Grawand - Finail farm

This high-Alpine trail presents the hiker with dramatic views and scenic highlights.

The Schnalstal Valley cable car takes us from Maso Corto/Kurzras (2,011 m) to the summit station (3,212 m) in just a few minutes. The roof terrace is an absolute must as it offers an incomparable panorama of the mountain world; starting with the ice-covered summits of Ortler and Cevedale to Adamello, from Weißkugel to Wildspitze. From the summit station, you can take the short route (A1/8) to Grawandspitze (3,251 m) with its dominant summit cross. Beyond the ridge, the tiny Finailsee lake is already visible far below. Since August 2020 there is also the a new platform called "Iceman Ötzi Peak", which makes it possible to enjoy the 360° panorama once again. Two free telescopes support the wide view to the many three-thousanders and also show the corresponding name of the surrounding mountain peaks. The trail passes over the ridge and down to Finailjoch (3,084 m), directly above the lifts. It is quite steep in parts, somewhat exposed and in spring often still has a covering of icy firn. The magnificent Finailsee lake (2,709 m), situated between rocks, is an impressive size for a mountain lake. Home to char, it is supplied with fresh water from a rocky spring. There are always Chamois to be seen around the trail. A number of archaeological artefacts (stela) were found nearby, indicating the presence of people up here even back in antiquity. After another short descent, we arrive at the remains of an old sheep pen (Finailgrub). A small water course runs through the circular dry wall, providing drinking sheep with protection from wild animals. Nearby, a Bronze Age site for burnt offerings with amber and glass jewellery was discovered. The amber originates from the Baltic region and shows just how far people travelled back then in order to foster relations and carry on trade. The ruins of the Finailalm inn (2,307 m) are a bit further down. These are archaic structures that have only changed slightly during the development of mountain farming culture. Excavation work just above Finailhof farm shows us that there have been animals in this area and at this altitude for more than 4000 years, at least during the season. Descending further, we come to Finailhof farm (1,952 m), a building from the late Middle Ages that is in operation all year round and was once the highest grain farm in Europe.

Naturno/Naturns - Schnalstal Valley - Maso Corto/Kurzras

parking place in front of the village Maso Corto/Kurzras in summer to pay, unguarded; in winter free, unguarded

with the SAD bus line no. 261 to Maso Corto/Kurzras