Wed., Aug 21

Post date: Aug 21, 2013 8:25:58 PM

After four days in Selva/Wolkenstein, it was difficult to leave such a scenic and spectacular hiking area, and our hosts at Haus Tramans.

A 90 minute drive through Bolzano and up to Naturno, Italy takes us to our last region for trekking. A famous 9-leg loop called the Alta Via de Merano awaits us.

Links to Picasa Web Album --- todays pictures

Arrived around noon at Hotel Weingarden, located several blocks uphill from the town center. Since there were many hours of daylight left, we decided to do one of the legs this afternoon.

• Took the Seilbahn Unterstell cable car (550m) up to Unterstell (1300m/4265'). The main trail system, called #24, begins just above this station.
  • Hiked counterclockwise for 3 hours to Innerforch -> Galmein -> Pirch -> Hochforch -> Giggelberg
    • Ave elevation was 1500m, but significantly steep ascents and descents between valleys.
• Descended over 3000' on #39 from Glggelberg down to the valley floor back to Naturns.

Swimming pool at Hotel Weingarden, so that felt great.

Preparing for two long days --- Legs 7,8 and 9 tomorrow, ending up at the Stettiner Hutte (2785m/9100').

Summary: 10.5 miles, 3.5 hrs, 6000 ft elev +/-