The easy way to enjoy Mother Nature
Hiking
The Jochgrimm is an incomparable starting-point for undertaking countless superb hikes and numerous mountainclimbing tours on the Reggelberg, to the mountains of the Eggen Valley, or in the Dolomites of South Tyrol. Due to the vast number of different hiking destinations and options available here in the south of South Tyrol, we will mention only a few highlights. Numerous local Internet sites and hiking guides can provide you with more tips, insider information, and suggested routes.
Many hiking trails begin directly from the Jochgrimm or the nearby Lavazè Pass in the Italian neighbor province of Trentino (just 3 km from the Jochgrimm):
Among others, there’s the route to the Zanggenberg (2,488 meters above sea-level), with its wonderful panoramic view of Weisshorn/Corno Bianco and the Schwarzhorn/Corno Nero.
The idyllic alpine meadow landscape around Aldein/Aldino,, Petersberg/Monte S. Pietro, and Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente with countless beautiful managed alpine huts (Schönrastalm, Schmieder Alm, Lahner Alm, Neuhüttalm, Laab Alm) invites you to go on easy roundtrip walks. Experience it with all your senses – Stop and listen, smell, admire, take a little rest, and enjoy the blossoming meadows and quiet forests. And sample the delicious South Tyrolean bacon while sipping from a glass of good local red wine.
There’s also a wonderfully relaxing hike over the meadows to the famed Sanctuary of Maria Weissenstein/Pietralba.
Through the Eggen – Obereggen touring area, you’ll find plenty of hiking destinations, each with its own, unique charm. You might want to tread along the quiet pathways through verdant forests along the impressive cliffs of the Latemar from Obereggen to the magnificent Lake Carezza. Perhaps you’d like to take your family and attempt the challenging Latemar High-Altitude Trail (connecting the Eggen Valley mountains with the Carezza Pass region). How about choosing one of the many climbing stairways to conquer the Latemar? Or would you rather take it easy and explore the alpine meadows of the Eggen Valley? Whatever your preferences, when you come home in the evening, you’ll feel a pleasant drowsiness and a sense of accomplishment, with a wealth of happy memories of the fabulous sights.
In the Welschnofen – Carezza Pass touring area, or a little farther on in the Tierser Valley, you’ll find lots of starting-points for tours into the Dolomites – for example, to the Rose Garden Group, the Schlern/Sciliar, or to the Latemar. In any event, you should undertake at least one “classic” hike through the Dolomites during your vacation to South Tyrol. Your memories of the wild, romantic, and fascinating high-altitude landscapes and wonderful views will last a lifetime.
The E5 European Long-Distance Trail
The E5 European Long-Distance Trail extends from the French Atlantic coast in Brittany over the Alps to Verona in Italy. It has a total length of 3,200 km. In the Unterland of South Tyrol, it passes along the Weisshorn/Corno Bianco, the Schwarzhorn/Corno Nero, and the Jochgrimm.
The freedom of the mountains in the hiking area for insiders in the Dolomites
High-altitude training
High-altitude training
The Jochgrimm features climatic and geographic conditions that make it a perfect and beautiful base camp for high-altitude training – of growing importance for both leisure sport enthusiasts and professional athletes.
High-altitude training – also known as high-altitude acclimatization – refers to both active physical exercise but also the purely passive acclimatization that occurs in the low-oxygen environment of the high-altitude mountains – i.e., at elevations of about 2,000 meters above sea-level. Thus, the air pressure up on the Jochgrimm is significantly lower than on the valley floor. The oxygen content of the air is thus also lower – yet the body’s oxygen requirements are the same. Consequently, at 2,000 meters above sea-level, the body must take countermeasures to compensate for the lower oxygen supply: The breathing frequency increases, the heart beat quickens, and the body boosts the production of red blood corpuscles. So simply by coming to this higher altitude, in the magnificent natural paradise of the Eggen Valley and the alpine meadows of Aldein/Aldino, the oxygen absorption ability of the lungs and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is improved. The body’s metabolism is stimulated and thus more energy consumed. Athletes can thus improve their fitness and boost their physical and mental performance – and not just temporarily. Aging processes are also slowed, the body’s immune system is fortified, the burning of fat is improved, and it is easier to lose weight.
