From hiking to relaxation in wellness centers, and all the way to the thrills of skiing, every corner of Val Passiria tells the magic of the Alps.
Val Passiria is located in Alto Adige, north of Merano, and stretches up to the Timmelsjoch Pass, on the border with Austria. It is an authentic and unspoiled valley, characterized by picturesque villages nestled among alpine pastures and forests. The most spectacular peaks in the area are part of the Venosta Alps and Sarentine Alps, with impressive summits such as Altissima (3,482 m), Monte Hirzer (2,781 m), and Cima Matatz (2,179 m).
Val Passiria is located in Alto Adige, north of Merano, and stretches up to the Timmelsjoch Pass, on the border with Austria. It is an authentic and unspoiled valley, characterized by picturesque villages nestled among alpine pastures and forests. The most spectacular peaks in the area are part of the Venosta Alps and Sarentine Alps, with impressive summits such as Altissima (3,482 m), Monte Hirzer (2,781 m), and Cima Matatz (2,179 m).
Val Passiria is easily accessible from Merano by following State Road 44 northwards. In just a few minutes, you enter the heart of the valley, surrounded by farms, apple orchards, and alpine landscapes. The road is open year-round and well maintained even in winter. In summer, you can continue up to the Timmelsjoch Pass, a spectacular crossing that connects Italy to Austria.
Those arriving by train can reach Merano with regional trains from Bolzano, and from there continue with SAD line buses (lines 240 and 241) that serve all the villages in the valley, up to Plan. The buses are comfortable, frequent and also accommodate travelers with bikes or sports equipment.
For those arriving by plane, the closest airports are Bolzano, Verona, Innsbruck, and Bergamo, all connected to Merano by train, shuttles, or rental cars. Several services also offer private or shared transfers, especially during the high season.
Val Passiria is dotted with authentic and welcoming villages, each with its own character and unique attractions, ideal for those who want to experience the mountains through nature, culture, and traditions.
San Martino in Passiria is a peaceful spot surrounded by greenery, perfect for those seeking relaxation and nature. From here, several hiking trails lead through alpine huts and pastures, and it also serves as a convenient base for reaching Plan or the Timmelsjoch Pass. Don’t miss the village’s small church and its typical rural architecture.
Moso in Passiria is a small alpine village that captivates with its location nestled among the mountains. Here you can visit the spectacular Passirio Gorge (Passerschlucht), the starting point for hikes to Rifugio Plan and Lago Nero, and enjoy the tranquility of an authentic village where time seems to have stood still.
San Leonardo in Passiria is the vibrant heart of the valley. Here you’ll find the Passiria Museum, dedicated to the history and legacy of Andreas Hofer, the Tyrolean hero, as well as a charming historic center, parks, shops, and traditional restaurants. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring the entire valley, both in summer and winter.
Riffian is a scenic village just minutes from Merano, known for its church with two bell towers and sunny trails winding through apple orchards and vineyards. It’s ideal for relaxing walks, such as the Riffian Waalweg, perfect also in spring and autumn.
Caines, even more intimate and quiet, is the ideal place for those seeking peace and direct contact with nature. From here, hikes lead into the Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park, and you can enjoy a stunning view over the Merano basin.
Tirolo, perched on a promontory above Merano, is rich in history: here you can visit the famous Castel Tirolo, an ancient symbol of the region, which houses a museum dedicated to the culture and history of Alto Adige. The village is lively, with markets, events, and scenic trails winding through vineyards and farmsteads.
Finally, Scena is an elegant town just minutes from Merano, beloved for its mild climate, walks among orchards, well-maintained gardens, and the Scena Castle, still inhabited by the Counts of Merano family and open to visitors. From here, you can enjoy one of the best views of the valley.
In summer, the Val Passiria transforms into a green paradise where trekking enthusiasts find a true treasure in the valley. The Alta Via della Val Passiria (Passeirer Höhenweg) is a spectacular route that crosses the entire mountain side, with stops at refuges such as Pfandleralm or Rifugio Stettiner. Those looking for something less demanding can hike up to Lago Nero, an alpine lake surrounded by meadows and rocks.
Among the most popular hikes is the one to Malga Faglsalm, where you can enjoy a warm meal made with local products and admire the blooming alpine pastures. For experienced hikers, the Stuller via ferrata offers an adrenaline-filled experience on equipped walls, featuring suspended bridges and high-altitude passages.
