The starting point of our short but beautiful hike is the Vintschger Museum in the village center of Sluderno, directly at the bridge over the Saldur river. The tour leads to the Churburg, through apple orchards and along the Sonnensteig trail with its great views back to the village. The surrounding mountain landscape and the village of Sluderno are always in view.
Since the village of Sluderno is not very large, the starting point, the Vintschger Museum, is quickly found. Incidentally, the tourist information office is also located there. So if you need more tips for your South Tyrolean vacation, you are in the right place. From the museum you can already see the Churburg, which towers high above the village.
Tour data
- Starting point: Vintschger Museum, village center Sluderno
- End point: Church of St. Katharina, village center of Sluderno
- Duration / walking time: approx. 1:25 hours
- Length of the trail: 4.16 km
- Vertical meters upwards: 240
- Height difference downwards: 260
- Difficulty: Medium
- Suitable for strollers: No
- Suitable for dogs: Yes
- Refreshment stops: Various possibilities in the village of Sluderno itself, in the castle tavern Churburg or in the Birkenhof (here, however, the tour must be extended)
The first part of our hike leads us up to the castle. On a road we pass some residential houses and the Sluderno farm store. After about 10-15 minutes we reach the medieval pre-tower at the foot of the Churburg. There you will also find the castle tavern. Since we have only been on the way for a short time, we don’t take a break there. But I am curious, of course, and so I take a quick look inside. The small tavern with adjacent beer garden is certainly worth a visit and is very well suited for a stop on the way back.
A few steps further and we are already at the castle itself. Arriving at the castle, I first take a closer look at it from the outside. If these walls could talk, what would they tell us? They have certainly experienced a lot. Of course, we also enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and the villages that lie ahead of us. Because from the Churburg you already have a beautiful view. From there you can also see that the Churburg is not the only castle in the Vinschgau Valley. After a few minutes we continue walking along the castle wall in the direction of the apple orchards.
In mid-September the trees are full of apples – red and green – and the harvest is in full swing. At first we are unsure if the path is the right one, because we continue walking up through the middle of the plantation. But two friendly locals we meet on the way take away the last doubts.
Tip: The apple blossom is definitely the highlight of spring in South Tyrol. For this reason, the time between the end of March and the beginning of May is ideal for a vacation in Vinschgau. During this period the apple blossom transforms the orchards into a pink-white sea of colors.
Now the path leads further and further upwards until we reach the Sonnensteig. Those who wish can extend the tour a bit and hike on to the Birkenhof for a stop. We ourselves skipped the inn, as we started our tour “late” in the day. As we heard, a visit to the Birkenhof is worthwhile in any case.
On the Sonnensteig it goes up only a few meters in altitude. Otherwise, pure pleasure hiking is now announced. The Sonnensteig does not bear its name for nothing, because you walk – with the exception of short forest passages – almost continuously in the sun and always have the village of Sluderno and the surrounding mountain landscape in view.
After some time we arrive at the Vernalhof. From there we descend again towards Churburg and Sluderno. We end our tour at the church of St. Catherine.
The tour on Komoot
Tour highlights
The Churburg
The Churburg is one of the best preserved castles in South Tyrol and was first mentioned in a document in 1259. The castle itself has never been destroyed in all this time. Today, the Churburg houses the world’s largest almost complete equipment for a castle garrison with about 50 well-preserved suits of armor, thrusting weapons and swords. Definitely a worthwhile destination for culture enthusiasts and families with kids. Afterwards, you can fortify yourself in the castle tavern with a small beer garden in the adjacent tower.
Good to know: There is a parking lot below the castle, from where a short footpath leads to the complex. The Churburg can only be visited with a guided tour.
Touring equipment
- Hiking backpack (depending on weather conditions and personal equipment between 15 and 25 liters )
- Drinking bottle with enough water or similar
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (at least sun protection factor 30)
- Sunscreen for the lips
Here you can find more tour tips.
