Hiking proposals

Easy stroll Easy hike     diffucult hike demanding hike Peak hike hike suitable for children hike suitable for baby carriage

Gsies valley A walk from farm to farm in Pichl

Point of departure: Pichl, Parish church (1260 m) At a glance: Pichl Parish church – Henzing – Inner- and Außerförrer Höfe – Weiler Wiesen – Brückenwirt – Talblickweg – Sinnerhöfe – Weiler Durnwald – Greiter Stöckl –Pichl Parish church. Difference in altitude: 70 m Highest point: Pichl Parish church (1260 m) Walking time: 3 1/2 hours Walking distance: ca. 8,5 km Hints and directions: This walk leads from the bottom of the valley or only a little higher starting from the village of Pichl (or Ausserpichl) from farm to farm outwards till the hamlet of Wielen not far from Taisten and after crossing the Gsieser or Pidig creek leads on the other side of the valley back to the starting point. On this route we have to manage only little difference in altitude following most of the time little used farm roads as well as the old Gsieser road thus enjoying a particularly easy walk. Description: From the church in Pichl (1260 m) at first on the main road and then turning right through meadows slightly descending to the hamlet of Henzing, from here further outwards to the farmhouses of Innerförrer and Außerförrer, then in westerly direction through meadows and forest and crossing the Maarbach out the the hamlet Wiesen (1219m) and shortly downward to the Brückenwirt (not serviced) on the Gsieser road (ca. 1190 m); from Pichl 1 hour. Now cross the bridge over the Gsieser creek and follow the signage "Talblickweg" at the foot of the valley enjoying an easy walk back to the Sinnerhöfe (1194 m) and to the hamlet Durnwald, from here again to the left and following the access road to the north crossing the creek to the main Gsies road (here the so-called Greiter Stöckl) and to the right slightly upwards reaching again Pichl; from the Brückenwirt a scarce 2 hours

The “Gsieser Talblickweg” (View-of-the-valley trail) – easy walk on the nature trail

Point of departure: anywhere Difference in altitude: max. 473 m Highest point: St. Magdalena – Forest road to the Uwaldalm (1560 m) Walking time: altogether 9-10 hours (it is advisable to undertake only sections of the walk) Walking distance: ca. 35 km Hints and directions: As the name indicates this walk offers especially instructive views all over the Gsies valley. This not only from one vantage point, but from infinitely many spots. This “Gsieser Talblickweg” rounds mainly on the same level slightly above the bottom of the valley the whole of the Gsies valley and is marked with white spots and clearly signposted. The trail uses parts of the old road, access roads to the farms and other trails leading from the surroundings of Welsberg/Taisten on the one side of the Gsies valley reaching the end of the valley near St. Magdalena turning back on the other side. This trail is suitable for young and old people and leads through sweet smelling woods, through blooming meadows, passing typical farmhouses, pretty villages and hamlets. Thus following on foot this interesting trail we are able to experience the characteristics as well as the beautiful natural and cultural landscape of the Gsies valley. However it is advisable, due to the considerable length of the trail, to undertake only parts thereof, enjoying shorter round routes beginning and ending anywhere and reaching Welsberg, Taisten, Pichl, St. Martin, St. Magdalena. Due to the multitude of these possibilities we refrain from giving detailed directions. There will be absolutely no difficulty following this route using a map of the walks and giving attention to the markings and signposts

Pidig- and Kradorfer Almen, a nice and short walk in Gsies

Point of departure: St. Magdalena parish church (1398 m) At a glance: St. Magdalena parish church – Talschlusshütte (end-of-valley hut) – Rotmooshof – Pidig Alm – Kradorfer Alm – Messner Hütte – Hinterbergkofelalm – St. Magdalena parish church Difference in altitude: 422 m Highest point: Hinterbergkofelalm (1820 m) Walking time: 2 1/2 hours Walking distance: ca. 9 km Hints and directions: This short round, more a promenade then a demanding walk, leads from St. Magdalena to the Pidigalm and to the not far away pretty hut of the Kradorfer Alm, where we can have a rest. The huts lay in the middle of alpine meadows, surrounded by striking mountains and provide beautiful views of the entire Gsies valley. The “Pidig-Alm” has a thousand years old creek and field name. There is an easy forest lane on one side of the valley and on the other side a nature path leading to our destination, so there is the possibility for a nice round tour. Description: From St. Magdalena (1398 m) a short way to the Talschlusshütte (1465 m; parking and possibility for a stop for a snack), on the small road ca. 10 min. into the valley to the farms there and then on an access road (ban on motorized traffic) after a short way on a path branching to the right; now chose freely between following the little road or taking the path which is crossing the creek and leads after a short rise to the on the right side of the valley lying Pidigalm (mark. 49), or to the on the opposite side of the valley lying Kradorfer Alm (1694 m; possibility for a snack); both take ca. ¾ hours to the destination. - If you want to have a longer walk: A little bit further on next the Messner Hütte (1659 m; snacks) follow the signpost "Hinterbergkofel" shortly up on the western slope, then left crossing a little brook and on a beautiful little marked path slightly upwards in 20 min. to the Hinterbergkofelalm (1820 m; not serviced). From here on a forest road slightly downwards crossing woodland (always mark. 53) out and down to the starting point; from Kradorfer Alm a scarce 1½ hours.

