Roman Traces in South Tyrol! The walking trail Via Claudia Augusta once was a cultural and trading route of the Roman Empire. This first true road across the Alps was built by Emperor Claudius to connect Adriatic sea port Altinum with the Danube. On your tour through South Tyrol you investigate the most beautiful parts of Via Claudia, a pleasure for every walker: lovely paths with marvellous mountain panorama, dotted by magnificent vineyards and orchards, unspoilt air and nature. The cultural aspect is covered by many fortresses and castles on the way, the Mountain Museum by Reinhold Messner and as crowning highlight in the end the Mediterranean spa town Meran.
Highlights:
♦ Marvellous mountain panorama
♦ Theme path with wooden sculptures
♦ Via Laas - known for the white marble
♦ Castles, fortresses, thermal spa
Itinerary:
Day 1. Individual journey to Reschen
Day 2. Reschen - Burgeis/Mals
First, along Reschensee reservoir and to Graun, where you will find the best known camera motive of Vinschau: the flooded spire of Gaun. The route runs past lake Haidersee and along the largest alluvial fan of the Alps and leads up to the village of Planeil. Downhill you walk through a forest and then along meadows to Burgeis, overlooking the impressive monastery of Marienberg.
Walking: approx 5.5 hrs, 21 km, uphill/downhill: 200 m/550 m
Day 3. Burgeis/Mals - Schluderns
Walk along the Sonnensteig path, a newly created theme path with fantastic views of the snowy mountain peaks. High above the town of Mals, with its many towers, it goes over the Tartscher Bichl past "Ganglegg", the historic archaeological site from the Bronze and Iron Age to Schluderns, with the most impressive and best-preserved castles in South Tyrol.
Walking: approx. 4 hrs, 10 km, uphill/downhill: 100 m/350 m
Day 4. Schluderns - Schlanders
From the foot of Sonnberg your walk starts and continues crossing dense forests. Via Laas, well known for the white marble, you later reach the orchards of Vinschgau – apple trees as far as the eyes can see.
Walking: approx. 4.5-5.5 hrs, 19 km, uphill/downhill: 550 m/750 m
Day 5. Schlanders - Naturns
Today you walk through the fruit orchard of Vinschgau. Along the Latschander Waal path you walk through regions of the best South Tyrolean wines. Continue on the archaeological path that reaches almost to Messners castle Juval, high above the valley. On a meandering trail downhill you reach Naturns.
Walking: approx. 6-6.5 hrs, 22 km, downhill/uphill: 400 m/600 m
Day 6. Naturns - Meran
High up you continue following the Rablander Waal path through forests past mountain farms always accompanied by the stunning views of Vinschgau valley. Follow Partschinser and Algunder Waal path down into the Meraner basin. Tired muscles relax in the thermal spa.
Walking: approx. 5 hrs, 18 km, uphill/downhill: 350 m/550 m
Day 7. Departure
Practical information:
►You walk mainly on good walking paths, often on the so called ‘Waal paths’, ancient water systems as well as on paved sections. The paths are easy to walk, the route is undulating through lovely countryside, dotted with orchards and vineyards. Longer ascents only occur on two of the days. We recommend a good basic fitness level for walking days of up to 6.5 hours. Shortcuts of daily sections are possible by train or coach.
►Walking with a dog - On this particular walking tour you have the option of bringing your four-legged friend. When booking,
simply let us know the breed and size of your dog. Possible additional costs are payable locally on site.