Hike to the Matatzspitze Peak (2,178 m)
Easy ascent, beautiful landscape, shady way back
This particular tour offers stunning panoramic views over the entire valley. from time to time, the path gets steep and narrow, but always easy to hike.
Starting point: Kratzegg car park in Ulfas
Endpoint: Kratzegg car park in Ulfas
Refreshment points: Ulfaseralm Alp, Schartalm Alp
Directions
Ascent
The hike starts at the Kratzegg parking area (1,512 m) in Ulfas. Follow the forest road no. 2, passing the Kratzegg farmstead. After a few minutes, cross a stream. At the next junction, stay on the forest road, which from here is signposted as trail no. 2A.
Follow the forest road to the next bridge, where trail no. 2A branches off and climbs up to the Ulfaseralm Alp (1,601 m). Alternatively, you can continue along the forest road on trail no. 2C.
Continue on a moderate ascent and, after approximately 30 minutes, turn left onto trail no. 2B. Passing an old shepherd’s hut, the trail becomes steeper and climbs up to the saddle (1,990 m) below peak Matatzspitze.
The final section follows trail no. 7A. Here, a steep ascent of around 500 steps takes you to the panoramic summit of peak Matatzspitze (2,178 m).
Descent
From the summit, initially retrace the ascent route back to the saddle. From there, follow the ridge along trail no. 7A, passing two weather crosses and crossing two broader mountain ridges covered with alpine meadows, alternating between steeper and gentler sections.
After the second ridge, stay at the same elevation but switch to trail no. 3. Following the trail through the forest, you eventually reach the hut Waaler Hütte (1,550 m).
From here, follow the Matatzer/Ulfaser Waalweg trail. The trail first curves around the mountain ridge, then heads west and finally south through the forest, leading back to the Ulfaseralm Alp.
Note: The trail does not follow the Waal stream continuously, as a steeper section has to be negotiated along the way.
From the Ulfaseralm Alp, return to the Kratzegg parking area by following the same route as on the ascent, via trails no. 2A and 2.
The trail is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Recommended equipment
War sturdy hiking boots, appropriate clothing for the weather and bring sufficient water and provisions.
Description to arrive at destination
• Coming from Pfelders, take the SP114 towards Platt and shortly before reaching Platt, turn right at the junction for Ulfas
• Coming from Meran towards the Passeiertal Valley, take the Jaufenstraße SS44 to St. Leonhard, continue towards Moos, take on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Platt. After Platt, continue towards Pfelders an turn left at the junciton for Ulfas
• Coming from the Timmelsjoch, take on the Timmelsjochstraße to Moos and continue on the SP114 to Platt. After Platt, continue towards Pfelders an turn left at the junciton for Ulfas
• Coming from the Jaufenpass towards St. Leonhard, take the Jaufenstraße SS44, continue towards Moos on the Timmelsjochstraße and continue on the SP114 to Platt. After Platt, continue towards Pfelders an turn left at the junciton for Ulfas
Parking
Parking is available at the paid Kratzegg car park in Ulfas.
Public transport
Choose a more environmentally friendly way to travel and use our public transport services:
• Bus line 240 from Meran towards Moos/Pfelders
Bus stop "Moos, Rathaus"
then continue with:
• Bus line 241 from Moos towards Ulfas
Bus stop "Platt, Parkplatz Kratzegg"
or
• Bus line 240 from Pfelders towards Merano
Bus stop "Platt, Abzweigung Ulfas"
• Bus line 241 towards Ulfas
Bus stop "Platt, Parkplatz Kratzegg"
You can find the timetables at www.suedtirolmobil.info or on the Passeiertal App.
Author's tip
The path is sometimes steep and narrow, but always easy to walk. A light level of fitness is sufficient for this tour.
Always stay on marked trails, check the weather conditions before you hike and pay particular attention to snow, wet ground, or slippery sections.
