Self-Guided: Merano High Mountain Trail

Self-Guided: Merano High Mountain Trail Itinerary

We design a custom itinerary for all our guests, prioritizing your unique requests and interests. Yours will depend upon how many days you have to trek, when you plan to trek, how ambitious you are, and how early or late you send a request to us. Some of the huts/hotels book up very early, so it is best to give us as much notice as possible. Fortunately, there are always alternative accommodations along the way. Your trip coordinator will offer suggestions for your itinerary based on your requests and the availability of the huts to design the best itinerary possible. This trek is great for a wide range of ages and experiences: from families with children ready to embark on their first multi-day trek, honeymooners, couples celebrating 40-year anniversaries, 70th birthday celebrations, friends, and much more. Seasoned hikers can request more challenging itineraries (longer days/more vert) and beginners can ask for an easier trek with more options for ‘shortcuts’.

Know What to Expect

The Merano High Route is a 100km/62 miles circuit that takes between 4-8 days to complete. Most commonly the trek is completed in 6 stages over 6 days. Most days will involve hiking 15-20km (9-13 miles) distance and gaining/losing between 500 and 1,200 vertical metres (1,600-4,000 ft).

Where and When? 

The Merano High Mountain Trail is a circuit that starts and ends in Merano. For groups wishing to hike a portion of the trail, your endpoint will vary.  For this option, luggage transfer from Merano to your end point is included in your trip package.

Book Early

Some of the huts/hotels book up very early, so it is best to give us as much notice as possible. Fortunately, there are always alternative accommodations along the way, but to get the most spectacular hut locations and private rooms, advance requests are necessary – especially if you have four or more people. Many groups are booking up to a year in advance.

Booking your Trip with OnTop

You will work with your trip coordinator from the get-go who will take note of your preferences and design, with the guidance of our direct and head guide, an itinerary for your trek. 4 -6 weeks prior to your trip departure, we will send you a detailed trip letter containing all of the important information about your trek:

• Daily itinerary, including
  • Trail numbers that you will follow
  • Daily horizontal distances and vertical gains/ losses
  • GPS track of the itinerary that can be downloaded to your smartphone to make sure you know where you are at any given time
  • “Plan B and C” options in case of bad weather or adverse mountain conditions or a need for longer or shorter days
  • Recommendations for side trips to summits, World War I commemorative sites, and other points of interest
• Lodging sequence and meal plan
• Taxi to trailhead
• Luggage storage at your hotel in Merano
• Emergency contact numbers
• Gear list (also available on this webpage by clicking the “gear list” tab above
• faq and more

Customize It

Make this trip yours by adding or upgrading services. Check out our ‘Included Services” for a list of options.

Family and Group Discounts

For groups and families of 5 or more, we can offer the following discounts on our advertised prices

2-4 participants: Our advertised per person price
5-6 participants: 5% discount from our advertised per person price
7+ participants: 10% discount from our advertised per person price

Self-Guided: Merano High Mountain Trail Sample 7 Nights/ 6 Days Itinerary

Arrival/Travel Day:
Arrive in Merano for lodging in our Hotel. Please use this day to stock up on any lunch and snack supplies you may need.

Day 1: Merano to Nasereit Hut 
We start Stage 1 of the circuit with a boost to higher altitude, taking the Hochmuth cable car above vineyards and orchards up to the Muthöfe farmstead where we begin our circuit. From here, a short but steep climb up to the Steinegg Inn. We continue west on a portion of the trail called the Hans-Frieden-Weg. After 1.5 hours we reach the Leiteralm where we usually have lunch. The trail continues through the forest to the Hochganghaus where we will cross over the Töllgraben bridge. From the Hochganghaus, the trail continues past the “Hohe Wiege” viewpoint. From here the trail begins the descent down to the Nasereit Hut, passing the Tablander Alm on the way.
This is an easier first day, about 5 hours of hiking.

Day 2: Nasereit Hut to Katharinaberg
Stage 2 is an impressive day with stunning views of valleys, high peaks, suspension bridges, and the famous Gorge of 1000 Steps. Be prepared for an undulating trail with lots of steps that might leave your knees a bit shaky by the end of the day! We hike from Nasereit to Katharinaberg, beginning with a 1-hour walk to Giggleberg. As we approach Giggleberg we are rewarded with stunning views of the Merano Valley. Now we tackle the Gorge of 1000 Steps. Chains, ropes, and railings will help you navigate this challenging section of the trail. Fresh water, snacks, and lunch can be found along the way at the many restaurants, inns, and farms that you’ll find along the way. As we continue onwards to Grub and then Lint, a short descent through the Schnalstal valley leads us to Katharinaberg where we settle in for the night.
Approx. 6 hours of walking.

