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Hiking in Breathtaking Heights

Picture-perfect high-altitude trails
A hiker on the Merano High Mountain Trail in the Schnalstal Valley

While the valley below buzzes with life, you find yourself high up in the mountains, walking a narrow trail wrapped in silence. You pause for a moment. Your eyes take in an endless sense of space. The view sweeps across towering peaks and far down into the valley. Up here, entirely new perspectives unfold – a feeling of being above it all, where everyday worries are free to stay far below.

High-altitude trails offer exactly these unforgettable mountain moments. In this blog post, we head for higher ground, sharing our favourite high-altitude routes and revealing the Eurohike team’s most-loved spots along the way.

A hiker on the Merano High Mountain Trail in the Schnalstal Valley

What makes high-altitude trails so special

Set high in the heart of the alpine mountains

Trails tracing dramatic mountain flanks and airy ridgelines

A sense of calm and solitude far from everyday life

Sweeping panoramas with far‑reaching views

Mountain huts set against a striking high‑alpine backdrop

Alpine vegetation and wildlife encounters

Merano High Mountain Trail

Encircling the impressive Texel Group and following lofty, panoramic paths almost all the way, the Merano High Mountain Trail leads you through a captivating alpine landscape. Before heading up into higher terrain, however, there’s time to arrive at a relaxed pace in Merano – strolling beneath the historic arcades and enjoying a cappuccino in the warm southern sun. Over the following days, the lively spa town gives way to a completely different rhythm: secluded trails, the raw power of the Alps and a sense of boundless space. From Merano, the route climbs via the Longfall Hut up to the high‑altitude trail before continuing into the Passeier Valley. Along the scenic Norggensteig, you hike to St. Leonhard and on to the idyllic mountain village of Pfelders.

The queen stage then takes you up to the Eisjöchl, just under 3,000 metres high, home to the rustic Stettiner Hut. Here, there’s time to pause, breathe deeply and soak in the spectacular panorama of the Ötztal Alps – and, of course, to refuel with a hearty serving of traditional speck dumplings before descending into the Pfossental Valley. Highlights along the way to Partschins include the rock chapel of Katharinaberg, Reinhold Messner’s Juval Castle and the dramatic 1.000 scales-canyon. To round things off, you once again enjoy breathtaking views over the Merano basin on the high‑level path from Giggelberg to the Hochmuth mountain station. A gondola ride brings you back down to Merano, where you can let all those impressions settle over a crisp wood‑fired pizza.

Hiker with blue backpack on rocky mountain trail overlooking Pfossen Valley. Alpine peaks and green valley visible in distance under blue sky.
Modern outdoor pool at Hotel Sand with lounge chairs on green lawn, surrounded by mountains and trees in South Tyrol.

High‑altitude hiking with added comfort

What makes the Eurohike route so special? You experience the breathtaking high‑altitude trail while enjoying a high level of comfort at the same time. Instead of staying in mountain huts along the Merano High Mountain Trail, you spend the nights in carefully selected valley accommodations, complete with amenities such as pools, sunny terraces and excellent restaurants. Comforts that are rarely found in the huts directly on the trail – and that make this hiking experience truly unique.

Dachstein High Altitude Circular Path

Quite rightly, the Dachstein region has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status – after all, it is home to some truly remarkable natural treasures: the striking Bischofsmütze, the vast Dachstein plateau, the Stoderzinken, the picturesque Gosau Lakes, the deep‑blue waters of Lake Hallstatt and the rugged limestone peaks of the mighty Dachstein massif. A tour around the Dachstein calls for solid mountain experience, as sure‑footedness and a head for heights are essential on these alpine paths. Right from the very first stage, the route sets the tone: following the Linzer Path from Ramsau, you hike up to the welcoming Hofpürgl Hut, spectacularly nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Bischofsmütze. And the best part? You spend the night right in the heart of the mountains, staying at the cosy Hofpürgl Hut.

The next morning, it’s well worth rising early to watch the sun come up and soak in the magical atmosphere as the mountain world slowly awakens. The royal stage promises spectacular trails tracing the rugged rock faces of the Gosaukamm ridge. Step by step, you make your way along rocky, sometimes narrow paths, drawing ever closer to this dramatic alpine scenery. Along the way, the Stuhlalm and the Gablonzer Hut invite you to take a well‑earned break before a cable car ride brings you down to Lake Gosau. The route then continues via the idyllic Iglmoosalm to the Goiserer Alpine Club Hut and on to Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt. For a grand finale, the panoramic Stoderzinken awaits, complete with another overnight stay high in the mountains, just below the summit. At last, you return to Ramsau, carrying home unforgettable impressions of this remarkable journey.

