The Val Venosta Alpine Ridgeway near Naturns is still considered an insider tip among multi-day hikers, but is a beautiful alternative to the well-known
Meraner Höhenweg.
The Val Venosta Alpine Ridgeway connects existing paths and newly laid out trails over a length of
108 kilometres, leading from Reinhold Messner's Mountain Museum at
Juval Castle near Naturns to the source of the River Adige in Reschen.
Val Venosta Alpine Ridgeway shows how rich in contrast the vegetation in South Tyrol can be in the smallest of spaces: While you hike on the Val Venosta Alpine Ridgeway over the dry
Sonnenberg (=sunny mountain), you will constantly have the fertile valley and the densely forested
Nörderberg (=northern mountain) with its imposing mountain peaks such as the
Ortler massif in front of you.
But the Val Venosta Sunny Mountain is unique in the Alpine region: Due to its exposed position and only about 500mm of precipitation per year, a unique natural and cultural landscape has been formed. In order to survive on the steppe-like, barren soils, the inhabitants had to find ways and methods early on to be able to cultivate their land nevertheless.
Thus, centuries ago, they began to create an extensive and dense network of
water channels that diverted the water from streams and springs at high altitudes - the famous
irrigation channels were born, which today are also part of the Val Venosta Alpine Ridgeway. Thus the trail is not only a worthwhile destination for experienced mountain hikers, but also for all those who want to get an impression of the cultural history and life of the mountain farmers.
The best period for a hike along the Val Venosta Alpine Ridgeway is from
April to October, although due to the exposed location it can get very hot, especially in high summer! Moreover, due to the limited accommodation possibilities on the farms, it is advisable to book your sleeping place in advance.
At a glance
| Length |
108 km
|
| Starting point |
either Stava nearby Naturns or Reschen
|
Total walking time
|
5 - 6 days
|
Ascent
|
4.600 m
|
Descent
|
5.600 m
|