Vinschger Höhenweg – hiking South Tyrol's Sonnenberg mountain
Hiking Collection by Valerie
6
days
3-8 h
/ day
69.2 mi
16,200 ft
12,850 ft
South Tyrol is an Austrian province that has everything to offer in terms of hiking. Here you can experience everything you could wish for as a mountain enthusiast: mighty 3,000-metre (10,000 ft) peaks, dreamy mountain villages, and endless lush green and golden alpine pastures. If your hiking heart starts to beat a little faster now, then you should definitely read on.
I would like to take you on a very special adventure. One on which you will get to know South Tyrol and one of its most diverse valleys from a stunning angle: from above, of course. I’m talking about the Vinschger Höhenweg.
Over around 110 kilometres (68 mi) and across a total of six stages, it leads you along the Sonnenberg mountain from Staben to Reschen. Whether you’re on the trail in spring, summer or in golden autumn (my personal favourite time for hiking adventures in South Tyrol), this trail will stay in your memory for a long time. What makes it so special is not only the amazing view that you enjoy almost constantly, but also the varied flora that the Sonnenberg presents: you hike through steppe grasses and even discover one or two Central Asian plant species. A fantastic experience no matter your level of botanical knowledge.
There's never a dull moment on this high-altitude trail: you'll spot castle ruins steeped in history, pay a visit to dreamy mountain villages and at the end you'll stand in front of the notorious sunken church tower of Reschen. You probably won't find more South Tyrolean flair anywhere else.
This also applies to the difficulty of the trail, because each stage demands quite a bit of fitness. The sections are quite long and you have to gain many metres of elevation on the way. In return, classic huts serving delicious South Tyrolean food await you from time to time.
Each of the six stages leads you to at least one overnight accommodation option. To be on the safe side, I recommend making reservations before you start your adventure. Staben, the starting point of this multi-day adventure, is easily reached by train. From your final destination, Reschen, a bus will take you via Nauders to Landeck/Zams, where you can board the train again.
Keen to get started? Then get ready for one of the most beautiful hiking regions of all. Have fun in wonderful South Tyrol!
On The Map
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Last updated: May 17, 2023
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Tours & Highlights
- Expert06:168.60 mi1.4 mph4,575 ft800 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Stage 1 of the Vinschger Höhenweg starts very close to the Juval Castle near Staben and takes you a total of almost 14 kilometers to St. Martin im Kofel. You can enjoy unique views of the Vinschger valley basin and the Ortler group with its mighty glaciers.
It starts in Staben, where you reach the Messner…
by Valerie
- Expert08:5315.6 mi1.8 mph3,550 ft4,150 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The second stage of the Vinschger Höhenweg is not for the weak. With over 1,000 crisp meters in altitude and constant ups and downs, it demands a lot of stamina from you. But it's worth it. Because on this section you will of course again be provided with a great panorama and a lot of untouched nature…
by Valerie
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- Expert07:0614.0 mi2.0 mph3,250 ft2,200 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The third stage of the Vinschger Höhenweg leads from Tanas to the rearmost Matschertal, to the Hotel Glieshof. In addition to the usual beautiful nature, she shows you a historic Waalweg and invites you to a delicious Kaiserschmarrn at the end.
Starting from Gasthof Paflur, the tour first takes you in…
by Valerie
- Expert06:2012.5 mi2.0 mph1,700 ft3,250 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Let's continue with your adventure on the Vinschger Höhenweg. In the course of the fourth stage you will reach the highest point of the Höhenweg, a rustic alpine pasture for a well-deserved refreshment and of course many wonderful vantage points. An early start is recommended, because especially in the…
by Valerie
- Intermediate03:015.95 mi2.0 mph1,500 ft825 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Stage 5 of the Vinschger Höhenweg takes you from Muntetschingig to Planeil over a comparatively short distance. If you are one of the particularly fit hikers in the world, you can also combine it with the fourth stage. Otherwise, just enjoy a more leisurely tour today.
Right at the beginning of the stage…
by Valerie
- Expert06:0212.5 mi2.1 mph1,600 ft1,600 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Ulten, Alsack and Plawenn - these are three small mountain villages in the Upper Vinschgau, which you will pass through on your final Vinschger Höhenweg stage. Surely you can hardly wait to reach the deep turquoise Reschensee, whose sunken church tower is considered the most striking sight in the entire…
by Valerie
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Collection Stats
- Tours6
- Distance69.2 mi
- Duration37:38 h
- Elevation16,200 ft12,850 ft
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