The Meraner Höhenweg: The Circular Route of South Tyrol

The Meraner Höhenweg, also known as the Alta Via di Merano in Italian, is a great option for anyone wanting to experience both nature and South Tyrolean culture. This 100-kilometer loop around the Texelgruppe Nature Park takes you through vineyards, alpine meadows, and mountain ridges, making it one of the most enjoyable and accessible trails in the area. While it’s less demanding than some other Italian treks, it still offers plenty of adventure and stunning views, suitable for hikers of all levels. The variety of terrain, from meadows to rocky paths, keeps the journey interesting.

You won’t be climbing any major peaks, but the Texelgruppe mountains, part of the Ötztal Alps, create a striking backdrop throughout the hike. Peaks like the Roteck, over 3,000 meters high, and the rugged ridgelines add to the region's wild beauty. Along the way, mountain huts and hotels provide comfort and the warm hospitality South Tyrol is known for, with many offering amazing views over the valleys. The trek starts in Merano, famous for its relaxed vibe and thermal baths, and is easy to reach from Bolzano or Innsbruck. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a moderate trek, the Meraner Höhenweg is a perfect way to explore South Tyrol’s nature and culture.

It is also worth mentioning that the Meraner Höhenweg isn’t just about stunning landscapes; it’s also a journey into South Tyrol’s culture. Along the trail, you’ll walk through traditional villages and past historic farms, experiencing local life firsthand. Many of the mountain huts and hotels along the way serve classic South Tyrolean dishes, so you can enjoy regional flavors while taking in the views. You’ll also see old churches and castles that tell the story of the area’s blend of Italian and Austrian influences.

Full Meraner Höhenweg: Starting and ending in Hochmut, just a cable car ride from Merano, this six-day trek covers the entire loop, showcasing alpine meadows, forests, and panoramic ridges. It is ideal for hikers looking for a complete adventure.

Southern Half: This three-day trek starts in Ulfas and ends in Katharinaberg. It’s a more accessible route with moderate climbs and stunning views of the Merano Valley, perfect for a relaxed hiking experience.

Northern Half: The most challenging section, this three-day trek starts in Katharinaberg and finishes in St. Martin in Passeier. It features steep climbs, rocky paths, and the trail’s highest point at Eisjöchl (2,895m), ideal for those looking for an alpine adventure.

The Meraner Höhenweg may not be as intense as some Dolomite treks, but at 100 kilometers, it’s still a serious adventure. While the trail isn’t overly technical, it does present a challenge, with daily hikes ranging from 3 to 10 hours, depending on your pace and the stages you choose.

The trail’s difficulty varies between the northern and southern halves. The northern half is tougher, with steeper climbs and rugged terrain that may be better suited for more confident hikers. The southern half, however, is more gradual, making it a great option for those looking for a more relaxed experience. You won’t reach major peaks, but you’ll walk along ridges, with the highest point at around 2,900 meters (the Gelato Pass, in the northern half). The rest of the route stays at lower elevations, so altitude won’t be an issue. Plus, with mountain huts and Tyrolean hotels along the way, you can travel light, enjoy the views, and savor the local food.

The best time to hike the Meraner Höhenweg is from late June to mid-September, similar to other treks in Europe. Outside this window, the mountain huts along the route are closed, making hut-to-hut trekking impossible. During summer, you can expect mostly sunny skies and clear views, though occasional rain showers or afternoon thunderstorms are common. Snow isn’t usually an issue, and any that falls tends to melt quickly, keeping the trail accessible.

Be ready for changing weather: pack waterproof and warm layers for cool mornings and evenings, but also lighter gear for warmer afternoons. Shorts might seem appealing, but don’t rely on them alone! July and August are the busiest months, attracting both international hikers and locals, so if you’re trekking during this time—especially around school holidays—booking your huts and hotels in advance is a smart move. Despite the crowds, the Meraner Höhenweg offers stunning scenery and mostly great weather, as long as you’re prepared for shifting temperatures and the occasional storm.

The Meraner Höhenweg, or Alta Via di Merano, is a circular route, so you can start your trek from any stage, offering flexibility in how you plan your hike. A great advantage of this design is that you can choose a starting point that fits your schedule. However, it’s recommended to start at either Hochmuth or the Texelbahn stations, where cable cars take you straight into the mountains, saving you time and effort. This way, you can skip the initial climb and jump right into the beautiful views.

You can hike the full trail or just a few stages, depending on how much time you have. The trail can be divided into northern and southern sections. The northern half is more challenging, with steeper climbs and rougher terrain, while the southern half offers easier, more gradual ascents, making it ideal for a less strenuous hike. If you want to avoid the tougher parts of the northern section, there’s an alternate route with a simpler path, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without tackling the hardest terrain.

Accommodations on the Meraner Höhenweg are a big part of the experience, offering a mix of cozy mountain huts and comfortable hotels that let you fully enjoy South Tyrolean hospitality. In the northern section, you’ll experience a combination of traditional mountain huts and small local hotels. The huts provide dorm-style beds and hearty meals, creating a warm, communal atmosphere where you can connect with other hikers and enjoy the alpine setting. Meanwhile, the local hotels in this section offer a bit more comfort and privacy, allowing you to recharge with a good night’s sleep and a taste of local cuisine.

As you move into the southern section, you’ll find more private and comfortable options in small hotels, often with added perks like saunas or wellness areas—great for relaxing after a long day of trekking. These hotels provide a bit more privacy and comfort, giving you a well-deserved break in between hikes. Whether you’re staying in a mountain hut or a hotel, each stop provides the perfect opportunity to recharge, savor local cuisine, and soak in the stunning surroundings.

The Meraner Höhenweg, or Alta Via di Merano, is easy to access from several points, with the most popular being the Hochmuth and Texelbahn cable car stations near Merano. These cable cars take you straight into the mountains, skipping the initial climb and putting you right on the trail.

By bus:

Merano is well-connected by public transport. You can get there by train or bus from cities like Bolzano (40 minutes) or Innsbruck (about 2 hours). From Merano, local buses will take you to the cable car stations.

By car:

If you're driving, parking is available near both cable car stations for a small fee. Merano is a 30-minute drive from Bolzano and about 2 hours from Innsbruck or Verona. From there, you can head straight to the cable cars to start your hike.

A hut-to-hut trek doesn’t have to be expensive, and the Meraner Höhenweg is a perfect example. Along this scenic route, you’ll find a mix of mountain huts and charming hotels, many of which offer breakfast or half-board options to make your trek as comfortable as possible. For a 6 or 7-day trek on the Meraner Höhenweg, you can expect to spend around 100 euros per hiking day. This typically covers your accommodation, and sometimes includes meals like breakfast or half-board when available. It also includes all the essential route information and navigation assistance you’ll need. We also recommend taking about 40 to 60 euros in pocket money per day to cover extras like lunch, snacks, or drinks along the way.