, passing by traditional mountain farms (about 30 minutes).
You can also walk directly from Gufidaun/Gudon to the artists’ town of Klausen/Chiusa (about 30 minutes).
Don’t feel like hiking today? No problem: We make a reservation at the e-bike rental, they will be brought directly to our home and picked up, an e-bike suitable for you.
Go for a hike. Discover. Arrive.
Hiking in the Dolomites – Wonderful mountain tours in the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Some of the most beautiful hiking areas in the Dolomites are located in the vicinity of the Marialisa Apartments in the picturesque village of Gufidaun/Gudon. The Sciliar-Catinaccio and Puez-Odle Nature Parks are only a few kilometers away. On the Alpe di Siusi, 350 km of marked trails of different levels of difficulty await you. The largest high plateau in Europe is dominated by the imposing peaks of the Sciliar and welcomes you during your hiking holiday in the Dolomites with beautiful themed trails, interesting nature trails and challenging via ferratas.
Hiking paradise Villnöss/Val di Funes: nature holidays in the pristine alpine landscape
Only 12 kilometers from the Apartments Marialisa begins with the Villnöss Valley – an unspoilt mountain landscape with a fantastic view of rugged rocky peaks and green pastures. A trip around the Sass de Putia (2875 meters) is a truly exciting experience. On the 12 km long route, you pass mountain streams, rocky scree and traditional huts. Breathe in the mountain air during your hiking holiday in the Dolomites on the “Günter Messner” trail, which takes you past the dramatic peaks of the Odle. On the Panorama Trail and the “Munkelweg” trail, a spectacular view of the Villnöss Valley with the clear limestone rocks of the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site awaits you.
ACTIVE IN THE DOLOMITES
OUR MOST BEAUTIFUL HIKING TOURS
Sass de Putia/Peitlerkofel
From the parking lot of the Zanser/Zanser Alm, follow the road in the direction of the Pension Sass Rigais. Here a forest path leads through meadows, forests and along a stream in the direction of the valley to Tschantschenon. From here also starts the road that starts from the Zanser / Zanser Alm and leads to the Genova Refuge at the Roma Pass passing along the shady slope. Cutting through the hairpin bends, climb up to the Gampen Mountain Hut (2062m). The path marked no. 35 first leads through meadows and leads to a steep, rocky slope from where, first climbing hairpin bends and higher up grass slopes and ditches formed by erosion, you climb to the Genova Hut at the Poma Pass (2297m). Then proceed following path no. 4 in a north-westerly direction towards the refuge climbing towards the nearby Forcella S. Croce (2340m, signposts). From here, the route heads north through flat grass to the Kreuzberg saddle. A longer crossing on the grass slopes of the eastern slope leads to the Putia/Peitlerscharte Pass (2357m, 45 min.). Climbing equipment is absolutely essential!
The path that winds along a grassy slope leading northeast, through a steep hollow on the south side of the mountain, with many hairpin bends at the top of the rocky terrain, leads to the relatively wide saddle of the summit (2765m). The path that passes through a protruding rocky ridge is very steep, but being secured it does not present any particular difficulty. After passing the secured wall and crossing a gravel path you arrive at the Putia/ Peitlerkofel peak (2875m). On the way down, you walk along the path that leads to Zannes.
In search of minerals
Wonderful hike to Villnöss with a view of the Geisler peaks and a visit to the beautiful Mineral Museum in Teis, rich in mineral collection and the well-known “Teiser Kugeln” – amethyst and quartz minerals. On guided tours you can search for and dig for the “Teiser Kugeln” yourself. Information and registration at the Val di Funes Tourist Office at Tel. +39 0472 840 180.
Route: From Klausen/Chiusa along the hiking trail marked no. 7 to Gufdaun/Gudon (730 m). The Gufdaun/Gudon village museum is worth a visit, where many agricultural tools are on display. From there to Summersberg Castle – the square tower and the complex give the impression of a late medieval judicial prison – then cross the road and enter the valley on the signposted hiking trail no. 7 to Milleins. From Milleins in less than an hour to Teis (963 m) on the signposted hiking trail no. 9.
In Teis you can visit the Mineral Museum. From Teis, you walk along the marked trail no. 11 in about an hour to Nafen (806 m) and then first the marked trail no. 3 and finally the marked trail no. 4 in about an hour to Albeins (586 m). From here, the marked hiking trail no. 9 next to the river leads to Milland (570 m) and then to Bressanone.
Rock & Source – Adolf-Munkel-Weg
Theme: The Odle Trail (Adolf Munkel-Weg), which winds its way under the imposing northern walls of the Odle Trail, is one of the most impressive trails in the Dolomites. Experience a rich plant world: on the banks of the Ciancenon stream, among the dwarf shrubs along the Geisler Trail, on the walls of alpine pastures, in the shady Black Forest. The “Großgrube” is an important spring region. We feel compelled to talk about the importance of the forest and springs for the entire Earth system.
Itinerary:
Route: From Zannes (1,680 m) follow the course of the Ciancenon stream to the “Großgrube” (large pit) and Ciancenon (1,868 m). Then continue westwards and follow the Geisler Trail to the Casnago Alm (1,996 m). Midday break. Passing the Dussler Alm, you descend to Zans.
