pfad a richtung wannser joch
pfad a richtung wannser joch

Border area hike in the Val Passiria

This circular hike leads from Valtina to the Sailer Ridge and provides a breath-taking view on the neighbouring Val Sarentino valley

The hike starts at the Wannser Hof snack station at 1,410 m a.s.l. First we follow path no. 15 and then no. 12 towards the Seeberg Alp. From there, we take path no. 14A, past Lake Seeberg, above the Sailer Tal valley to the Sailer Alm alpine pasture (2,019 m a.s.l.). Shortly before reaching the alp, a steep trail branches off to the left towards the eastern Sailer Joch ridge (also called Oberes Grubenjoch, 2,330 m a.s.l.).

After this rather strenuous ascent, we pass through the gate at the small border fence that separates the Val Passiria high pastures from the Sarentino area. A steep slope descends into the Unterberg valley, a side valley of the Sarentino valley in the area of Rio Bianco. Here we now follow path 12B towards the Wannser Joch ridge (2,247 m), which runs below Mt. Cima dell'Alpe in a north-easterly direction. With the Corno Bianco of Pennes in view and the necessary caution (steep, sloping terrain), we reach the cross at the transition point and descend to the left along path no. 14 into the Wannser Valley. The path winds downwards in serpentines, soon descending via an old military road to the Wannser Alm mountain hut. After more than four hours of walking, this is the first place to stop for refreshments along the way. From here it is not far anymore to the starting point at the Wannser Hof - this section runs along a wide alpine road at the bottom of the valley.

The trail section from the Sailer Ridge to the Wannser Ridge is easy to walk on, but narrow and partly a bit exposed; therefore, a head for heights is required. Recommended equipment: Hiking gear and good mountain boots with non-slip soles. We also recommend taking provisions with you, as the only snack station along the way, the Wannser Alm, is located at the end of the long hiking route.

Author: AT

circular route difficulty: difficult
  • Starting point:
    Wannser Hof, Valtina in the Val Passiria valley
  • Time required:
    05:00 h
  • Track length:
    12,1 km
  • Altitude:
    from 1.414 m to 2.372 m
  • Altitude difference:
    +958 m | -958 m
  • Signposts:
    15, 12, 14A, 12B, 14
  • Resting points:
    Wannser Alm
  • Recommended time of year:
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Download GPX track:
    Border area hike in the Val Passiria

If you want to do this tour, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.

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