{"id":37476,"date":"2024-11-18T13:20:53","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T12:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/texel-group-hiking-in-the-south-tyrol-nature-park\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T16:30:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:30:41","slug":"texel-group-hiking-in-the-south-tyrol-nature-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/italy\/south-tyrol\/texel-group-hiking-in-the-south-tyrol-nature-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Texel Group: Hiking in the South Tyrol Nature Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hiking in the Texelgruppe Nature Park along the Meraner H\u00f6henweg <\/h1>\n\n

The Texel Group is South Tyrol\u2019s largest nature park. The area is bordered to the south by Merano, to the west by the Schnalstal Valley, to the east by the Passeiertal Valley, and to the north by the main Alpine ridge. The Texel Group is home to roe deer, chamois, mountain marmots, and ibex. It is located near the area where \u00d6tzi lived, around 3,300 B.C. <\/p>\n\n

We asked the owner of Paloria<\/a>, a sustainable vacation apartment complex in Algund, about the most beautiful hikes in the area. She recommended one of the most spectacular and varied day hikes in the Texel Group: the trail from Vellau to the Leiter Alm, Hochhanghaus, and back to the Leiter Alm via the Spronser Seen lake group. It takes you through lush mountain landscapes, past the most beautiful mountain lakes, and over breathtaking passes. <\/p>\n\n

Read about this challenging but beautiful hike. The total distance is approximately 20\u201322 kilometers. <\/p>\n\n

The hike begins in the picturesque mountain village of Vellau. It is situated on a hill with a beautiful view of the valley. From the center of Vellau, follow the marked hiking trail toward the Leiter Alm<\/a>. The trail climbs steadily through forests and open alpine meadows, offering views of the surrounding vineyards and the city of Merano along the way. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Texel
Photo credits: IDM South Tyrol-Alto Adige\/Damian Pertoll<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Texel
Photo credits: IDM South Tyrol-Alto Adige\/Damian Pertoll<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Starting point of the hike: from Vellau to the Leiter Alm<\/h2>\n\n

The first part of the hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and is relatively easy, although the trail gets steeper as you get closer to the Leiter Alm. This cozy and traditional mountain restaurant is located at an altitude of 1,550 meters and is a pleasant spot to catch your breath and enjoy local delicacies such as apple strudel or a hearty speck platter. From the terrace, you\u2019ll have a stunning view of Merano. <\/p>\n\n

Approx. 3 kilometers, difficulty level *****<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n

Stage 2: From Leiter Alm to Hochganghaus <\/h2>\n\n

After the break, continue along the famous Meraner H\u00f6henweg toward the Hochganghaus<\/a>. Here you\u2019ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks and deep valleys. The trail is well-maintained but narrow and steep in places, making it more challenging. The hike to the Hochganghaus takes about 2 hours, depending on your pace. <\/p>\n\n

Approx. 4 kilometers, difficulty level *****<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n

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\"Hiking
Photo credits: IDM\/S\u00fcdtirol Wein\/Tiberio Sorvillo <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"LeiterAlm_Mountain
Photo credits: IDM S\u00fcdtirol \/ Michael Glashauser<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Stage 3: Over the Hochgangscharte to the Spronser Seen lake group <\/h2>\n\n

From the Hochganghaus, the climb begins to the Hochgangscharte, a mountain pass at an altitude of about 2,450 meters. This is a challenging section with steeper stretches and loose rocks, but the view at the top is more than worth the effort. The pass offers a magnificent panorama of the Spronser Seen, a group of 10 clear blue mountain lakes known as the highest and largest group of lakes in South Tyrol. <\/p>\n\n

Approx. 5 kilometers, difficulty level *****<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n

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\"Spronser
Photo credits: IDM S\u00fcdtirol \/ Harald Wisthaler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Stage 4: From the Spronser Seen to Oberkaser <\/h2>\n\n

The route continues along the lakes and leads you to the Oberkaser Alm<\/a>, a mountain hut where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature and the fresh mountain air while savoring a cheese platter. This part of the route is less steep and gives you a chance to catch your breath and take in the beautiful scenery. <\/p>\n\n

Approx. 3 kilometers, difficulty level *****<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n

Stage 5: Back to the Leiter Alm via the Taufenscharte <\/h2>\n\n

From the Oberkaser Alm, the trail climbs up to the Taufenscharte, a pass offering impressive views of the surrounding mountain landscape. The descent from this pass is steep and requires your full attention and caution. This section of the route can be challenging due to the rugged terrain, but it eventually leads back to the Leiter Alm, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved rest. <\/p>\n\n

Approx. 6 kilometers, difficulty level *****<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n

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\"Meraner
Photo credits: IDM S\u00fcdtirol \/ Armin Terzer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Korflift_TV
Photo credits: IDM S\u00fcdtirol \/ Benjamin Pfitscher<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Return: From the Leiter Alm to Vellau <\/h2>\n\n

If you still have enough energy, you can walk back to Vellau along the same trail you took to get there. If you’ve had enough walking and want to get back faster, there’s a cable car that will easily take you back down to the valley. <\/p>\n\n

This hike is best done in the spring and fall. The mountain huts are usually closed from mid-October through April. <\/p>\n\n

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The Meraner H\u00f6henweg<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Meraner H\u00f6henweg is a 92-kilometer trail that winds through the Texelgruppe Nature Park. This route\u2014marked with the number 24\u2014takes you through the area in 5 to 8 day hikes. The Meraner H\u00f6henweg has several entry and exit points, allowing you to start the hike at different locations or descend into the valley. The access points are easily reachable by cable car, public transportation, or car. Read more about the different stages of this route here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

Accommodation Tip: South Tyrol<\/h2>\n\n

Paloria<\/a> is located in Algund. Here you\u2019ll find beautiful apartments with a pool, sauna, and hot tub. The owner is an avid hiker, trail runner, and cyclist herself. She\u2019d be happy to tell you more about the trails you can explore in the area. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Paloria<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Paloria<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Paloria<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n
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Important Tips for Your Hike in the Texel Group <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Duration: Expect a total walking time of about 7\u20139 hours, depending on your pace and breaks. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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    • Difficulty: This route is suitable for experienced hikers due to its length and steep sections. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      • Amenities: Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the route is long and there aren’t places to eat and drink everywhere along the way. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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        • Clothing: Dress in layers, bring a cap or hat, and pack sunscreen. Also, always bring a raincoat or poncho, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          This route offers the perfect combination of physical challenge and natural beauty in the serene mountain landscape of South Tyrol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In addition to this day hike, the Texel Group offers many other hiking trails for all skill levels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

          Texel Group Hike on the Map<\/h2>\n\n