Nature experience “Gsieser Almweg 2000”

Point of departure: St. Magdalena Talschlusshütte (1465 m) At a glance: St. Magdalena Talschlusshütte – Köfler Tal – Tscharnietalm – Kasermähder Alm – Gipfelalm – Stumpfalm – Kaser Alm – Pfoital – Uwaldalm – St. Magdalena Talschlusshütte Difference in altitude: 730 m Highest point: Gipfelalm (2104 m) Walking time: 4 hours Walking distance: ca. 15 km Hints and directions: The Gsies valley offers many pretty alpine meadows and huts, in many of which there is the possibility of having a good snack in an homely atmosphere. The name "Almweg 2000" hints already that this route leads from one alpine hut to the other in an average hight of approx. 2000 meters. We propose out of many other possibilities this breathtaking trail famous for its views and the floristic diversity, starting from the Tscharnietalm in the south and taking us to the Uwaldalm in the north, forming together with the ascent and descent a closed round tour, which can be used also in the opposite direction. For people used to walk this tour is easy and very rewarding. Description: From St. Magdalena shortly on the road into the valley, then on the right crossing the creek following always the mark. 47 (access road for farmers) through the Köfler valley upwards southeasterly; then at a junction off to the right and following the mark. 48 (forest road) through forest up to the Tscharnietalm (1976 m; 1½ hours). From here following a path with red-points marking in moderate ascent northwesterly on a crest, descending on the other side, crossing the slopes in northerly direction to the Kasermähder-Alm (2048 m), continuing to cross the slopes for a short way partly below partly above the tree line to the Gipfelalm (2104 m) and then following the same path in a lengthy walk to the Kaser Alm, or descending slightly to the Stumpfalm (2003 m, serviced) and on a wide access road easily and comfortably to the mentioned Kaser Alm (2076 m; also here possibility to have a rest); from here continuing on a marked path downwards to the beautiful Pfoital, shortly upwards to a bridge crossing a creek and then on the westward slope on a marked path upwards to the Uwaldalm (2042 m; serviced). - Descent: From the Uwaldalm either on the wide and comfortable but much longer forest road, or taking the old, shorter but steeper path (mark. 12); the lower part of this path is the same we took for the ascent; from the Uwaldalm 1 – 1½ hours.

”Gsieser Törl”, 2205 m, an easy and interesting walk on the border to Austria

Point of departure: St. Magdalena parish church (1398 m) At a glance: St. Magdalena parish church – Talschlusshütte – Rotmooshof – Pidig- and Kradorfer Alm – Oberbergalm – Gsieser Törl – Weißbachalm – Acherlealm – Ampfertal – St. Magdalena Difference in altitude: 807 m Highest point: Gsieser Törl (2205 m) Walking time: 6 hours Waking distance: ca. 16 km Hints and directions: There are a lot of smuggler tales about the Gsieser Törl, which is a deep saddle in the mountain crest towards the Defereggen valley in Austria; this passage was very much in use in older times. The view enfolds mainly the Deferegger mountains in the north and the Pragser Dolomites in the south. The valley protracting from St. Magdalena towards the Gsieser Törl is a beautiful in the beginning wooded alpine pasture with many serviced alpine huts. This walk is for people who are used to walk very easy and without difficulties. Description: From St. Magdalena (church, 1398 m) towards the Talschlusshütte (1465 m; possibility to drive with a car till here, parking); now left resp. straight on to the Rotmooshof, from here either on the driveway through forest (mark. 49) or we take the path which leads on the eastern side of the valley through alpine pastures on to the Pidigalm and to the Kradorfer Alm (snack and drinks, 1694 m). From here steeper upwards to the Oberbergalm (1975 m; snacks and drinks) and crossing luscious meadows and passing by the headwaters of the Gsieser creek we reach the Gsieser Törl (2205 m; from starting point 2½ hours.). - Descent: From the Gsieser Törl westward in a long but mostly even crossing of the mountainside until we reach the Weißbachalm (2112 m; snacks and drinks), following the driveway down to the Acherlealm (1867 m) and finally on the path no. 53 (Jägersteig – hunters path) through the Ampfer valley back to St. Magdalena.

