The Merano High Mountain Trail
One path, many impressions – Hike with a view
The Merano High Mountain Trail

Merano High Mountain Trail near Naturns

Varied hike in high alpine terrain: discover our stage suggestions & hut recommendations for the Merano High Mountain Trail


The Merano High Mountain Trail


In 1976, the Texel Group Nature Park was established with the aim of preserving a unique mountain landscape in its pristine state and maintaining it as a space for recreation. The park stretches from valley floors through forests and alpine pastures up to steep rocky peaks and glacier regions.

The beauty of this unique nature reserve reveals itself to mountain hikers along the Merano High Mountain Trail: Stretching over 90 kilometers, it encircles the central part of the Texel Group.

The idea for this magnificent high-altitude hiking trail came from Helmuth Ellmenreich, who served as the first chairman of the Merano Section of the South Tyrolean Alpine Club from 1962 to 1997. Thanks to his determination and tireless efforts, the Merano High Mountain Trail was officially opened in 1985. It has since become a ribbon of friendship linking farmsteads and valleys and is now considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Alps.

In 2025, the Merano High Mountain Trail celebrates its 40th anniversary.


Hiking Along the Merano High Mountain Trail

At a relatively consistent altitude, this trail acts as a bridge between the alpine climate of the Texel Group and the sub-Mediterranean climate of the Etschtal. Like a panoramic terrace, it offers breathtaking views of the Venosta Valley, the Merano basin, the Passiria Valley, the Sarntal Alps, the Stubai Alps, and the Ötztal Alps.
On clear days, the Dolomites, the Brenta Group, and the Ortler appear impressively close and majestic.

The total length of the Merano High Mountain Trail is approximately 90 kilometers, divided into a northern and a southern circuit, allowing the hike to be undertaken in different seasons. Generally, the trail is accessible from the end of June to October, depending on snowfall. The southern and eastern sections are usually snow-free year-round and are ideal for day trips. Additionally, the route can be divided into multiple daily stages.


Circumnavigation of the Texel Group Nature Park on the Merano High Mountain Trail

For a complete circumnavigation of the Texel Group on the Merano High Mountain Trail, you should plan approximately 5 to 7 days. The various starting points for a hike along the Merano High Mountain Trail can be reached by bus, shuttle services, taxi, or car, or via various ascent facilities (cable cars, chairlifts, etc.). Our advice: Hike the Merano High Route the other way around and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

The entire Merano High Mountain Trail is continuously marked with the number 24, red/white. All exposed sections of the trail are equipped with guardrails, ladders, stairs, or steel ropes. Although the various stages of the trail are generously provided with opportunities for rest and refreshment, it is important to remember that you are traveling in the mountains, partly in high-altitude regions. Proper hiking equipment, good footwear, weather protection, and good physical condition are essential requirements for traversing this unique alpine trail! Additionally, you should definitely equip yourself with appropriate maps before starting. Various hiking maps for the Texel Group Nature Park and the Merano High Mountain Trail, as well as a list of rest stops along the route, are available at the Naturns tourist office.

Please note that for overnight stays at the mountain huts along the trail, it is important to check the opening hours and the limited number of beds, so making a reservation by phone is highly recommended. On some daily stages, there are multiple accommodation options available, allowing you to make a section of the trail slightly longer or shorter, depending on your preference. Always check with the hut hosts and accommodation providers for information on trail conditions and the upcoming section of the path. As an alternative to the Merano High Mountain Trail, and currently still a hidden gem among multi-day hikers, the Venosta Valley High Mountain Trail is also worth considering.


