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Merano High Mountain Trail near Naturns

Varied hike in high alpine terrain: discover our stage suggestions & hut recommendations for the Merano High Mountain Trail


The Merano High Mountain Trail


In 1976, the Texel Group Nature Park was established with the aim of preserving a unique mountain landscape in its pristine state and maintaining it as a space for recreation. The park stretches from valley floors through forests and alpine pastures up to steep rocky peaks and glacier regions.

The beauty of this unique nature reserve reveals itself to mountain hikers along the Merano High Mountain Trail: Stretching over 90 kilometers, it encircles the central part of the Texel Group.

The idea for this magnificent high-altitude hiking trail came from Helmuth Ellmenreich, who served as the first chairman of the Merano Section of the South Tyrolean Alpine Club from 1962 to 1997. Thanks to his determination and tireless efforts, the Merano High Mountain Trail was officially opened in 1985. It has since become a ribbon of friendship linking farmsteads and valleys and is now considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Alps.

In 2025, the Merano High Mountain Trail celebrates its 40th anniversary.


Hiking Along the Merano High Mountain Trail

At a relatively consistent altitude, this trail acts as a bridge between the alpine climate of the Texel Group and the sub-Mediterranean climate of the Etschtal. Like a panoramic terrace, it offers breathtaking views of the Venosta Valley, the Merano basin, the Passiria Valley, the Sarntal Alps, the Stubai Alps, and the Ötztal Alps.
On clear days, the Dolomites, the Brenta Group, and the Ortler appear impressively close and majestic.

The total length of the Merano High Mountain Trail is approximately 90 kilometers, divided into a northern and a southern circuit, allowing the hike to be undertaken in different seasons. Generally, the trail is accessible from the end of June to October, depending on snowfall. The southern and eastern sections are usually snow-free year-round and are ideal for day trips. Additionally, the route can be divided into multiple daily stages.


Circumnavigation of the Texel Group Nature Park on the Merano High Mountain Trail

For a complete circumnavigation of the Texel Group on the Merano High Mountain Trail, you should plan approximately 5 to 7 days. The various starting points for a hike along the Merano High Mountain Trail can be reached by bus, shuttle services, taxi, or car, or via various ascent facilities (cable cars, chairlifts, etc.). Our advice: Hike the Merano High Route the other way around and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

The entire Merano High Mountain Trail is continuously marked with the number 24, red/white. All exposed sections of the trail are equipped with guardrails, ladders, stairs, or steel ropes. Although the various stages of the trail are generously provided with opportunities for rest and refreshment, it is important to remember that you are traveling in the mountains, partly in high-altitude regions. Proper hiking equipment, good footwear, weather protection, and good physical condition are essential requirements for traversing this unique alpine trail! Additionally, you should definitely equip yourself with appropriate maps before starting. Various hiking maps for the Texel Group Nature Park and the Merano High Mountain Trail, as well as a list of rest stops along the route, are available at the Naturns tourist office.

Please note that for overnight stays at the mountain huts along the trail, it is important to check the opening hours and the limited number of beds, so making a reservation by phone is highly recommended. On some daily stages, there are multiple accommodation options available, allowing you to make a section of the trail slightly longer or shorter, depending on your preference. Always check with the hut hosts and accommodation providers for information on trail conditions and the upcoming section of the path. As an alternative to the Merano High Mountain Trail, and currently still a hidden gem among multi-day hikers, the Venosta Valley High Mountain Trail is also worth considering.


The Merano High Mountain Trail in summary

Length Approximately 90 km
 Starting Points Unterstell, Giggelberg, Katharinaberg, Pfossental, Hochmuth, Ulfas, Vellau, Christl, Matatz
 Total Hiking Time 5 - 8 days
 Altitude Difference 5,100 m
 Best Time to Hike  End of June to October (depending on weather conditions)

The cable car Unterstell and the viewing platform in Naturns
Access Points to the Merano High Mountain Trail

Naturns Unterstell Cable Car
 Rabland Texel Cable Car
 Algund Leiteralm Basket Lift
 Dorf Tirol Hochmuth Cable Car
 St. Leonhard Matatz (by car)
 Pfelders Public Bus
 Katharinaberg Public Bus

