The path across the cols: The Cultivating Path

The history: The mountains of Defreggen Tal Valley form a big border between Gsiesertal Valley (I) and Villgratental Valley (A). It has always been crossed by the residents of the two valleys to trade. During the years from 1810–1814 and after the 2nd world war different goods have been smuggled across the border. Because of this the three “The path across the cols” developed. Some informative signs were arranged along the paths to tell about the history and life in earlier times.

Cross-border themed trail via the Hintere Gsieser Lenke highlighting rural traditions and alpine farming life.

Car park on payment at the head of the valley in Gsiesertal Valley – St. Magdalena.

Train and bus: www.altoadigemobilita.info

Bus line 441

The cultivating path: Rural customs, alpine pastures, haymaking, cattle, dairymaids and shepherds are depicted here.

Description: From Gsiesertal Valley – St. Magdalena, Head of the valley (1465 m), turn right over the stream of the valley and follow the markings no. 12 up to the Pfoital Valley and the alpine tree line. Continue straight into the valley to the Pfoialm (2134 m, not a refreshment point) and through the Almtal, on a comfortable road, uphill to the fork. There, turn right, and by following the markings no. 13 climb upwards into the rear Hintere Gsieser Lenke (2539 m; beyond it, reach the lake Schwarzsee in just a few minutes via a trail (2455 m). Continue steeply downhill, following marker no. 15, to Gartn (2240 m). Here you can either turn left and follow trail no. 15a, which leads along a gentle, flower-covered path to the alpine path and down to the Unterstaller Alm. Alternatively, from Gartn you can choose the steeper trail with marker no. 15, which leads to a viewing pulpit with a beautiful waterfall and then on to the Unterstaller Alm (1673 m) in the Villgratental Valley (A). It is also possible to walk it the opposite way!

Duration: 03:55 h

Difficulty: medium