The hiking paradise of Schenna – from vineyards to the summit cross
Schenna, picturesquely located above Merano, is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to actively explore the South Tyrolean mountains – whether in a relaxed way with the family or with a determined step to the summit. The hiking area around Schenna stretches from sunny vineyards on the slopes up to the rugged peaks of the Sarntal Alps. Over 500 kilometers of well-marked hiking trails run through the varied landscape and offer routes for every level.
A highlight is the expansive Hirzer hiking area, which can be easily reached by cable car from Verdins near Schenna or from Saltusio in the Passeier Valley. The wide, well-maintained paths between the alpine pastures are ideal for family hikes – varied, scenic, and with plenty of refreshment stops. Those who want to go higher can climb the Hirzer itself – at 2,781 meters, the highest peak in the Sarntal Alps.
The Schennaberg mountain impresses with ancient farms, blooming alpine meadows, and traditional mountain huts located at especially scenic viewpoints – ideal for a rest with views of the Merano region. Sun lovers are drawn to the panoramic high plateau of Merano 2000. From Falzeben, a popular panoramic hike leads via Piffinger Köpfl to the Meraner Hütte and continues on to the Rotwandhütte – an experience for young and old alike, where nature, movement, and enjoyment blend perfectly.
Schenna is located in the heart of a vast hiking area, ideal for experienced mountain hikers as well as pleasure walkers and families. A hiking holiday in Schenna offers the right routes for everyone – from families and casual hikers to seasoned mountaineers. Gently sloping Waalwege in the mid-mountain range lead past vineyards, apple orchards, and chestnut groves. Higher up, well-marked hiking trails run from hut to hut and into the rugged high mountains, which can be explored independently or on guided tours with experienced mountain guides.
After a day in the great outdoors, hikers can look forward to a relaxing stay at Antonya Apartments Thanks to the mild climate, the hiking season in western South Tyrol lasts from March to November. In Schenna, many hiking trails start right at the hotel doorstep, and modern cable cars make it easy to access the surrounding hiking areas.
The village itself is also easily explored on foot. To help with orientation, guests will find up-to-date step-by-step info boards at bus stops. These indicate how far the next stop is, how many minutes it takes from point A to point B, how many calories are burned, and which sights and rest spots are located along the way.
Along the routes, alpine huts and mountain inns invite you to take a break. In addition to classic South Tyrolean specialties, hut hosts also serve lighter meals and creative dishes from alpine gourmet cuisine, such as hay flower crème brûlée with spruce shoot ice cream and cherry compote, egg dumplings with mountain herbs and alpine cheese, homemade pasta pockets filled with organic corn-fed chicken, and much more. Some huts even offer a varied musical program to entertain guests and hikers
LEGEND TRAIL (SAGENWEG)
n a wooded area along the Wiesenweg between Thurnerhof and Schenna Castle, eerie and charming legendary figures of Schenna can be found. While walking over roots and stones, children’s imaginations are sparked by the carved wooden statues. Starting at the Schenna school, walk down the road toward the village center. Just below Hotel Erzherzog Johann, turn right onto the Wiesenweg. Follow it to the Thurnerhof, then continue to the Verdins road and return to the starting point.
WIESENWEG
The hike along the Wiesenweg is a pleasant circular walk past castles and farms in Schenna, offering scenic rest stops along the way. It’s especially beautiful in spring, when the apple trees are in bloom. Starting from the village center, the trail leads along Schlossweg past Schenna Castle, then turns left to Schloss Thurn and the Thurnerhof. It continues along Ifingerstraße, crossing a small wooden bridge to the Loth and Krebis farms and onward to St. Georgen. From there, the path leads down to the Rodelstein rock and continues to the idyllic viewpoint at Kampflkreuz. After a short rest, the return route takes you along Goyenweg and Schennaerstraße to the public swimming pool, and from there via Mitterplattweg back into the village center.
SCHENNA WAALWEG
A scenic and peaceful hike along the Schenna Waalweg. This shady trail gently follows the course of an old irrigation channel and is ideal for a relaxed walk with beautiful landscapes. The hike starts and ends in the Verdins district. From the church in Verdins, the path first climbs a little via trail no. 19 through Oberverdins to the Waalweg. This lovely, shaded trail leads north through the forest to the Waalerhütte. The return route initially follows the Waalweg back to Hasenegg. After about 300 meters, turn right onto the Wiesersteig, which leads back to Verdins.
