The Ridnaun High Trail:
popular and exciting

The Ridnaun Valley, which runs into the Wipp Valley a bit south of Sterzing, is an 18-kilometre-long side valley of the Eisack Valley. In the south, the sun-drenched Ridnaun Valley, where, by the way, the highest mining area in Europe is located, is bordered by the mountain massif of the Jaufen, while in the north it borders on the Stubai Alps. So, it is hardly surprising that Ridnaun awaits with numerous high-alpine tours: one of them is the Ridnaun High Trail, which is very popular with locals and guests.

In the warm season, we are drawn to the mountains to escape the heat in the valley. High-alpine tours on numerous 3,000-metre peaks, high-altitude hiking trails with great views and a spectacular glacier world are just the thing. Welcome to the Ridnaun Valley - welcome to the sunny side of Ridnaun, from where we start a long and panoramic mountain tour: on the Ridnaun High Trail.
Thanks to the high alpine terrain in the Eisack Valley and the diverse flora, the hike is very varied. Moreover, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the three-thousand-metre peaks and the glaciers of the Stubai Alps from the Ridnaun High Trail. Worth mentioning summits are above all the Zuckerhütl, the Wilder Freiger and the Sonnklarspitze.

The hike from the Rosskopf mountain near Sterzing via the Seebersee lake to Maiern is a demanding tour at an altitude of 1900-2300 metres above the Ridnaun Valley, which is only recommended in good weather. The high-altitude hike is strenuous and demanding of fitness - and in some places it requires surefootedness, which is why it is reserved for experienced hikers only. However, there is no special equipment required.

The 12.4 kilometre long Ridnaun High Trail near Sterzing is a demanding hike that requires a lot of fitness and stamina. The tour is generally considered difficult and can usually be completed in around 5 hours. A previous mountain experience is absolutely necessary!

The hike starts in the town of Sterzing. We comfortably take the cable car, from which we already have a breathtaking panoramic view, to the mountain station of the Rosskopf cable car (summer opening times: mid-June to mid-September) at 1,850 m. Then follow the wide trail no. 23 south-westwards, slightly ascending, around the ridge protruding to the south, above the farmed mountain hut Kuhalm to the hut Ochsenalm (total walking time so far 45 minutes).

Here the first signpost points us to the Ridnaun High Trail (trail no. 23 B). The high trail now leads us under the Telfer Weissen along to the mountain hut Seeberalm (open at weekends) with the Seebersee lake (2110 m), which is beautifully nestled in the landscape. Passing under the southern slopes of the Wetterspitze peak, where there are a few small but very steep ditches and streams to cross, we reach the rustic hut Prischeralm (2160 m). Here, an impressive view of the ice scenery of the Übeltalferner on the opposite side awaits us.

The descent is on trail no. 27, partly steep, down to the hamlet of Gesennen in Maiern. From there you can return to the starting point by car or public bus.

Surrounded by meadows and forests and the magnificent panorama of the Stubai Alps with their glaciers and three-thousand-metre peaks, you can enjoy peace and quiet, the finest cuisine, and award-winning wellness at the SPA Minera and the Acqua Minera.