Alpine pastures and mountains
"Pfandler Alm" Alpine pasture and "Passeirer Höhenweg" trail
In St. Martin there are a lot of things to discover. The resort is also an excellent starting point for relaxing walks and hikes in the closer surroundings. Both the well-known 'Pfandler Alm' Alpine pasture, an ideal destination for day walk, and the 'Meraner Höhenweg' hiking trail are within easy reach from the town of St. Martin. The "Pfandler Alm" became famous, because the Tyrolean independence fighter Andreas Hofer was once held prisoner there. Today the Alpine pasture offers ramblers hearty snacks and accommodation.
A recommendable hike leads from the 'Pfandler Alm' to the 'Meraner Hütte' refuge. This stretch is part of the European long distance trail E5 starting at Oberstdorf in Germany and ending in Merano. The hike should not be underestimated. Right at the beginning the hiker has to climb from a height of 1,350 metres up to height of 2,800 metres, thus to manage an elevation gain of almost 1,500 metres. On his way up to the 'Hirzerspitze' peak the rambler is rewarded by stunning panoramic views.
The 'Passeierer Höhenweg' is also a marvellous high altitude trail for any rambler, being justifiably considered one of the most beautiful panoramic trails in South Tyrol. The small village of St. Leonhard is an ideal starting point for this hike. From there the hike leads first to the 'Flecknerhütte' refuge at a height of 2,100 metres. The hiker continues in direction of the 'Glaitner Joch' pass, enjoying fascinating views over the Stubai, Zillertal and Sarntal Alps.
The 'Schlattacher Joch' pass, the lake 'Übelsee' and the 'Eggergrubalm' Alpine pasture are further remarkable intermediate points of this hike. The rambler should be aware that this moderately difficult mountain hike takes at least five hours. Of course, the duration may be longer, if the hiker has a rest in one of the wayside mountain inns.
Alpine pastures and refuges around St. Martin
The 'Pfandler Alm' is for sure the most famous Alpine pasture near St. Martin. However, there are plenty of other mountain inns which the guest can visit in the closer surroundings. The 'Jaufenblick' mountain inn, for example, is a much frequented place, being open from March to October. The 'Mahdalm', the 'Valseralm' and the 'Naserhof' mountain inn are further popular destinations around St. Martin.
"Passeirer Schildhöfeweg" trail
The 'Passeirer Schildhöfeweg' trail is recommendable for every guest. There are as many as seven 'Schildhöfe' farms around St. Martin. The walk along this circular trail, taking about two hours, is rather easy and can be managed very well even by untrained hikers. The so-called 'Schildhöfe' are farms which seem to be fortresses, being all built in an elevated position. With their ivy-entwined towers, their sundials and their beautiful frescoes, the 'Schildhöfe' a really worth a visit.
The "Passeirer Radweg" cycle track
You can not only explore the region around St. Martin by foot, but also by bicycle. The guests who like cycling are indeed well served. The 'Passeirer Radweg' cycle track is one of the most popular trails of our region. It is well-signposted and very well passable, being everywhere covered with gravel. The ride along this cycle track starts in the beautiful town of Merano and ends in the village of St. Leonhardt. Having a length of 20 kilometres and crossing the town of St. Martin and its faction Saltaus, it can be easily managed even by cyclists out of practice.
