In South Tyrol, where the sun graces the skies for over 300 days annually, families relish enchanting views of the Ötztal and Ortler Alps while embarking on 'Waalwege,' the beloved irrigation channel paths. These paths, renowned for their mild gradients and scenic riverside ambles, not only provide historical significance in irrigating the region's fields but also offer an engaging water-themed adventure for hikers. The pleasant strolls lead past fragrant apple orchards and vineyards, creating an idyllic backdrop for a family hiking excursion.
Beyond the serene paths, South Tyrol presents an array of adventures catering to hikers of all ages and preferences. While the 'Waalwege' offer a tranquil experience, the region also boasts thrilling activities such as fixed-rope routes, inviting lakes perfect for a refreshing dip, captivating adventure paths, and educational museums. These diverse attractions add a dynamic element to the hiking holiday, appealing to hikers of various skill levels and interests, ensuring an entertaining and memorable experience for families exploring South Tyrol's natural wonders on foot.
Details of the hiking holiday for families in South Tyrol
Starting from Reschen, you embark on a family journey towards Burgeis, following the wonderfully glittering Reschensee. On the third day, you can enjoy the mountain air in Schluderns. The hiking trail ascends high above Mals, tracing the path along the Malser Oberwaals over the Tartscher Bichl to the “Ganglegg”.
To ensure the route's length remains manageable for the younger hikers, a trip with the Vinschgauer train to Castelbello is planned for the fourth day. From Naturns and Partschnis up to Merano, the path can be traversed in the cool, shaded areas.
The highlights of the family hiking holiday at a glance:
Waalwege Paths: Family-friendly irrigation channel paths, known as Waalwege, offer gentle and scenic trails alongside streams.
Spectacular Views: Stunning vistas of the Ötztal and Ortler Alps provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking.
Cultural Exploration: Passing by fragrant apple orchards, vineyards, and charming villages, offering a glimpse into the local culture.
Varied Terrain: Diverse landscapes catering to different hiking skill levels, from easy valley paths to more challenging mountain trails.
Activities for Children: Interactive waterways along the trails, turning the walk into an entertaining water-themed adventure for kids.
Accessible Transport: Options like the Vinschgauer train make it convenient to access different points along the route, ensuring manageable distances for younger hikers.
Cool, Shaded Areas: Opportunities to walk in shaded and cooler sections, particularly in areas like Naturns and Partschnis up to Merano.
Diverse Attractions: Aside from hiking, adventure seekers can enjoy fixed-rope routes, lakes, and engaging museums, offering a variety of experiences for families.
Things worth knowing about family hiking holidays in South Tyrol
A family hiking holiday in picturesque South Tyrol not only offers impressive natural backdrops and beautiful locations but also valuable time spent with the whole family! The varying stages of the route require good basic fitness and some hiking experience for both young and old.
Children should be accustomed to walking for several hours at a time. The hiking trails follow the Waalwege, the old irrigation systems, and paved paths. Expect to hike with your family for three to five hours a day, with plenty of opportunities for numerous breaks
Welcome to the Vinschgau! The steel blue Reschensee with its famous high tower welcomes you. Not only kite surfers and other water sports enthusiasts frolic on the inviting lake. Enjoy the first hours of sunshine at the border triangle and enjoy the view of the mountain massif before your hiking tour through the lush, green South Tyrol begins.
You take a leisurely stroll along the glittering Reschensee and admire the former church tower in the dammed lake. Continue through St. Valentin, where you can take a detour to the Talaiwald adventure trail with a treasure hunt. Then you continue walking along the Haidersee. Here you can see the many ducks swimming in the lake from cozy places. From the southern end you walk along the rippling Adige to Burgeis.
The day starts with a walk on 'sunrise', an exciting Waalweg where you discover many interesting facts about the legends of the Vinschgau and you are constantly amazed by the fantastic view of the snow-capped peaks. High above Malles along the Malser Oberwaal you continue on the Tartscher Bichl to "Ganglegg". Tour the best-preserved Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement in the entire Alpine region. Finally, it goes over imposing bridges and wooden steps through the gorge to the final destination Schluderns. There you can even admire all of Ganglegg's finds in the Vinschauger Museum.
You say goodbye to Schluderns with the beautifully preserved Churgburg and start the day at leisure with a ride on the Vinschgau railway through the colorful landscape of South Tyrol to Kastelbell. From there you walk along the Schnals Waalweg in the shade of the mixed forest towards Juval Castle, owned by probably the most famous mountaineer, Reinhold Messner. Of course there is time left for a tour of the castle. Then you descend via the winding path down to Naturno.
Ascend by cable car to the high mountains to the varied network of trails of the Nature Park Texelgruppe. Once at the top, you can take a hike, complete the exercise or family climbing route or simply enjoy the view from the Unterstell viewing platform. Would you rather take a break on this day? Then head to the fun park or visit one of the many children's playgrounds, or the adventure station in Naturno, the only certified Alpine spa in South Tyrol.
First a jump in the adventure pool of Naturno, with a gigantic slide, to cool off and continue with the walking route. At the top of the Schlossweg, from where you can again enjoy the beautiful view of Naturno, you continue on the Sonnenberger Panoramaweg. As the name says, there are breathtaking views of vast orchards in the valley with the warm rays of the sun on your face. At the end of your stage, you will reach the suspension bridge to Parcines, the gateway to the massif of the impressive Texelgruppe, considered the largest natural park in South Tyrol.
The day starts cheerfully along the mountain stream to the Sagenweg, an exciting Waalweg, where you can again learn a lot about the mystical legends of the Vinschgau. Then the last walking stage takes you through fragrant vineyards and apple orchards and along a varied forest path to the Algunder Waalweg. You follow the soothing rippling of the Waalweg through vineyards and enjoy the view over the entire Adige valley. Then above the city, via the world-famous Tappeiner Promenade where even palm trees and cacti grow, you reach the final destination of your walking tour: the centre of Merano.
Back home today… or would you like to stay longer in Merano, the cultural city with a Mediterranean flair?
Route information
Well-paved hiking trails frequently follow the paths of the Waalwege, historic irrigation systems, and paved routes. Segments of the journey can be easily shortened by utilizing public transportation.
The minimum age requirement is 8 years old, though younger children may be accommodated upon request.
Participants should possess basic fitness and prior walking experience. It is advisable for children to be accustomed to walking for several hours at a stretch.
The routes consist of well-constructed footpaths, often aligned with the ‘Waalwege’ or historic irrigation channels. Some sections are on the tarmac. Segments of the journey can be adjusted by utilizing public transport.
7 nights accommodation as described, including breakfast
Train ride Vinschgaubahn Schluderns-Kastelbell
Vinschgau card
Luggage transfer(s)
Travel folder 1 x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, suitcase labels)
GPS data available on request
Service Hotline
Not included
Tourist tax, if applicable, is to be paid locally
Ride on the Unterstell cable car, approx. €13 per adult and approx. €6 per child, payable locally
(Optional) Return transfer Merano-Reschen on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday on request, approx. €75 per person, payable locally. Surcharge dog €29
Children 0-7 years on request, if a surcharge applies, this is to be paid locally
Arrival information
Airport: Airport Innsbruck, Munich or Verona
Train: Landeck station, then by bus in approx. 1.5 hours to Reschen. Or by train via Bolzano and Merano to Mals and by bus in about 30 minutes to Reschen
Parking: Parking spaces at the hotel for €5 per day, with free parking in the vicinity of the hotel. Reservation in advance is not possible.
General information
Minimum age 8 years, children under 8 years on request
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