For private trips we can customize the itinerary to avoid the Gorge of 1000 Steps. Please inquire with us if you’d prefer this easier itinerary option. 

Day 3: Katharinaberg – Eishof
Today is a relatively easy start to Stage 3 on a fairly flat trail through pastoral land where roaming livestock is a common sight. After 4km/ 2,5 miles, a steep ascent leads us to Jägerrast. We usually stop at the Gasthaus Jägerrast for a much needed rest, snack and/or lunch. There are numerous inns along the way allowing for plenty of rest, snacks, and a hearty lunch. If you are watching closely, you might spot a chamois (type of mountain goat) on the opposite side of the valley or a golden eagle flying through the canyon, as their nests are in the valley cliffs. The trail continues through mountain pastures and a Larch forest, before arriving at the Eishof for lodging. Beautiful views of the Hohe Weisse, named for its bright limestone, and to the left, the Hohe Wilde with its dark rock.
Approx. 5.5 hours of walking.

Day 4: Eishof – Pfelders
Another stunning day on Stage 4 as we hike up to the Eisjöchl ridge in the Texel Group and reach the highest point on the Merano High Mountain Trail at almost 3000m. This route follows a forest road, along an old and gradually ascending military route, with some Alpine terrain in the form of small snow fields. After 3 hrs we reach the the Stettiner Hütte. The hut was swept away by an avalanche in 2013/14 and reopened in 2021. After some rest and lunch at the hut, we continue with a descent to the Lazinser Alm and onwards to Pfelders.
Approx. 6 hours

Day 5: Pfelders – Matatz
Stage 5 of the Merano offers up a different landscape than what we have been seeing for the past few days. After crossing three streams, we reach the Bergkristall climbing garden where we hike through forests, valleys, meadows and mountain farms. Soon we reach the hamlet of Christl above St. Leonhard, the main town of the Passeier Valley. The Sarntal Alps and the double peak of the Laugen mountain rise majestically on the horizon. It is in Krössbichl that we cross the bridge that connects the southern part of the Merano High Mountain Trail to the northern part. As we walk toward the Texel Group, passing the towns of Sefnar, Ulfas, and Christl, asphalt roads connect us to Matatz where we will lodge for the night.
Approx. 5 hours of walking

Day 6: Matatz back to Merano
We finish our circuit hike through the Texel group today, descending into the Kalmbach Valley and the lowest point of the Merano High Mountain Trail. From here the trail follows several ups and downs until it returns to 1000m above sea level near Magdfeld.
Passing several mountain farms and woodland, we reach the Hochmuth cable car, from where we descend to Dorf Tirol and back to Merano for our last night of lodging.

Departure/Travel Day:
Your trip officially concludes after breakfast. Thank you for joining OnTop Mountaineering on this stunning trek through the Texel Group in South Tirol, Italy.

Inclusions

Included:

• Fully Customized and detailed day-to-day itinerary, designed by our director and head guide, Jorg Wilz
  (You will find directions, including hiking times/distances/elevation gain and loss, trail numbers and “Plan B options” in case of fatigue or adverse weather or extension options should you desire a longer day)
• Lodging in huts/mountain lodges/authentic farm guesthouses and hotels in private rooms (when available) with breakfast
• Half-board dinners (3-4 courses) for all hut nights
• GPS tracks that you can upload to your smartphone or GPS, along with printable PDF maps
• 24-hour Hotline contacts while you are en route
• 3 -star Hotel lodging in Merano with a large breakfast before and after your trek
• Luggage storage at your Merano hotel
• Support with your travel logistics and all trip organization as well as sightseeing suggestions

Not Included:

• Airfares
• Transport to and from your start and end point
• Taxi/bus transfers/cable cars throughout the hike
• Dinners in Merano and hotels/mountain lodges/guesthouses
• All beverages (water, alcoholic, & non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase at your accommodation or in the Valleys)
• All lunches & snacks (available for purchase at your accommodation or in the Valleys)
• Insurance
• Any additional costs in case of itinerary changes regardless if those changes were made due to adverse weather or mountain conditions, or due to personal or group preferences

Customize It

Make this trip yours by adding or upgrading services (€): 

Try a Via Ferrata

See what the buzz is all about – add on 1 or 2 days of via ferrata, under the supervision of a mountain guide. Via ferrata routes include the use of cables, ladders, rungs, and the occasional bridge to facilitate safe passage across exposed mountain faces and ridges with beautiful hiking in between. The first via ferrata routes were built and used by soldiers in World War I. Many of these routes are still in use, but development is ongoing as via ferrata climbing has become a very popular sport in itself.

