Discover the untamed beauty of Val Passiria: Italy’s hidden alpine paradise

A trip to the mountains is always an emotion, a family friendly adventure made of long hikes, breathtaking views, outdoor activities and exploration of the region, between villages, culture and delicious food.

The destination that offers all this is the Val Passiria or Passeiertal, the picturesque alpine valley in the heart of South Tyrol embraced by Ötztal Alps and immersed in the greenery of the Texelgruppe Nature Park, a mountain location off-the-beaten-tracks that welcomes travelers all year-round with ever new sensations and experiences.

In Val Passiria the most authentic mountain nature can be savored, breathed, experienced day by day. Get ready to discover Italy's most fascinating hidden alpine paradise: perhaps Val Passiria is the trip you least expect, but one that will certainly captivate you!

Crossed by the Passirio river, which traces its profile between the Ötztal Alps and the Stubai Alps and which gives it its own name, Val Passiria reveals itself to tourists as the most fascinating and diverse destination in South Tyrol.

Extending north of the charming town of Merano to spectacular Timmelsjoch and Jaufen passes, Val Passiria offers a truly unique landscape contrast. On one side Lower Val Passiria, with its wide open spaces and a distinctive almost mediterranean-like climate despite its high altitude (where even some species of palm tree grow), suitable for families and those seeking a more tranquil tourist experience; on the other side Upper Val Passiria, the wilder side of this land that enchants the most fearless travelers with its extraordinary alpine scenery, perfect for those seeking fully-experienced adventures.

A true “promised land” for who loves the outdoors and untamed mountain landscapes, that offers countless travel options and multiple hiking trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels, sports for all tastes - you can even play golf here! - museums that tell the story of the area and exceptional food experiences to discover the region's prized local products.

Val Passiria also boasts an interesting climate record with average around three hundred days of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest destinations in the Alps. This is a key factor for hikers enthusiasts, with the opportunity to try out particular trekking trails almost all year-round, such as the relaxing water trails along the Waalwege (irrigation canals), the challenging trails of the Texelgruppe Nature Park and the legendary stages of the European Long-Distance Path E5.

Visiting and discovering Val Passiria means experiencing firsthand a destination that, thanks to its perfect symbiosis of sports and outdoor motion, pristine nature, relaxation and well-being for body and mind, has been certified since 2024 as a virtuous example of sustainable tourism according to the most important international standards.

The starting point for exploring Val Passiria are its villages, jewels nestled in the natural crown of the Alps. Places like Merano, a town that leads the way into the valley from the south following the course of the Passirio river, then passing through enchanting towns such as San Martino in Passiria, San Leonardo in Passiria and Moso in Passiria.

The small hamlet of Plan in Passiria is also particularly attractive to travelers, an idyllic alpine village located at over 1600 meters above sea level, famous for its policy of restricted traffic zone for motorized vehicles and its incredible sustainable lifestyle.

The villages of Val Passiria offer valid travel alternatives for all year-round. In summer the mild climate makes hiking and biking extremely pleasant and refreshing, while in spring and autumn they transform into landscapes bathed in the colors and scents, respectively, of seasonal blooms and the foliage of alpine forests.

Winter instead is the season of enchanting white snow, of the adrenaline rush of skiing, of the snowshoe hikes, of the warm and fragrant flavors of alpine cuisine. But it is also - maybe especially - the season of the unparalleled magic of Christmas, with the opportunity to participate in wonderful events filled with lights and emotions, such as Liechtr'zeit in San Leonardo and Mårtiner Sternstundn in San Martino.

In Val Passiria you'll also find a wide range of accommodations possibilities, with the option of choosing your stay from luxury hotels, typical alpine-like bed & breakfasts, agritourisms, picturesque mountain refuges and even dedicated areas to camping.

Some of the most beautiful and challenging trails to explore are in the Upper Val Passiria, particularly near Moso in Passiria. Here you can visit the region's most beautiful waterfalls, that are the Stieber not far from the Passiria Canyon and the Stulles on the way to San Leonardo. The bravest and most experienced can test their skills at the protected climbing route Stuller Wasserfall, a climbing area almost 350 m high not far from the waterfall.

The Passerschlucht or Passirio Gorge trail, which connects San Leonardo to Moso, is also extremely fascinating here as it crosses a 6.5 km long route (Trail 1) through a landscape of rocky gorges, steel footbridges and mountain groves. The route is fairly straightforward with moderate elevation changes and offers spectacular views of the nearby waterfalls.

The water element in Val Passiria also means lakes, ponds of pristine water nestled among the most spectacular peaks of the Texelgruppe Nature Park over 2000 m above sea level. Among the must-see lakes are Sopranes, Erensee and Großer Milchsee (route from Plan), Faglssee (route from Magdfeld-Rifiano), Großer Schwarzsee (route from Timmelsbrücke) and Obisellsee (route from Öberst-Vernurio).

