Val Casies Valley / S. Martino
The path across the cols: The Traditions and Customs Path
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.
Cross-border themed trail from St. Martin via Gruber Lenke to Kalkstein exploring local traditions and customs.
Parking in the village center in Gsiesertal – St. Martin.
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 traditions and customs path: Here it's all about the Gsiesertal Valley wood turners, medicinal herbs, bad weather, festivity, butter and cheese making.
Description: Starting point in Gsiesertal Valley – St. Martin (1276 m), follow a wide, fairly steep forest path (marking no. 44) eastwards through the Verselltal valley via the Randlhütte-Hinterschuher Alm (1862 m) and the Tolder Hütte (1942 m) to the Gruber Lenke (2487 m), also known as the Schmalzbulle. From there, continue briefly along the Bonner Höhenweg to below the Pfanntörl. The descent is via trail no. 8, past the Ruschler Alm and via the Alfenalm to Kalkstein (1640 m) in the Villgratental Valley (A). It is also possible to walk it the opposite way!
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: medium