Völser Aicha Höfeweg Farm Trail from Prösels Castle

The Oachen Farm Trail is touted as a hiking highlight in the area around Völs - especially in autumn and spring. Some of the farms are wine taverns that advertise South Tyrolean specialties. We would have loved to stop off there - but they were all actually closed. So the enjoyment of nature here had to suffice. And the physical pleasures had to wait until the end of the tour.

Signage on the detour to St. Kathrein is not consistently good. On the main road, keep left towards the bus stop. Then cross to the other side of the road. Follow the signs here.

On this hike, I'm hardly moving at a normal pace: either very fast, because my speed hiking shoes have to live up to their name (on the one hand), or because I'm training for a trail running event in the summer (on the other). But if I'm not speeding along the trails, I'm standing or lying down. Because the view is far too beautiful to just let it pass by (on the one hand), and because today is the first day of the year for me where it's warm enough to lie in the meadow for hours without a jacket (on the other). This circular tour is therefore not only characterized by the panoramic paths, the beautiful fields, and the view of the Schlern massif. But for me, it's also characterized by its breaks. By the moments when I lie on one of the meadows with my eyes closed, letting the sun shine on my face.

Great views, pleasant temperatures for hiking and places to stop for refreshments. What more could you want? 👋🏻

Today we took it a bit easier and stayed close to where we live in Völs am Schlern. I found the tour like this on Komoot. It was obviously a bit older, because in a few places we couldn't continue as indicated. But there were alternative routes nearby, so that wasn't a problem. The tour was ultimately more beautiful and varied than expected. The panoramic views were great (it's a shame that the Rosengarten was shrouded in clouds), the nature and vegetation were diverse, the views of the farms along the way were interesting and the route was quiet and relaxed despite the roads. The tour is recommended.

Going on a hike like this on a sunny peaceful Sunday morning is a very special experience. You walk through a really impressive natural and cultural landscape, you can see how the farmers have conquered the land for centuries. You hike through vineyards, small apple orchards and there are always great views. The old farms, some of which date back to the Middle Ages, are particularly special and have been lovingly restored and decorated. There are numerous idyllic wine farms (unfortunately too early in the morning for us to visit). The "Wirtskeller" with "natural air conditioning" is also interesting. A highlight was the Völser Schützenfest, a new club flag was inaugurated and we were able to admire marksmen with their original hat decorations made of dry grass feathers (stone springs). Our heartfelt thanks go to @Frank Schmidt for recommending this great hiking tour.

The start and finish is at the beautifully situated Prösels Castle near Völs. The Oachener Höfeweg is well signposted and leads along forest and meadow paths through vineyards past countless farms. A beautiful area with great views and great places to stop. Our stop was the front courtyard. We recommend. Great location, great food and drink. Great atmosphere both inside and outside of the ancient homestead. The way back led past the Schnaggenkreuz through larch forests. Very nice tour!!

Nice tour to "run in, take enough water with you."