Summer holidays: hiking & more at Gitschberg Jochtal

The home mountain of Meransen, a hamlet in the town of Mühlbach, in the Eisack Valley, is Gitschberg, from which all the surrounding area takes its name. The Untermüllerhof is not far from the ski tows. From the top station at a high altitude, several wonderful trips will enable you to discover the surrounding alpine world. One of these amazing trips is the “conquest” of the Seefeld peak, which is 2715 m high.

The starting point is the Gitschberg top station, which can be easily reached by using ski tows. Hikers of all ages can leave directly from the Untermüllerhof, which is not far from the base station of Gitschberg. From the top station, Weißenalm hut on Ochsenböden can be reached by following path no. 21. From here, path no. 6 leads up to the Seefeld hut and to the charming lakes, finally arriving at the Seefeld peak.

The top offers an amazing view of the surrounding landscape and the great Dolomite peaks of the Isarco Valley as well. To return to the Seefeld pasture, follow the same route as the outward journey. Once you arrive at this point, go down path no. 15 as far as the Seefeld lake, and then to the Wieser hut. Path no. 15 is a circular route through the Altfass Valley. By following this path, you can reach the valley from which the path no. 6 returns to the starting point of the Gitschberg ski tow. Once you arrive there, the Untermüllerhof is only a few steps away. 

Start: the top station of Gitschberg 
Rise: 780 m
Duration (round trip): 6:30 h

Meransen, a hamlet of the tourist resort of Mühlbach, is not far from the Dolomite peaks of the Eisack Valley. Whether you prefer difficult alpine hikes or easier family trips, the Untermüllerhof in Meransen is the ideal starting point for the most varied routes. So for all the family we advise a trip to the Wieser hut and the Pranter-Stadl pasture.

Families with children will love it! The starting point is the car park in front of the Hinterwalder farm, in Meransen. From there a forest path heads towards the Großberg alpine hut. The path leads through a wood up to the wonderful Altfass Valley. Once you arrive at the alpine hut, you will not only be able to admire the whole of the path from above, but also to enjoy a fantastic view of the surrounding natural landscape. However, the trip does not end here: if you keep walking, you will find several alpine huts, though most of them are closed. Before reaching the end of the valley, you can choose to go to the Wieser hut or towards the Pranter pasture, which is also called Pranter-Stadl.

On the way back you have to follow the same road as on the way up and, once you arrive at the beginning of the Altfass Valley, you really must visit the Kneipp facility! The path, which is almost 300 m long, is sure to make Kneipp lovers’ hearts beat faster, and even children will find it fun! Once you have regained your strength, head back to the starting point, from which you can easily return to the Untermüllerhof. 

Start: Hinterwalder alpine hut 
Rise: 260 m
Duration (round trip): 3:15 h

The area around the Untermüllerhof at Meransen is not only suitable for hiking but is even considered a small paradise for the mountain bike. The many and always different mountain bike rides offer the chance of exploring every single corner of this beautiful area. One of these rides takes you up to mount Gitschberg, the home mountain of this resort in the tourist region of the Eisack Valley.

The ride, which is about 6 Km long, starts from the centre of Meransen, but you can start just as easily from the Untermüllerhof. The Grabenkreuz Crucifix is the first reference point on the road to the cableway, from which the Zassler alpine hut can be reached following path no. 12. Particular care is required on this part of the ride, since the path is also used by hikers. From the alpine hut the path leads up to the Gitschberg top station.

The surrounding alpine landscape invites you to linger, before tackling the descent. The way back is the same route that took you to the top with difficulty. Obviously, now everything is easier and it’s going to be fun, especially for downhill lovers. Caution is always recommended for those who are not experts. The bike ride ends at the Untermüllerhof.

If you still have some energy left, the alternative is to keep riding up to Mühlbach, and return to Meransen from there. Otherwise, if the slope to mount Gitschberg requires too much effort, there is the possibility of shortening the ride by using the cableway. 

Start: Meransen: from the town centre or from the Untermüllerhof 
Rise: 740 m
Duration (round trip): 2:30 h