Travel report: Reschensee - Merano

Alpine meadows, apple orchards and vineyards as far as the eye can see

When Austria meets Italy, a hiking tour couldn’t be more varied. The start in the alpine area of the Reschenpass is always accompanied by a view of the highest mountain in South Tyrol, the Ortler. The closer you get to Merano, the milder the region’s climate becomes. And so the route goes directly from the alpine landscapes to the apple orchards that characterise the landscape of South Tyrol.

Continue along the well-known Waalweg towards the south and into the next landscape of South Tyrol, the vineyards.

Surrounded by grapevines, you hike the southernmost part of the Vinschgau and see your destination in the distance - the charming town of Merano.

There are always great sights along the hiking route, such as the Reschensee with its sunken church tower right at the start. But the small, idyllic villages impress with their charm and invite you to linger. The final highlight is the destination itself, Merano with the Passer Promenade and arcades.

Leisurely along the Adige Valley or high up!

You always hike on well-paved hiking trails and paths along the Adige Valley. Usually there is a small ascent at the beginning if the hiking stage, which you then cover again at the end of the hiking day with a view of the respective overnight stay in the valley.

If you would like to head up a bit higher on two days, you can choose an option which includes a cable car ride on the first and last day of the hike. This is a good choice, especially on very hot days to escape to a milder climate.

The high path Schöneben/Haideralm offers wonderful views of the valley and the Reschen and Haidersee. Surrounded by alpine pastures and the blooming alpine roses, you hike steadily up and down on hiking trails in a southerly direction.

The option at the end of the hiking tour on the Meraner Höhenweg offers a worthy end to the hiking tour. Over the valley of 1000 steps you hike past numerous cultivated alpine pastures, always accompanied by the breathtaking mountain panoramas.

The sunken church tower in the Reschensee

Hiking rest with a view of the Reschensee near Schöneben

South Tyrolean hospitality

A well-chosen combination of family guesthouses and charming hotels makes this hiking tour with luggage transfer special. The closer you get to the city, the bigger and busier the places you stay get. One thing is certain however, the hospitality is always there.

Much of the accommodation has a pool, which is a welcome cool-down, especially in the hot summer months.

The best of the region: Alpine-Mediterranean delicacies

South Tyrol not only has a lot to offer in terms of landscape, but also in culinary terms. It’s all in the mix – and you will find typical Alpine dishes alongside Italian specialties and, above all, regional South Tyrolean dishes such as Schüttelbrot (flatbread), Knödeltris (three kinds of dumpling) and Schlutzkrapfen (similar to ravioli or pierogi) on the menu.

Whether in a traditional alpine hut during the stage or in the chic restaurant in the valley at the end of the day, South Tyrol is just waiting with tasty specialties everywhere.

My conclusion

Picturesque mountain scenery. Idyllic mountain villages. Culinary delights. South Tyrol is truly a very special region that has everything you could want for an active break. A complete package, which I can only warmly recommend for everyone who wants to get their money’s worth in terms of both landscape and culinary delights. Again and again I am enthusiastic about the successful mix of Mediterranean and Alpine flair that this region has to offer.