The fruit farmers of the entire Vinschgau Valley and the Burggrafenamt (Merano and environs) have always had to struggle against drought. By way of a remedy they developed an irrigation system based on numerous channels known as “waalen”. The water was thus brought down from the higher valleys to the meadows and fields. It is possible to walk comfortably alongside the waalen on the so-called waalwege throughout the year. The minor gradients and beautiful views make the waalwege particularly popular with families.

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The popular hiking area Merano 2000 is located on a high sunny plateau above Merano and is a true recreational paradise for families and active sportsmen. On 19 hiking trails, which offer 100 kilometres of hiking, you can explore the nature and beauty of South Tyrol every day. Dare a rapid descent with the Alpine Bob - a 1.1-kilometre-long rail toboggan run makes your holiday bliss at dizzying heights perfect. Afterwards, you can recharge yourself in one of the numerous rustic huts with typical South Tyrolean food.
The “leisure Eldorado” Merano 2000 can be reached via two different lift systems: from Merano with the mountain railway and from Avelengo with the Falzeben cable car.

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Around the Texel Group you can hike the 100 km long Merano high mountain trail. Along the circular trail there are many places to stop that will spoil you with delicacies or give you a warm place to sleep.
During your hike you can stop and see fantastic views of the Vinschgau Valley, the Merano Valley basin, the Passeier Valley as well as the facing Sarntal Alps and the Jaufen Pass. On average, you walk at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, with two exceptions. In the southern part you pass the mountain hut Hochganghaus at 1,839 m and in the northern part the Eisjöchl/Passo Gelato at 2,895 m. The trail can of course also be done in single stages and has 11 different starting points to choose from.

The international hiking trail from the Atlantic coast in France to the Venetian Adriatic Sea also crosses the mountains of South Tyrol in several stages. Walk along the famous and well-marked E5 hiking trail that leads you through the Passeier Valley, over the Tschögglberg mountain to Jenesien/San Genesio Atesino. The long-distance trail is well marked and especially the stages around Merano are well-known and popular with hikers of all levels. With a short detour away from the route, you can also climb the Hirzer peak at 2,781 meters and be rewarded with an unforgettable view.

The Heini Holzer Ifinger Schenna fixed rope route is ideal for families: its medium difficulty (A – B – B/C) means less experienced climbers as well as children and youngsters can enjoy it. To climb its 550 vertical metres – secured by no less than 1000 metres of steel cable – is to be rewarded with beautiful views and a sense of deep satisfaction. If required a mountain guide from the Schenna/Scena tourism association can be booked from our hotel at any time.

The Hirzer hiking area is the most beautiful in the area around Merano and is located at an altitude of 2,000 metres, with its beautiful panoramic views easily accessible by cable car. There are gentle walks for families across the pastures, while experienced mountain climbers can attempt the high-Alpine world of the Hirzer peak.

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Since 2015, a path has led along the mighty Passer/Passirio River between Moos/Moso and St. Leonhard/San Leonardo in the Passeier Valley. The river has drawn a huge 5 km long gorge, which you can hike up, crossing adventurous bridges and stairs. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the beauty and power of the water. At the top, there is also the option to take the bus back to the valley.

Our hotel also offers guided family walks to nearby destinations starting directly from outside the door. We will be pleased to show you the incredible mountain world of South Tyrol with its unspoilt nature and unmatched panoramas. Schenna/Scena tourism association offers numerous guided walks in the surrounding natural environment for every ability, ranging from easy strolls to themed walks.
There is a basket containing fresh apples in the entrance area, the perfect snack for a walking adventure! As a special service, we offer free rental of a backpack, hiking poles and hiking map.

Family walk to the Streitweideralm
Take the cable car to Taser, go past the small church and proceed onwards to the Streitweideralm through the wood. The terrain is relatively flat for the most part, with a steep stretch towards the end. Walking time 1.5 hours, elevation difference 110 m. Highly recommended on hot summer days. Alternative return route: Go down the road until you reach the turnoff to the right. Follow the signposts to Videgg to the river. A short but steep ascent will take you to the hamlet of Videgg with three hotel-restaurants. Return to Oberkirn by cable car. Walking time: around 2 more hours.

Spring and autumn walk to the Torgglerhof farm
Walk from the hotel to the beginning of the Ifinger street. Go past Castle Thurner and the Thurner farm, walk down the winding path and onwards towards the Maiser Waal trail irrigation channel trail to Labboden and along a beautiful river trail in the direction of the Passeier valley to the Torgglerhof. Walking time 1.5 hours. Alternative return route past Labboden and up the small path to the village of Schenna. This route is also suitable for prams. Total walking time: 4 hours.

Pram-friendly walk along the Mitterplattweg
Walk down to Schenna village centre. Turn off to the right in front of the Schennerhof hotel and follow the signposts for the Mitterplattweg to the open-air swimming pool in Schenna. From here, a short walk uphill will take you to the Schenna street, where you can take the bus back to the Ifinger street bus stop. Walking time: around 1.5 hours.