Hiking is deeply rooted in the soul of every South Tyrolean. From an early age, people in South Tyrol grow up with this passion, first exploring the immediate surroundings, and then aiming higher and higher up to the summit. The feeling of freedom that a hike gives, but also the small emotions associated with it, such as waiting for a hearty snack to be eaten in the numerous mountain huts after a route, is something that is indispensable for many.
This also applies to Erich, the Falkensteiner’s older brother. He grew up exploring the mountains of South Tyrol with his brother Andreas as a child, and today continues to hike with his wife Brigitte and their children at his side.
To give everyone the chance to follow in Erich Falkensteiner’s footsteps in South Tyrol, we have collected his favourite hiking trails and huts in South Tyrol for you below:
Gampielalm in the Fundres Valley
“One of my absolute favourite alpine pastures. It can be reached in just under an hour and a half and is very close to the Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido, and has become one of our favourite family outings. “Val di Fundres is located close to Vandoies and Bressanone, and can be reached by car.
Fane Alm
“As a hotelier in Valles, I naturally know the Fane Alm by heart. However, for me it is still one of the most beautiful alpine villages in South Tyrol. Particularly suitable for families, as the Fane Alm can be easily reached in less than an hour from our Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Falkensteinerhof. For more demanding hikers, there are still plenty of trails to test your fitness after a refreshment, including the Picco della Croce at over 3,000 metres. Tip: try the Almtris’. The Fane Alm is located at the end of the Valles valley, near Brixen.
WELLSCHELLENER ALM
“We discovered the Wellschellener Alm several years ago. You can reach the alpine pasture in just under an hour from the Falkensteiner Hotel & SPA Sonnenparadies and enjoy what are probably the best apricot dumplings in the world. For us, this is the perfect combination of hiking pleasure and eating pleasure”. The alpine hut is located in San Vigilio di Marebbe in Val Badia.
Circular hike at Lake Anterselva
“You don’t always have to be high up to enjoy South Tyrol. One of my favourite secret spots is Lake Anterselva, which is less well known than its Pusterese brother, Lake Braies, but in my opinion, is by no means inferior to it. Whether you walk around the lake or make yourself comfortable with a picnic blanket on the large meadow, you can’t go wrong here. Lake Antholz is located in the Antholz Valley, right behind the biathlon centre and just a stone’s throw from the Falkensteiner Hotel Antholz.
Cima Lasta
“Finally, of course, the local mountain of Casteldarne must not be missed: the Cima Lasta. Starting from the hamlet of Ellen, you reach the summit via the beautiful Rodengo alpine pasture. The hike takes a little longer (2:30 hours) but the 360° cross on the summit rewards you with a unique panorama. You can reach Cima Lasta via Casteldarne or via Luson.”