There's also room for those who love ride their bicycles. The most picturesque cycle path is the tranquil Passiria Cycle Route, which along about 20 km of orchards and bridges over the river connects San Leonardo with Merano. A more challenging alternative is the climb Saltusio-Prenn, with a descent Prenn-Scena-Merano and the return to Saltusio (about 35 km overall). Also not to be missed the San Martino-Pianlargo-Plata route, by admiring the majestic centuries-old larches of Passiria.

Anyone seeking snow fun in Val Passiria in winter should definitely visit Pfelders/Plan, the valley's most popular ski location for winter sports enthusiasts, true points of reference for beginners and experts alike (and also suitable for families with children) thanks to guaranteed snow between December and April.

In Plan in particular, the quality of the ski slopes (18 km) and the enchanting snow-capped alpine landscape (over 1600 m above sea level) guarantee a peaceful snow experience in Val Passiria, to best enjoy by testing out its slopes or visiting the cozy alpine huts.

Exploring Val Passiria in snowy weather also means adventure and hiking to conquer its most beautiful peaks. Among the most popular and fascinating mountain hikes, strictly by wearing snowshoes and/or snow boots:

• Stulles-Malga Egger-Grub-Alm (9 km up to 2000 m);

• Plan-Malga Lazins (8,5 km up to 1900 m);

• Ponte Tumulo - Malga Timmelsalm (1,7 km up to 1800 m);

• Ulfas Parking - Malga Ulfaser Alm (1,4 km up to 1600 m).

Don't miss also the Hirzer Peak from Klammeben in Prenn-Scena (7 km up to 2800 m, with the option of taking a ride on the Hirzer Cable Car over 2000 m).

Val Passiria is the perfect mountain destination for families, capable of transforming into an ever-exciting and fun landscape with the changing of seasons.

In winter, locations like Pfelders/Plan offer wide and safe white slopes suitable for skiing, snowboarding and sledding even for children. But even when the snow melts, with the arrival of spring, adults and children alike can explore the Roggia Paths (or Waalwege) and other easy, flat and well-marked hiking trails.

In summer it's time for a bit of adrenaline with an exploration of the Passirio river, a unique experience best enjoyed on foot or by trying your hand at exciting rafting sessions.

Autumn invites to slow down and enjoy exploring the area through a cultural lens, finding out the traditions and history of the birthplace of Andreas Hofer, South Tyrol's hero. It's the best time to visit the most interesting museums in Val Passiria, such as Sandhof Passeier Museum in San Leonardo and Bunker Mooseum in Moso.

The valley's cuisine and typical products reflect the best that South Tyrol has to offer: authentic flavors, simple preparations inspired by rural traditions and a touch of refinement, especially when local ingredients are enhanced as gourmet elements in a more elaborate dish.

Among the most iconic food products of Val Passiria can't be missing Speck Alto Adige IGP (the region's most popular cured meat), the distinctive Graukäse cheese (a Slow Food presidium) made from skimmed cow's milk after butter production, and Schüttelbrot bread, made from rye flour and flavored with herbaceous spices.

Also worth trying the alpine-made cheeses and butter produced by classic methods on mountain farms, sustainably produced seasonal jams and honey, artisan beers and spirits.

Visiting the alpine inns allows you to savor the best of Val Passiria cuisine, a menu rich in traditional recipes such as canederli or knödel (bread dumplings) with speck and cheese, venison goulash, apple and char fish risotto and the legendary kaiserschmarrn, a sweet caramelized pancake served with powdered sugar and a portion of blueberry jam.

If you're thinking about planning your next mountain trip, there are at least three great reasons to choose Val Passiria.

1) The alpine tourism options for everyone

Traveling to Val Passiria means choosing a destination that has all the key features of a classic mountain location, yet also welcoming to all types of tourists.

Sport tourists will feel like at home amidst hiking trails and outdoor activities that will challenge even the most experienced ones, while families and more relaxed tourists can enjoy easy hikes and pleasant moments of discovery among the magical villages along the Passirio river and high-altitude locations easily reached on foot or by bike.

2) The exclusive feeling of experiencing a destination on human scale

Unlike other alpine destinations (and beyond), Val Passiria offers travelers a much more intimate experience and, in a way, more "luxurious" as well, far from the logics of mass tourism.

Here tourists aren't part of the crowd, but rather the protagonists of personal, genuine and warm hospitality, further enhancing the excellent value and clean living standards of this splendid region in the heart of the Alps.

3) The convenience of getting around here easily by any means

Experiencing the untamed beauty of Val Passiria is easy when you can get it comfortably by choosing your favorite means of transport.

By car you can access it via A22 Brenner Highway (Bolzano Sud/Merano), Resia Pass SS40, Monte Croce Pass or Val di Landro SS49 (entrance to Val Pusteria), or you can take one of the daily buses or trains that arrive in Bolzano from the main cities of North Italy (Verona, Milan, Bergamo, Turin, Bologna).

If you need to travel by plane, Bolzano has an airport with direct connections to other major Italian airports and some important European routes, while for long international flights (USA and Asia) it's best to land at Milan or Venice airports, then continue to Bolzano/Merano by renting a car or using public transport.