Discover the majesty of the Dolomites and the scenic vineyards of South Tyrol on foot
This leisurely hiking adventure explores the beautiful South Tyrol region over a self-guided week. The Hiking in the Heart of South Tyrol walking tour will take you from the charming mountain towns all the way south into beautiful wine country.
Spend your days worry-free on beautiful hikes through the Dolomites while your luggage is transported to your next hotel. Spectacular views and special sights await, including the cloister Säben and the Earth Pyramids. As you emerge from the mountains you’ll descend into the lush landscapes of South Tyrolean wine country, where you’ll have vineyards to explore and wine to enjoy. This is hiking tour is the perfect way to explore scenic north of Italy on foot.
Highlights of the Hiking in the Heart of South Tyrol
Prices
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees
- Save Money
- Happiness Guaranteed
Extended Hiking in the Heart of South Tyrol Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Bressanone
Today you’ll arrive in the town of Bressanone, which is so near the border between Italy and Austria that it also goes by the German pronunciation of Brixen. Check into your hotel and spend the day exploring at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bressanone
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Hike to Novacella
From Bressanone you hike up to the Pfeffersberg. You pass small hamlets and mountain farms on your way along the plateau. To the south you have a wonderful view on the Dolomite summits. You reach Velturno and carry on to cloister Säben, the acropolis of South Tyrol, before arriving in the small town of Chiusa.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chiusa
Distance: 5 hours, 580m of ascent and 620m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk Through the Mountains to Bolzano
After a short transfer by bus to Barbiano/Saubach, you reach Renon, a wonderful plateau above the Eisacktal valley with impressive view of the Dolomites and the Schlern. After passing the Earth Pyramids, you can enjoy an afternoon trip with the Renon’s cable car which brings you from Soprabolzano back down to Bolzano. In the evening, you can discover this European city, a place where the Italian and South Tyrolean cultures are closely entwined. To shorten the route you can take Renon’s cable car from Collalbo to Soprabolzano.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bolzano
Distance: 5 hours, 670m of ascent and 280m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Explore Lake Kalterer See
The sunny south of South Tyrol is awaiting you! Today you will discover the area around South Tyrol’s most famous lake, Kalterer See, a renowned wine-growing region. But here, it is not only the vineyards that impress but also the numerous castles, manor houses, churches and farms. A must for every wine lover is a visit to the South Tyrolean wine museum in Caldaro, which gives an insight into the history of South Tyrolean wines. The way from the lake Kalterer See to the village can be shortened by using the bus. Return to Bolzano by public bus.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bolzano
Distance: 5 hours, 340m of ascent and 360m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Explore Wine Country
After breakfast, you take a train to Lana (ticket included). Shortly after Lana the hiking route continues along the famous Marlinger Waale – the longest irrigation ditch in South Tyrol. These irrigation ditches known as ‘Waale’ were constructed hundreds of years ago to supply dry corridors with water. These ditches nowadays are used for hiking and walking. The route continues below Schloss Tyrol along the famous Tappeiner Weg towards Merano. The Empress Sissi knew how to appreciate the mild climate. Inviting centuries old Arbours and superb parks add to the completion of a perfect day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Merano
Distance: 6-7 hours, 220m of ascent and 240m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and start your journey home or continue your onward travel.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only. The prices below are per person.
2025 Departures
The departures are available every Saturday and Wednesday, from April 12th to August 8th and from August 27th to October 4th, 2025.
- Single room: from $975 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $795 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the Extended Hiking in the Heart of South Tyrol Tour
This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. The hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star comfortable accommodations located along your route. You’ll experience local hospitality when you stay in locally run guesthouses.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. The required supplement for single occupancy is included in the listed price.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Bressanone
This stunning place is the oldest town in Tyrol. Nestled among the Dolomites and near a river confluence, you’ll wonder if you stumbled into a postcard.
Hotel in Chiusa
Immerse in the artsy and bohemian atmosphere of Chiusa, a small town in the Eisack Valley. Surrounded by vineyards and forests with a gorgeous Old Town, you’ll never be bored here.
Hotel in Bolzano
As the capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano acts as a unique hub of Austrian–Italian culture. Make sure to take a hike above the town for sweeping panoramic views.
Hotel in Merano
Feel immediately relaxed when you enter this old spa town near the Austrian border. Located in a basin, you’ll be surrounded by mountains each time you leave the hotel.
What’s Included in the Extended Hiking in the Heart of South Tyrol Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Your transportation is included throughout the tour as outlined in the itinerary. Transport for your luggage between hotels each day is included. Public transportation to shorten the length of your hike is not included.
Also Included
- Personal tour information in Chiusa
- Planned route
- Videobriefing
- Detailed maps and route descriptions
- Emergency telephone support for the duration of the tour
Not included
- Airport transfers
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist tax due at each hotel if applicable
- Flights
- Gratuities for drivers or other staff if desired
- Visas if required
- Cable car fare
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Half-board upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking in the Heart of South Tyrol
FunActive Tours operates adventure tours in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. Thanks to the ideal
location of FunActive headquarters right in the Dolomites and branch offices in Venice Mestre and
Trieste, FunActive Tours can offer excellent walking and cycling tours not only in the mountains, but
also towards Austria, Slovenia, and Istria.
FunActive offers efficient, high-quality service to clients from all over the world, making it one of the
best choices for those seeking an experienced local provider. Attention is given down to the smallest
details, and the tours are designed to suit travellers of many abilities according to how adventurous
they wish to be. FunActive can find you an incredible tour regardless of age, skill level, or time of
year. Come discover Italy and beyond!
Map of Hiking in the Heart of South Tyrol
Click map for a larger version
Is this tour for me?
Ask a Question
