4.6
(4822)
19,666
hikers
88
hikes
Hiking around St. Martin In Passeier - San Martino In Passiria offers diverse landscapes within the Texel Group Nature Park, featuring high alpine terrain, rugged peaks, and pristine mountain lakes. The region is characterized by the scenic Passeier Valley, with the Passirio River flowing through it, and includes accessible waterfalls and extensive mountain meadows. Surrounding mountains provide challenging routes to summits, while lower elevations offer varied forests and gentle riverside paths.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.4
(306)
1,228
hikers
5.41km
01:38
180m
190m
The Passeirer Schildhöfeweg is an easy circular hike in South Tyrol's Passeier Valley, offering a culturally rich experience. You will hike through diverse landscapes, including meadows, forests, and chestnut groves, with panoramic views of the Hirzergebiet mountains and the entire valley. This route covers 3.4 miles (5.4 km) with an elevation gain of 581 feet (177 metres), taking about 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete at a steady pace.
Starting at the Saltauserhof farm in Saltaus, the trail follows a mix of hiking paths, footpaths, and roads, with some unpaved sections. While generally accessible, you might need to be sure-footed in certain areas. Keep in mind that in winter, some parts of the trail could be covered in snow or ice, and it is not suitable for strollers.
The highlight of the Passeirer Schildhöfeweg is its namesake "Schildhöfe"—medieval noble farms resembling fortresses, dating back to the 14th century. These historic farms feature ivy-entwined towers and frescoes. The trail also functions as a nature and themed path, with information stations explaining chestnut groves, the forest, and the history of the Passeier Valley, offering a journey back over 700 years into the region's past.
4.8
(2346)
8,504
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(328)
1,367
hikers
11.7km
03:25
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(56)
295
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(122)
426
hikers
11.6km
03:40
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Popular around St. Martin In Passeier - San Martino In Passiria
Meraner Höhenweg — in 8 stages through sunny South Tyrol
Cycling around St. Martin In Passeier - San Martino In Passiria
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Gravel biking around St. Martin In Passeier - San Martino In Passiria
beautiful cycle path along the river
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Beautiful sculptures in the cool shade. Also benches for sitting. And lots of clover. Who can find the four-leaf one?
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Nice tour and lots to see
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Take bus line 240 from Merano Passiria to the "Saltaus" stop. Return to Merano from the "Plantastraße" stop on line 1, or alternatively, walk to Merano.
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Coming from Moos, the Passer Gorge is an experience starting at the entrance (after about 1 km) and extending for about 3 kilometers. The trail leads over bridges and walkways along the rushing Passer River.
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You can't cycle all the way up, but the walk is worth it. Only recommended for people who are good walkers.
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From this panoramic point above Saltusio and Rifiano, between paths and fascinating woods, it is possible to observe the valley of the Passirio river and the green mountains that surround it. The sides of the mountains are sometimes deforested to favor breeding or agriculture.
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The region offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 80 trails documented on komoot. These range from easy strolls to challenging mountain ascents, catering to all fitness levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 19,000 times, giving them an average rating of 4.6 stars.
St. Martin in Passeier offers excellent hiking opportunities throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for valley walks and lower mountain trails amidst changing foliage. Summer is ideal for exploring the higher alpine terrain and mountain peaks within the Texel Group Nature Park. Even winter offers possibilities for snowshoeing and winter hiking, though many high-altitude trails will be inaccessible.
Yes, St. Martin in Passeier has numerous easy and family-friendly options. A great choice is the Passeirer Waterfall – Kalmtal Waterfall loop from St. Martin in Passeier - San Martino in Passiria, an easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) trail that leads to the accessible Kalmtaler waterfall. Another gentle option is exploring the ancient 'Waalwege' irrigation channels, which offer flat, scenic paths suitable for all ages.
Absolutely. Many trails in the region are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular example is the Passeirer Schildhöfeweg - circular hike, an easy 3.4-mile (5.4 km) loop that takes you past historic farmsteads. Another option is the Passer Gorge – Mooser Dam Pedestrian Bridge loop from St. Leonhard in Passeier - San Leonardo in Passiria, a moderate 7.4-mile (11.9 km) route offering impressive gorge views.
Yes, the region is home to beautiful waterfalls. The easily accessible Kalmtaler waterfall (also known as Clava Waterfall or Cascata di Valclava) can be reached via the Passeirer Waterfall – Kalmtal Waterfall loop. Another notable waterfall is the Stieber Waterfall, which is a significant natural monument in the area and can be explored via various trails.
'Waalwege' are ancient irrigation channels that have been converted into easy and scenic walking paths. They typically feature gentle gradients, making them ideal for relaxed strolls. The Passeier Valley offers several such paths, including the Maiser Waalweg – Maiser Waalweg loop from Saltaus - Saltusio, which provides picturesque routes through the landscape.
Yes, the famous Merano High Altitude Trail, which encircles the Texel Group Nature Park, has a southern section that runs directly through the Passeier Valley. This allows hikers to experience parts of this stunning long-distance trail and its magnificent mountain scenery from St. Martin in Passeier.
Many trails in the St. Martin in Passeier area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery with your canine companion. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature protection areas like the Texel Group Nature Park, and to be mindful of local regulations and other hikers.
Generally, no specific permits are required for day hiking within the Texel Group Nature Park. However, it's always advisable to respect protected areas, stay on marked trails, and adhere to any posted regulations, especially concerning wildlife and environmental conservation.
Beyond the trails themselves, the region boasts impressive natural attractions. You can explore the dramatic Passer Gorge, discover the Schnuggenbach Waterfall and Stone Steps, or marvel at the Stieber Waterfall. For those seeking panoramic views, trails lead to summits like Mutspitze Summit within the Texel Group Nature Park.
Yes, for experienced hikers, the surrounding mountains offer challenging tours to summits like Mt. Kolbenspitze, Matatzspitze, and Hirzer. These routes often involve significant elevation gain and rugged terrain, rewarding climbers with magnificent panoramic views of the Alpine landscape. The Hirzer cable car can also provide convenient access to a high plateau for less strenuous excursions into this area.
Public transport options are available in the Passeier Valley, which can help you reach various starting points for hikes. Local bus services connect St. Martin in Passeier with surrounding villages and towns, including those that serve as access points to popular trails. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for specific routes and timings.
Parking is generally available in and around St. Martin in Passeier, often near village centers or designated trailheads. For popular routes, there might be specific parking areas. It's advisable to look for signs or consult local tourist information for the most convenient parking spots, especially for longer hikes or those starting from more remote locations.


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