The history: The mountains of Defreggen Tal Valley form a big border between Val Casies 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.

Historic smuggler’s trail from the head of the valley in St. Magdalena via Kalksteinjöchl to Kalkstein in Villgraten.

Parking lot on payment at the head of the valley in Gsiesertal Valley – St. Magdalena.

Coming from Innsbruck/Brennero (A): Drive on the Highway of Brennero (A22) until the exit Bressanone/Val Pusteria, then go on along the SS49-E66 for about 58kms until you arrive in Monguelfo. To get to Tesido and the Val Casies Valley, we recommend to take the exit West in Monguelfo.
Coming from Lienz (A): You can reach us also padding by Lienz in Westtyrol (A). You have to cross the Austrian-Italian border between Ahrnbach and Winnebach (B100-E66) and drive on the SS46-E66 until Monguelfo. To get to Tesido and the Val Casies, we recommend to take the exit West in Monguelfo.

Train and bus: www.altoadigemobilita.info

Bus line 441

The smugglers’ path: An insight into smuggling activities between Villgraten Tal Valley and Gsiesertal Valley and focuses on smugglers and customs officials.

Description: From Gsiesertal Valley – St. Magdalena, Head of the valley (1465 m) hike along trail no. 48 to reach the Tscharnietalm (1976 m) and further to “Kalksteinjöchl” (2349 m). Descent on the smuggler’s path (13a) through the Valley Rosstal past the huts Oberlipper and Unterlipper Alm to Kalkstein (1630 m) in the Villgratental Valley (A). It is also possible to walk it the opposite way!

Duration: 4-5 hours

Difficulty: medium