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Waalweg between vines near Castelbello

Lake Resia – Merano with Charm

Via Claudia Augusta

7 Days / 6 Nights
Walking
Waalweg between vines near Castelbello

This hiking tour takes you from the famous Lake Resia to Mediterranean Merano along the long-distance hiking trail “Via Claudia Augusta”. Here you can walk in the footsteps of the Romans, who back then maintained a trade route from the Mediterranean to the Danube. Today you can enjoy the historical sights, the cultural diversity, the culinary delicacies and the unforgettable nature in Italy.

Even if the Resia may not mean anything to you at first, it may look familiar to you when you see it. Because here the church stands in the middle of the water. Soak up the views of the imposing Ortler Group before the tour really starts.

On the stages you will encounter numerous fortresses and castles, for example on day 3 the Churburg in Sluderno or on day 5 the magnificent Juval Castle by Reinhold Messner (tip: visit the “Messner Mountain Museum”).

  • Hike through the "orchard" of South Tyrol: On the stage from Schluderns to Schlanders, you immerse yourself in the extensive fruit orchards of the region. This spectacle enchants almost all year round - but especially in spring when it blooms and in late summer and autumn when it's time to harvest.
  • Magnificent apple orchards by the path side: Here it is important to enjoy it with all your senses, because the largest apple-growing area in Europe is not only a visual highlight, but also the smell is incredible!
  • Hiking high above the Vinschgau with a view of the snow-covered Ortler massif: Whether the Sonnensteig or the Rablander Waalweg - the high-altitude hikes in the Vinschgau are twice as pleasant and with great views due to the many hours of sunshine.
  • South Tyrolean wines - hike through vineyards: Culinary indulgence is particularly important in South Tyrol and in addition to hearty delicacies and wonderful desserts, the popular wine is of course at the top of the list of tastings. Incidentally, along the Latschander Waalweg you will pass a Riesling growing area at an altitude of 650 meters.
  • The spa town of Merano - in the footsteps of Empress Sissi: Merano could be called the perfect destination for a hiking tour. After the active stages, the batteries can be recharged here again. Visit the historic old town and take a dip in the soothing thermal baths.

On this tour you will experience the charm of South Tyrol up close. The ten to 21 km long stages are mainly hilly through orchards, vineyards and an overall beautiful natural backdrop, where only a few major inclines have to be mastered. The stages can be adjusted to suit. Numerous discounts await you with the included VinschgauCard. This tour is also ideal for a hiking holiday with your dog.

On our ‘Hiking Tours with Charm’ you can enjoy the full service of our individual active holidays while staying in very special accommodation with that extra something in the best location. That means you can look forward to luxury furnishings and decor in the local style, as well as cuisine at the highest level. Many of our hotels with charm also offer large pools and a wellness area where you can relax after a lovely day of hiking.

Itinerary at a glance

Apricots, grapes, chestnuts - fine delicacies and the best wines await you in sunny South Tyrol. The Waal trails take you to picturesque mountain villages, through forests and to the Three Castle Route. At the final destination, you'll jump into the Lake Caldaro.
Day
01
Arrival in Reschen

First along Reschensee reservoir and over to Graun, where you will find the best known camera motive of the Vinschau, the flooded spire of Gaun. The route runs past lake Haidersee and along the largest alluvial fan of the Alps and leads up to the idyllic mountain village Planeil. Downhill you walk through forest and later through flowering meadows to Burgeis, with view to the impressive monastery of Marienberg.

Walk along the Sonnensteig path, a newly created theme path with fantastic views of the snowy mountain peaks. High above the town Mals, with its many towers, onwards and over the Tartscher Bichl past ‚Ganglegg’, a historic archaeological site from the Bronze and Iron Age on to Schluderns, with the most impressive and best-preserved castles in South Tyrol.

From the foot of Sonnberg your walk starts and continues crossing through dense forests. Above Laas, well known for the white marble, you later reach the orchards of Vinschgau – apple trees as far as the eyes can see.

Today you pass through the orchard of the Vinschgau. Along the Latschander Waal path you walk through regions of the best South Tyrolean wines. Continue on the archaeological path which almost takes you to Messners castle ‘Juval’, high above the valley. On a meandering trail downhill you reach Naturns.

