Circular hike Andrian-Gaid-Burgstalleck-Bittner-Andrian

Attention hiking trail no. 15 closed

A demanding, but very varied circular hike with very special rest areas offering unique views.

From the car park at the upper end of Via Bottai, trail no. 15 leads directly into Gorge of Rio Gaido. The gorge is moderately steep at the beginning, later very steep. It’s an approx. 1 hour climb through rocky shrubland to the ruins of Festenstein. From there, follow trail no. 15 for about 20 minutes to Gaido. Head north first on trail no. 8, after about 15 min (700 m) turn right onto trail no. 6 to Punta Payer.

Burgstalleck (1,019 m) is a fantastic view point. A bench invites to taking a rest. Enjoy the stunning views of Merano with the Gruppo del Tessa.

Return to the crossroads, after 50 m turn off into Sattelsteig (marking no. 6) and follow this until you reach the Bittnerhof farm. At the Bittnerhof farm take trail no. 5B first to the fork in the road to Nalles and, keeping to the right there, finally return to Andriano following trail no. 5 past the Regele and Kofler farms through beautiful mixed deciduous forest. Just before the trail descends to Andriano, at the northern end of the Schlosspichl chestnut grove, a natural monument, you can take a path that leads to a small elevation with a cross and several benches. There you enjoy beautiful views of Val d’Adige.