The Val Passiria panoramic trail leads via Sant’Orsola to Saltusio and is lovely in spring and autumn
Image gallery: Sant’Orsola
At the Sant'Orsola artisan zone in the valley, shortly before the Sorgente settlement, the road turns right and leads up the slope to Sant'Orsola (Schweinsteg). The church tower of St. Ursula - Sant'Orsola, in Italian - is visible from afar. A fire destroyed parts of the church in 1895, which led to its reconstruction. Shortly afterwards, the church received a new bell made by Bartolomeo Chiappani. He was a virtuoso cello player who also cast over 1,500 bells before his death in 1875.
Other personalities are also connected to the municipality of San Leonardo, which includes Sant'Orsola. One of them is Johann Haller, a participant in the 1872 Austro-Hungarian North Pole Expedition. While the expedition ship Admiral Tegetthoff drifted in the ice for two years, the crew discovered Franz Josef Land. Another is Josef Pichler, known as "Pseirer Josele", a chamois hunter and mountain guide. He became famous in 1804 as the first person to climb the Ortles.
The Hirzer Cable Car to the Monte Cervina is located not far from the hamlet. Walkers will find plenty to enjoy both in this village of 100 inhabitants and in the area above it. The leisure hiking area on Mt. Cervina between Scena, Merano, and the Val Passiria is known for its pleasant paths and inviting alpine huts. The unspoilt natural landscape is also very beautiful in winter.
Near Sant'Orsola, however, there is a challenge that many mountain bikers appreciate: climbing 1,000 metres in altitude from Sorgente in the valley up to the Church of St. John and Paul in the Monte Cervina area. The route passes Sant'Orsola and the local Ausserstauderhof tavern, offering an excellent view of the valley basin. Afterwards, the trail leads back to Sorgente (Quellenhof). Cyclists cover a distance of 22 kilometres in just over two hours.
