Travel report: hiking from Meran to Lake Garda

Meran – Nals

Finally it started. After a very delicious and rich breakfast we were on our way at 9am and heading in the direction of Nals. Under a sunny, cloudless sky we enjoyed the lonely path between the orchards. Again and again we met some fruit farmers harvesting. One friendly South Tyrolean even offered us an apple. Then we cam to a beautiful natural spectacle – a waterfall. We looked for a quiet spot for a little refreshment nearby.

Well fortified we tackled the altitude. Shortly before the finish we reached a felt art trail. Along the way there are 24 works of art made from felted wool. Hansel and Gretel are there, as well as a myriad of fish, a Capricorn and a fantasy bird. It was a colourful and entertaining show. In Nals we received a warm welcome in Hotel Traubenheim. The room was like an apartment. Very large, with a small kitchen and very clean. For dinner we went to the recommended restaurant Figl to eat pizza.

Nals - Kaltern

This day also brought many highlights. At first we travelled uphill through the forest and then along a beautiful forest path towards Andriano. Here you can already catch a first glimpse of the impressive Dolomites. On a huge boulder with a good view of the Dolomites we took our first rest stop. Then we went up to the chalk tower and after a few metres came to the castle Boymont. A beautiful viewpoint, and rewarding rest point. We enjoyed a fresh fruit juice and delicious cake. The host was very nice and talkative; he has already hosted many Eurohike guests!

The path went up and down hill until we turned off towards Eislöcher. Unfortunately we didn’t see any icicles, but it was noticeably colder and more mystical. Shortly afterwards we arrived in the centre of Oberplanitzing, where our hotel Masatsch is located. We were greeted warmly and were even allowed to use the heated indoor pool and infrared sauna. We enjoyed our dinner in the restaurant Masatsch.

Kaltern – Coredo

We walked from the Hotel Masatsch to the Mendelbahn. After a breath taking panoramic view from the top of the pass we began our hike on the Margheriten Weg. The path led us over lush meadows and up onto a narrow and imposing mountain trail with deep views of river valleys and small villages. Continuing towards the Don, we crossed two very high bridges. After a long, lonely descent we reached a small river, which we almost followed to the Sanctuary of San Romedio. The pilgrimage site sits on a 70m high limestone cliff and consists of several churches and chapels, which adapt to the rock form.

After the church we went a bit uphill to the two lakes above Coredo. Here we walked along the shore and followed the ‘Viale die Sognie” – the ‘lane of dreams’ – towards Hotel Miravall. A beautiful renovated house with sauna and swimming pool. In the cosy hotel restaurant we enjoyed an excellent dinner.

Hiking trail through the vineyards in South Tyrol

Forest lake on the hiking trail in South Tyrol

Coredo – Spormaggiore – Molveno

This day began with a transfer from Hotel Miravall to Spormaggiore. The path once again took as past magnificent orchards where the harvest was well under way. At a crossroads we met two more Eurohike guests. They told us they had already taken the Eurohike Tour Reschensee – Meran and that they can highly recommend it. It was followed by a nice conversation about past and future hiking destinations. We took a short break in Andalo and walked comfortably to Lake Molveno. Once there, we immediately took off our hiking boots and enjoyed the cool water. The weather was fantastic again. We relaxed in the afternoon by Lake Molveno and marvelled at the paragliders above our heads. Later we checked in at the Alpotel Venezia. We were again in a very nice room with a balcony and view over Lake Molveno. We had our dinner in the tavern – a pizzeria where we both enjoyed a very delicious pizza with good wine.

Molveno – Comano Cattoni

We stared the beautiful sunny day with the Predelbahn. An impressive mountain railway followed by the Brenta Dolomites. Past two Rifugios where we also took a short break each time. After a long descent, we later went along a forest road to the beautiful clear mountain lake Lago Nembia. Then we met other Eurohike guests in an outdoor dining area and enjoyed an ice cream, biscuits and a delicious espresso together. Later we were all taken by taxi to our hotel called Comano Cattoni Holiday. This hotel offers a small wellness area, which we used immediately. The dinner in the hotel was a true experience of ultimate delight.

Comano Cattoni – Lake Garda

First, the hike led along a dirt road with some climbs through the forest. At noon we arrived at the hut Rifugio San Pietro. From here we had wonderful panoramic views of Lake Garda. The feeling was overwhelming and the destination of Lake Garda was within reach. We stayed up there for a while and enjoyed the sun, which gradually came out from behind the clouds. The descent was beautiful, very sunny and always with a view of the lake. Once in Varone, we briefly admired the waterfall then walked along a beautiful walkway along a river directly to Lake Garda. After a short time we reached our hotel Venezia. The senior manager of the family-run hotel welcomed us very warmly.

Our departure day

On time at 8am our colleague Johannes, the station manager, picked us up and took us safely back to Merano. We passed some places we had walked past over the last few days. So we reviewed our trip again and remembered the many beautiful experiences.

Warm greetings,

Sandra