Sunrise hike on the Merano High Mountain Trail to the “Hohe Wiege” viewpoint

This special early-morning hike combines sunrise at the viewpoint "Hohe Wiege" with the panoramic Merano High Mountain Trail 24, an alpine breakfast at Nasereit Hut, and the natural spectacle of the Partschins Waterfall. The route leads through shaded woodland, along mountain streams and across one of the most scenic sections of the trail.

Start of the tour

Birkenwald car park

End of the tour

Birkenwald car park

Birkenwald – Partschins Waterfall – Prünster Restaurant – viewpoint Hohe Wiege – Nasereit Hut – Waterfall – Birkenwald

The hike starts at Birkenwald car park. From here, follow trail 23/8B steadily uphill through shaded deciduous woodland towards the Partschins Waterfall. The sound of rushing water accompanies the ascent as you approach the waterfall area.

Continue on trail 23 towards Prünster Restaurant. Shortly before it, switch to trail 1A and then trail 1, which leads up to the Merano High Mountain Trail 24.

Following trail 24 eastwards, you reach Hohe Wiege (1,809 m) just before sunrise – a well-known viewpoint marked by a weather cross above Partschins and Rabland. In the first golden light, the wide views over the Merano region and the Texel Group are unforgettable.

Afterwards, follow the Merano High Mountain Trail 24 westwards to Nasereit Hut, a perfect place for a break and an alpine breakfast.

The descent continues via the Alpine hiking trail “Waterfall” along the Ziel stream, passing clear pools and small cascades to Waterfall Restaurant. From there, trail 26 leads back to Birkenwald car park, completing the loop.

Note:

Bring warm clothing, check the sunrise time in advance and use a headlamp for the early start before sunrise.

Did you know? – Weather crosses in South Tyrol

Weather crosses (also known as hail crosses or small wayside shrines) are deeply rooted symbols of faith and rural culture in South Tyrol. For centuries, they have been placed on exposed sites to ask for protection from storms, lightning and hail. They often express prayers for a good harvest, mark paths or boundaries, and can be destinations for processions.

Many feature three crossbars symbolising the Holy Trinity. They are often made of larch wood and range from simple wooden crosses to finely carved crucifixes, traditionally protected with weather-resistant coatings.

The starting points of our hiking tours can be reached comfortably and in an environmentally friendly way by bus and train. With the South Tyrol Guest Pass, all public transport throughout South Tyrol can be used free of charge – no need to search for parking. Tip: timetables and connections are available at www.suedtirolmobil.info.

Parking options in Partschins are limited. In order to protect the local natural area and support sustainable travel, we recommend using public transport. Thank you for helping to protect this area!

Timetable search: https://www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/