Merano High Mountain Trail - 2nd stage: From the Texelbahn mountain station through the Gorge of 1,000 Steps to Katharinaberg/Senales Valley

The Merano High Mountain Trail (No. 24) circles the Texel Group for almost 100 km, linking farms, villages and valleys. This western stage is spectacular and highly popular, combining gullies, notches and frequent ups and downs with shady woodland and sunny mountain meadows.

Its legendary highlight is the Gorge of 1,000 Steps with suspension bridges—technically 987 steps, but they definitely make your knees notice.

Tour Start

Texelbahn cableway mountain station

Tour End

Katharinaberg/Schnalstal valley

Texelbahn mountain station – Merano High Mountain Trail 24 – Gorge of 1,000 Steps – suspension bridges – Linthof – Katharinaberg (Senales Valley/Schnalstal/Val Senales)

The hike starts at the Texelbahn cable car mountain station and follows the Merano High Mountain Trail 24 westwards. The trail crosses several gullies and terrain cuts, some equipped with stairs, stone steps and secured sections. Expect alternating short climbs and descents through shaded forest and across sunny alpine meadows.

The highlight is the Gorge of 1,000 Steps, including a 55 m suspension bridge. (The bridge shortens only a small part of the steps; crossing it is optional—you can also continue down into the gorge using the stairs.) This section requires good fitness: close to 1,000 steps of stone, wood and metal, with ropes, chains and railings for support.

After the gorge, another suspension bridge follows. Along the way, traditional mountain farms offer opportunities to rest and stop for refreshments, and a waterfall provides fresh water to cool down. From Linthof farm, the trail continues into the Schnalstal Valley and ends in Katharinaberg (1,245 m).

Alternative options

If the full stage is too long, there are several ways to descend into the valley, for example:

• at Hochforch: turn left on trail 29/39 to Plaus
• before the 1,000 Steps Gore near Grub: take trail 6 towards Naturns
• at Galmein: turn left on trail 24b to Unterstell, then take the Unterstell cable car down to Naturns

Tip

Another highlight is the spectacular viewing platform at the mountain station of the Unterstell cable car above Naturns. For a short detour, follow trail 24B downhill towards the Unterstell cable car, then return the same way to rejoin the Merano High Mountain Trail 24.

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/