Burkhard Gorge in Ridanna

The Burkhard or Burghard Gorge in Masseria, situated at the head of the Ridanna Valley, was already laid out as a carrier trail at the turn of the century. Records report from 1899, when the path was inaugurated and continued to Aglsboden in the following years. This path was in use until after WWI, then both the path and this natural monument fell into oblivion for decades.

A few years ago, the Burkhard Gorge (Burkhardklamm) was rediscovered and, to the delight of visitors, the Panorama Path no. 9 was created, which partly follows the course of the old trail. Bridges lead past the plunging masses of water of the Rio Ferner stream, with the giants of the Stubai Alps rising all around. From the Ridanna Mining World, the Burkhard Gorge can be reached on foot in about 45 minutes, the trail ends after a total of two hours at the dam wall at Aglsboden. If you want to continue hiking, after a short while you will pass the Aglsboden Mountain Pasture at 1,700 metres a.s.l. and then the Vedretta Piana Mountain Hut, situated 500 metres higher.

Even further, the Biasi al Bicchiere Hut awaits you, the highest refuge in South Tyrol. The 11-hour hike starts in Ridanna and leads up to 3,195 metres a.s.l. A curiosity: Did you know that the "Tyrolean Giantess" comes from Ridanna? With her height of between 2.20 and 2.40 m, Maria Fassnauer from the Staudnerhof performed in various variety shows throughout Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. She died at the age of 38. Old photographs still tell of her today.