This hike, a section of the Sun Trail, provides fine views of King Ortles and a sweet treat at the end
Image gallery: Spring hike on the Malles Sun Trail
St. Benedict, the historic irrigation channels, nature, and the legends of the Upper Val Venosta are the themes on the Sun Trail near Malles. In its entirety, the seven-hour route leads from the snow-white Abbey of Monte Maria to the Malles Oberwaal irrigation channel path. It then follows the mountain slope to the Ganglegg archaeological site above Sluderno. From there, the path continues along the Leitenwaal to Spondigna, where you can catch a train back.
A section of this route is enough for us. We therefore start at the "Spinai" bus stop, located along the road from Malles to Ultimo-Alsago. We tackle the stage to the "Pflonzgortn Solis" snack bar, which takes under two hours for the round trip. This section features wonderful views of the Ortles Alps and the Malles Heath. We can look forward to a pleasant destination with a sweet reward. The path - signposted as "Sonnensteig" - leads us directly from the bus stop into the forest.
Wooden signs identify the plants, while the path narrows into a small track in some places. Temperatures in March are comfortable with a jacket, though it can get very hot here during the summer. Time and again, the view opens up across the vast expanse of the Malles Heath, formerly known as the granary of Tyrol. We also catch a glimpse of the Abbey of Monte Maria, as well as several information boards detailing local legends, including the "Saligen of Margoronda" (mythological wild women). We reach two gates, with the "Solis" signs pointing the way.
Emerging from the forest, we see the Tarces Hill and Glorenza, with Mt. Ortles rising behind them. After about an hour of walking, we reach the "Pflonzgortn Solis". Nestled on the sunny slopes of Malles, it features an impressive view over the Ortles and Sesvenna mountain groups. We enjoy some homemade juice and a sweet delicacy, before walking back along the same path. We recommend booking ahead if you wish to eat here (phone: +39 328 855 3573).
Author: RB
Experienced: late March 2026
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- Starting point:
- "Spinai" bus stop in Malles (1,178 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 01:45 h
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- Total route length:
- 3,4 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.178 m to 1.328 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +512 m | -560 m
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- Signposts:
- no. 17
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- Destination:
- "Pflonzgortn Solis" (and back)
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- Resting points:
- "Pflonzgortn Solis" (March to June and July to November)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Spring hike on the Malles Sun Trail
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- More information:
- The time given refers to the entire round trip, excluding breaks.
