Take some time to discover the historic farm names along the way; they tell fascinating stories about the origins and development of the Puster Valley’s rural cultural landscape.

The Farm Trail offers a fascinating insight into the cultural landscape of the Puster Valley and the traditional way of life on its mountain farms. The hike starts at Gisser Eck in St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo. From here, the circular route leads across the sunny slopes above the valley, repeatedly rewarding hikers with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the valley floor.

The trail climbs from the valley floor along granite slopes to the scenic terraces of the mid-mountain area. Several viewpoints and resting places along the route invite visitors to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and impressive panoramic views.

Particularly interesting are the many traditional farmsteads along the way. Their historic names reflect the history and character of the rural cultural landscape. Names such as Deckerhof, Perchnerhof, Friesenbühel, Gatscherhof, Hitthalerhof and Nellerhof recall old crafts, landscape features and historic family names, providing fascinating insights into the development of settlement and farming traditions in the region.

The hike passes through well-kept meadows, light forests and typical mountain farming landscapes, vividly illustrating the close relationship between people and nature in the Puster Valley. Via Kiens/Chienes, the route eventually returns to St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo.

Along the way, Hotel Gassenwirt and Gasthof Pizzeria Petra offer welcoming opportunities for refreshments and regional specialties. The combination of magnificent views, rural traditions, local history and varied scenery makes this circular hike a rewarding experience for nature lovers and those interested in culture and heritage.

We recommend wearing comfortable hiking boots with good traction and weather-appropriate clothing for the hike.

Circular hike from St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo through the traditional landscape of the Puster Valley, featuring scenic farmsteads, beautiful panoramic views and cultural insights.

There is no parking available directly at the trailhead. Parking is available in the town of St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo. From there, it’s just a short walk to Gisser Eck.

From Bruneck/Brunico, follow the Puster Valley State Road to St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo. The Gisser Eck, located on the edge of the village, is the starting point of the hike.

From the Brixen/Bressanone/Pustertal/Val Pusteria motorway exit, follow the Puster Valley State Road to St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo.

St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo is easily accessible by public transport. Take the train to Ehrenburg/ Casteldarne railway station. From there, continue by village bus no. 423 or, during the summer months, by hiking bus no. 426 to St. Sigmund. Alternatively, the starting point can also be reached conveniently by bus line 401 from Bruneck/Brunico or Brixen/Bressanone.

The Gisse bus stop is located directly at the starting point of the hike, providing a convenient and environmentally friendly way to arrive without a car.

Starting from Gisser Eck in St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo, follow trail marker no. 2 towards Kiens/Chienes. The route leads along sunny forest paths, meadow trails and farm tracks through the typical cultural landscape of the Puster Valley, offering beautiful views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, hikers pass several traditional farmsteads whose historic names provide fascinating insights into the history and development of the region’s rural landscape.

In Kiens, continue on trail no. 1 towards Issing/Issengo. Passing meadows, fields and scattered farmhouses, the route leads through the varied countryside to the Hitthalerhof, one of the characteristic mountain farms along the Farm Trail.

The return route begins at the Hitthalerhof. From here, follow trail no. 6, which leads through the peaceful mountain farming landscape back to St. Sigmund/San Sigismondo. Several viewpoints along the way invite hikers to take a break and enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Puster Valley and the surrounding peaks.

For refreshments, Hotel Gassenwirt and the Seegasthaus at Issing Pond provide welcoming places to stop and enjoy local specialties.

The hike follows mainly easy to moderately difficult hiking, forest and farm paths without technical challenges, making it ideal for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts and leisure hikers.