Upgrades(€): please ask for a quote

• Hotel upgrades
• Single rooms for nights in hotels

Add-Ons(€): please ask for a quote

• Additional hotel nights at the start and/or end of your trip
• Lodging for rest days
• Topographical maps (available on request least 8 weeks before trip departure)
• Add on a day of guided via ferrata above the Nasereit, rock climbing near Merano, or Alpine scrambling on the Hohe Wilde with a night of lodging at the Stettiner Hut
• Taxi surcharges for hotel lodging outside of our normal booking radius
• Taxi transport from nearby airports
• Mid-trip luggage transfer

Transportation

Transport Options/Closest Airport:

Our Merano High Mountain Trail / Alta Via Merano begins in Merano and can be easily reached from a variety of airports: Bolzano, Munich, Innsbruck, Venice or Milano, to name a few options. For more information:
Reach Merano by plane

Train Travel to Merano: Merano is connected to a solid train network via the Austrian and Swiss trail systems.
More Information

Bus Travel to Merano: There is a direct bus service connecting Merano with Munich. The Südtirol Express connects Merano to Switzerland, and FlixBus offers year-round bus connections from every European Country.
More Information:

Private Shuttle: Alternatively private shuttles from airports can be arranged.

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We recommend pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

Trip Related Questions:

Arrival Day 

The day before the trek begins, you will arrive in Merano to check into our preferred Hotel. We suggest arriving in the afternoon to leave yourself time to pack a lunch for the following day and have a leisurely dinner before getting a good night’s rest.

Climate, Weather, Temperatures 

Merano and the Texel Group are usually blessed with some favorable weather. However, as anywhere in the mountains, there is also a chance to see some snow, if a storm hits. This is rare in July and August but can happen in June and September. Daytime temperatures can range from -5C (23F) to 25C (77F) or higher.

Best Time to visit the Merano/ South Tyrol, and Texel Group

Full circular route: July to end of September

On a custom basis we can modify the itinerary to include the Southern half of the circuit only which lends to warmer weather:
Merano High Mountain Trail South: May to October

Lodging in Hotels  and Mountain Huts during the Trek 

• We split our time between comfortable mountain huts and hotels.
• The huts are heated and provide sheets and comforters or wool blankets – however, in some of the huts the sheets/blankets are not changed between each client stay, so it is mandatory to bring a sleeping bag liner. The lightest models available are made of silk and weigh around 100 grams (1/2 pound).
• The Huts included along our route vary in size from very large to small and rustic depending on their location – all are built in magnificent settings. Some of the huts only offer coed, multi-bed bunk rooms for 10 to 14 trekkers (when fully occupied).
• When lodging in dorm rooms/ non-private rooms, you will be sleeping with your fellow trekkers and most likely other trekkers as well. If you are a sensitive sleeper, we highly recommend ear plugs, an eye mask, and perhaps a sleep aid.

Breakfasts and Dinners at the Huts/ Hotels

• Breakfasts typically consist of tea/coffee, bread, jams, cold cuts or ham, cheese, muesli, cereal with milk or yoghurt. More remote huts may have smaller breakfast offerings. If you have your preferred cereal for breakfast, granola bar or power snack, you should probably bring it along from home, as it might not be available in the small food stores in Italian mountain villages or at the huts.
• Dinners are usually between 3- 4 courses (“mezza pensione”) which consist mostly of pasta or soup, a meat entree and dessert and/or cheese.

Lunches 

Lunches are not included in our trip packages. We recommend packing a lunch for the first day of trekking. Packed lunches are available at each hut/hotel and must be ordered the night before. Please discuss as a group what the next day’s lunch plans are as some group may opt to dine-in at a hut, restaurant, or farm along the way.

Luggage Storage and Transfers

You can use the hotel luggage storage facilities at your own risk. Neither OnTop nor the hotel accepts any responsibility for loss of or damage to the luggage or the contents (including any valuables, even if we have been advised) during storage, the disposal process or any luggage transfers that may be part of your trip package. That being said, we have never had any issues with lost luggage during storage or transfer.

Maps

#4 Schnalstal / Val Senales

#11 Meran und Umgebung – Merano et Dintorno

#39 Paseier Tal – Val Pasira

Can I Do It?

This is a non-technical trail hike, which requires up to 6 hrs (up to 6 miles, maximum of 2500 ft vertical) of hiking on most of the days (up to 8 hrs a day including optional peak ascents and side trips). On some days we reach our hut or lodge by early afternoon and guests have the option between a peak ascent or relaxing with a good book in the afternoon.

Hikers should have hiking experience and must be surefooted.