Tips and suggestions from the author
The walking times indicated in the description of the itinerary don't include any breaks. If you are hiking with children, you have to plan longer times. Make sure that the daily stages are decided according to the physical shape of the hiker or the hiking group. The author stayed overnight in Sella (above Termeno), San Paolo, Prissiano and Bolzano. It is highly recommended to end the tour with an overnight stay in Bolzano. Especially on summer evenings the city offers a vibrant atmosphere. Please consider that the stages Sella – San Paolo and San Paolo - Prissiano are way too long for children.
In this case the author recommends the following hiking plan:
- Stage 1: overnight stay in Termeno or Sella (arrive, visit the place and enjoy the South of South Tyrol and its wineries)
- Stage 2: overnight stay in Caldaro
- Stage 3: overnight stay in San Paolo and another one in Predonico or Gaid (a peaceful calmness in an almost alpine environnement)
- Stage 4: overnight stay in Prissiano and another one in Bolzano (don't miss Ötzi - a must especially for children!)
The tour can be easily interrupted everywhere. It is recommended to interrupt it in San Paolo, as the village is very well connected to Bolzano by bus. Buses are available also from Prissiano and Tesimo to Lana and Merano from where you can reach Bolzano by train. Hikers that start the tour in Predonico, Gaid, Sirmiano di Sopra or Tesimo must, in case of interruption, return to the starting point or take a taxi from Predonico or Gaid to S. Michele (Appiano). Make sure that you always take an adequate quantity of food and drinks with you so as to prevent any problems, especially on hot days and with children. The restaurants along the itinerary may also be closed outside the rest days indicated here.
A last tip that could be scaring but is important to mention: Watch out for snakes, especially in spring and early summer and be careful on narrow, sunny paths. Unfortunately there are some poisonous snakes living in South Tyrol and the author himself has already encountered some of these shy and sun-loving animals, especially in the Bassa Atesina area.
Recommended maps:
- Weinstrasse - Strada del Vino, hiking map, Tappeiner no. 108, 1:30.000
- Südtiroler Weinstrasse - La Strada del Vino, hiking and cycling map, Kompass no. 74, 1:25.000
- Meran, hiking map, Kompass no. 53, 1:25.000
It is possible to purchase artistic guides at some attractions and stationary shops along the way.
© 2008
Günther Hießleitner
hiessg@t-online.de
