Hiking on the Merano High Mountain Trail

100 Kilometers

Loop trail through the Texelgruppe Nature Park

5–8 days

Recommended duration for experienced hikers

2.895 Meters

Highest point: Eisjöchl

Trail marker No. 24

Continuously marked

June to September

Best time to travel

Route & Itinerary

The Merano High Mountain Trail is an alpine loop through the Texelgruppe in South Tyrol. Covering about 100 kilometers, it can be completed in 5 to 8 days, with each stage also possible as a day tour. The trail is continuously marked with No. 24.

The route passes along high paths, alpine passes, and exposed sections secured with chains, ropes, or railings. Natural steps and constructed stairways ease ascents and descents, while stunning views over Merano, the Vinschgau Valley, and surrounding peaks appear at every turn. The hike requires surefootedness, a head for heights, and good physical condition, though some stages can be shortened via valley alternatives or public transportation.

The hiking path was established in 1976 with the founding of the Texelgruppe Nature Park, aiming both to preserve the alpine landscape and provide recreational opportunities for hikers.

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Questions and Answers about hiking the Merano High Mountain Trail

Where does the Merano High Mountain Trail start?

The Merano High Mountain Trail starts in the spa town of Merano in South Tyrol. From here, the first stages lead via Dorf Tirol, Algund, or Partschins directly into the alpine mountains of the Texel Group.

When is the best time to experience the Merano High Mountain Trail?

The best time to explore the Merano High Mountain Trail is from June to September.

Who is hiking on the Merano High Mountain suitable for?

The Merano High Mountain Trail is classified as a mountain hiking route and requires good basic fitness and sure-footedness. The trail includes narrow paths, rocky sections, and high-altitude routes, so sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended.

How long is the Merano High Mountain and how much elevation gain does it include?

The Merano High Mountain Trail stretches approximately 100 kilometers and involves around 5,000 meters of ascent and descent. Depending on the travel option, you can hike the entire trail or explore selected sections.

How long are the daily stages on the Merano High Mountain Trail?

On the daily stages of our Merano High Mountain Trail hiking tours, you cover between 10 and 21 kilometers per day.

What types of hotels or accommodations are included on the Merano High Mountain Trail?

On our hiking tours on the Merano High Mountain Trail, you will stay in beautiful hotels and accommodations.

How does luggage transfer work with Eurohike?

Your luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.), allowing you to hike completely relaxed, carrying only light day packs.

The suspension bridge in the gorge of a thousand steps

Hiker enjoys the mountain panorama near Partschins

Signpost of the Merano High Trail near Partschins

Wooden bridge in Pfelders in the Passeier Valley

A hiker enjoys the view of the Stettiner Hütte

The Most Beautiful Places Along the Merano High Mountain Trail

Merano

Merano is the perfect starting point for the Merano High Mountain Trail, with access points in Dorf Tirol, Algund, and Partschins. After your hike, stroll along Mediterranean-style promenades, explore the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, or unwind at the thermal baths – a unique mix of alpine charm and southern flair.

Dorf Tirol

Perched above Merano, Dorf Tirol is steeped in history. Schloss Tirol, historic churches, and panoramic trails invite exploration. You can walk the Tappeinerweg down to the valley or take the Hochmuth cable car straight into the mountains.

Partschins

Famed for its striking waterfall and picturesque village center, Partschins offers direct access to the Merano High Mountain Trail. Enjoy unspoiled nature, rustic alpine huts, and authentic South Tyrolean hospitality.

Naturns

Sunny and tranquil, Naturns is perfect for relaxing. The Unterstell cable car leads directly to the Merano High Mountain Trail, and afterward, you can browse cozy markets, savor fine local wines, or unwind at the leisure pool.

Panoramic view over apple orchards in Naturno

Schnalstal

The Schnalstal Valley opens onto a pristine high-mountain landscape of glaciers and quiet alpine pastures. Trace the footsteps of Ötzi, ride the glacier cable car to soaring heights, and soak in the peace far from everyday life.

Algund

Nestled among vineyards and apple orchards, Algund provides easy access to the Merano High Mountain Trail via the Aschbach cable car. In the valley, enjoy Mediterranean-style promenades, charming cafés, and a mild, inviting climate.

The Most Scenic Stages on the Merano High Mountain Trail

Merano – Passeiertal

17 Kilometers | ↗ 600 Meters | ↘ 800 Meters

The hike begins at Hohen Kreuz, winding through shaded forest paths, quaint hamlets, and charming chapels down to the trail’s lowest point. From there, the route climbs across open fields, passing the Feuersteinweg, before reaching Sankt Martin – with the option of a short bus ride or a scenic valley hike. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views that hint at the mountains to come.

Passeiertal – Pfelders

↔ 17 Kilometers | ↗ 1.200 Meters | ↘ 200 Meters

On the Norggensteig, you ascend through dense mountain forest to the panoramic trail above Sankt Leonhard. Blooming meadows alternate with quiet alpine farm settlements, while the sound of a rushing stream guides you into the remote village of Pfelders – a place that feels almost “at the end of the world.”

Pfelders – Schnalstal

↔ 21 Kilometers | ↗ 1.300 Meters | ↘ 1.200 Meters

The highlight of the tour carries you through the dramatic valley head, past the Lazinser Alm, and up to the Eisjöchl. At nearly 2,900 meters, jaw-dropping views of the Ötztal Alps stretch across the horizon. The descent into the Pfossental navigates alpine pastures and rugged terrain, ending with a transfer to your hotel.

Schnalstal – Naturns

↔ 13 Kilometers | ↗ 800 Meters | ↘ 800 Meters

From the deeply carved Schnalstal Valley, trails lead you to Katharinaberg, passing rustic farmsteads tucked into the mountains. The highlight of the stage is Juval Castle, Reinhold Messner’s residence, perched dramatically above the valley, before you glide down to Naturns via the Unterstell cable car.

Naturns – Partschins

↔ 10 Kilometers | ↗ 550 Meters | ↘ 750 Meters

This stage returns to the high trail with expansive views over the Vinschgau Valley. Meandering forest paths, alpine farmsteads, and the thrilling Thousand Steps Gorge guide you to the Alpine guesthouse Giggelberg, before a scenic cable car descent to Partschins.

Why Choose to Hike the Merano High Mountain Trail?

Panorama & Mountain View

Breathtaking vistas, winding mountain paths, and serene alpine pastures.

Adrenaline & Adventure

Cross suspension bridges, tackle via ferratas, and navigate serpentine trails.

Diverse Nature

Blooming alpine meadows, rustic mountain farms and glacier views.

Tradition & Culture

Historic villages, churches, castles, and Messner’s museums.

Culinary Delights

South Tyrolean apple wines, hearty alpine fare and local specialties in guesthouses.

Merano High Mountain Trail: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.