Meraner Höhenweg with Hotel Before and After

Stage 3 of the Meraner Höhenweg leads into the Schnalstal Valley and then into the Pfossental. The trail begins with a steady ascent to Vorderkaser-Alm, where you can stop at the Jägerhof for a meal or try cheese at the dairy. It’s a good place to rest before moving on.

Further along, you’ll pass alpine huts that offer short breaks and refreshments. Signs along the route provide information about the valley’s history, wildlife, and geology. The stage ends at the Eishof, a hut in a meadow surrounded by peaks up to 3,000 meters, making it a quiet spot to rest for the night.

Stage 4 begins at Eishof (2,074 m) and moves through meadows and peaks. The trail starts gently through pastures, then steepens as it climbs over rocky terrain with scree. After about two hours, you reach the Eisjöchl, the highest point on the Meraner Höhenweg at 2,895 meters, offering views of the Hohe Wilde and Hohe Weiße peaks.

At the top, there is a temporary shelter where you can rest. The descent features switchbacks through rocky and grassy slopes. The trail is well-marked but can be slippery, so caution is needed. As you descend, you’ll pass streams and waterfalls before entering larch and pine forests as the path levels out. The stage ends at the car-free village of Pfelders, where you can rest and have a warm meal.

Stage 5 starts in Pfelders (1,600 m), following trail No. 24 through Innerhütt and Außerhütt, crossing the Pfeldererbach river before reaching Krössbichl, where the northern and southern routes meet. It’s a good spot to rest and take in the view.

The trail then reenters the Texelgruppe Nature Park, passing through Ulfas and into the Kammerwald forest. The path alternates between forest trails and paved sections, making for an easy walk. You’ll pass the Christl farmstead, a place for a quick break, before the trail opens into flat terrain. The stage ends at Matatz (1,052 m), a small settlement, marking the end of the day’s hike.

Stage 6 starts in Matatz and moves through the Kalmbach Valley, passing the settlements of Magdfeld, Vernuer, and Riffian. The trail has gentle slopes, making it an easy walk. You’ll follow old farm paths, passing by mountain farms that reflect the area’s history.

As you go on, you’ll reach Longfall in the Spronser Valley, where the historic Kuenser Waal water canal runs. The trail can be slippery when wet, so caution is needed. The path then continues to the Talbauer farm before ending at Gasthof Hochmuth or Tiroler Kreuz, near the Hochmuth cable car.

This is where your Meraner Höhenweg comes to an end. From Merano, you have several options to continue your journey, whether you choose to explore more of Italy or head back home. Take one last moment to enjoy Merano’s landscapes and relaxing atmosphere before you leave for your next adventure.