Starting from our star, the sun, which is visible on the wall of the observatory, you encounter all 8 planets of our solar system as well as the dwarf planet Pluto, all at their scaled distances from the sun. Each step you take corresponds to about 1 million kilometers. And yet, it will take you nearly 3 hours to visit all the planets.
At each station, you learn exciting facts about the celestial bodies and their unique characteristics.
TIP Audio guide:
Download the free izi.TRAVEL app on your phone and search for the "Planet Trail in Gummer". Activate the GPS function on your phone and you will have your very own audio guide with you on the route. At each planet station, this digital guide tells you interesting facts about the respective planet.
The Planet Trail is not only an adventure for all who are interested in astronomy but also for nature lovers who want to enjoy the peace and beauty of the South Tyrolean landscape.
The route is easy to walk and leads you through idyllic forests, over gentle hills, and along viewpoints that repeatedly offer you new views of the mountain world.
Please note: There are no catering facilities along the entire circular hike.
At the start or end point of this hike, however, there is the Gasthaus Unteregger, which spoils you with South Tyrolean specialties.
Starting from the Max Valier Observatory, you immediately reach the 1st planet Mercury, then the 2nd planet Venus and at Untereggerhof the Earth. The Planet Trail then continues along the hiking path, gently ascending towards the north, past a small private pond, to Oberegger where you reach the 4th planet Mars. From there, the Planet Trail leads around the Oberegger farm, along the trail marker [5] eastward, where the path ascends to the 5th planet Jupiter. Always following marker [5], slightly ascending through the forest to the Malgeier farmstead, you meet the 6th planet Saturn with a great view of the Dolomite massif Latemar. From Saturn, the Planet Trail continues along the paved access road towards the north. From here it follows marker [5] downhill through the forest to a biotope. The flat path continues east to the end of the biotope. Here the path turns north, initially along a well-trodden forest path and then along an ascending forest path to the state road. Cross this and follow hiking trail [1/3] to the country inn Lärchenwald, where the 7th planet Uranus is located. From here, follow hiking trail [1] past Jaiterhof, further towards Haus Waldpeter, and just above Haus Waldpeter you reach the highest point (1,420m) of the circular Planet Trail. From here, follow the special Planet Trail signs to the 8th planet Neptune. Then, the Planet Trail leads down forest paths to the Schenk parking lot at the Lantschnay bus stop. The path then runs [5A] along the paved road past the Learn pond. Shortly after Hinteregger farm, the path turns right at the forest edge towards Edenhof. Follow the planet signs and you pass Tschigg farm, where the 9th planet or dwarf planet Pluto is located. Following the planet signs, you return to the starting point.
By public bus line:
- 182 from Bolzano and Steinegg
- 180 from Welschnofen, Karersee, Karerpass, Fassatal*
- 184 from Obereggen, Eggen*
- 181 from Weissenstein, Petersberg, Deutschnofen, Stenk*
- 182 from Gummer
*Change in Birchabruck to line 182
Stop: Lantschnay
Online timetable search at Südtirol mobil
Walk of 2.5 km (approx. 40 minutes) from the Schenk parking lot to the observatory where the Planet Trail starts. This walk to the starting point is also the final section of the Planet Trail.
The starting point of the route is easy and convenient to reach by public transport.
By public bus line:
- 182 from Bolzano and Steinegg
- 180 from Welschnofen, Karersee, Karerpass, Fassatal*
- 184 from Obereggen, Eggen*
- 181 from Weissenstein, Petersberg, Deutschnofen, Stenk*
- 182 from Gummer
*Change in Birchabruck to line 182
Stop: Lantschnay
Online timetable search at Südtirol mobil
Walk of 2.5 km (approx. 40 minutes) from the bus stop to the observatory where the Planet Trail starts. This walk to the starting point is also the final section of the Planet Trail.
By car:
Destination: Max Valier Observatory - Obergummer
Parking: Parking at the Gasthof Unteregger or at the observatory. This is also where the Planet Trail begins.
Parking at the Gasthof Unteregger or at the observatory. This is also where the Planet Trail begins.
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