The origins of the Merano High Mountain Trail date back to the 1960s. It was Oswald Wallnöfer, then chairman of the South Tyrol Alpine Club, who first had the idea of creating a panoramic hiking trail along the southern part of the Texel Group. His successor, Helmuth Ellmenreich, took up this idea and began linking existing mountain farmers’ paths. As early as 1969, the first section of the route was completed – from Longfall via Talbauer, Hochmuth, Leiteralm and Hochganghaus to Giggelberg. The name “Merano High Mountain Trail” also goes back to Ellmenreich.
STEP-BY-STEP EXPANSION
Under the direction of Robert Schönweger, who had been responsible for route planning and waymarking since 1968, the trail was continuously expanded over the following decades. New stages were added, such as from Longfall via Gfeis to Vernuer or from Giggelberg via Hochforch to the Schnatzhof. Technically demanding sections like the Lahnbach Gorge were overcome with great ingenuity. Another segment – between Innerforch and Unterstell – was developed in cooperation with the Nature Park authority.
A TRAIL THROUGH THE NATURE PARK
With the establishment of the Nature Park Texel Group in 1976, the vision of designing the trail as a circular route around the entire mountain massif began to take shape. Thanks to the support of mountain farmers, local councils, tourism associations and dedicated volunteers – including members of the Swabian Alb Association – the trail network continued to grow steadily.
INAUGURATION AND COMPLETION
In 1982, the section between Ulfas and Matatz was completed. Three years later, on 30th June 1985, the Merano High Mountain Trail was officially inaugurated in Katharinaberg. A symbolic structure from that time: the bridge over the brook of Pfelders, made possible with the support of the Fuchs family from the Forst speciality brewery.
A SYMBOL OF CONNECTEDNESS
Today, the Merano High Mountain Trail is considered one of the most impressive circular hiking routes in South Tyrol. It stands not only for breathtaking natural experiences but also for community spirit, cooperation and connectedness – a “ribbon of friendship” that links farms, valleys and villages.