The Merano High Mountain Trail in summary

Length Approximately 90 km
 Starting Points Unterstell, Giggelberg, Katharinaberg, Pfossental, Hochmuth, Ulfas, Vellau, Christl, Matatz
 Total Hiking Time 5 - 8 days
 Altitude Difference 5,100 m
 Best Time to Hike  End of June to October (depending on weather conditions)

The cable car Unterstell and the viewing platform in Naturns
Access Points to the Merano High Mountain Trail

Naturns Unterstell Cable Car
 Rabland Texel Cable Car
 Algund Leiteralm Basket Lift
 Dorf Tirol Hochmuth Cable Car
 St. Leonhard Matatz (by car)
 Pfelders Public Bus
 Katharinaberg Public Bus

Merano High Mountain Trail
Picturesque hiking tour of mountain huts in the Texelgruppe Nature Park
Stages of the Merano High Mountain Trail
Circular hike along the Merano High Mountain Trail open
Hiking, all hiking routes, High Mountain Trail, Long-Distance Hiking Trails, Trail closed
Circular hike along the Merano High Mountain Trail

The Merano High Mountain Trail is a scenic mountain hut hike in the Texelgruppe Nature Park. Hikers can complete the nearly 100 km circuit in 5 to 8 daily stages.

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Merano High Mountain Trail - Hochmuth - Giggelberg open
Hiking, High Mountain Trail, Long-Distance Hiking Trails
Merano High Mountain Trail - Hochmuth - Giggelberg
A unique experience on the Merano High Path This panoramic section connects the top station of the Hochmuth Cable Car with Giggelberg, passing ...
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Merano High Mountain Trail - 2nd stage: The Gorge of 1.000 Steps to Katharinaberg, in Senales Valley/ Schnalstal open
Hiking, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail - 2nd stage: The Gorge of 1.000 Steps to Katharinaberg, in Senales Valley/ Schnalstal

Scenic hike for those in search of great views – and for high mountain hiking enthusiasts!

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Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 3: from Monte S. Caterina/Katharinabger to Mountian pasture Eishof open
Hiking, all hiking routes, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 3: from Monte S. Caterina/Katharinabger to Mountian pasture Eishof
After the Montferthof, there is a diversion from Sellboden via Tumlhof and along the road into Pfossental, which takes an additional 1.5 hours.
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Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 4: from the Eishof Farm to Pfelders/Plan open
Hiking, all hiking routes, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 4: from the Eishof Farm to Pfelders/Plan
This route follows the forest road, along an old and gradually ascending military route (easy route), with some Alpine terrain (individual snow ...
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Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 5: from Pfelders/Plan to Matatz open
Hiking, all hiking routes, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 5: from Pfelders/Plan to Matatz
From Plan, follow the signs for route No. 24, which leads after crossing three streams to the Bergkristall climbing garden. From there continue down ...
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Merano High Mountain Trail: Hike from Matatz to the Hochmuth open
Hiking, all hiking routes, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail: Hike from Matatz to the Hochmuth
The Merano High Mountain Trail is one of the loveliest circular hikes in the Alpine region. It runs around the edge of the Texelgruppe Nature Park ...
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Huts and accomodation along the Alta Via Meranese in Naturns
Parcines/Partschins
Giggelberg
closed until 8:00 AM
Saturday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
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Naturno
Pirchhof
closed until 9:00 AM
Saturday 09:00 - 18:00
Sunday 09:00 - 18:00
Monday 09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00
Thursday 09:00 - 18:00
Friday 09:00 - 18:00
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Naturno/Naturns
Unterstell
closed until 8:00 AM
Saturday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday closed
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Naturno/Naturns
Ristorante Linthof
closed
Saturday closed
Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Naturno
Wald
closed until 10:00 AM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 16 hours ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

🌞Einfach mal die Aussicht genießen – vom Sonnenberg in Naturns Richtung Meran🌄
Ein Moment zum Durchatmen. Zum Genießen. Zum Loslassen.
Wer war schon mal hier oben – oder steht’s noch auf eurer Liste?🤔

Teilt gerne eure schönsten Fotos vom Sonnenberg oder eure Aussicht Richtung Meran in den Kommentaren!🥰

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Fotostudio2000

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🌞Godersi semplicemente il panorama – dal Monte Sole a Naturno verso Merano🌄
Un momento per respirare a fondo. Per godersi l’attimo. Per lasciar andare i pensieri.
Chi è già stato quassù – o è ancora sulla vostra lista dei desideri?🤔

