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Travel story: Panorama Hiking in the Val Venosta Valley
Hiking Blog

Panorama Hiking in the Val Venosta Valley

Sunny valleys and South Tyrolean charm
Team on Tour

Julia from Product Management explores the most stunning viewpoints between Mals and Merano. She shares exclusively which special highlights she experienced with her companion and offers practical tips on enjoying South Tyrolean cuisine. If this has piqued your curiosity, be sure to read on — panoramic hiking in the Vinschgau deserves a spot on your own bucket list.

Julia’s Exclusive Report:

After my first “Team Member on Tour” journey from Caldaro to Lake Garda brought us so much joy last autumn, my partner and I were eager to return to South Tyrol this year. The Vinschgau is still a new region for both of us, so our curiosity was particularly high as we arrived. In brilliant summer weather, we reached the small, idyllic town of Mals and were treated to regional cuisine at Hotel Greif. We spent a relaxing first evening and looked forward to an exciting week of hiking.

Reaching New Heights: From Mals to Schluderns

This hiking tour lives up to its name — on the way to Schluderns, one breathtaking panorama follows another. On steep mountain paths, we climbed to the Malettes plateau, and the morning’s first effort was quickly forgotten when we spotted the giant swing. High above the Vinschgau Valley, we enjoyed a thrilling ride while soaking in the incredible views.

Still full of energy, we followed the high trail to the mountaineering village of Matsch and treated ourselves to a well-deserved refreshment break amid the stunning mountain scenery. On the final kilometers under the midday sun, the impressive forested Waalweg provided welcome relief, letting us cool off in icy water before reaching Schluderns.

The Main Stage to Tellajoch

Admittedly, I felt a bit of respect before the main stage. With 1,400 meters of elevation gain ahead and our legs already tired from the first days of hiking, the challenge was clear. Nevertheless, we skipped the hiking taxi and set off directly from our accommodation toward the Rotund castle ruins. The steady ascent was demanding, but we kept the Egghof in sight as our first intermediate goal. Upon arrival, the friendly farmer offered us a cool drink and a glimpse into life on her mountain farm, including the goat cheese production. After this welcome break, the climb eased slightly, and we proudly reached the Tellajoch with its spectacular viewing platform. Following a hearty rest, we descended through the berry heath and opted to skip the second high mountain pass. Instead, we stopped at Laatscher Alm, reflecting on this challenging stage before walking the final stretch to the bus that took us back to our accommodation in Mals.

Female hiker with blue backpack walking on wooden bridge near Latscher Alm sign, surrounded by green alpine meadows and forested mountains.

Culinary Highlights

Alongside the daily hikes, indulging in the local cuisine is, of course, a must. The small, charming villages of the Vinschgau place great emphasis on regional and traditional specialties. Along the route and in our evening accommodations, we consistently enjoyed excellent meals. The strong sense of community in the region also creates a welcoming atmosphere, even for us as visiting hikers. For instance, we met the farmer from Egghof again the next day at the Mals weekly market and had the chance to sample her fresh goat cheese. Here are a few personal recommendations:

  • Restaurant Greif, Mals: Traditional South Tyrolean cuisine, with a focus on wholesome vegetarian dishes.
  • Brugger Alm, Zerzertal, Burgeis: Homemade delicacies, with the Kaiserschmarrn especially recommended.
  • Pizzeria Remo, Tartsch: The best pizza in the region.

Hiking in the Vinschgau: Tips for Midsummer

  • In the Vinschgau, many trails run over south-facing slopes and expansive meadows. Sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential, especially on the more challenging stages.
  • With numerous agricultural fields and irrigation channels, insect repellent is a must to ward off persistent horseflies.
  • Cooling off: Along the Waalwege, there are plenty of opportunities to dip your hands and feet in the cold water. Not all accommodations in the Vinschgau have pools, but the swimming pool in Mals and the wellness area at Hotel Tuberis in Taufers are available for a small fee and make for a wonderful way to refresh after a long hot day of hiking.

Conclusion

We look back on a sun-soaked week of hiking, during which we admired the Vinschgau and its panoramas from every angle. Each day offered a fresh perspective, making us feel as if we were in our own little world. It’s the perfect place to unwind and fully immerse yourself in the charming medieval villages and the region’s stunning natural beauty.

My Favorite Spot

The 360° viewing platform at Tellajoch is not only a welcome rest after the most challenging climb of our hiking week, but thanks to the wonderfully clear visibility, it also treats us to a panoramic view of the peaks of the Ortler and Sesvenna groups. The cozy seating area is safely separated from the grazing cows, allowing you to relax, recharge, and fully soak in the stunning scenery.

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