Arrivederci Winter, buongiorno Sommer!

From the civil protection centre at Nova Levante, head past the Latemar sawmill to the colourful Lago di Carezza in 3 to 3.5 hours, featuring 10 kilometres of magnificent landscape and 350 metres of altitude. Nature lovers should definitely allow for a circular walk around the beautiful lake before heading back to Nova Levante via the Spechtenhof farm. The Lago di Carezza is obviously the main reward for the (not especially great) effort, but walking through the beautiful surroundings stimulates profound thinking – the richness of nature is true soul food for hungry minds, while refreshments are available at the Stadlalm inn.

The basic parameters: 580 metres of altitude, 3.5 hours of hiking, a distance of 9.4 kilometres. Those taking on this moderately difficult hike wander from the Niger Pass past the Baumann Schwaige hut to the Haniger Schwaige hut, which offers a well-deserved rest – and delicious fare! The almost-can’t-believe-it view over the Bolzano valley basin doesn’t exactly help when it comes to setting out again… Luckily, the way back follows the same path as the way up. Those who prefer a circular route may walk down to Tires al Catinaccio, where they can catch the bus back to the Niger Pass.

More ambitious hikers will be delighted by the boulder maze of the Latemar! While the Carezza forest calms the soul with its harmonious tonewood trees, the giant rocks, broken away from the Latemar in prehistoric times, arouse a spirit of discovery. The hike starts from the Passo di Costalunga and leads via the Labyrinth Trail and the “Geplänk-Lacke” back to the starting point, covering 8.5 kilometres and 230 metres of altitude in 3 hours. Adventure guaranteed!

Those who can describe themselves as fit mountaineers - without crossing their fingers behind their backs - should consider the hike from the Passo di Costalunga to the Poppekanzel. This 7-kilometre hike involves some 730 metres of altitude in about 3 hours starting from the Passo di Costalunga, leading past the Latemar Cinema all the way up to the Poppekanzel at 2,460 metres above sea level. The fabulous views of the Marmolada, the Pala massif, the Sella group, the Sassolungo and Catinaccio massifs, the Ötztal Alps and the king of all South Tyrolean mountains, the Ortles, more than compensate for the effort required for the ascent.

Note: A head for heights and proper equipment are a must for this tour!

With 808 metres of steep climbing over 10 kilometres in 4 to 5 hours: anyone who accomplishes this tour has truly conquered the heart of the Catinaccio-Vaiolon massif! This tour, only for the surefooted, leads all the way around the Roda di Vael and is possibly the most beautiful, impressive and unforgettable of all of the hikes in the Val d’Ega. Starting from the Passo di Costalunga, it leads via the Hirzl path up to the Vaiolon Pass and back via the Roda di Vael refuge – where a stop is obviously an absolute must! A good head for heights and a climbing harness are also essential for this hike!