So, besides the idyllic landscape (with running trails, mountainbike routes, hiking paths for every level, and cross-country courses), visitors can also profit from the pristine high-altitude air for optimal and healthy training conditions.
The culinary specialties served in our restaurants, B&Bs, and alpine huts – prepared with fresh and healthy South Tyrolean ingredients from our region – thus round out the comprehensive training package available here.
The legendary Dolomites
UNESCO World Nature Heritage Site
Everyone has heard of them. From movies, photographs, and stories. Many have attempted to describe them and to capture their atmosphere – with words, and in pictures. But the magic you feel when you stand on them, hike through them, or when you stare in awe at them, can only be experienced in person.
The Dolomites, this world-famous range of mountains also known as the “Monti Pallidi” (the “Pale Mountains”) in Italian, extend over five Italian provinces: South Tyrol, Trentino, Belluno, Udine, and Pordenone. They are also home to five nature parks.
In 2009, they were officially declared a UNESCO World Nature Heritage Site on the basis of their special beauty and unique geology. Here, one can look back millions of years into the Earth’s history. But in reality, there’s no need to state any explicit reasons. Anyone who has stood among these gigantic and formidable mountains understands why. Even without words.
The mineral dolomite derives its name from the Dolomites. It’s what gives the mountains their typical, pale appearance. But just before sunset, you can witness a colorful natural light show. Spectacular yellows, orange hues, and shades of crimson light up the mountainsides as the sun’s dying rays glimmer on the horizon. A compelling natural drama that leaves visitors in awe.
The rugged cliffs and fantastic rock formations have given rise to many legends and myths over the centuries.
The Bletterbach Gorge
The Bletterbach Gorge has belonged to the UNESCO World Nature Heritage Site of the Dolomites since 2009
It was included in the list of because of its special beauty and geological importance. A mysterious and impressive experience in the Unterland of South Tyrol that simply mustn’t be missed!
The Bletterbach Gorge is a canyon carved out of the western flank of the Weisshorn/Corno Bianco over the course of millennia. It has a length of about 8 km and a depth of up to 400 meters and belongs to the communities of Aldein/Aldino and Radein/Redagno. It features not only fascinating rock formations – like the wild “Butterloch,” rocky basin with a whirlpool – but also geological strata allowing you to trace Earth’s history back millions of years.
Along the footpath – which will take you through sections of the gorge – you can view folds in the alpine strata which visualize the formation of the Dolomites. Children can undertake an exciting hunt for fossils and petrified dinosaur footprints.
The modern GEOPARC visitors’ center in Aldein/Aldino at the entrance to the canyon provides a wealth of information and interesting facts presented in a fashion appropriate for families with children, too. This is also where the hiking paths, thematic trails, and an educational nature trail begin. Guided tours of the gorge, GEO excursions, and roundtrip tours on certain topics led by experts are also available.
The GEOMuseum in Radein/Redagno also provides lots of information about the Bletterbach Gorge.
More information hereGeoparc Bletterbach
Visitor Centre and GEOMuseum
Visiting the Dolomites by car or motorcycle
The Grand Dolomites Road
The Great Dolomites Road leads from Bozen/Bolzano, via the Carezza Pass into the Fassa Valley. Continue via the Pordoi Pass (2,239 meters above sea-level) and via the Falzarego Pass (2,105 m) to Cortina d’Ampezzo. This one-day stretch is about 110 km long and is well built, with a lot of curves, and offers stunning alpine views (including the Rose Garden, the Sella Massif, the Geisler Peaks, the Langkofel, and the Marmolada).
You can explore typical South Tyrolean mountain areas and villages on numerous other, shorter and individual tours for motorists and motorcyclists which will take you through the valleys of the Dolomites and through the passes.
