The Merano High Mountain Trail
In 1976, the
Texel Group Nature Park was established with the aim of preserving a unique mountain landscape in its pristine state and maintaining it as a space for recreation. The park stretches from valley floors through forests and alpine pastures up to steep rocky peaks and glacier regions.
The beauty of this unique
nature reserve reveals itself to mountain hikers along the Merano High Mountain Trail: Stretching over
90 kilometers, it encircles the central part of the Texel Group.
The idea for this magnificent high-altitude hiking trail came from
Helmuth Ellmenreich, who served as the first chairman of the Merano Section of the South Tyrolean Alpine Club from 1962 to 1997. Thanks to his determination and tireless efforts, the Merano High Mountain Trail was officially opened in 1985. It has since become a ribbon of friendship linking farmsteads and valleys and is now considered one of the
most beautiful hiking trails in the Alps.
Hiking Along the Merano High Mountain Trail
At a relatively consistent altitude, this trail acts as a bridge between the alpine climate of the
Texel Group and the sub-Mediterranean climate of the Etschtal. Like a panoramic terrace, it offers breathtaking views of the V
enosta Valley, the Merano basin, the Passiria Valley, the Sarntal Alps, the Stubai Alps, and the Ötztal Alps.
On clear days, the
Dolomites, the
Brenta Group, and the
Ortler appear impressively close and majestic.
The total length of the Merano High Mountain Trail is approximately
90 kilometers, divided into a northern and a southern circuit, allowing the hike to be undertaken in different seasons. Generally, the trail is accessible from the
end of June to October, depending on snowfall. The southern and eastern sections are usually snow-free year-round and are ideal for
day trips. Additionally, the route can be divided into multiple
daily stages.
Circumnavigation of the Texel Group Nature Park on the Merano High Mountain Trail
For a complete
circumnavigation of the Texel Group on the Merano High Mountain Trail, you should plan approximately
5 to 7 days. The various starting points for a hike along the Merano High Mountain Trail can be reached by bus, shuttle services, taxi, or car, or via various ascent facilities (cable cars, chairlifts, etc.).
The entire Merano High Mountain Trail is continuously marked with the
number 24, red/white. All exposed sections of the trail are equipped with guardrails, ladders, stairs, or steel ropes. Although the various stages of the trail are generously provided with opportunities for rest and refreshment, it is important to remember that you are traveling in the mountains, partly in high-altitude regions.
Proper hiking equipment, good footwear, weather protection, and good physical condition are essential requirements for traversing this unique alpine trail! Additionally, you should definitely equip yourself with appropriate maps before starting. Various hiking maps for the Texel Group Nature Park and the Merano High Mountain Trail, as well as a list of rest stops along the route, are available at the Naturns tourist office.
Please note that for overnight stays at the mountain huts along the trail, it is important to check the opening hours and the limited number of beds, so making a
reservation by phone is highly recommended. On some daily stages, there are multiple accommodation options available, allowing you to make a section of the trail slightly longer or shorter, depending on your preference. Always check with the hut hosts and accommodation providers for information on trail conditions and the upcoming section of the path. As an alternative to the Merano High Mountain Trail, and currently still a hidden gem among multi-day hikers, the
Venosta Valley High Mountain Trail is also worth considering.
The Merano High Mountain Trail in summary
| Length |
Approximately 90 km |
| Starting Points |
Unterstell, Giggelberg, Katharinaberg, Pfossental, Hochmuth, Ulfas, Vellau, Christl, Matatz |
| Total Hiking Time |
5 - 8 days |
| Altitude Difference |
5,100 m |
| Best Time to Hike |
End of June to October (depending on weather conditions) |