Vitalpina Escapists
The undiscovered Vinschgau Valley
The Vinschgau Valley is a hiker’s paradise, ideal for walking both in summer and winter thanks to its dry, inner-Alpine climate with sunshine, wind and mild temperatures. Our blogger Celina has checked out three hiking tips specially for you!
Discover the Vinschgau Valley!
The Vinschgau Valley is one of South Tyrol’s finest hiking areas. Ideal conditions can be found in every season and at every altitude, whether for relaxing family walks along the Waalwege (ancient irrigation channels), highly-varied walks lasting several days, or even challenging high-level and mountain tours – there is something here for everyone!
Up to the Zirmtaler Lake
The Zirmtaler Lake is one of South Tyrol’s most beautiful lakes. This idyllic mountain lake, located at an altitude of 2,114 metres above sea level, was named after the extensive larch and stone pine forests in this part of the Vinschgau Valley. It is said that this small lake has been attracting walkers seeking peace and quiet since the Middle Ages. The Zirmtaler Lake is surrounded by magnificent forests and hosts a small, almost vegetation-free island. The lake itself is some 230 metres long and 110 metres wide; crystal-clear, it is only about three or four metres deep. The newly opened Zirmtaleralm hut in no way detracts from the area’s unspoilt beauty. Close to the lake, which lies in a very watery area, can be found a few other smaller lakes that also merit a visit. Delightful Alpine roses can be seen along the trail in June.
Duration: 4:00 hrs
Route
Along the “Knights’ Round”
This 12-kilometre round tour follows in the footsteps of the knights of old, with no fewer than seven castles, ruins and stately residences to be seen along this gentle route between Latsch, Morter and Goldrain – all on easy paths! The itinerary passes the ruined Obermontani Castle, built in 1228 by Albert II of Tyrol as a bastion against the Bishops of Chur. The same trail passes the ruins of Untermontani, the site where the original manuscript of the Nibelungenlied was found, today housed in the Berlin State Archives.
duration: 3:30 hrs
Route
Through the Plima Gorge
The icy waters of the Plima Gorge have over thousands of years carved deeply into the rock and scoured bare the almost vertical sides. The result is a narrow, spectacular ravine at the foot of the Cevedale peak. Today it is a natural arena for visitors seeking a unique natural spectacle. In order to make the wonders of the gorge more accessible to hikers, the municipality of Martell arranged for the addition of four imposing new weathering steel structures that still retain natural characteristics, allowing the gorge to be experienced in close-up – including touching the spray!
Route
Let the Vinschgau Valley conquer your heart too and enjoy a holiday at one of the nearby Vitalpina® Hotels:
Alpin & Relax Hotel Das Gerstl
Hotel Ansitz Schulerhof
Vitalpina Hotel Waldhof
Design Hotel Tyrol
Hotel Das Stachelburg
Blogger: Celina Voglreiter
Sources: www.vinschgau.net
The Vinschgau Valley is one of South Tyrol’s finest hiking areas. Ideal conditions can be found in every season and at every altitude, whether for relaxing family walks along the Waalwege (ancient irrigation channels), highly-varied walks lasting several days, or even challenging high-level and mountain tours – there is something here for everyone!
Up to the Zirmtaler Lake
The Zirmtaler Lake is one of South Tyrol’s most beautiful lakes. This idyllic mountain lake, located at an altitude of 2,114 metres above sea level, was named after the extensive larch and stone pine forests in this part of the Vinschgau Valley. It is said that this small lake has been attracting walkers seeking peace and quiet since the Middle Ages. The Zirmtaler Lake is surrounded by magnificent forests and hosts a small, almost vegetation-free island. The lake itself is some 230 metres long and 110 metres wide; crystal-clear, it is only about three or four metres deep. The newly opened Zirmtaleralm hut in no way detracts from the area’s unspoilt beauty. Close to the lake, which lies in a very watery area, can be found a few other smaller lakes that also merit a visit. Delightful Alpine roses can be seen along the trail in June.
Duration: 4:00 hrs
Route
Along the “Knights’ Round”
This 12-kilometre round tour follows in the footsteps of the knights of old, with no fewer than seven castles, ruins and stately residences to be seen along this gentle route between Latsch, Morter and Goldrain – all on easy paths! The itinerary passes the ruined Obermontani Castle, built in 1228 by Albert II of Tyrol as a bastion against the Bishops of Chur. The same trail passes the ruins of Untermontani, the site where the original manuscript of the Nibelungenlied was found, today housed in the Berlin State Archives.
duration: 3:30 hrs
Route
Through the Plima Gorge
The icy waters of the Plima Gorge have over thousands of years carved deeply into the rock and scoured bare the almost vertical sides. The result is a narrow, spectacular ravine at the foot of the Cevedale peak. Today it is a natural arena for visitors seeking a unique natural spectacle. In order to make the wonders of the gorge more accessible to hikers, the municipality of Martell arranged for the addition of four imposing new weathering steel structures that still retain natural characteristics, allowing the gorge to be experienced in close-up – including touching the spray!
Route
Let the Vinschgau Valley conquer your heart too and enjoy a holiday at one of the nearby Vitalpina® Hotels:
Alpin & Relax Hotel Das Gerstl
Hotel Ansitz Schulerhof
Vitalpina Hotel Waldhof
Design Hotel Tyrol
Hotel Das Stachelburg
Blogger: Celina Voglreiter
Sources: www.vinschgau.net