Toward the end it traipses over an alpine meadow, where in the winter months skiers enjoy their runs, and leads to the Gasthaus Jocher, the first night quarter. One definitely should take time to hike up to the near Vigilius chapel. That mystic spot offers a great view up the Vinschgau Valley and on to the rugged mountains of the Texelgroup. And as a matter of interest, that small church is the highest point of the entire Via Vigilius; it is 1796 m high. After supper at the Gasthaus another little excursion becomes available: One can hike from the Jocher up to the tall radio antenna and enjoy the sunset. Only the quit humming of the Etschtal offers suggestion of the busy world in the valley; up at the Vigiljoch, tranquility reigns…
first day
from top station cable car Vigiljoch to Gasthaus Jocher
T
he start of the Via Vigilius is a gentle journey into a quiet and almost untouched world. The city of Meran can be reached by train and in the near vicinity of the bottom station of the tram there is a small bus terminal, which receives buses from the train station in Meran. Without great effort one can soar up to the Vigiljoch at lunch time or early in the afternoon. There is even time for a coffee on the balcony of the Hotel Vigilius before heading out toward the day’s destination. Almost immediately, the view presents itself from its best side. The trail leads without great steepness through a magnificent larch forest, disappearing a bit later into a dense spruce forest.
T
he start of the Via Vigilius is a gentle journey into a quiet and almost untouched world. The city of Meran can be reached by train and in the near vicinity of the bottom station of the tram there is a small bus terminal, which receives buses from the train station in Meran. Without great effort one can soar up to the Vigiljoch at lunch time or early in the afternoon. There is even time for a coffee on the balcony of the Hotel Vigilius before heading out toward the day’s destination. Almost immediately, the view presents itself from its best side. The trail leads without great steepness through a magnificent larch forest, disappearing a bit later into a dense spruce forest.
Toward the end it traipses over an alpine meadow, where in the winter months skiers enjoy their runs, and leads to the Gasthaus Jocher, the first night quarter. One definitely should take time to hike up to the near Vigilius chapel. That mystic spot offers a great view up the Vinschgau Valley and on to the rugged mountains of the Texelgroup. And as a matter of interest, that small church is the highest point of the entire Via Vigilius; it is 1796 m high. After supper at the Gasthaus another little excursion becomes available: One can hike from the Jocher up to the tall radio antenna and enjoy the sunset. Only the quit humming of the Etschtal offers suggestion of the busy world in the valley; up at the Vigiljoch, tranquility reigns…
- 320 m
altitude difference uphill - 2.8 km
length of the trail - 1 – 1.5 hours
time needed – not including rest periods
Route description
From the top station of the Vigiljoch cable car (1489 m) one hikes past the Hotel Vigilius and aims for the nearby retro chairlift. From there, follow the wooden signs indicating the Jocher (marker number 34). From the tram station the trail leads gradually uphill, passing through the sparse larch forest, and eventually it is shrouded by the dense spruce forest. It is possible to follow the broad nature trail without great effort, passing the former Gasthaus “Waldkönigin” which almost greets visitors in an ethereal, spooky way. Shortly afterward the trail arrives at a vast opening. There are two wooden houses right at the border of the forest; this is where one turns right (marker number 8) and starts meandering up the big meadow toward the Gasthaus Jocher (1770 m).
Terrain: 2.8 km forest- and meadow trails, path, forestry road.
A very special background music…
Useful information
Public transport to Oberlana
Bus connection from the railroad station in Meran to Lana and the small bus station in Oberlana
Bus connection from the railroad station in Burgstall to the small bus station in Oberlana
Timetable on the internet under: www.sii.bz.it
At the bus station in Oberlana (roundabout) it is necessary to cross the street and hike for a short while toward the Ultental (road signs). The bottom station of the tram to the Vigiljoch is very visible on the right side of the road.
Reaching Oberlana by car
From Bozen take the expressway MeBo directly from the south exit of the Autostrada in Bozen (Meran is indicated) all the way to the exit Meran-Süd. Follow the indications to the village of Lana (to Oberlana) and then follow the road signs toward Ultental; right away, after a roundabout and on the right side is the tram station.
Timetable tram to Vigiljoch
Accommodations for overnight stay
Albergo Jocher – www.jocher.it
Tourist association
Maps
TABACCO – Sheet 046 – 1:25.000 / Lana – Etschtal
GPX – Track download (32 KB)
KML – Track download (3 KB)
PDF – Route description and map download (929 KB)