Hiking on 2 sides of the mountain
Sonnenberg
The Sonnenberg mountain in Vinschgau is considered a marvel of nature. The southern slopes of the Vinschgau between Naturns and Mals offer a characteristic natural scenery, the so-called Leiten. This is the name for the 500- to 700-metre wide and around 40 kilometre-long almost tree-free strip. The Vinschgau Sonnenberg is an ancient settlement area. Numerous Neolithic and bronze age finds and excavations confirm the settlement to be at least 4,000 years old. An important Roman north-south trading route passed the foot of the Sonnenberg, the Via Claudia Augusta. The original wood landscape has disappeared as a result of tree clearing and excessive grazing, together with the continental climate shifts and the level ground, which has resulted in today’s sparse steppe-grass belt. The Leiten are bare and desolate only at first sight. Their distinctive steppe vegetation is a floristic anomaly in the central Alpine region and the great variety of vegetation also provides a habitat for a great diversity of small animals, special insects and birds. Most interestingly, the Vinschgau steppe grass is home to many central Asian species. Many of the Vinschgau plants and animals can otherwise only be found much further east or south.
You can find what you are looking for not only high up in the mountains: in our region, you can find lots of
forest tracks ,
nature trails , promenades and panoramic routes. Cableways take you to the distinctive flora and fauna of the
Meran high-altitude route . The landscape is dotted with many active farms offering you everything from afternoon snacks to South Tyrolean dishes and homemade juice, and where you can refresh yourself and replenish your energy. If you would prefer to take a tour of the summits, then this is a little more exhausting, but you can do it starting from the hotel! The best time to go hiking on the Sonnenberg is probably during the mild winter months, in spring and in autumn!
Nörderberg
The shaded mountain side shows appears in total contrast to the Sonnenberg. Pine woods hold sway here from bottom to top, spruce forest with boreal and sub-alpine characteristics and, as the last forested tract, the especially-attractive larch – stone pine woodlands. The cone of debris from avalanches is both distinctive and dominates the landscapes, as it among the largest in the entire Alpine area. The National Park Stilfserjoch begins in Latsch; its game stocks make it something out of the ordinary. Numerous alpine pastures and opportunities for a break at farmsteads make every hike a unique experience. Without a doubt the most beautiful times for hiking on the Nörderberg are the months in summer and autumn!
Panorama view of Gsindboden
On the Nörderberg, south of Naturns at a height of 675 meters, the Gsindboden opens up, a sunny green forest clearing with a glorious panorama view. A viewing platform with information boards and telescope ensures broad views and deep insights:
- To the Naturnser Sonnenberg and the glacier in Schnalstal, with the place of discovery of „Ötzi“. The Gsindboden is one of the few easily accessible valley-close locations for hikers in Vinschgau, from where one can see the place of discovery and the homeland of the Iceman.
- To the grandiose contrary scenic landschaft – from orchards and vineyards in the valley to the extreme mountain farmer settlements and on up to the snow and glacier covered peak regions.
- To the rich cultural and historical heritage of the lower Vinschgas with its churches, castles, villages, mountain farmsteads, irrigation channels, archaic places and relicts.
