Hike to the Malga Pfandler hut

About 750 m in altitude and 3.7 km separate the valley bottom at San Martino in Passiria (St. Martin in Passeier) from the Pfandler Mountain Hut, above the hamlet of Prantago (Prantach). Starting at the valley road in San Martino we follow the Prantago path across the Passirio river and past the Golf Lodge Andreus. 200 m after the first bend, at the beginning of the mountain slope, the path branches to the right (markers no. 2 and E5).

It proceeds through the meadows and woods of Prantago, crosses the asphalt road for several times and finally leads us up to the Gruberhof farm (now markers no. 1 and E5). We pass the Pfandlerhof tavern and have to manage a last quite steep section through the forest, before we reach the Malga Pfandler mountain inn at 1,350 m a.s.l. Along the upper section of the path, various boards can be found, which tell about the last journey of Andreas Hofer. Along the whole hike, we enjoy a fantastic view across the Val Passiria valley and the opposite Tessa Group. After about 2.5 hours we reach the Malga Pfandler mountain inn and look forward to our lunch break.

Above the tavern, the still preserved hut where Andreas Hofer was captured by the French in January 1810, is situated. Due to steep, partly rocky and in humid conditions slippery spots, the actually unproblematic path is classified as medium to difficult. Surefootedness and sturdy shoes are obligatory! Those who want to make it easier, can drive up by car or hiking bus until the parking space above the Pfandler Mountain Hut and walk only the last km along the forest path. Like this the hiking tour becomes a family-friendly forest walk with only 200 m in altitude and 40 minutes of walking time.

Author: AT