Hike from the Mendel Pass to the Prinzwiesen

The Mendelbahn cable car takes us from St. Anton in Kaltern up to the Mendel Pass. Even here, at the transition between Nonstal and Überetsch, there is a beautiful panorama, from the Fleimstal Alps to the Brenta Group. We head north, following the signpost to Penegal (no. 500).

We hike upwards through the autumnal forest on a beautiful path, which is unfortunately extremely covered with roots - so caution is paramount!

Again and again, when the forest thins out, we enjoy magnificent views of the Bolzano and Caldaro region in its autumnal dress. After a while, we reach the Penegal - the mountain is famous for its viewpoint, which was even visited by Emperor Franz Joseph. There is also a restaurant and a hotel here, as well as several radio and TV broadcasting stations.

Our hike continues northwards on a more pleasant, wider and better-laid path, which is sometimes a forest road and sometimes a forest promenade. First down into the gorge of the Furgglauer Scharte (Forcolana) above Eppan, then up again to our actual destination, the Prinzwiesen.

This is a clearing in the middle of the larch forest: the "Bait del Prinz", or Prince's Hut, is also located here. Despite the name, it's just a dilapidated wooden hut with holes in it that looks as if it won't be able to withstand the next strong gust of wind (update: that's what happened, and there's nothing left of the hut now). But the clearing has its charm and we stop here to enjoy the autumn sun and the sandwiches we've brought with us before heading back to the Mendel Pass.

Go to the website:

https://www.kalterersee.com/de/freizeit-aktiv/berge-wandern/vom-mendelpass-zu-den-prinzwiesen/