On the Rotsteinkogel near Avelengo and Verano, nature becomes a cinema: It is the ideal destination for our May hike
Image gallery: Hike to the Verano natural outdoor cinema
The village of Verano is located on the Monzoccolo plateau, the sun terrace of Merano, and is a wonderful hiking area. We are travelling by car and park behind the "Grüner Baum" inn, where the trail awaits us on this May day. The climate in the Merano area is already pleasantly mild: The apple blossom was several weeks ago, and early summer is making its presence felt.
The wooden signpost points to "Knottnkino" and "Schützenbrünnlweg". We follow this trail no. 12a, which leads us into the forest as a wide track. At a junction, the path continues to the right along the Schützenbrünnlweg, ascending gently until we see where it gets its name: The "Schützenbrünnl", a small spring-fed fountain, appears before us (Brunnen means fountain).
The path becomes narrower, and every so often the view opens up to the alpine meadows and farms of the Monzoccolo. Once we reach a level section, we come across a sea of signposts. We continue to follow the Schützenbrünnlweg. The view extends to the Latemar massif, Mt. Pala di Santa, and the Corno Bianco and Corno Nero. After this, the ascent becomes steeper.
We climb the Rotsteinkogel, a 1,465-metre-high porphyry rock and a viewpoint, enhanced by the "Knottnkino", the "Cinema on the Rock". The sturdy chairs, made of steel and chestnut wood, are weather-resistant and add to the feeling of sitting in a cinema where nature is the director.
The view of the Valle dell'Adige and the Texel Group, as well as the Monte Penegal and Mt. Corno Bianco, is quite an experience. Afterwards, we hike back to the car park in Verano along the same path. An alternative walk in this area is the autumn hike around Verano, which leads to the Leadner Hut and around the Hirschenbichl hill, and takes you also past the "Grüner Baum" inn.
Authors: Elena & Luca
Experienced in: May 2020
Last updated: 2025
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- Starting point:
- parking place at the "Grüner Baum" inn in Verano (1,323 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 02:00 h
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- Total route length:
- 6,6 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.323 m to 1.462 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +209 m | -209 m
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- Signposts:
- "Knottnkino", "Schützenbrünnlweg", 12a
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- Destination:
- "Knottnkino" viewpoint on the Rotsteinkogel (1,462 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- "Grüner Baum" inn
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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:
- Hike to the Verano natural outdoor cinema
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- More information:
- The "Knottnkino" viewpoint is a destination that can be visited all year round. Please check the weather forecast and snow conditions in winter before you go. The total time indicated above refers to the walking time only, excluding breaks.
If you want to undertake this hike, we recommend you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
