Travel Story Panorama Hiking in Val Venosta

Panoramic Swings in Val Venosta

After a hearty breakfast, we set off well-nourished and full of energy for our week of hiking. The first climb through the woods is soon rewarded with an impressive view. The highlight of the day, and my personal favorite spot, comes when we reach the panoramic swing. Perched on a swing about two and a half meters high, you can soar over the hillside, taking in a breathtaking view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Always Follow the Water

Since we spent a bit longer than planned at the swing and the nearby rest area, we decide to skip the detour to the mountain village of Matsch and head directly to Sluderno. We follow the refreshing waters of the Leitenwaal as we descend into the valley. These traditional irrigation channels, called Waale, enable the mountain farmers to sustainably irrigate their meadows with fresh mountain water.

Walking among Butterflies

We leisurely explore the town of Sluderno before taking the bus to the start of our hike in Glorenza where the main square is bustling with activity, and the cafés are already quite busy. Leaving the town and its medieval buildings behind, we cross a wooden bridge and are amazed by the church with its colorful roof, reminiscent of a rainbow trout. As we ascend the winding path, we come across a wooden musical instrument. Passing impressive ant hills and accompanied by numerous butterflies, we stroll through the forest towards Taufers.

The Queen‘s Stage

After a quick check of our stamina, we decide to tackle the most challenging stage in the morning. We face a demanding climb of 1,400 meters in elevation. Fortunately, the raspberries growing along the path come in handy for keeping our energy levels up. When we reach the Rotund ruins, we strike up a conversation with a local farmer from the nearby farm and get a glimpse into the life of mountain farmers. We continue on to Egghof, the highest inhabited farm in the valley. Rustic wooden fences line the path, and streams frequently cross the forest trail, inviting us to cool our feet.

The refreshing cold water rejuvenates us, giving us new energy for the ascent. We arrive at a shelter built of stone and wood, where the drinks cooled in the water trough persuade us to take a short break and watch the cows grazing. Keeping an eye on the time, we head toward Tellajoch for the 360° view. Just as we reach it, the weather changes rapidly. A storm is brewing, and since continuing across the high plateau would be too dangerous, we decide to descend back to the shelter. After the storm and a descent to Eggalm, local residents offer us a ride down to the valley. We then take a taxi to our destination for the day, Borgo Venosta.

Gourmet Treats at Bruggeralm

Due to the weather, we skip the loop trail and instead explore the narrow lanes of Borgo Venosta. The next day, with much better weather, we take the bus to Prato allo Stelvio. Passing through expansive forests and lush greenery, we reach Bruggeralm and indulge in the culinary highlight of the week: the Kaiserschmarrn served at the alpine hut. Feeling well-fed, we walk past peaceful herds of cows and eventually arrive at Haideralm. Before taking the gondola down to St. Valentin, we savor the panoramic view from the sun-drenched terrace of the restaurant. Upon arriving at the hotel, the owner invites us for an aperitif, and we enjoy a relaxed evening. Unfortunately, we have to cut short our final hike back to Mals due to the weather, but once again, we experience the kindness of the Vinschgau locals when a kind-hearted lady offers to drive us to Mals.

View of the mountains and lake from the Haideralm

Tips for Hiking in the Val Venosta

Since you'll often be hiking across wide meadows, we definitely recommend bringing sunscreen. Additionally, it's a good idea to pack insect repellent to protect against the horseflies common in the valley areas.

My Favorite Place

During our panoramic hiking adventure in Vinschgau (Val Venosta), we saw and experienced a lot—truly living up to its name! However, when it came to choosing our favorite place, my girlfriend and I were in complete agreement: the oversized panoramic swing, a wooden swing about two and a half meters high, which makes you feel as though you’re flying over the valley as you swing. The moment we saw it, a wide grin spread across our faces. Here, even the biggest kids can relive their childhood!

Travel Report on Panorama Hiking in Val Venosta