Hike from Grissiano to Sirmiano di Sopra

Our hike starts in Grissiano (Grissian) above Prissiano at 900 m a.s.l. We reach this mountain hamlet via Nalles, branching off on the left along the road towards Prissiano right before the village centre. From the parking space we follow the path no. 8 towards San Giacomo (St. James), the first section coincides with the Grissiano Contemplation Trail made up of seven beautifully designed stations corresponding to the seven sacraments. After a 25-minute walk we reach our first destination, the small church dedicated to Saint James. Inside it houses beautiful frescoes featuring the presumably oldest depiction of the Dolomites.

After a break we continue our walk towards Sirmiano di Sopra (Obersirmian) through the mixed forest and the landscape shining in bright autumn colours. After about an hour we cross the street and enter the forest leading up to the St. Apollonia Church. The hilltop offers an amazing view on the surroundings, the Valle dell'Adige valley with Merano and Bolzano and the Sciliar and Catinaccio massifs in the background. In ancient times one of the main connection roads was running directly through this area. Nowadays the roads can be found in the dry valley basin and the hills and mountains are better suited for beautiful walks and tours in spring, summer and autumn alike. Some rest points can be found in Grissiano and Sirmiano di Sopra.

Author: AT