Val Passiria valley - South Tyrol

The Val Passiria is connected to the Upper Valle Isarco via the Passo Giovo and to the Oetztal in North Tyrol via the Passo del Rombo

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View from Montefranco towards the entrance of the Val Passiria: The Merano basin is known for its famous combination of glaciers and palm trees - from here, you can reach the 2,094-metre-high Passo di Monte Giovo in just under an hour’s drive.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The first village into the valley is also the smallest municipality in South Tyrol: Caines, where St. Corbinian once built a monastery and a church.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The next village, Rifiano, has been known as a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages: According to legend, an image of the Virgin Mary was found in the waters of the Passirio River here.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Many villages and settlements were built on the slopes of the Val Passiria - this includes Vernurio, which features a charming church and a sawmill.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Two paths at the valley entrance attract walkers: the Rifiano Waalweg and the Caines Waalweg paths - both follow the historic irrigation channels.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Further up, the multi-day hike along the Merano High Route circles the Texel Group: It leads up to the 2,909-metre-high Passo Gelato (Eisjöchl).
Foto: AT, © Peer
High up in the Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park lie special places of energy such as the beautiful Sopranes Lakes, ten bodies of water situated at the upper end of the Val Sopranes (Spronser Tal).
Foto: AP, © Peer
The lower elevations are also rich in water: You can find a waterfall near the Valles di Fuori Hut, and another one on the valley floor in Valclava.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The Punta Cervina, or Hirzer, located on the other side of the valley, is accessible by cable car from Saltusio: It is known for its mountain pasture trails, the blossoming alpine roses, the welcoming huts, and as a popular area for paragliding.
Foto: AT, © Peer
San Martino offers a wide range of activities, including the Merano.Passiria Golf Club, tennis courts, an indoor riding arena, the outdoor pool and the SportArena with its climbing hall.
Foto: PG, © Peer
Between Moso and San Leonardo, the striking Passirio Gorge Path follows the course of the Passirio - the Val Passiria Cycle Path then flanks the quieter section from San Leonardo to Merano.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The outdoor area of the MuseumPasseier in San Leonardo is easily accessible by bike along the Val Passiria Cycle Path: A branch of the museum is the impressive Giovo Castle, a 30-minute walk away.
Foto: MS, © Peer
The Tyrolean Rebellion is a major topic in the valley: Andreas Hofer (1767-1810), the legendary leader of the 1809 Tyrolean popular uprising against the Bavarian and French occupation, was born at the Sandhof in San Leonardo in Passiria.
Foto: MS, © Peer
This is a view from the Sun Path onto Moso, which features the Bunker Mooseum: Here, the road divides and leads either to Plan and the Passo del Rombo, or up to the Passo di Monte Giovo.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The shortest connection between Merano and Vipiteno is the 2,094-metre-high Passo di Monte Giovo: Walkers, road cyclists, and motorcyclists know it well and frequently choose this route.
Foto: AT, © Peer
This photograph was taken in June: The 2,474-metre-high Passo del Rombo connects the Val Passiria with the Austrian Oetztal - the pass road opens in May or June, but although cleared of snow, the drive remains often highly impressive.
Foto: AP, © Peer
Winter in the Val Passiria shows its idyllic, peaceful, and white side: This is captured here in the Val di Vannes, home to the Vannes Mountain Hut.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The valley has its own skiing area, Plan Val Passiria, which is located in the holiday village of Plan (Pfelders) and usually remains open until Easter.
Foto: EMS, © Peer
There are three excellent panoramic cross-country ski trails in the Val Passiria: the Valtina trail on the valley floor, the Innerhütt trail, and the Valle di Lazins trail shown here, which leads from Plan up to the Lazins Mountain Hut (1,860 metres a.l.s.).
Foto: AP, © Peer
Liver dumpling soup or a mulled cranberry and apple punch? Many of the serviced mountain huts in the Val Passiria remain open during the winter.
Foto: AP, © Peer
video : Discovering the Val Passiria
video : Val Passiria

Val Passiria: offer 1 night from 54 € per person

The most famous figure from the Val Passiria is undoubtedly the Tyrolean freedom fighter Andreas Hofer. Born in San Leonardo in Passiria, he fought against Napoleon and the French at Bergisel during the Tyrolean Rebellion of 1809. Today, a museum in the "Sandwirt", his birthplace, recounts the story of his life and his death by firing squad in Mantova.

If you enjoy sports, you will find plenty of options here on the southern side of the Stubai and Oetztal Alps. In summer, the activities include canyoning, rafting, horse riding and long hikes. Additionally, there is an 18-hole golf course in San Leonardo in Passiria. When there is snow, the valley is ideal for winter hiking, and the Plan Passiria Skiing Area and the Racines-Giovo Ski Resort are perfect for cross-country skiing, skiing and snowboarding.

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