Hiking on the Alpe di Siusi
Easy and family-friendly tours
• Circumnavigation of Bullaccia: A classic panoramic tour starting from Compatsch. The route is about 8.5 km long and offers spectacular views from vantage points such as the Engelrast.
• Hans-und-Paula-Steger-Weg: An easy hiking trail that connects Compatsch to Saltria and offers information boards about the nature and culture of the alpine pasture.
• Panorama circuit to the Mahlknechthütte: A relaxing tour of about 10.6 km, which starts at the mountain station of the panoramic chairlift and passes by idyllic alpine meadows.
Intermediate tours
• From Schlernhaus to Compatsch: A moderate descent from the Schlernhaus (2457 m) via the tourist trail back to Compatsch. The distance is about 8.4 km.
• Ortisei– Alpe di Siusi: A connecting tour between Ortisei (Val Gardena) and the Alpe di Siusi. It includes a cable car ride up to Monte Sëuc and offers sweeping views of the Sassolungo and Sciliar.
Hiking to the famous Seceda
Hiking on the Seceda (2,519 m) is one of the absolute highlights of the Dolomites. Here is one of the best route options for you:
The overview (Average | approx. 3–4 hours)
This circular hike starts at the mountain station of the Seceda cable car (ascent from Ortisei).
Section: mountain station – summit cross – Panascharte – Troier Hütte – Pieralongia – Regensburger Hütte – Col Raiser.
Highlight: The iconic view of the vertically sloping Geisler peaks.
Tip: You can take the cable car from Col Raiser to S. Cristina and then the bus back to Ortisei.
Günther Messner via ferrata "Klettersteig"
Itinerary: The route is dedicated to the Villnöss mountaineer Günther Messner, who had an accident in Nanga Parbat. This long mountain tour with safe passages requires endurance, mountain experience and safety in the passes and should only be undertaken in stable and good weather conditions. The start is at Russiskreuz (1729 m). Up to the Tullen, at this junction with the Tullen, stay to the right and climb up to the ridge after a safe gorge. Continue to the rocky north side over slabs fixed to a notch and then to the right to the summit (2646 m). Then the path leads east to the ridge area and along the south side. After a longer distance, you will reach the ridge again (short ladder) and reach the eastern grassy slope on the north side. From there you descend north-east to the Peitlerscharten-Steig and follow northwards to the saddle (2357 m). In the Schartengraben, turn left at the tree line and cross westwards for a long time. After the Kofel meadows, the trail continues through the forest to the Halsl road and back to the Russiskreuz.
Tip: Drive through the 9400-hectare Puez-Odle Nature Park, from Zans/Villnöss to the Würzjoch. Bus from Würzjoch: on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. in the direction of Gunggan to the Zanser Alm. Return via Kaserill or Kreuzjoch, Schlüterhütte, Peitlerscharte and Würzjoch. Alternatively via Kaserill, Herrnsteige and Russiskreuz.
Insider tip from Val Gardena on the Forcella del Sassolungo
The Sella Pass (Sella Pass, 2,218 m) and the Sassolungo (Forcella del Sassolungo, 2,685 m) are one of the most evocative excursion destinations in the Val Gardena Dolomites.
Ascent and Accessibility
- On foot: Hiking trail no. 525 leads from the Sella Pass in steep zigzags directly to the saddle fork. Walking time is approximate. 1 hour and 15 minutes on a climb of about 440 meters above sea level.
- By chairlift: The old standing chairlift (the so-called “coffin chairlift”) is unique, which takes hikers directly from the pass to the Toni-Demetz-Hütte in the fork.
Highlights & huts
- Toni Demetz Hut: Located directly at the Sassolungo fork, it offers an overview of the Sella Group and the Marmolada.
- City of Stones: A labyrinthine terrain with falling rocks at the foot of the Sassolungo, often crossed on circular hikes.
The saddle pass is the classic entry point for the circumnavigation of the Sassolungo. After reaching the saddle, it usually follows the descent to the Sassolungo hut (Vicenza hut) at the back. A complete tour around the massif takes about 4-5 hours.
Hiking tour in the Villanders Alps
Hiking tour in the Villanders Alps to the church and the lake of the dead “Totenkirchl and Totensee”
The circular hike in the Villanders Alps to the Church of the Dead “Totenkirchl” (2,186 m) and the idyllic Lake of the Dead “Totensee” is a moderately difficult tour of about 4 hours (approx. 12 km, 600 m altitude difference) with a fantastic view of the Dolomites. It starts at the Gasserhütte car park (1,744 m), crosses the Pfroderalm and is ideal for summer and early autumn.
Hiking route and highlights:
Start: Parking at the Gasserhütte on the Villanders Alp (accessible via a mountain road from Villanders/Chiuusa).
Route: Follow trail no. 6 (via the Mair to Plun Hütte and the Pfroderalm) in the direction of Totenkirchl. The path is well marked and is part of an ancient Via Crucis.
Highlights: The Totenkirchl, a historic chapel from 1899, and the nearby picturesque Totensee, which is located in a mountainous valley below the church. Just below the Totenkirchl there is a beautiful small alpine pasture with refreshing drinks and delicacies from South Tyrol.
