| Difficulty | medium |
| Route length | 14,1 km |
| Duration | 5 h 31 m |
| Ascent | 746 m |
| Descent | 1020 m |
| Altitude difference | 321 m |
| Altitude | 1711 m 1256 m |
| GPX | Download |
The Merano High Mountain Trail n° 24 runs for almost 100 km around the Texel Group Nature Park, from farm to farm, from village to village, from valley to valley. On this stage you can get to know a short section of the Merano High Mountain Trail West! This very popular stage of the Merano High-Altitude Trail is spectacular and full of views. Legendary on the Merano High Mountain Trail is the 1000-step gorge (1000-Stufen Schlucht) with suspension bridge! The famous 1000-Stufen Schlucht: there are "only" 987 steps, but they are quite a challenge...your knees may shake a little afterwards)
Tour Start
Texelbahn cableway mountain station
Tour End
Katharinaberg, Schnalstal valley
The hike starts at the mountain station of the cableway Texelbahn and leads westwards along the Merano High Mountain Trail/Meraner Höhenweg / Alta Via di Merano, always following the marking n° 24. The trail consists of valley cuts and gullies that have to be hiked through, some of which are equipped with stairs, stone steps and safety barriers. The route alternates between downhill and uphill through shady forests and past sunny mountain meadows. The highlight of this stage of the Merano High Mountain trail n° 24 is the 1,000-step gorge with a 55-metre suspension bridge (the suspension bridge only shortens about 100 steps). This section requires some sure-footed to master the almost 1,000 stone, wooden and iron steps. You can hold on to ropes, chains and railings. Rustic mountain farms, inns and restaurants offer rest and refreshment, and a waterfall along the way provides fresh water for refreshment. From the Linthof mountain inn, the trail then winds its way into the Schnalstal valley to the village of Katharinaberg, 1,245 m.
