The hike on the Appiano High Route stretches along the slopes of the Mendola with views of the Dolomites
Image gallery: Hike on the Appiano High Route to Faedo
Our May hike starts at the Steinegger tavern, west of San Michele Appiano. First, we must climb to an altitude of almost 1,000 metres to reach the Appiano High Route (Eppaner Höhenweg). There are two options: The first is the leisurely but longer route via Masaccio. The second is the shorter, steep climb up the Forcolana forest road. We ultimately choose the second path.
Slightly tired, we finally reach the junction where both routes meet again. This spot is directly below a scree slope by the stream. Now we head north with only a slight incline. Soon, we start walking downhill. We continually enjoy excellent views of the villages of Appiano on the Wine Road and the provincial capital of Bolzano. Behind them rise the Dolomites.
Trail no. 9 then merges with the parallel forest road. At the next junction, we follow the signpost to Faedo instead of climbing further up to Gaido. Unfortunately, the former Buchwald inn is permanently closed. The locality sits amidst colourful flower meadows, directly beneath the almost vertical rock faces of the Monte Macaion. The descent follows trail no. 546.
At the barrier shortly before the road to Predonico, we take the San Valentino forest road (no. 8B) and hike back to the Steinegger tavern. Here too, we have some beautiful views on the Oltradige.
Author: AT
Experienced: May 2011
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- Steinegger tavern in Appiano (616 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 03:10 h
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- Total route length:
- 8,3 km
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- Altitude:
- from 616 m to 1.035 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +434 m | -434 m
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- Signposts:
- no. 540, Forcolana forest path, 9, "Alta Via di Appiano", 10, "nach Buchwald", 546, San Valentino forest path (no. 8B)
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- Destination:
- Faedo (1,035 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- Steinegger tavern, Kreuzstein bar
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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 on the Appiano High Route to Faedo
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks or stops.
If you want to undertake this hike, we recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this hike!
