Laives High Trail

What a dream that we set out on the Leifers High Trail again this year – or rather, today! From Leifers, the trail led us through the idyllic Brantental Valley, constantly accompanied by the soothing sound of the stream. After about four kilometers of gentle uphill hiking, our ascent to the actual high trail began. There, impressive steep rock faces and passages, some of which were secured with ropes, awaited us. Here, we were able to fully enjoy the untouched nature, the magnificent panoramic views over the lowlands, and the soothing silence. Unbelievable, but true: Not a soul crossed our path! Passing picturesque farms, the descent finally led us back to Leifers. A short, worthwhile detour to the Gamperknot, where a summit cross stands, perfectly rounded off our hike. It was beautiful again, and we would love to come back a third time! 😍 https://youtube.com/shorts/H-wTRS9fH2Y?si=-UEurqsE9vGIoKbU

In some places you were allowed to climb. In narrow places there were ropes to hold on to 👍

Leifererhöhenweg The first section of the trail takes us from the porphyry-red town hall in Leifers up into the Brantental. Even though a rugged rocky landscape and a babbling brook accompany us, this ascent through the valley is hardly interesting. Past the Gasthof Mühle, the signpost points to the mountain, we climb up an old forest path to the Schwabhof. This is where the more exciting part of the Leiferer Höhenweg begins. It takes us along the steep rock faces and also offers some sections secured with ropes, which also gives it the feel of a (easy) via ferrata. A viewpoint with a wonderful panoramic view of Leifers and the South Tyrolean lowlands marks the end of this section, we now go along the Breitenberg to the Steinerhöfen, a particularly beautiful ensemble with a small farm chapel. We continue through the forest, and soon the steady descent begins, which takes us from around 750 to 250 m. We are on a steep old cart track carved into the rock. The view of the city of Bolzano and the Eppan area is magnificent. Sure-footedness is required. I don't think it's advisable on hot summer days, as the exposed rocks heat up very much.☺️🤩🤗 https://youtube.com/shorts/dnP7zYKhOZc?si=q84McXmKEvQxGUPX

The hike follows suggestion no. 5 from the Rother hiking guide Bozen-Kaltern. However, we park a little higher up the Via Pietralba so that we don't have to walk unnecessarily far up and down the road. If you want to enjoy the high-altitude trail of the same name from Leifers and do a circular hike, you have to accept a 4 km long (boring) route along the asphalted dead-end road into the Brantental. At the sign for the Schwabhof, we turn off onto a hiking trail that soon narrows to a path. Attention: if you want to be served at the Schwabhof, you must register in advance by phone, otherwise the inn is extremely inhospitable. Soon after, the path, which winds along a mighty porphyry wall, is spiced up with the first rope safety devices. In two places, there is easy climbing to overcome small rock steps.

The Peter Mayr Strasse would also be nicer for the way there!

You should have a head for heights for the tour and not suffer from a fear of heights. For a while the trails on the slope are very narrow and you have to climb a little here and there. Good footwear is imperative!

The hike starts on asphalt. Later it goes through the. Forest and then over rocks. Here you come. Safely through with wire ropes. Anyone who struggles with fear of heights might find the hike a challenge. The path is partly narrow and sloping.

When it is wet, it is advisable to approach the hike the other way round, as the descent can be quite slippery.