Hiker with a view of the Sulzenschneid

“Do you know that feeling? You think this was the most beautiful moment, that the perfect photo has just been taken – and then it somehow gets even better. That’s exactly what the Dachstein High Altitude Circular Path feels like.”

Julia Preinerstorfer
Julia Preinerstorfer

Head of Marketing

Dolomite High Altitude Paths

The Dolomites are world‑famous – and for very good reason. Once you arrive, it’s hard to get enough of the dramatic landscapes, shimmering mountain lakes and iconic peaks. This hiking tour brings you closer to the magic of the Dolomites step by step. Over seven days, the route leads from Niederdorf and Toblach via St. Vigil, Abtei and St. Kassian to Cortina d’Ampezzo and back to Niederdorf. Each stage reveals a new highlight. Right at the start, Lake Prags – also known as the “Pearl of the Dolomites” – sets the tone. On your way to St. Kassian, sweeping views of the mighty rock faces of the Heiligkreuzkofel accompany you. Cortina d’Ampezzo, well known to fans of alpine skiing, is another highlight along the way. The approach takes you up to the crystal‑clear Lagazuoi Lake at 2,180 metres, where the peaks of the Fanes Dolomites are reflected in the water. From here, a high‑altitude trail leads over the Lagazuoi Pass down to Cortina d’Ampezzo. One final panoramic moment awaits at Rifugio Mietres, with spectacular views over Cortina and the surrounding mountains, before you descend through the quiet, impressive Val Padeon.

Hikers with a view of the mountains

The Eurohike team’s favourite high‑altitude spots

Stettiner Hut

“The queens stage of the Merano High Mountain Trail leads from Pfelders into the Schnalstal Valley and up to the Eisjöchl – the highest point of the entire route, linking the Pfelderer Valley with the Pfossental. At just over 2,900 metres, the Stettiner Hut finally comes into view from afar. A moment like this simply calls for a pause – to take a deep breath and soak in the sweeping panorama of the Ötztal Alps.”

Reimar Winterberger, Product Management

To the tour
A hiker enjoys the view of the Stettiner Hütte

From Giggelberg to Hochmuth

“What image comes to mind when you think of high‑altitude trails? For me, it’s narrow paths along airy ridgelines, where every step opens up sweeping views deep into the valley and across the surrounding mountains. I could name countless sections of the Merano High Mountain Trail that capture exactly this feeling – and still struggle to decide which one I love most. One particularly beautiful stretch is shown in this photo, taken on the route from Giggelberg to Hochmuth.”

Christina Keltenich, Product Management

To the tour
Mountain trail on Meraner Höhenweg winding along a steep slope with panoramic view of Merano town and valley in South Tyrol.

Sunrise at Hofpürgl Hut

“On the queens stage of the Dachstein High‑Altitude Loop Trail from Ramsau to Hofpürgl Hut, we were rewarded with unforgettable views of the rugged peaks of the Dachstein range. One impressive spot follows the next along the route, making it almost impossible to choose a single favourite. Yet one moment has stayed with me more than any other: the magical sunrise I experienced early in the morning at Hofpürgl Hut, as the first rays of sunlight bathed the surrounding summits in soft shades of orange and rose.”

Julia Preinerstorfer, Marketing

To the tour
Morning mood at the Hofpürglhütte

Sunntiger Spitze

“On the Tirolerweg, it’s well worth taking a short detour up to the nearby Sunntiger Spitze. The trail climbs through dwarf pines and past the Halleranger Schäferln, with the final stretch calling for sure‑footedness and a head for heights. Once you reach the top, any effort is instantly forgotten – the views are simply phenomenal. On the way back down, I highly recommend stopping at the Halleranger Alm to enjoy a slice of homemade apple strudel.”

Magdalena Ottinger, Travel Specialist

To the tour
Hiker with a view of a rocky mountain massif

Hotel Adria Merano

“As an Italy travel specialist, I’m in close contact with our dedicated partner hotels every day. That makes it even more special to check into a charming accommodation myself and experience its unique atmosphere and a touch of luxury first‑hand. I was particularly impressed by the elegant Hotel Adria in Merano, where I stayed during my journey from Garmisch to Merano. Pure relaxation awaited me in the bathing pavilion and the spacious garden surrounded by palm trees.”

Sarah Übleis, Travel Specialist

To the tour
Indoor pool area at Hotel Adria Meran with wooden lounge chairs, water feature, and glass walls overlooking tropical plants and ivy-covered walls.

More travel inspiration at lofty alpine heights

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