Over hill and dale
Walking steadily and calmly in nature while hiking helps us relax, even if our heartbeat goes up. No matter if your trail’s target may be a cozy lodge, enchanted trails, or elevation gain, there are various ways of trekking. Are you up for mountain air? We take you on three remarkable routes – and the closest accommodation nearby, of course.
Touring two countries
Your tour starts in Innichen, in the Hochpustertal amidst the Italian Dolomites, leading you on the Berpilgerweg (mountain pilgrim’s path), ending in Kalkstein, Austria.The tour is recommended for experienced hikers since you have to pass 1,548 meters. It takes approximately 7 hours until you finally reach your destination, the pilgrimage church Maria Schnee after 14.5 km. The exertions are worth it since you will be recompensed with a fascinating mountain panorama. Accomplishing the first ascent will already give you an impressive view on the Drei Zinnen. You continue your hike through a forested area and pass by the Silversterkirche (have a look at the church’s frescoes!). From here it is all the way uphill until you reach the highest point of your hike:at an altitude of 2,545 meters you reach the peak of Marchinkele. By the way, you already crossed the Austrian border. From here, you can spot the Dolomite Alps and savor the view at Spitzkofel, and on clear days you can even see the Zillertal. Almost close to your destination, the trail mainly goes downhill right to the chapel Maria Schnee in Kalkstein. The perfect starting point for this hiking tour: Hotel Leitlhof in Innichen. Afterwards you can indulge yourself in the hotel’s spa area.
Trekking for your health
If you are not so much into altitude, but want to enjoy the mountain scenery, the Zoggler reservoir in Ultental, South Tyrol, is the ideal destination for you. A flat path surrounds the lake suitable for walks, speed-walking, or cycling. Alongside the trail are stages for Kneipp treatments such as water-treading basins, a pond, and tranquility spots. A perfect way to do something beneficial for your health stage by stage or just unwind. Arosea Life Balance Hotel situated next to Zoggler reservoir, also offers speed-walking classes. In case you change your mind and long for altitude after all, the hotel will provide you with information about hiking routes around Merano. In the neighboring village Kuppelwies you will find the mountain railway up to Schwemm alp where you can savor the quietness while relishing a South Tyrolean cheeseboard.
34 peaks in three days
Hiking in Sri Lanka? Sure! The country has plenty hiking trailsto offer taking on those in classic trekking regions. For instance, hikes through tea plantations are highly fancied, or across the Knuckles Mountains Range, alias Dumbara Range. Changing sceneries of forests, grasslands, rugged rocks, and watercourses are extending over 18,512 hectares. Decide for various guided tours, for example a 3-day tour traveling 40 km, or the peak tour passing 34 mountain tips in total, including the 5 highest peaks, marking a difference in height of around 1,000 meters! Moreover, you will come across diverse wild animals on your tour, such as giant squirrels, purple-faced leaf monkeys, and porcupines. You definitely should make an excursion to the waterfall Hunas Falls. Checking in at the Hotel Amaya Hunas Falls, you are situated immediately at the waterfall’s crest, and can enjoy a relaxing bath in the basin directly at the waterfall’s bottom.
Cover picture: © Hotel Leitlhof