”Hörneckele” and “Almweg 2000” with a magnificent view of the Dolomites

Point of departure: Road in St. Martin (1276 m) At a glance: St. Martin – Karbacher Hof – Karbachtal – Vigeiner meadows – Hörneckele – Almweg 2000 – Pfinnalm – Aschtalm – Weiler (hamlet) Huiben – St. Magdalena parish church Difference in altitude: 851 m Highest point: Hörneckele (2127 m) Walking time: 2 ½ hours till Hörneckele, 4 ½ hours including the Almweg 2000 Walking distance: app.12,5 km Hints and directions: The 2127 m high “Hörneggele”, also written “Hörneckele”, is an elevation only slightly higher then the tree line westward of St. Martin in Gsies. This elevation is famous for its alpine flora and panorama, carrying a cross on the highest point. As an alternative to the descent on the same route which took you up, we will propose a description of the floristic and scenic especially beautiful “Gsieser Panoramaweg”. Description: From the road near St. Martin (1276 m) follow the marking no. 36 westmard up to the Karbacher Hof (1440 m, serviced; till here also by car) and then from here through the solitary Karbachtal following the creek until we reach the forest road no. 52 branching off on the right; now follow this forest road in direction southwest quite steep through wooded slopes until you reach a small alpine valley (app. 1800 m), then following the path no. 52 passing some hay-huts crossing the Vigeiner alpine meadows up to a small saddle in the ridge (ca. 2100 m) and shortly up to the cross on the Hörneckele (2127 m); the difference in altitude amounts to 851 m, waking time app. 2½ hours; for walking experts this rewarding walk is easy and without problems. – “Almweg 2000”: From the Hörneckele we follow the "Almweg 2000" (marking: a red spot) crossing the slopes in direction northeast until a bifurcation where we leave the “Almweg 2000” crossing the slopes walking mostly even or slightly downward to the Pfinnalm (2152 m), then to the Aschtalm (1950 m; serviced); from here finally on path no. 10 through wooded slopes down to the hamlez of Huiben and to St. Magdalena (parish church - 1398 m); from Hörneckele 5 km, 2 hours. From St. Magdalena with Bus or other means of transport back to St. Martin

”Bonner Höhenweg” and Toblacher Pfannhorn, 2663 m

Departure point: St. Magdalena parish church (1398 m) At a glance: St. Magdalena parish church – Talschlusshütte – Köfler Tal – Tscharniet-Alm – Kalksteiner Jöchl – Bonner Höhenweg – Gaishörndl – Pfanntörl – Toblacher Pfannhorn – Pfanntörl – Bonner Höhenweg – Grubers Lenke – Versellalmen – Verselltal – St. Martin Pfarrkirche Difference in altitude: Ascent 1265m – Descent 1387 m Highest point: Toblacher Pfannhorn (2663 m) Walking time: 8 hours · Waking distance: app. 19,5 km Hints and directions: A well-known and famous look-out, located one the southern end of the eastern mountain range of Gsies, facing already the Toblach region in the upper Pustertal, is the Toblacher Pfannhorn. The ascension of this mountain can be combined by walking experts with the “Bonner Höhenweg”, a path, siuated high over the inner Villgraten valley on the eastern side of the above mentioned mountain range, and will be explained further below. For lesser experts we suggest to take the below explained descent also for the ascent; this route is 1 hour shorter. Description: Ascent: From St. Magdalena (1398 m) follow the road for a short while, then right across the creek and always following the marking no. 47 (access road) through the Köfler Tal in direction southeast upwards; at a fork with different signposts to the right and following the mark. 48 (another frest road) upwards through a forest to the Tscharniet-Alm (1976 m; difference in hight 578 m, app. 1½ hours). Then, still following mar. 48 in direction southeast up to a fork and then left (straight on) following mark. 48A easterly upwards to the Kalksteiner Jöchl (pass - 2349 m; from St. Magdalena 3 hours, 951 m in altitude). Now on the “Bonner Höhenweg” (path no.12) on the eastern side of the ridge crossing mostly evenly the grassy steep slopes (app. 1 ½ hours – 4,5 km) southwards to the Pfanntörl (depression betrween Gaishörndl and Pfannhorn, 2511 m) and to the left over the northwesterly crest of the Pfannhorn and on a small path to the peak (2663 m; here signposts). - Descent: From the summit initially as per the ascent back to the Pfanntörl and following the Bonner Höhenweg on the eastern side of the Gaishörndl and taking path no. 8/12 crossing the steep slopes in direction north to the Gruberlenke (small depression, 2487 m); now crossing to the western side and following the path no. 44 firstly in serpentines through stony steep ground and later passing grassy slopes down to the Versellalm (in 1942 m altitude the Tolder Alm, a little bit lower the Hinterschuherhütte, both serviced), then always following a wide access road (mark. 44) through the Verselltal and out through a steep forest to St. Martin (1276 m); from the summit approx. 3 hours.