Condividete volentieri le vostre foto più belle del Monte Sole o la vostra vista verso Merano nei commenti! 🥰

📸: Associazione turistica di Naturno_Fotostudio2000

2
naturns_naturno naturns_naturno Yesterday
naturns_naturno

🚵‍♂️ Trail Adventure in Naturns – Your Bike. Your Flow. Your Mountain.🚵‍♀️
Whether you're into challenging climbs or smooth downhills – Naturns is a true biking paradise, blending alpine scenery with Mediterranean flair. 🌄🌿

🔹 Over 100 km of perfectly maintained trails
🔹 Single trails for every level – from beginners to enduro pros
🔹 Guided tours & skills training with certified coaches
🔹 Bike shuttles & rental available right in town

💡 Insider tip: The Ötzi Flow Trail is pure fun – perfectly shaped, full of curves, waves, and breathtaking views! 😍

📍Start your ride right in the village – and dive into the world of biking in Naturns!❤

📸: Tourismusbüro Naturns_Timo Pretzl

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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 3 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

✝️Der Jesus-Besinnungsweg in Naturns – Ein Weg der Ruhe, Stille und inneren Einkehr🌿

Inmitten der Natur, oberhalb von Naturns, lädt der Jesus-Besinnungsweg dazu ein, den Alltag hinter sich zu lassen und innezuhalten.

🕊️ Entlang des Weges begleiten dich insgesamt 15 Stationen, die das Leben und Wirken Jesu aufgreifen – modern gestaltet, zum Nachdenken und Verweilen. Jede Station schenkt neue Perspektiven und lädt ein, den eigenen Lebensweg bewusst zu betrachten.

Die genaue Wegbeschreibung findest du auf unserer Homepage: https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/de/naturns/aktiv-entspannen/wandern-bergsteigen/themenwege/121154131-jesus-besinnungsweg-naturns.html

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Fotostudio2000

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✝️Il Sentiero Meditativo di Gesù a Naturno – Un cammino di pace, silenzio e raccoglimento interiore🌿

Immerso nella natura, sopra Naturno, il Sentiero Meditativo di Gesù invita a lasciarsi alle spalle la quotidianità e a soffermarsi in un momento di riflessione.

🕊️ Lungo il percorso ti accompagnano 15 stazioni che ripercorrono la vita e l’opera di Gesù – realizzate in chiave moderna, per meditare e sostare. Ogni stazione offre nuove prospettive e invita a guardare consapevolmente al proprio cammino di vita.

La descrizione dettagliata del percorso è disponibile sul nostro sito web:
https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/it/naturno/relax-attivita/camminate-escursioni/itinerari-a-tema/121154131-jesus-besinnungsweg-naturns.html

📸: Cooperativa Turistica di Naturno_Fotostudio2000

2
naturns_naturno naturns_naturno 4 days ago
naturns_naturno

🌿The irrigation channels around Naturns – Hikes full of history and views!☀️

If you love South Tyrol, you'll truly appreciate the irrgiation channels around Naturns!🥰
These historic irrigation channels lead you through apple orchards, chestnut forests, and alongside gently flowing streams – once built to water the fields, now a paradise for hikers.

👣 Our recommendation:
Whether it's the irrgiation channel of Tschars or the popular irrigation channel of Staben – they all offer easy walking, stunning views over the Vinschgau Valley, and plenty of natural beauty to enjoy.

👉 Have you ever walked along a irrigation channel? Share your favorite one with us in the comments!❤

📸: TV Latsch/Martell_Heidi Inge Hintereck

#naturns #naturno #irrigationchannel #hiking #walking #southtyrol #südtirol #wandern #waalwege #berge #vinschgau #familywalking #naturewalk #altoadige #sentieridellaroggia #escursioni #natura

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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 6 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

𝙐𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙯𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙥:
🍎Südtiroler Apfelstrudel🍎

👩‍🍳 Zubereitung
Teig zubereiten:
Butter, Zucker, Zitronenschale und Vanillezucker cremig rühren. Ei und Milch unterrühren. Mehl, Backpulver, Zimt und Salz hinzufügen. Zu einem glatten Teig verkneten und 30 Minuten kühl stellen.

