Hike to the Malga Kradorfer hut

This family hike leads from S. Maddalena along a varied path to the Malga Kradorfer mountain hut at the head of the Val Casies valley.

Map See map
See video
Video : Valle di Casies valley
D-0304-Gsieser-Tal-Wegweiser-Kradorfer-Alm.jpg

Starting from the car park at the Fondovalle Mountain Hut in Santa Maddalena, we first follow the signpost no. 49 towards the Kradorfer Hut.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0306-Gsieser-Tal-Talschluss.jpg

Before entering the forest, we enjoy the view on the beautifully situated Moos Mountain Hut.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0307-Gsieser-Tal-Wegweiser-Eichhoernchenweg-Kradorfer-Alm.jpg

Here we branch off onto trail no. 49A, the Squirrel Trail.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0309-Gsieser-Tal-Eichhoernchenweg-Mensch-Bruecke.jpg

This path runs with a moderate gradient parallel to the forest path no. 49.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0313-Gsieser-Tal-Eichhoernchenweg-Kind-Mensch.jpg

This path is more varied and runs close to the streams.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0315-Frauenmantel-Pflanze-Tautropfen.jpg

On the lady’s mantle the dew has settled on the leaf margin.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0318-Gsieser-Tal-Eichhoernchenweg-Kind-Mensch.jpg

The Squirrel Trail follows partly the same way as the “Talblickweg”.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0321-Gsieser-Tal-Eichhoernchenweg-Kind-Mensch.jpg

After a section through the forest, the path continues across alpine meadows.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0323-Alm-Pferde.jpg

Cows and horses graze by the wayside.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0324-Gsieser-Tal-Kinder-Mensch-Eichhoernchenweg.jpg

We hike further into the valley and see the almost 3,000 m high peaks, which lie between the Val Casies and the Valle di Anterselva valleys.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0330-Gsieser-Tal-Eichhoernchenweg.jpg

The path is well marked and ascends only moderately.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0333-Gsieser-Tal-Eichhoernchenweg-Wegweiser.jpg

Almost arrived: The squirrel shows us the way.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0348-Gsieser-Tal-Kradorfer-Alm-Kinder-Mensch.jpg

The Kradorfer Mountain Hut is already in sight, after crossing the meadow we have reached our destination and are looking forward to our lunch.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0360-Gsieser-Tal-Kradorfer-Alm-Muehle-Kind-Mensch.jpg

The playground at the Kradorfer Hut makes children’s hearts leap for joy.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0383-Gsieser-Tal-Kradorfer-Alm-Indianerzelt.jpg

Special highlight: A real tipi stands directly next to the mountain hut.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0370-Gsieser-Tal-Riepenspitze.jpg

From the mountain hut we look down on the head of the Val Casies valley, which is dominated by Mt. Ripa.
Foto: AD, © Peer
D-0387-Gsieser-Tal-Kradorfer-Alm-Wegweiser.jpg

Back to the starting point we hike on the forest path no. 49.
Foto: AD, © Peer

We start our hike at the car park next to the Rifugio Fondovalle mountain hut (Talschlusshütte, 1,460 m a.s.l.) to Santa Maddalena in Casies (St. Magdalena in Gsies). From there, we first walk along the forest road no. 49 into the valley and after a short walk turn right onto the Squirrel Path (Eichhörnchenweg) no. 49A. This path is moderately ascending and runs parallel to the forest road, but is more varied. It leads once through the forest, then again across meadows and the element water is our constant companion in the form of mountain streams.

After about one hour we reach the Malga Kradorfer mountain hut (Kraforder Alm, 1,700 m a.s.l.), where we stop for lunch. The children enjoy themselves on the large playground including a tepee.

From the hut we can enjoy a wonderful view on the head of the Casies Valley and the surrounding alpine world. For the way back we choose path no. 49, which passes the Messnerhütte mountain hut and brings us back to the starting point in about 45 minutes.

Author: AD

alpine pasture hike suited for families difficulty: easy dog-friendly