Merano High Mountain Trail
Picturesque hiking tour of mountain huts in the Texelgruppe Nature Park
Stages of the Merano High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail - Hochmuth - Giggelberg closed
Hiking, High Mountain Trail, Long-Distance Hiking Trails
Merano High Mountain Trail - Hochmuth - Giggelberg
A unique experience on the Merano High Path This panoramic section connects the top station of the Hochmuth Cable Car with Giggelberg, passing ...
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Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 3: from Monte S. Caterina/Katharinabger to Mountian pasture Eishof closed
Hiking, all hiking routes, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 3: from Monte S. Caterina/Katharinabger to Mountian pasture Eishof
After the Montferthof, there is a diversion from Sellboden via Tumlhof and along the road into Pfossental, which takes an additional 1.5 hours.
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Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 4: from the Eishof Farm to Pfelders/Plan closed
Hiking, all hiking routes, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 4: from the Eishof Farm to Pfelders/Plan
This route follows the forest road, along an old and gradually ascending military route (easy route), with some Alpine terrain (individual snow ...
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Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 5: from Pfelders/Plan to Matatz closed
Hiking, all hiking routes, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail Stage Suggestion No. 5: from Pfelders/Plan to Matatz
From Plan, follow the signs for route No. 24, which leads after crossing three streams to the Bergkristall climbing garden. From there continue down ...
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Merano High Mountain Trail: Hike from Matatz to the Hochmuth open
Hiking, all hiking routes, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail: Hike from Matatz to the Hochmuth
The Merano High Mountain Trail is one of the loveliest circular hikes in the Alpine region. It runs around the edge of the Texelgruppe Nature Park ...
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Merano High Mountain Trail - 2nd stage: The Gorge of 1.000 Steps to Katharinaberg, in Senales Valley/ Schnalstal open
Hiking, High Mountain Trail
Merano High Mountain Trail - 2nd stage: The Gorge of 1.000 Steps to Katharinaberg, in Senales Valley/ Schnalstal

Scenic hike for those in search of great views – and for high mountain hiking enthusiasts!

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Huts and accomodation along the Alta Via Meranese in Naturns
Parcines/Partschins
Giggelberg
closed until 8:00 AM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
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Naturno
Pirchhof
closed until 9:00 AM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Naturno/Naturns
Unterstell
closed until 8:00 AM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday closed
Saturday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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Naturno/Naturns
Ristorante Linthof
closed until 10:00 AM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Naturno
Patleidhof
closed
Thursday closed
Friday closed
Saturday closed
Sunday closed
Monday closed
Tuesday closed
Wednesday closed
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Naturno
Wald
closed until 10:00 AM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 19 hours ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

Endlich ist es wieder soweit!😍 Der Südtiroler Specktag in Naturns findet wieder statt!🥳
Genießt innovative Speckgerichte in einem tollen Ambiente: Kinderprogramm,Live-Musik mit den Gruppen "Zwoa a holb Lederhosn" und "Karussell" , sowie einem kleinen Spezialitätenmarkt rund um den Südtiroler Speck.🥓

📅 Wann? Sonntag, 4. Mai 2025 | 10–18 Uhr
📍Wo? Rathausplatz

Kommt vorbei, probiert euch durch und genießt einen unvergesslichen Tag mitten im Ortszentrum von Naturns! 💛

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Finalmente è di nuovo quel momento! 😍 La Giornata del Speck Alto Adige a Naturno è tornata! 🥳
Godetevi piatti innovativi a base di speck in un’atmosfera unica: programma per bambini, musica dal vivo con i gruppi "Zwoa a holb Lederhosn" e "Karussell", e un piccolo mercatino di specialità tutto dedicato allo speck altoatesino.🥓

📅 Quando? Domenica, 4 maggio 2025 | dalle 10:00 alle 18:00
📍 Dove? Piazza del Municipio, Naturno

Passate a trovarci, assaggiate le specialità e godetevi una giornata indimenticabile nel centro di Naturno! 💛

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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 3 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

Wenn die Temperaturen im Frühling unter 0 °C fallen, wird es ernst für die zarten Apfelblüten.🌸
Aber unsere Obstbauern sind vorbereitet! 💪🍏

