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Valleys & Villages of the DolomitesThe mountains of the Südtirol
Nights: 7
Starting point: Berghotel Zirmerhof (3*), Radein. With its intimate atmosphere, superb cuisine and warm hospitality, the Zirmerhof sets the tone for the week. You are welcomed to this tranquil spot by owner Sepp, the latest of several generations of the Perwanger family to own this former manor farmhouse. The views from all sides are spectacular, with the Weisshorn dominating the skyline to the rear of the hotel, and the views to the north and west stretching as far as the mountains of Austria. There is plenty of space in which to relax, including a library, stube (parlour), bar, terrace and panoramic all-weather pool built into the hillside, and the restaurant prides itself on its local cuisine featuring the estate's own beef. Day 1: you could choose to spend your first day simply relaxing at the hotel, though there are plenty of inviting paths to explore if you prefer to walk. We suggest you ascend the slopes of the Weisshorn ('White Horn') – paths through larch and pine woods lead to a splendid viewpoint affording breathtaking views into the Bletterbach Canyon and to the surrounding peaks. Keen walkers can reach the summit itself (2,313 metres) for even more inspirational views. Other paths lead up the slopes of the Schwarzhorn, or you could hire bicycles and explore on two wheels instead. (11km, 4hrs) Accommodation: Berghotel Zirmerhof, as above. Day 2: from Radein, you walk to the geologically fascinating Bletterbach Canyon, a little-known wonder of the Dolomites and the only canyon in the Südtirol. The path descends steeply into the canyon, which is framed by walls some 20 metres high comprising several clearly identifiable strata of rock. Looking out for rare flowers such as orchids, you walk along the bottom of the canyon to the waterfall at the end, before ascending out of the canyon (with the help in places of metal ladders secured to the rock) and crossing farmland to Aldein. (10km, 4hrs) Accommodation: Gasthof Krone (3*), Aldein. At an inn which has such a long history – it first opened its doors in 1577 – it is fitting that the owners, too, have a long tradition of hospitality – the Franzelin family have owned the hotel since 1720, and continue to extend a warm and genuine welcome to guests. The vaulted reception and wood-panelled restaurant (which is renowned locally) are housed in the original part of the hotel, while the bedrooms are in a more modern wing. Many of the ingredients used in the delicious local dishes come from the hotel's own farm. Day 3: after a transfer to the impressive Monastery of Maria Weissenstein, you strike out along peaceful woodland tracks across the valley to join the E5 long-distance path which leads from Lake Constance in western Austria to Venice and the Adriatic Sea. As this path dips and rises through attractive woodland and meadows, it is well worth making the short detour to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Adige Valley. (16.5km, 5.5hrs) Accommodation: Hotel Kohlern (3*), Kohlern. Located high above Bozen and framed by woodland, this 19th-century Art Nouveau building boasts sweeping views. The Schrott family have owned it for over 40 years and have carefully blended old and new to create a stylish mountain retreat with individually decorated bedrooms and hand-painted furniture. There are two verandas which enjoy the best of the views, a great place to savour Frau Schrott's delicious cooking, perhaps accompanied by one of the 200 wines from the hotel's wine cellar. Day 4: today makes a pleasant – and fascinating – change from walking. You descend by cable car to Bozen ('Bolzano' in Italian) and can spend the day visiting this bustling town. The cathedral and frescoed monastery are both worth a visit, but the town is especially renowned for its archaeological museum (closed Mondays), which houses the 'Ice Man', a Copper Age man discovered in a glacier in 1991. So well preserved were his body, clothing and tools that he has provided archaeologists with a unique insight into life some 5,000 years ago – you can find out about his background and customs in a fascinating exhibition. At the end of the day, you return to Kohlern by cable car. (Pay locally for both cable cars.) However, if you would prefer another day of walking, we also provide notes for one of the most panoramic walks in this area. You take another cable car (pay locally) to the glorious uplands of Jenesien, a village nestling among meadows and alpine forests high above Bozen. The route leads past typical old alpine farmsteads across a wide-open plateau with grand views of the mountains. (19km, 5.5hrs) Accommodation: Hotel Kohlern, as above. Day 5: the tranquillity, magnificent surroundings and beautiful wild flowers (if you are travelling at the right time of year) make this a very enjoyable walk high above the Eisack Valley. After taking two cable cars across the valley (pay locally), your route rises gradually across meadows and along forest trails, then descends steeply at times to reach the village of Bad Dreikirchen, which is named after the three chuches that cluster together in the centre of the village. (17km, 5.5hrs) Accommodation: Gasthof Bad Dreikirchen (superior 2*), Bad Dreikirchen. This hotel may only have two stars, but it has just as much charm and style as the other hotels on the holiday, and makes a lovely spot at which to end your walk. Matthias and Annette Wodenegg, whose family has owned this 14th-century building for the last 200 years of its long history, make you feel like welcome house guests, and the extensive use of wood throughout the hotel creates an intimate and cosy atmosphere. To emphasise the tranquillity, there are no televisions or telephones, and you can enjoy the peace – and the views – as you unwind in the library, stube, garden, sunny veranda or outdoor pool. Day 6: for your final day, we suggest a walk up the steep, forested slopes of the Rittner Horn. From its summit at 2,259 metres, you are rewarded with a 360-degreee panorama of the mountains you have discovered over the course of the week and after admiring the views you descend along different paths across meadows and woodland. You could shorten the walk – and thus omit the steepest sections – by arranging a transfer by 4x4 to a different starting point (pay locally). (20km, 7hrs) Accommodation: Gasthof Bad Dreikirchen, as above. Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.
Recommendations for extra nights: Gasthof Krone (Aldein) is a good base for extra walking. So that you can visit Bozen and enjoy our walking route in the area, we also recommend extra nights at Hotel Kohlern. Extensions: if you are flying via Verona, why not add on a two-night stay at the beautifully converted 4-star Grand Hotel? Alternatively, you could combine this walk with our High Dolomites route to make a superb 14-night holiday. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. You can also read our website travel diary for a personal account of the holiday. Similar holidays: High Dolomites (grades 2 & 3), Villages of the Engadine (grades 2 & 3), The Leutasch Valley (grade 2), Austria's Alpine Heartland (grade 2-3) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airports: Brescia (take airport bus to Verona,
0h45 - pay locally), Venice & Verona Extra night prices 2008 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):
> Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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The
mountains of the southern, German-speaking Dolomites are a patchwork of
vivid green meadows, forests, tranquil hamlets and orchards of apple,
pear and plum trees that thrive in the ample sunshine. Here, you find
not only wonderful, very varied paths that reward the walker with views in clear weather
to the famous jagged Dolomite peaks, but also delightful hotels offering
a blend of authenticity, comfort and character enhanced by attentive service
and delicious cooking. This walk combines four such idyllic places so
that after a great day's walking you can relax in peaceful, panoramic
surroundings and savour outstanding regional cuisine that blends Italian
and Austrian influences, featuring dumplings and speck (smoked
ham) alongside dishes such as polenta. You can accompany such dishes
with a glass or two of the aromatic local pinot grigio or one of the fruity
St Magdalene reds.
Idyllic scenery 
