4 beautiful hiking days in the Passeier Valley

Dream Views, Wild Water, and Pure Romance

Would you like to discover the Passeier Valley on a short hiking getaway? In just four days, you can explore panoramic mountain peaks, a gorge with roaring wild water, a quiet mountain lake, and South Tyrol’s oldest wooden building complete with a museum. Here are the top tips from Jägerhof host Magdalena Augscheller.

A hiking holiday in South Tyrol couldn’t be more varied: four days in hiking boots, countless impressions, and the regionally inspired cuisine at Hotel Jägerhof make for an overall experience you’ll remember for a long time. To enjoy the mountain and valley hikes fully, you should have a good basic fitness level and sure-footedness. The good news: Magdalena Augscheller also suggests gentler alternatives, so every hiking enthusiast can experience the stunning Passeier Valley scenery.

Up and Down – Alpine Loop to the Picturesque Seebergsee

9 km | 370 m elevation | 3:00 h walking time | max. height 1,865 m | moderate

This “warm-up tour” for the first of your four hiking days in South Tyrol starts either directly at Hotel Jägerhof or at the Wannser Alm parking lot. Highlights include the picturesque Seebergsee and the spectacular Jägersteig, which climbs steeply via numerous steps – sure-footedness is required!

Start directly at the Jägerhof and walk the easy 2.9 km to the Wannser Hof at 1,410 m. Follow the wide, gently ascending trail No. 12 through the idyllic Sailertal. After 20 minutes, you’ll reach a fork; turn left, cross the stream, and arrive at the rustic Seebergalm. From here, it’s a short distance to Seebergsee with the Seespitze as a backdrop – perfect for a break! Continue northeast along a forested ridge to the Jägersteig (trail No. 14), which ascends steeply toward the Wannser Alm (1,641 m). From there, a gentler climb leads to Moseralm (1,865 m), offering panoramic views of the Wannsertal, Waltental, Jaufen Pass, and Ötztal Alps. Descend steeply to the Wannser Tal, then follow the wide path back to Wannser Hof and the Jägerhof.

Wild Water – Impressive Hike Through the Passer Gorge

12.8 km | 480 m elevation | 5:00 h walking time | max. height 1,146 m | moderate

Between St. Leonhard and Moos, the romantic Passer Gorge can be explored on airy steel walkways since 2015. Here, the Passer River transforms into a wild, foaming mountain stream. Ice and water have shaped the gorge with its rugged cliffs, deep pools, and powerful eddies – offering a glimpse into Alpine history.

Start in St. Leonhard and pass the sports fields to reach the trailhead of path No. 1. Walk along the northern bank of the Passer upstream, and after 20 minutes, reach the bridge where the gorge walk begins. Initially, the trail passes through the forest, leading to the first bridge over the increasingly wild river, offering views of the Stuller Waterfalls, among Europe’s highest. Follow the gorge trail to the turnoff for Hinterbrugger Hof, a 10-minute detour for a rest. Continue along the final gorge section toward Moos, ascend steeply to the mountain village of Platt, and return via Breiteben on trail No. 6 to St. Leonhard.

Pure Romance – Through the High Valley to Pfistradalm with Museum

8.6 km | 208 m elevation | 2:20 h walking time | max. height 1,354 m | easy

The South Tyrolean Alps are famous for their alpine pastures and rustic, weathered mountain huts. On this hike, you’ll discover one of the oldest preserved wooden buildings in South Tyrol, the Pfistrad/St. Anna Alpine Museum, where you can learn about traditional alpine life and farming.

Start directly at the Jägerhof. After about 100 m along the sidewalk on Jaufenstraße, go under the bridge and reach the Waltner circular trail on the opposite valley side. Follow it until you reach trail No. 12 above the Saagstadt settlement toward St. Leonhard. Continue on trails 13a and 13 with a gentle incline through the valley, passing the Fischerlöcher gorges and the cliffs of Plattenspitze, until you reach the picturesque St. Anna Alm. The Gothic blockhouse houses a small museum open during summer months. The late Baroque chapel and two additional buildings complete the idyllic ensemble on green alpine meadows, framed by mountain peaks.

Optional extension: Those in good shape can continue on a steep path from St. Anna Alm to Bärengrübl Alm at 1,874 m.

Quick Summit Joy – Flecknerspitze and Glaiter Joch

13 km | 905 m elevation | 4:00 h walking time | max. height 2,386 m | difficult

The highlight of your 4-day short break in the Passeier Valley is this summit hike with breathtaking panoramic views. After the previous hiking days, you’ll be well acclimated and fit. Now tackle two viewpoints that will make saying goodbye to South Tyrol hard – but another mountain holiday is sure to follow!

Start at Enzianhütte (1,970 m). Follow trail No. 12 toward Flecknerspitze, following signs for “Saxner.” Begin with a steep 10-minute climb, then continue along the Jaufen ridge with little further ascent. Take breaks to enjoy the view: your gaze sweeps across the Passeier Valley to Meran, the Hinterpasseiertal to the west, and Ratschingstal to the north. Upon reaching Flecknerspitze, head west to Glaitner Joch, where the trail meets Passeirer Höhenweg. Descend gently along trail No. 12 to Flecknerhütte, then return via Römerkehre to Enzianhütte.

Feeling inspired for a short stay at Hotel Jägerhof?
Book your hiking holiday here.