Hiking in the Hirzer region: alpine pasture trails, alpine roses and mountain hut stops above Schenna
For many Hohenwart guests, hiking around Schenna is simply part of their holiday. The Hirzer region is ideal for a day in the mountains: close by, easy to reach and high enough to feel as though you have stepped into another world.
A day in the Hirzer region can begin at an unhurried pace. With the journey up to Tall, the chairlift to Grube, the first few steps along a panoramic trail and views opening out across Merano and environs. Those looking for hiking ideas near Merano will find not only demanding summit walks, but also enjoyable routes between alpine pastures and mountain huts that can be adapted to suit their fitness and how far they feel like walking.
The alpine rose season is especially beautiful. From mid-June into early July, depending on the weather, altitude and how the season unfolds, the slopes turn shades of pink and deep rose. For a few weeks, the Hirzer region feels almost enchanted: mountain air, alpine roses in bloom, grasses moving in the breeze and quiet trails above the tree line.
A mountain day for every generation
The Hirzer region is particularly well suited to a multigenerational holiday in South Tyrol. Families with children can keep the day shorter, combining the cable car and chairlift with easy paths. Those who wish to walk further can choose a longer route linking several alpine pastures and mountain huts. The same excursion can therefore become either a gentle day in the mountains or a longer hike above the tree line.
Up to Tall: the journey is part of the experience
The hiking area is easy to reach from Schenna without needing the car. Schenna hiking bus 234 runs to the Verdins cable car. Alternatively, Verdins can also be reached on bus 231. The Verdins–Tall cable car carries guests into the heart of the Hirzer hiking area.
From there, those who wish can continue on the Talle–Grube chairlift. The ride has an almost nostalgic charm: slow, quiet and suspended above meadows and woodland. At the top, a peaceful mountain landscape opens up, with trails, alpine pastures and far-reaching views.
Circular hike from Grube: Stafell Alm, Klammeben, Hirzerhütte, Mahdalm and Gompm Alm
One particularly lovely route begins at Grube. From here, the trail leads first to Stafell Alm and then onwards towards Klammeben. It continues to the Hirzerhütte mountain hut before descending towards Gompm Alm.
A particular Hohenwart recommendation is to include a detour to Mahdalm. Beautifully situated, it is well worth a stop for its simple, excellent cooking.
From Gompm Alm, the circular route continues back towards Grube, where the chairlift descends to Oberkirn. Alternatively, you can walk directly to the upper station of the Verdins–Tall cable car at Oberkirn.
This route brings together much of what makes the Hirzer region so appealing: open panoramic paths, broad alpine meadows, several places to stop for refreshments and recurring views across Merano and environs. It is ideal for guests who enjoy a longer walk but are not looking for a classic summit hike.
Another route: Stafell Alm, Assen Hut, Hiaslbauer and Videgg
A second option leads from Stafell Alm to the Assen Hut. The section between Stafell and the hut crosses more demanding terrain and requires mountain experience and a sure footing. From the hut, the route descends to Hiaslbauer Mountain Inn, continues through Videgg and eventually reaches Oberkirn. This walk reveals another side of the area, passing alpine pastures, farms and small mountain hamlets.
The day can be adapted easily. Those who only wish to walk for a while can choose a shorter route between the huts. Guests with more time and experience can turn it into a longer hike with several stages and places to stop along the way.
An alternative via Saltaus and Klammeben
Those who would prefer to begin higher in the mountains can take the Hirzer cable car from Saltaus. Travelling via Prenn, it continues to Klammeben at almost 1,980 metres. From here, you are immediately among the higher alpine pastures and can include Stafell Alm, the Hirzerhütte mountain hut, Mahdalm or other huts in the area, depending on the route chosen.
This option is ideal for anyone wishing to begin the day at a higher altitude: step out of the cable car, breathe in the mountain air and start walking.
A stop at a mountain hut
Stopping for something to eat is as much a part of the experience as the walk itself. After a morning on the trail, simple South Tyrolean mountain cooking tastes particularly good: dumplings, homemade dishes, a glass of juice and perhaps something sweet, accompanied by fresh mountain air and views across the landscape.
A more sporting option: exploring the Hirzer region by e-bike
An e-bike reveals a more sporting side of the Hirzer region. A tour beginning in Schenna is considerably more demanding than a gentle walk between the mountain huts, but offers an entirely different way to experience the area.
One option is to take the Hirzer cable car to its mid-station at Prenn. From here, several routes are possible: turn left towards Hochwies, Gompm Alm, the Hirzerhütte mountain hut and Hintereggalm, or right towards Hiaslbauer Mountain Inn, the Assen Hut and Stafell Alm. Depending on the route, your fitness and the riding conditions, these can be combined into an enjoyable and suitably challenging circular tour.
Guests of Hotel Hohenwart can hire e-mountain bikes directly from the hotel and receive personal advice on choosing the most suitable route.
Good to know
Starting point: Hotel Hohenwart or Schenna
Getting there: Schenna hiking bus 234 to the Verdins cable car, followed by the Verdins–Tall cable car
Panoramic option: the Talle–Grube chairlift for a particularly peaceful and scenic ascent
Circular hike from Grube: Grube, Stafell Alm, Klammeben, Hirzerhütte mountain hut, a detour to Mahdalm, Gompm Alm and back towards Grube, or directly to the upper station of the Verdins–Tall cable car at Oberkirn
Another hiking route: Stafell Alm, Assen Hut, Hiaslbauer Mountain Inn, Videgg and onwards to Oberkirn. The section to the Assen Hut requires mountain experience and a sure footing
Alternative access: the Hirzer cable car from Saltaus via Prenn to Klammeben, ideal for beginning the hike at a higher altitude
Places to eat: Stafell Alm, Mahdalm, Gompm Alm, Assen Hut and Hiaslbauer Mountain Inn, depending on the route
Best time to visit: early summer to autumn, with the alpine roses usually at their most beautiful from mid-June to early July
Sporting alternative: an e-bike tour from Schenna, or take the Hirzer cable car to the mid-station at Prenn. From there, turn left towards Hochwies, Gompm Alm, Hirzerhütte and Hintereggalm, or right towards Stafell Alm, Hiaslbauer and the Assen Hut
Hohenwart service: e-mountain bikes are available to hire directly from the hotel
A day that stays with you
A day in the Hirzer region brings together an unhurried chairlift ride, alpine meadows, mountain air, flower-covered slopes and relaxed stops at mountain huts. It is a day that different generations can enjoy together, because it offers not one fixed destination, but many possibilities.
Perhaps that is precisely its charm. You travel up, walk for a while, pause, enjoy something to eat and take in the view. And at some point, you realise that this excursion becomes part of the holiday not because it is designed to impress, but because it gives you space to slow down.