From Völlan to St Hippolyt

This circular hike starts in Völlan/Foiana and first leads to the historic Völlaner Badl (Foiana Baths). From there, the route continues through partly shaded woodland to the hill of St. Hippolyt, home to its Romanesque church and panoramic views over the Adige Valley. The return follows varied forest and meadow paths back to Völlan/Foiana. Along the way, nature, culture and peaceful landscapes combine to create a rewarding hiking experience. Highlights include the Völlan/Foiana Farmers' Museum, the historic Völlaner Badl and the Church of St. Hippolyt.

The highest point of the hike is St. Hippolyt Hill. The final ascent to the church is steep and uneven in places. Overall, this is a moderately difficult hike, especially suited to walkers looking to combine scenic trails, cultural landmarks and quiet woodland sections.

Directions

The hike starts in the centre of Völlan/Foiana at the Vereinshaus (community hall). From there, walk behind the Farmers' Museum and join the Badlweg, following trail marker no. 10 through the shaded forest to the Völlaner Badl.
Continue downhill to the Obermairhof farm. From there, follow trail no. 8a to the foot of St. Hippolyt Hill. The final climb to the Church of St. Hippolyt is steep and partly rocky.
For the return, follow trail no. 8 via the Talmühle back to Völlan/Foiana, where you return to the starting point at the Vereinshaus.

Recommended equipment

Trekking shoes are recommended. Sure-footedness is required. In summer, sun protection and enough water are advisable.

From Merano or Bolzano, drive to Völlan/Foiana via the Gampen Pass road. Parking is available in the village centre at the Vereinshaus.

Several paid parking options are available in Lana, including Parkplatz Gampen P4, Parkplatz Länd P1 and Parkplatz Hofmann Passage P2. The access to the Brandis Waal trail is just above Gampen P4 car park

Völlan/Foiana can be reached by bus line 214. The Völlan Vereinshaus bus stop is just a short walk from the starting point of the hike. Up-to-date timetables are available at www.suedtirolmobil.info.

The Völlaner Badl is well worth a short stop. This former inn and bath house lies at 810 metres above sea level in mixed woodland by the Brandis stream. Until a few years ago, it was also a place of cure with bathing tubs where guests of the former guesthouse could immerse themselves in the spring water. The iron- and sulphite-rich water was believed to help ease joint pain and to soothe tired muscles after long walks. These tubs no longer exist today. The Völlaner Badl is now an inn serving typical South Tyrolean cuisine in a woodland setting, with pleasant outdoor tables. The final stretch to the building is especially impressive, leading through a shaded woodland section with high rock faces. There is also a small chapel inside.