This circular hike near Plaus and Naturno leads us through orchards along a sunny slope: We discover cultural monuments and a varied landscape at the entrance to the Val Venosta valley
Image gallery: Hike on the Knights’ Path of Naturno
This walking tour is particularly suitable for the beginning of spring, when the apple trees are blooming or for autumn, when the days are no longer too hot. Starting in Plaus we walk past the train station, cross the Val Venosta Road and follow the marker no. 91B towards Monte Sole.
The path leads up through orchards to the old Runstermühle mill at the edge of the forest, then along the Panorama Path further to Naturno (Naturns). There we make a detour to the St. Proculus Church, where we find ancient frescoes, the oldest date from the Carolingian period and show the history of Bishop Proculus of Verona. After crossing the village centre of Naturno we follow path no. 5 to the Zollwies restaurant (rest point).
Then we continue on path no. 1, the actual Rittersteig trail (Knights' Path). In the age of the knights, this path through the forest was used as a secret connection to Taranto Castle (Schloss Dornsberg). We pass the castle and finally return to Plaus through blossoming apple meadows where the circular hike ends after 11.5 km. The path is easy except for a few short, steep sections. However, it cannot be classified as barrier-free. Here you get nice impressions of the landscape, nature and culture around Naturno.
Author: AT
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- Starting point:
- Plaus (or other village along the circular path)
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- Time required:
- 03:30 h
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- Track length:
- 11,1 km
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- Altitude:
- from 514 m to 648 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +277 m | -277 m
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- Signposts:
- 91B, 91, Prokulus, 5, 1 (Rittersteig)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike on the Knights’ Path of Naturno
If you want to do this hike, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