Plan, at 1,600 meters above sea level, is a true car-free gem, perfect for families. From here, easy trails start, such as the educational “Dwarfs’ Path” and the walk to the Lazins Alpine huts, featuring picnic areas, grazing cows, and streams where children can play and enjoy the outdoors.
For cycling enthusiasts, the valley is crossed by MTB and bike paths, such as the Passiria – Merano route, which is flat and shaded, making it perfect for families as well. Those seeking more adrenaline can tackle the climbs to Ulfas, Stulles, or Monte Giovo, or rent an e-bike available in various locations like San Leonardo or Moso.
The Passirio River, rushing through the center of the valley, is perfect for an active summer experience: rafting, kayaking, and even canyoning are available for groups, families, and thrill-seekers, always accompanied by certified instructors and with complete safety.
In autumn in the Val Passiria, one of the most beautiful experiences is definitely a walk along the Rifiano Waalweg, an easy trail that follows the course of an ancient irrigation canal through apple orchards, vineyards, and chestnut trees. Another recommended autumn itinerary is the ascent to the Plata farmsteads or the Ulfas area, where you can meet shepherds, grazing animals, and enjoy the absolute tranquility of the woods. Here, it’s common to come across chestnut trees laden with burrs and fruits.
Törggelen in Val Passiria is an authentic experience: seated in a cozy wooden stube, you savor traditional dishes such as barley soup, canederli (dumplings), smoked meat, sauerkraut, krapfen (fried pastries), and roasted chestnuts, all accompanied by young wine or artisanal apple juice. Some of the most popular farmsteads to enjoy this tradition are Maso Schildhof Obergereuth above San Martino and Lazinser Alm above Plan, both reachable by a pleasant hike.
For photography lovers or anyone who simply wants to get lost in the beauty of the landscape, autumn is the most scenic season: a hike to the Black Lake, now wrapped in silence, or a panoramic stop at Stulles offers intense emotions and postcard-worthy views. Even walks through the Passirio Gorge, now quieter, allow you to truly hear the sound of the water and the rustling of falling leaves.
In winter, the Val Passiria transforms into a fairy-tale landscape: snow-covered peaks, silent forests, villages illuminated by warm lights, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down. The heart of the winter season is Plan, the valley’s only ski resort, located at 1,600 meters and completely free of car traffic. Here you’ll find perfectly groomed slopes suitable for beginners and families, as well as more technical trails for experienced skiers. Modern lifts and the peacefulness of the pistes make it a perfect destination for stress-free skiing.
For the more adventurous, from Plan you can embark on ski mountaineering routes towards Monte di Neve (Schneeberg), a classic in the area, or choose gentler snowshoeing excursions, perfect for exploring snow-covered forests and breathtaking views of the Tessa Group. A very popular outing is the one leading to Lazinser Alm, open even in winter, where you can refresh yourself with a hot meal before heading back.
Travelers with children find a true paradise in Plan: there’s a snow playground, a baby ski area with conveyor belts, ski lessons with qualified instructors, and a sledding track that starts right from the village. Even in the lower villages, like San Leonardo or San Martino, there are spaces set up for playing in the snow or ice skating on outdoor rinks.
During the Christmas season, the valley lights up with magic: in San Martino, Corvara and San Leonardo, small and cozy artisanal Christmas markets are set up, where you can find local products, handmade decorations, traditional sweets, and mulled wine. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, with wooden stubes, lit fireplaces, and little restaurants where you can enjoy winter dishes like canederli, goulash, barley soup and warm strudel.
With the arrival of spring, the Val Passiria awakens in an explosion of colors and scents. For walking enthusiasts, it’s the perfect time to return to the panoramic trails: a recommended excursion is to Alpe Lake, a small mountain lake still surrounded by snow early in the season, accessible from Plan via an easy route suitable even for those not very fit. For those looking for something more, the Lazins and Pfandleralm huts are perfect destinations for an outdoor lunch with views of the peaks, perhaps enjoying a platter of speck and local cheeses.
A fascinating experience for both adults and children is exploring the Passirio Gorge (Passer Schlucht), a natural canyon accessible from Moso featuring walkways, suspended bridges and breathtaking viewpoints.
Culture enthusiasts can visit the Museo Passiria in San Leonardo, which reopens in spring with exhibitions, events and interactive tours about the history of Andreas Hofer and rural life in the valley. In addition, the season brings the first village festivals, farmers’ markets, and traditional events, such as flower festivals and days dedicated to local products.
