Bressanone and Vipiteno: trekking and via ferrata

In the morning, meet your local English-speaking UIAGM / IFMGA-certified mountain guide. From the hamlet of Sant’Andrea, just above Bressanone / Brixen, take the Plose I and Plose II cable cars (tickets not included) to reach the top station of Plose II at 2012m / 6601'.

Your hike begins along the Dolomites Panorama Path, a scenic trail that gently winds across alpine meadows on the southern slopes of the Plose. As you make your way uphill through the flower-filled fields, sweeping views open up over the valley. To the southeast, you’ll spot the dramatic Sass de Putia / Peitlerkofel (2875m / 9432'), the tallest peak in the Odle d’Eores / Aferer Geisler range, as well as the striking Odle di Funes / Vilnösser Geisler peaks.

Once you reach the Forcella Luson / Lüsner Scharte saddle, follow the path that branches off to the nearby Rifugio Plose / Plosehütte. Take a break at the hut and soak in the incredible panorama before continuing your hike.

From here, follow the ridge trail toward Malga dei Buoi / Ochsenalm. Along the way, you’ll pass the summit of Telegraph Peak (2486m / 8156'), the highest point on the Plose. Be sure to pause at the abandoned barracks and check out the panorama table, which helps identify the surrounding peaks. Just behind the old radar station, the path begins a steep descent—this section is rocky and can be quite demanding, so take your time and watch your footing.

The trail then continues along a grassy ridge down to the Croce di San Leonardo / Leonharder Kreuz, a scenic cross with wide-open views over the Brixner and Lüsner Valley basins. From here, you’ll start to catch sight of your destination: Malga dei Buoi / Ochsenalm (2,085m / 6841').

Stay on the same trail all the way to this wonderfully situated alpine hut, perched high above the Brixen valley basin and basking in the sun. Set on the edge of a wide, open meadow, the hut’s terrace offers fantastic views over the Valle Isarco / Eisacktal (Eisack Valley) and the surrounding peaks. It’s the perfect place to relax and treat yourself to a hearty traditional South Tyrolean lunch. Don’t miss the “Tiroler Marende”—a rustic platter that’s simply unforgettable.

When you’re ready to head back, follow the Brixner Höhenweg trail, which winds gently through fragrant pine forests and leads you back to the mountain station of the Plose II cable car.

(~4-5 hours hiking 13,5km / 8,4 miles, 577m / 1893' ascent and descent.)

Meet your professional mountain guide after breakfast. You’ll be given the safety equipment required for the via ferrata, which must be worn throughout the hike.

After a short drive to the parking area in Prati, at the entrance to the Val di Vizze, a 15-minute walk will take you to the starting point of the Ölberg via ferrata.

The route is well equipped and meticulously maintained. It stretches over 500m / 1640', with an elevation gain of 230m / 755', and takes around three hours to complete. The ferrata climbs along the right-hand side of the Ölberg, hugging the rock face and offering a mix of difficulty levels. Once you reach the designated rest area, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view over Val di Vizze and the surrounding mountains.

Thanks to its various alternative paths, each with different levels of difficulty, the Ölberg via ferrata is suitable for a wide range of abilities—from beginners to seasoned climbers. With your guide, you’ll choose the route best suited to your skill level. In general, the overall difficulty is considered moderate.

On the way down, you’ll cross a suspended bridge over a stream—an exciting and scenic feature of the descent. If you prefer, this section can be bypassed via an alternative trail.

(~3-4 hour excursion, 500m / 1640' of via ferrata, 230m /755' altitude gain.)