The Punta Cervina hiking and paragliding area is easily accessible by cable car from Saltusio
Three main villages and their many component localities form the heart of the Val Passiria: Moso, San Leonardo and San Martino. Saltusio, a hamlet of San Martino, is the southernmost of them. The lower valley begins just beyond it, featuring Rifiano and Caines at the entrance. Saltusio is only nine kilometres from the town of Merano, famous for a spa climate as well as its unique landscape where a backdrop of glaciers sits alongside botanical gardens filled with water lilies and palm trees.
The small village centre has everything you need. It includes a pizzeria, a sports shop, a primary school, a kindergarten, a campsite, a bus stop and the Church of St. Michael. Right next door is the valley station of the Hirzer Cable Car. This lift facility takes visitors up to the alpine pastures and rhododendron fields situated between the Val Passiria and the Val Sarentino. The paths at the top are relatively level, and the mountain huts are very welcoming. Paragliders also value the excellent flying conditions on the Punta Cervina, particularly during the morning.
Most of the eleven surviving Val Passiria Shield Farms - seven, to be exact - are located around San Martino. The farmers of these historic estates had to serve their local sovereign. In return, they received special privileges, including tax exemptions and the right to hunt and fish. They went to war for their land and their lord for the final time in 1407. Most of these farms date back to the 13th century. A few examples, such as the crenellated Saltauserhof, stand near Saltusio (Saltaus).
The Val Passiria Shield Farm Trail begins by the Saltauserhof in the village centre. It is an easy circular hike that takes about two and a half hours. The route first follows the old valley path towards the Haupold Shield Farm, then it leads through the forest to the Granstein Shield Farm. The final two kilometres follow the path along the Passirio back to the starting point. If you prefer a bit more excitement, you can try navigating the wild waves by rafting on the Passirio.