💧 Mit Frostschutzberegnung überziehen sie die Blüten mit einer feinen Wasserschicht. Klingt ungewöhnlich? Funktioniert aber! Beim Gefrieren des Wassers wird Wärme freigesetzt – und genau diese schützt die Blüten! ✨ Manchmal werden auch kleine Feuerstellen 🔥 in den Obstgärten entzündet, um die kalte Luft zu vertreiben. 💨

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Hubert Grüner

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Quando in primavera le temperature scendono sotto lo 0 °C, la situazione si fa delicata per i fragili fiori dei meli.🌸 Ma i nostri frutticoltori sono pronti! 💪🍏

💧 Con l'irrigazione antibrina, ricoprono i fiori con uno strato sottile d’acqua. Sembra strano? Ma funziona! Durante il congelamento dell’acqua viene rilasciato calore – ed è proprio questo calore che protegge i fiori! ✨ A volte vengono accesi anche dei piccoli fuochi 🔥 nei frutteti per scacciare l’aria fredda. 💨

📸: Ufficio turistico di Naturno_Hubert Grüner

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naturns_naturno naturns_naturno 5 days ago
naturns_naturno

Spring Awakening at St. Proculus🌷

With the first warm rays of sunshine, a visit to the St. Proculus Church & Museum becomes a truly special experience. Surrounded by blooming meadows🌸 and the scent of spring, this place reveals its quiet magic.✨

⛪️ The small church, one of the oldest early medieval churches in Europe, tells stories from times long past through its mysterious frescoes.
🖼 In the adjoining museum, you can dive even deeper – into the history and culture of the region.

⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday
10.00 - 12.30 and 14.30 - 17.30

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Fotostudio2000

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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 6 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

Anreise nach Naturns oder Plaus – Bequem und schnell mit dem Flugzeug!✈️

Du möchtest in kürzester Zeit zu uns in die wunderschöne Region Südtirol reisen?😍 Kein Problem!
Buche einfach einen Flug mit SkyAlps nach Bozen und genieße einen bequemen Flughafentransfer direkt nach Naturns oder Plaus. 🚗

Ob alleine, zu zweit oder mit der ganzen Familie👨‍👩‍👦– unser Flughafentransfer bringt dich stressfrei und komfortabel zu deiner Unterkunft. So beginnt dein Urlaub bereits beim ersten Schritt!💛

Weitere Informationen: https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/de/naturns/info-events/informationen/lage-anreise/anreise-mit-dem-flugzeug.html

📸: Skyalps_Zulupictures

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Arrivo a Naturno o Plaus – Comodo e veloce in aereo!✈️

Vuoi raggiungere in poco tempo la nostra splendida regione dell’Alto Adige? 😍 Nessun problema!
Prenota semplicemente un volo con SkyAlps per Bolzano e goditi un comodo trasferimento dall’aeroporto direttamente a Naturno o Plaus.🚗

Che tu sia da solo, in coppia o con tutta la famiglia 👨‍👩‍👦, il nostro trasferimento ti porterà senza stress e comodamente fino al tuo alloggio. Così la tua vacanza inizia già dal primo passo!💛

Ulteriori informazioni: https://www.merano-suedtirol.it/it/naturno/informazioni-eventi/informazioni/come-arrivare/arrivare-in-aereo.html

📸: SkyAlps_Zulupictures

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naturns_naturno naturns_naturno 8 days ago
naturns_naturno

When spring temperatures drop below 0°C, things get serious for the delicate apple blossoms.🌸
But our fruit farmers are ready! 💪🍏

💧 With frost protection sprinklers, they cover the blossoms in a fine layer of water. Sounds strange? But it works! As the water freezes, it releases heat – and that heat protects the flower! ✨ Sometimes, small fire pits🔥 are lit in the orchards to push back the cold air.💨

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Hubert Grüner

#naturns #naturno #spring #springvibes #appleblossom #frostprotection #applefarmers #southtyrol #frühling #apfelblüte #frostschutz #apfelbauern #frühlingsanfang #südtirol #altoadige #primavera #mele #fiori #altoadigedascoprire #altoadigedavivere

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