Welsberg/Monguelfo A great walking experience on the „Schlossweg Welsperg”

Departure point: Centre of Welsberg (1087 m) At a glance: Centre of Welsberg – School – Castel Welsperg – Gsieser Bach – Burgruine (castle ruin) Thurn – Gsieser Straße – Outskirts of Welsberg – Centre of Welsberg Difference in altitude: 100 m Highest point: Castle ruin Thurn (1180 m) Walking time: 1½ hours Walking distance: approx. 2,5 km Hints and directions: The forestry office rebuild this walk to castle Welsperg in the year 2002 prolonging it until the castle ruin Thurn. This is a scenically very diversified walk. It offers geological characteristics and leads across many divers habitats. Along the path students, associations of the village, and the forestry office arranged some striking elements, consisting of painted larch boards, thrones made of larch wood, wooden fences, intristingly positioned erratic blocks, … and much more encounters the hiker on this relatively short circular walk. Description: From the village centre of Welsberg (1087 m) firtly in between houses shortly northeasterly up to the secondary school, from here following the marking of the nature trail at first slightly upwards to the castle Welsperg (1150 m), immediately afterwards in serpentines down the wooded slope to a wide bridge over the Gsieser or Pidigbach (1120 m), on the other side walking on the erstwhile valley road shortly upwards and branching off on the left on the steep slope through wood sharply upwards to the castle ruin Thurn (1180 m); afterwards on the southwesterly side of the castle hill again down to the old road and following it outwards to the next bridge on the outskirts of Welsberg and back to the village centre.

Round about Welsberg

Departure point: Welsberg railway station(1087 m) At a glance: Railway station Welsberg – Kirchsteig (short path to the village church) to the Gailer Hof – Waldealm – Saller Hof – Olanger dam – Alte Goste – Unterrain – Taisten – Welsberg Difference in altitude: 350 m Highest point: Gasthof (inn) Walde Alm (1420 m) Walking time: 8 hours Walking distance: approx. 20 km Hints and directions: This ample circular walk leads at first on the shady side of the Welsberg area until the edge of the Olang basin, there it crosses the valley and the river Rienz and continues on the sunny slopes of Taisten taking us back to Welsberg. Thereby we walk through beautiful forests, and partly over wide meadows scattered with farmhouses. Some of this farms lay romantically next to the forest, some on places with a beautiful view; and some of the offer snacks and drinks, as for example the farm “Walde”, one of the highest mountain farms on the shady side of the upper Pustertal. This hike is mostly easy and without problems, but demands some orientation and most of all some endurance. Description: From Welsberg at first to the railway station and following mark. 2 upwards on the “Kirchsteig” mostly through forest southeasterly to the Gailer Hof (1231 m; 3/4 hours; refreshments); from here sharply to the right and following mark. 39 on paths and access roads passing Hotel Waldbrunn (1150 m) partly even, but mostly slightly upwards crossing wooded slopes and two ditches westward to the Gasthof Walde Alm (1405 m; from Gailer Hof approx.1 hour). From Gasthof Walde Alm again on mark. 39 on wide access roads through wooded slopes northwesterly slightly downward to the beautifully situated Sallerhöfen (Gasthaus Salla, 1239 m, from Walde 1 hour); from here again following mark. 39 through forest and meadows westward in direction Oberolang until we reach a marking 21 branching off on the right. We follow this marking and cross the valley (approx. 1050 m) northwards to he houses and farms of the hamlet Untergoste (Inn,1134 m); further on mark. 21 up the the farm of Obergoste (1323 m), from there walking mostly on even ground through meadows and farming landscape of Unterrain eastward to Taisten (1203 m, inns, from Untergoste 2 ½ hours) and following mark. 38 to rhe Taitner creek and on the old Gsies road down to Welsberg (from Taisten ¾ hour).