High up you continue following the Rablander Waal path through forests, past Alpine mountain farms forever accompanied by stunning views of the Vinschgau valley. Follow Partschinser and Algunder Waal path down into the Meraner basin. Tired muscles get a chance to relax in the thermal spa.

Day
07
Departure or extension

Itinerary at a glance

Apricots, grapes, chestnuts - fine delicacies and the best wines await you in sunny South Tyrol. The Waal trails take you to picturesque mountain villages, through forests and to the Three Castle Route. At the final destination, you'll jump into the Lake Caldaro.
Day
01
Arrival in Resia

First along Lake Resia reservoir and over to Graun, where you will find the best known camera motive of the Vinschau, the flooded spire of Gaun. The route runs past Lake San Valentino and along the largest alluvial fan of the Alps and leads up to the idyllic mountain village Planeil. Downhill you walk through forest and later through flowering meadows to Burgusio, with view to the impressive monastery of Marienberg.

Walk along the Sonnensteig path, a newly created theme path with fantastic views of the snowy mountain peaks. High above the town Malles, with its many towers, onwards and over the Tartscher Bichl past ‚Ganglegg’, a historic archaeological site from the Bronze and Iron Age on to Sluderno, with the most impressive and best-preserved castles in South Tyrol.

From the foot of Sonnberg your walk starts and continues crossing through dense forests. Above Laas, well known for the white marble, you later reach the orchards of Vinschgau – apple trees as far as the eyes can see.

Today you pass through the orchard of the Vinschgau. Along the Latschander Waal path you walk through regions of the best South Tyrolean wines. Continue on the archaeological path which almost takes you to Messners castle ‘Juval’, high above the valley. On a meandering trail downhill you reach Naturno.

High up you continue following the Rablander Waal path through forests, past Alpine mountain farms forever accompanied by stunning views of the Vinschgau valley. Follow Partschinser and Algunder Waal path down into the Meraner basin. Tired muscles get a chance to relax in the thermal spa.

Day
07
Departure or extension

Route information

Walking

You walk mainly on good walking paths, often on the so called ‘Waal paths’, ancient water systems as well as on paved sections. The paths are easy to walk, the route is undulating through lovely countryside, dotted with orchards and vineyards. Longer ascents only occur on two of the days. We recommend a good basic fitness level for walking days of up to 6.5 hours. Shortcuts of daily sections are possible by train or coach.

Prices & Dates

Category: see description

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • 1 Half board (Schlanders)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data available
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Half-board evening meal (mostly multi-course, sometimes outside the property, payable with voucher)
  • Return transfer by minibus from Meran to Reschen every Saturday, Sunday and Monday, costs EUR 69 per person, EUR 29 per dog, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • By train to Landeck (North Tyrol) and by bus approx. 1,5 hours to Reschen. Or by train via Bolzano and Meran to Mals (South Tyrol) and by bus to Reschen in approx. 30 minutes.
  • Innsbruck or Munich airport.
  • Parking: Hotel parking € 10,- per day, no pre-booking, Free, unguarded parking near the hotel.
  • Return transfer from Meran by Vinschgau train in approx. 1.5 hrs. to Mals and from there approx. 30 min. to Reschen. From Lake Kalterer by bus/train in approx. 1 hr. to Merano then continue as described.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Special dates on request
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • 1 Half board (Silandro)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Return transfer by minibus from Merano to Resia every Saturday, Sunday and Monday, costs EUR 75 per person, EUR 29 per dog, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • By train to Landeck (North Tyrol) and by bus approx. 1,5 hours to Resia. Or by train via Bolzano and Merano to Malles (South Tyrol) and by bus to Resia in approx. 30 minutes.
  • Innsbruck or Munich airport.
  • Parking: parking spaces available, approx. EUR 40 to EUR 70 per week, no reservation.
  • Return transfer from Merano by Vinschgau train in approx. 1.5 hrs. to Malles and from there approx. 30 min. to Resia. From Lake Caldaro by bus/train in approx. 1 hr. to Merano then continue as described.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Special dates on request
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

Our hotels

Relax in one of our charming accommodations on your walking tour

From our Hiking Blog

Sarah Manglberger

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