Via Vigilius

The Via Vigilius is an eight-day long-distance hiking trail connecting Vigiljoch above Lana with the episcopal city of Trento. The route crosses the diverse cultural landscapes of South Tyrol and Trentino, combining nature, history and spirituality in a unique way. Along the way, panoramic high-altitude paths alternate with quiet forest sections, traditional mountain villages and wide alpine pastures. Repeatedly, the trail offers impressive views of the Val di Non, the Brenta Dolomites and the surrounding mountain ranges.

The trail is named after Saint Vigilius, whose legacy can be discovered at numerous sites along the route. Historic churches, pilgrimage destinations and monasteries shape the landscape alongside old farmsteads and centuries-old paths. The Via Vigilius offers the opportunity to explore the cultural and natural characteristics of two regions on foot while experiencing something new every day. Thanks to its division into several stages, it is particularly suitable for hikers who wish to spend several days in nature and discover the region at a slower pace.

Directions

The hike starts at the mountain station of the Vigiljoch cable car and initially leads across the Vigiljoch plateau to Gasthaus Jocher. Via Pawigl, St. Pankraz and the Gampen Pass, the route reaches Our Lady in the Woods. It then continues through St. Felix and Lake Tret to Fondo, before heading on to the pilgrimage site of San Romedio and Sfruz. Passing through Tres, Vervò and Vigo di Ton, the trail leads to Malga Bodrina and Monte. The final two stages continue via Mezzolombardo and Vallene near Terlago to Vela and finally to Trento. Designed as an eight-stage long-distance hike, the route combines cultural landmarks with diverse mountain and natural landscapes.

Stage 1: From the Vigiljoch mountain station to Gasthaus Jocher
Stage 2: From Gasthaus Jocher via Pawigl, St. Pankraz and the Gampen Pass to Our Lady in the Woods
Stage 3: From Our Lady in the Woods via St. Felix and Lake Tret to Fondo
Stage 4: From Fondo via the pilgrimage site of San Romedio to Sfruz
Stage 5: From Sfruz via Tres and Vervò to Vigo di Ton
Stage 6: From Vigo di Ton via Malga Bodrina to Monte
Stage 7: From Monte via Mezzolombardo to Vallene near Terlago
Stage 8: From Vallene via Vela to Trento

Recommended equipment

The route requires a good level of physical fitness and, above all, endurance to complete the long daily stages.

Light hiking boots with a good tread, waterproof clothing, an umbrella, a water bottle, some food for the day, sunglasses and sun protection are recommended. Additional equipment depends on the season and current trail conditions. Careful planning is therefore essential. On a hike of this length, keeping backpack weight as low as possible is also an important factor.

Merano - Lana - Vigiljoch cable car valley station

Parking at the valley station of the cable car is limited and subject to a fee. We therefore recommend arriving by public transport.

The cable car is easily accessible by public transport. The Lana bus station is just a 3-minute walk from the valley station. Take advantage of the well-developed public transport network and the convenient connections to the train stations in Marlengo, Merano, or Lana/Postal.

Bus line 211 (Lana–Merano), line 214 (Lana–Foiana), line 215 (Citybus Lana), line 218 (Lanabus), line 245 (Merano–Lana–Ultimo), line 246 (Merano–Lana–Gampen Pass) 

Current timetables can be found at: www.suedtirolmobil.info