Three Peaks Hike
5 unforgettable hikes through the breathtaking nature of the Dolomites
Those who visit us at Glinzhof arrive with a pure passion for the outdoors. City dwellers, in particular, enjoy resetting their focus to the distance, letting their gaze wander over the boundless rolling hills of the imposing Hochpustertal valley. The rustling of the forests offers their ears a welcome change from the thundering noise of the city. Added to this is the fresh air and the overwhelming panoramic view from Glinzhof directly onto the Sesto Dolomites and the Haunold, our local mountain.
And just like that, it happens:
The urge to get moving is awakened! The desire to roam through untouched nature and discover the beauty of the Three Peaks Nature Park ignites within even the most relaxed guest in no time at all.
The Three Peaks Nature Park - The most impressive region in the Dolomites
South Tyrol has many enchanting corners to offer, but the most extraordinary are the Dolomites with their natural highlight, the Three Peaks. These three giant mountain obelisks are located in the northeastern part of the Dolomites, give their name to the surrounding nature park, and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009. The Three Peaks consist of the Cima Grande (Big Peak), which measures a proud 2,999 meters, the Cima Ovest (Western Peak) at 2,973 meters, and the Cima Piccola (Little Peak) at 2,857 meters.
In 2017, they were also chosen as the filming location for the movie of the same name, "Three Peaks," which captures this piece of nature in grand and impressive cinematic images.
The Three Peaks Nature Park spans the municipalities of Innichen, Sexten, and Toblach and, covering an area of 11,891 hectares, is the fourth largest in South Tyrol. In the second half of the 19th century, pioneering mountaineering feats were achieved in this unique Dolomite landscape, and even today, alpinists from all nations continue to put their skills to the test on the vertical walls of this mountain group.
But don't worry, you don't have to be a highly trained peak-bagger to explore the surroundings of the Three Peaks. We have put together 5 unforgettable hikes for you that are easy to moderate and perfectly reflect the fascination of the Three Peaks at the same time.
1. The Circular Hike: From Innichen to the Jora Hut and back
This hike is excellent for getting a first impression of our home village of Innichen, its cultural offerings, and the surrounding landscape. It is recommended for families and leisure walkers of all ages. The individual stages are Innichen, Wildbad, the Wildbad Chapel, Schmiedlwiese, the Giant Haunold Hut, the Jora Hut, and back to Innichen. A total of 390 meters of elevation are covered over a distance of 9 kilometers. Depending on your mood, the hike can be shortened—for example, by walking directly from the chapel to the Jora Hut or by racing down into the valley on the Fun-Bob summer toboggan run instead of continuing on foot.
The tour starts at the Haunold lift parking lot. From there, the path leads along the cycle path towards Sexten. Walk along the Sexten stream until you reach the Silence Hotel Sonnenparadies, where you cross both the stream and the main road. Now, walk slightly uphill through an idyllic spruce forest until you reach the ruins of the Grand Hotel Wildbad. Five healing springs originate here; with one exception, they are bottled and sold as mineral water. The spa hotel, built in the 19th century, was partially destroyed during World War I and has since been left to decay. Around the estate, several benches and tables invite you to linger and enjoy a picnic. On a barefoot path, you can "feel, touch, and taste the water."
Not far from the Wildbad ruins lies the Chapel of St. Salvador, built in 1591. From there, it is about a half-hour walk to the Schmiedlwiese meadow. From this point, follow trail no. 7 for another 30 minutes, which leads to the Giant Haunold Hut (Riesen-Haunold-Hütte). This rustic mountain hut, with its large sun terrace, is a wonderful place to relax. Children can let off steam at the magnificent playground, which features a tubing track. The next stop is the Jora Hut, which invites you to stop for a bite with its exceptional cuisine. The head chef is Markus Holzer, a well-known Italian TV chef. Once you've had your fill, there is only a short descent left, passing the summer toboggan run, and you will find yourself back at the Haunold lift parking lot.
Key Information at a Glance:
Start and Finish: Haunold lift parking lot
Distance: 9 km
Elevation Gain: 390 m
Walking Time: 2 to 3 hours
2. The "Schnullermeile" (Pacifier Mile) in Sexten
Our neighboring community of Sexten has come up with something special for families with babies and toddlers in the Three Peaks Nature Park. To introduce the little ones to hiking with fun and excitement, the "Schnullermeile" was created. The hiking trail is completely suitable for strollers, allowing parents to relax and enjoy nature with their offspring.
