Summer vacation in South Tyrol
Sunny vacation days in Natz
The sun-kissed alpine plateau of Natz/Schabs counts among the areas with the most hours of sunshine per year in the alpine region. On average, the sun shines from a cloudless sky in the Eisacktal for more than 300 days a year. You’ll spend your summer vacation in Natz/Schabs in a region known for its delicious apple varieties and excellent wines. In late summer, the first apples begin to ripen on the trees in the orchards. Vineyards stretch along the slopes of the low mountain range, occasionally interrupted by pine forests. Hikers may explore the landscape on a well-developed network of hiking trails, while cyclists and mountain bikers will find pure happiness on the Eisacktal Cycle Path and various other exciting trails through the Dolomites!
Hiking in the Dolomites
Experiences in the mountains
The Gasthaus Anich is the perfect starting point for walking tours to explore the fascinating mountain regions. Wonderful hikes take you on the high-altitude trail “Brixner Höhenweg” into the alpine mountain regions of the Dolomites. The so-called Pale Mountains are particularly famous for their multiform rocks. The best example of this is provided by the Three Peaks, which you may visit during a hiking holiday in South Tyrol. However, there are also remote routes where you will meet far fewer other hikers. This is true for the Prags Dolomites, where from the top of the Mount Seekofel you may enjoy a fantastic view far into the central Alps. Other famous peaks include the Schlern, the Sella, the Langkofel and the Rosengarten. The latter owes its name to the circumstance that the evening alpenglow wonderfully lights up these picturesque rock walls. You may also enjoy a great excursion on the panoramic hiking trails to the Rossalm. Although both trails have slight gradients, they are easy to manage even for children. A cosy rest stop awaits you on the panoramic hiking path to the Rossalm. After about an hour’s walk from Kreuztal, you reach an idyllic mountain inn with a children’s playground. The circular route from Brixen to the Neustift Abbey, Lake Vahrn, as well as the trails around Mount Plose, the Sterzing Mountains and the Gitschberg Jochtal offer even more opportunities for hiking.
Hiking safely
A great hiking holiday with excellent equipment
It is important to be properly equipped for your hiking holiday in South Tyrol. In any case, high walking boots are an essential item in your luggage. Since the weather in the mountains can change quickly, your outfits should be outdoor-proof. As a rule, a small backpack is sufficient for your hiking gear. In the South Tyrolean Alps, almost everywhere you’ll find the possibility to enjoy a meal in a mountain hut. Especially in the mountains, every extra kilo counts, particularly for non-professional hikers. In this respect, there is nothing wrong with ordering an afternoon snack with a glass of Vernatsch wine or a Kaiserschmarrn with a chilled lemonade after a successful climb and just taking in the view of the surrounding mountains.
Hiking itineraries
Apple Walk in Natz (easy)
This charming circular hike on the Natz-Schabs plateau is all about the delicious fruit. From our inn, you take the path to Raas and return from there. This leisurely walk leads through coniferous forests, across meadows, and through chestnut groves—and, of course, through long stretches of apple orchards. The information panels along the way provide all the interesting background information you need about our regional apple cultivation. The Olberg is a wonderful place for a panoramic rest. And if you're looking to find your centre during your vacation, you'll have plenty of opportunity to do so at the various centring points. (7.7 km, 2.5 hours)
Nature Hike to Brixen (medium difficulty)
The city of Brixen is always worth a visit. But why drive to the ancient episcopal city? Its baroque splendour is all the more enticing when you approach it on a hike through the idyllic cultural landscape of the Eisacktal. From the inn, you may first take the path to the church in Natz, then follow Trail 4 down to Raas and continue to the picturesque Neustift Monastery. From there, a beautiful trail leads through the vineyards along the river Eisack (Trail 16 or 14A) to Brixen. If you'd like, you may easily return to Natz by bus, thus, spending a little more time around the cathedral square. (One way 7 km, 1.75 hours)
Circular Trail via Rodeneck (demanding)
A wild gorge, ancient walls, and an art-historical sensation – these are the ingredients for this varied circular tour north of Natz. First, you follow Trail 4 down into the Rienz Gorge and cross the footbridge to the other bank of the river Rienz. From there, the path leads back uphill to the Niedersthof farm and continues towards Lüsen. About 800 meters beyond the farm, the trail turns off towards Rodeneck. Your now on Trail 1 that leads you past the Kreuzstöckl, first to Spisses, then to Vill, and finally to Rodenegg Castle. You should definitely take a closer look at the old castle. Frescoes from the early 13th century depicting the Iwein Epic by the minstrel Hartmann von Aue were discovered here. These are considered the oldest surviving secular wall paintings in the German-speaking world. The return route leads through the Rienz Gorge (Trail 1) and over the Rundl Bridge and Visum to Natz. (13.6 km, 4.5 hours)
Destinations
for your hiking holidays in the Dolomites
The ancient castles and historic residences in South Tyrol offer exciting hiking destinations, such as the castles Rodeneck and Feldthurns. In the Eisacktal you may visit the fortress of Franzensfeste, while a short hike on the apple plateau takes you to the museum “Rudolf Bacher” in Natz/Schabs. Wonderful hiking areas can be found on the Rodenecker Alm, the Lüsner Alm, the wild and romantic Fane Alm and on Mount Plose in the Dolomites. Fantastic views of the Dolomite summit Peitlerkofel can be enjoyed on the family trail Woody Walk. As you can see, there are many routes to choose from. From easy walks to challenging climbs, you may experience everything here in South Tyrol. We are happy to inform you about many other possible hiking itineraries around Natz/Schabs.
Discovery
Summer discovery journey in South Tyrol
Friends of art, culture and history should visit the historic cities of the region during the summer. The medieval city centre of Brixen, with its episcopal cathedral and the historic Hofburg, is just a few minutes’ drive away. The nearby monastery Neustift or the castle Feldthurns are also wonderful destinations for a day trip from our inn near Brixen.
An excursion to the spa town of Meran will take you to the botanical gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle with its marvellous Mediterranean vegetation. Other worthwhile day trips during your summer vacation in Natz/Schabs include the town of Bruneck and the regional capital Bozen, where you may visit the glacier mummy “Ötzi”. Thanks to the Guest Card, you can use all public transport in the Gitschberg/Jochtal region free of charge. Furthermore, the Guest Card grants you free access to 80 museums in South Tyrol.
Fun
Leisure activities during your summer vacation in Natz/Schabs
A visit to the water park Acquarena in Brixen or the outdoor pool in the town of Klausen offers a refreshing experience on hot summer days. You may also dive into the lakes of Kaltern and Montiggel, where water temperatures reach up to 24 degrees Celsius in summer. Those with a sense of adventure may book a tandem paragliding flight or join a rafting tour on the Eisack River. A day trip takes you to the idyllic shores of Lake Garda or to the lagoon city of Venice on the Adriatic coast.
