Hiking

From leisurely walks to panoramic mountain hikes – discover the spectacular hiking opportunities around Eppan.

The area around Eppan offers an exceptional variety of walking and hiking trails. Gentle routes wind through vineyards, the Monticolo Forest, and blossoming apple orchards, while the Eppan High Trail rewards hikers with magnificent views. Those seeking more challenging adventures can head into the Mendola Mountains and hike to the summit of Gantkofel. Thanks to the mild climate, the hiking season often begins in spring and continues well into autumn.

At Lake Monticolo Grande

Hiking on Your Doorstep

Numerous walking and hiking trails begin right outside Das Matscher. Stroll through vineyards to the charming villages of Missian, St. Pauls, and St. Michael, or set off on the popular Three Castles Hike, a varied route that combines history, nature, and magnificent scenery.

Just a few minutes away, the Monticolo Forest offers peaceful walks around the two Monticolo Lakes or towards Girlan and Sigmundskron Castle. For those looking to explore higher ground, the nearby Mendola Mountains provide a wide range of rewarding hikes, including the ascent to Gantkofel with its spectacular panoramic views. The Dolomites, with iconic peaks such as the Sciliar and Catinaccio, are also within easy reach. Along the way, traditional mountain huts and alpine pastures invite you to pause and savour authentic South Tyrolean specialities.

Three Castles Hike in Autumn

Hiking All Year Round

Every season reveals a different side of the hiking landscape around Eppan. In spring, the Spring Valley delights visitors with carpets of snowdrops and blossoming apple orchards. Summer is perfect for mountain hikes in the Mendola Mountains or the nearby Dolomites. Autumn combines walks through colourful vineyards with the grape harvest and the traditional Törggelen season, while winter walks can be perfectly complemented by a visit to the Christmas markets in Eppan, Bolzano, or Merano.

From gentle walks to challenging summit hikes, the region around Eppan offers the perfect route for every season.

Hiking destinations

The Mendola Mountains are among the most popular hiking areas around Eppan, offering magnificent views over the Überetsch region, Lake Caldaro, and the Dolomites. A particular highlight is the historic Mendola Funicular, which takes you comfortably to the Mendola Pass – the ideal starting point for numerous hikes, including routes to Roen and Penegal.

The Three Castles Hike links Hocheppan Castle, Korb Castle, and the Boymont Castle Ruins in a varied route with several opportunities to stop for refreshments. Historic landmarks, spectacular views, and a mix of wide paths, narrow trails, and stone stairways make it one of the most popular hikes around Eppan.

The Monticolo Forest is renowned for its shady woodland trails, varied circular walks, and beautiful natural surroundings, especially on warm summer days. The walking trails leading to the two Monticolo Lakes are particularly popular and can easily be combined with a refreshing swim or a relaxing break by the water.

The Rastenbach Gorge takes you past waterfalls, bridges, stairways and narrow woodland paths to the remains of the Early Christian Basilica of St. Peter. Magnificent views over Lake Caldaro make this hike a memorable combination of nature, history and spectacular scenery.

The Ice Holes near Eppan are among South Tyrol’s most fascinating natural phenomena and can be reached easily from Das Matscher. Even on hot summer days, cool air rises from the rocky crevices, creating a unique microclimate where Alpine plant species thrive in the heart of a Mediterranean landscape. A truly unforgettable natural attraction.

The Dolomites are just a short drive from Eppan. Whether you choose a hike on the Alpe di Siusi with views of the Sciliar, walks around the Catinaccio, or scenic routes around Lake Carezza and the Latemar massif, this UNESCO World Heritage mountain range offers unforgettable experiences for hikers of every ability.

Panoramic View of the Dolomites

from Bergner Kreuz