The starting point is at the entrance of the village of Sexten, from where you hike along a 2-kilometer path to Moos. Along the way, you won't just roam through forests and meadows or discover streams and inviting rest areas; you'll also pass nearly every children's playground in the valley. In total, five playgrounds—"Gissa Waldile," "Sonnwendplatz," "Sparkasse," "Teich," and "Mooser Waldile"—are located along the path of the Schnullermeile.
Key Information at a Glance:
Start: Sexten village entrance Finish: Moos Distance: 2 km Elevation Gain: 50 m Walking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
4. The Thematic Trail: From the Rudi Hut to the WWI Open-Air Museum
The Three Peaks Nature Park offers several thematic trails, such as the Springs Trail in Braies or the Lake Dobbiaco Nature Trail. For those interested in history, however, we recommend an impressive path into the past: from the Rudi Hut to the World War I Open-Air Museum on the Anderter Alpe.
During the First World War, from 1915 to 1918, the Dolomites were the scene of fierce fighting between Austrians and Italians. Between Mount Paterno (Paternkofel) and the Three Peaks, deadly battles broke out repeatedly; camps were built, trenches were dug, and positions were occupied and defended. Existing evidence and relics from this bloody era of the Three Peaks have been restored in recent years by the "Bellum Aquilarum Onlus" association and prepared for visitors.
This Three Peaks thematic hike begins at the Rudi Hut at 1,950 meters above sea level and follows trail marker no. 100 up to the Anderter Alpe at 2,150 meters, which served as a base camp for Austro-Hungarian soldiers. Along the way, you pass old defensive positions, command barracks, and machine gun nests—haunting and impressive in equal measure. From early July to late September, the association offers guided hikes several times a week. Exact dates can be found here. Additionally, an information booklet is available for purchase at the Sexten tourism office or at the valley station of the Rotwand cable car.
By the way, if you want to learn even more about the First World War in the Dolomites, you should visit the "Bellum Aquilarum" exhibition in Sexten, which opens in early June. There, you can learn about the significance of the Anderter Alpe, the logistical challenges and construction activities in high-alpine terrain, the daily life of soldiers on the mountain front, as well as the battles for the Sentinella Pass, the Rotwand (Croda Rossa), and the Elfer (Cima Undici), and the life of the civilian population in Sexten. Admission is free.
Key Information at a Glance:
Start: Rudi Hut Finish: Anderter Alpe - Open-Air Museum Length: 2.6 km Elevation Gain: 244 m Walking Time: 1 h
5. The Way of St. James: From Innichen to Welsberg
Who doesn't remember Hape Kerkeling's famous book "I'm Off Then"? Suddenly, hiking the Way of St. James became well-known, popular, and highly sought after. The South Tyrolean Way of St. James is divided into 6 stages, and the first stage leads from Winnebach via Innichen to Welsberg. So, if you would like to walk a section of this pilgrimage route, you can start virtually right on the doorstep of the Glinzhof.
In Innichen, the Way of St. James leads past the Collegiate Church, the most beautiful Romanesque sacred building in the Eastern Alps. From Innichen, follow path no. 28a towards Toblach and pass the source of the Drava River. In Toblach, the late Baroque parish church of St. John is considered a must-see landmark. Next, the route climbs near Gratsch towards the wildlife park at Altschluderbach, where the Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler used to enjoy his summer retreats. You then switch to path no. 27 to reach Bad Maistatt, where Emperor Maximilian I once took his healing baths. The final section of the stage leads from Niederdorf, home to the Hospital Church of the Holy Trinity, along the cycle path to Welsberg and the Church of St. George. Welsberg is also the birthplace of Paul Troger, who painted the significant frescoes in Brixen Cathedral.
Key Information at a Glance:
Start: Innichen Finish: Welsberg Distance: 18.1 km Elevation Gain: 216 m Walking Time: 5 h
Which of these hikes around the Three Peaks is your favorite?
Which of the five hikes do you like best? If you have already tried one or can recommend other tours, let us know! We look forward to hearing your suggestions.
Just ask us quickly and easily via our contact form and we will contact you as soon as possible!
