Alpine Pastures in Vinschgau – Experience South Tyrolean mountain charm up close

Vinschgau is a paradise for nature lovers – and its alpine pastures (alms) are among the most pristine and picturesque cultural landscapes in South Tyrol. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, they offer relaxing hikes, authentic South Tyrolean cuisine and real connection to nature. Whether on foot, by bike, or via cable car – every alm has a story to tell.

What makes Vinschgau's alms special:

Located between 1,600 and 2,200 meters, they are managed during summer and known for genuine South Tyrolean hospitality. Enjoy homemade delicacies like mountain cheese, speck, dumplings, Kaiserschmarrn or fresh buttermilk – with views of the Ortler massif, Stelvio Pass or Lake Resia.

Trails are well-marked, family-friendly and often accessible with strollers or mountain bikes. Many hikes start right from the valley or mid-station lifts.

Some of the most beautiful alms in Vinschgau:

• Obere Stilfser Alm (2,077 m) – reachable from Stelvio or via Furkel chairlift from Trafoi. Stunning views of Ortler and delicious South Tyrolean dishes.
• Kälberalm (1,875 m) – easily accessible from Stelvio, with a great view of the Ortler.
• Schliniger Alm (1,868 m) – near Schleis/Schlinig, ideal base for hikes to Sesvenna hut.
• Brugger Alm (1,914 m) – in scenic Zerzertal valley, homemade specialties.
• Matscher Alm (2,050 m) – from Glieshof, great views over the Matsch valley, regional products.
• Planeiler Alm (1,800 m) – above Mals, quiet and family-friendly, panoramic view, local food.
• Laatscher Alm (2,049 m) – above Schleis, gentle hike, traditional simple dishes.
• Stierberg Alm (1,970 m) – above Taufers, high alpine meadow with spectacular views.
• Tarscher & Latscher Alm (approx. 1,900 m) – reachable by cable car, perfect for hiking and biking.
• Lyfi Alm (2,165 m) – in Martell Valley, famous for its location and fresh alpine cuisine.
• Rescher Alm (2,100 m) – panoramic views and homemade dishes.
• Melager Alm (1,970 m) – in Langtaufers Valley, family-friendly with playground, stroller accessible, local cuisine.
• Haideralm (1,915 m) – alpine guesthouse with delicious South Tyrolean dishes and lake views

Why a day at the alm is worth it:

Nature: alpine rose bloom, marmots, clear streams, rustic huts

Food: fresh, homemade, regional – cheese, speck, butter and sweet classics

Peace & Views: far from the crowds, with stunning mountain panoramas

For everyone: from easy to demanding – hikes for every level

Tip: Start early, enjoy the crisp morning air – and stop at an alm for lunch. Many return routes offer scenic variations and nature highlights.

Mountain Huts in Vinschgau – High-Altitude Hospitality

Those aiming higher in Vinschgau will eventually find themselves at one of the many mountain huts. Often situated above the tree line, nestled in impressive glacier and rock landscapes, these huts are true refuges for mountaineers, long-distance hikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Up here, authenticity is lived: simple, honest cuisine, clear mountain air, cozy beds – and the feeling of being close to nature. Many huts offer overnight accommodations, warm meals, campfire atmosphere, and are important waypoints on high-altitude trails like the Vinschgau High Trail, the Ortler Circuit, or the Alta Via Val Venosta.

Whether for a rest or as a starting point for summit tours – the mountain huts in Vinschgau are highlights of any alpine adventure.

The most beautiful mountain huts in Vinschgau – a brief overview:

• Sesvenna Hut (2,256 m)

Schlinig Valley | approx. 2 hrs hike from Schlinig | family-friendly | meals & overnight stay | starting point for Piz Sesvenna, Uina Gorge

• Zufall Hut (2,265 m)

Martell Valley | 1.5 hrs from Enzian Hut | popular among hikers & alpinists | regional dishes | dormitory | tours in the Cevedale massif

• Düsseldorfer Hut (2,721 m)

Zay Valley near Sulden | from Kanzel chairlift + 3 hrs | base for high mountain tours | good cuisine, sleeping accommodations | Ortler view

• Hintergrat Hut (2,661 m)

Ortler area near Sulden | from Sulden or Kanzel chairlift | starting point for Ortler North Face | alpine, rustic, spectacular location

• Payer Hut (3,029 m)

Ortler | highest managed hut in Vinschgau | reachable from Tabaretta Hut | base camp for Ortler ascent

• Tabaretta Hut (2,556 m)

Sulden | 2 hrs hike or combined with cable car | panoramic terrace, overnight stay, ideal on the Ortler Circuit

• Bergl Hut (2,188 m)

Between Sulden and Ortler | 2 hrs on foot | cozy, quiet location, small kitchen | nice nearby destination

• Furkel Hut (2,153 m)

Trafoi | accessible by chairlift or on foot | great view, good food, family destination | also popular with bikers

• Madritsch Hut (2,820 m)

Upper Martell Valley, near Madritsch Pass | accessible via Martell Valley & Langenferner Glacier | high alpine, grand glacier scenery

• Kanzel Hut (2,350 m)

Sulden | directly at the top station of the Kanzel chairlift | child-friendly, South Tyrolean cuisine, sun terrace

• Plantapatsch Hut (2,140 m)

At the top station of Schöneben | easy access by cable car | panoramic view, refreshment stop, hiking hub

• Oberettes Hut (2,670 m)

Matsch Valley, approx. 2.5 hrs from Glieshof | alpine accommodation | base for summit tours like Weißkugel | rustic, reliable

• Maseben Mountain Hut (2,267 m)

Langtaufers | on foot or by shuttle | managed in winter and summer | sleeping accommodations, hospitality with a view

• Weißkugel Hut (2,544 m)

Langtaufers | classic base for high alpinists | start for Weißkugel, beautiful transitions to Schnalstal

• Stettiner Hut (2,875 m)

Eisjöchl between Martell and Passeier Valleys | new hut, easily accessible | central location on high-altitude trails | overnight stay, cuisine

• Lyfi Hut (2,165 m)

Martell Valley | accessible by hike or MTB | family-friendly | regional dishes, pleasant alpine atmosphere

• Tarscher Pass Hut (approx. 2,300 m)

Between Tarsch and Laas | small, authentic hut | quiet, less frequented, ideal for alpine romance

• Forcola Hut (2,253 m)

Near Reschen Pass | accessible via Rojen or Schöneben | simple, but beautifully located