Füllung vorbereiten:
Äpfel schälen, entkernen und in dünne Scheiben schneiden. Mit Zucker, in Butter angerösteten Semmelbröseln, Rosinen, Pinienkernen, Rum, Vanillezucker und Zitronenschale vermengen.

Strudel formen:
Den Teig rechteckig ausrollen (ca. 40 × 20 cm) und auf ein gefettetes Backblech legen. Die Apfelfüllung in der Mitte verteilen, die Seiten einklappen und den Strudel aufrollen. Mit verquirltem Ei bestreichen.

Backen:
Im vorgeheizten Ofen bei 180 °C etwa 35 Minuten goldbraun backen. Etwas abkühlen lassen und vor dem Servieren mit Puderzucker bestäuben.

📝 Zutaten
Für den Teig:
125 g Butter
125 g Puderzucker oder Kristallzucker
1 Prise abgeriebene Zitronenschale
½ Päckchen Vanillezucker
1 EL Milch
1 Ei
250 g Weizenmehl (Type 405)
1 TL Backpulver
½ TL Zimt
1 Prise Salz

Für die Füllung:
600 g Südtiroler Äpfel (z. B. Golden Delicious)
50 g Zucker
50 g Semmelbrösel, in etwas Butter geröstet
40 g Rosinen
20 g Pinienkerne
2 EL Rum
1 Päckchen Vanillezucker
1 Prise abgeriebene Zitronenschale

Außerdem:
1 Ei (zum Bestreichen)
Puderzucker (zum Bestäuben)
Butter (zum Einfetten des Blechs)

Lasst es euch schmecken!😋

📸: IDM Südtirol_Marion Lafogler

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🍎 Il nostro consiglio culinario di oggi:
Strudel di mele dell'Alto Adige 🍎

👩‍🍳 Preparazione
Preparare l’impasto:
Lavorare il burro, lo zucchero, la scorza di limone e lo zucchero vanigliato fino a ottenere una crema. Aggiungere l’uovo e il latte. Incorporare la farina, il lievito, la cannella e un pizzico di sale. Impastare fino a ottenere un composto liscio e far riposare in frigorifero per 30 minuti.

Preparare il ripieno:
Sbucciare le mele, togliere il torsolo e tagliarle a fettine sottili. Mescolare con zucchero, pangrattato tostato nel burro, uvetta, pinoli, rum, zucchero vanigliato e scorza di limone grattugiata.

Formare lo strudel:
Stendere l’impasto in un rettangolo (ca. 40 × 20 cm) e disporlo su una teglia imburrata. Distribuire il ripieno al centro, ripiegare i lati e arrotolare lo strudel. Spennellare con l’uovo sbattuto.

Cottura:
Cuocere in forno preriscaldato a 180 °C per circa 35 minuti, fino a doratura. Lasciar raffreddare leggermente e spolverare con zucchero a velo prima di servire.

📝 Ingredienti
Per l’impasto:
125 g di burro
125 g di zucchero a velo o zucchero semolato
1 pizzico di scorza di limone grattugiata
½ bustina di zucchero vanigliato
1 cucchiaio di latte
1 uovo
250 g di farina di frumento (tipo 00)
1 cucchiaino di lievito in polvere
½ cucchiaino di cannella in polvere
1 pizzico di sale

Per il ripieno:
600 g di mele altoatesine (es. Golden Delicious)
50 g di zucchero
50 g di pangrattato, tostato in un po’ di burro
40 g di uvetta
20 g di pinoli
2 cucchiai di rum
1 bustina di zucchero vanigliato
1 pizzico di scorza di limone grattugiata

Inoltre:
1 uovo (per spennellare)
Zucchero a velo (per spolverare)
Burro (per imburrare la teglia)

Buon appetito! 😋

📸: IDM Südtirol_Marion Lafogler

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