How do you get to us?

Let us describe you the way
… or rather: the paths!

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As you probably know: we are accessible only on foot, by bicycle, or—if you are staying overnight and book it in advance – via our mountain taxi. The best option is to leave your car at the Hofer Alpl hikers' car park in Ums, located just above Völs...

As you probably know: we are accessible only on foot, by bicycle, or—if you are staying overnight and book it in advance – via our mountain taxi. The best option is to leave your car at the Hofer Alpl hikers' car park in Ums, located just above Völs am Schlern. Our recommended route begins there.

There are several paths leading to us. These can only be tackled on foot—with the exception of Route No. 2 (the forest road or Way No. 8), which is also suitable for cyclists. Arriving by e-bike? Fantastic! Your bike can recharge its battery and "refuel" right along with you! We have an e-bike charging station directly in front of our mountain lodge. Important: Please always stay on the marked paths. If you aren't familiar with the area, taking a "shortcut" is rarely a good idea.

Please note: This section covers only the initial access routes to the lodge. You can find further tours for guests staying multiple nights, as well as various cycling routes to reach us, here on this page.

One destination, many possibilities

The seven paths to Hofer Alpl

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The "direttissima" from Ums

Walking time: approx. 1 h
Elevation gain: 377 m
Season: year-round
Mode of transport: on foot

Because it is the shortest route to us, it is also called the "direttissima" (Italian for "very direct"). From the Hofer Alpl hikers' parking lot in Ums, follow trail no. 8 (forest road) for a short while, and then turn onto trail no. 3 (hiking trail) as soon as you reach the junction.

The forest road from Ums

Walking time: approx. 1 h 30 min
Elevation gain: 501 m
Season: year-round
Mode of transport: on foot or by bicycle

From the Hofer Alpl hikers' parking lot in Ums, follow trail no. 8 (forest road) and stay on the forest path for the entire distance until you reach Hofer Alpl.

If you are traveling by bike, this is the shortest route. If you wish to start from a different point, you can find touring tips here.

Winter Highlight: Rent a sled from us and whiz down the path to the hikers' parking lot. We will pick up the sleds from there. More winter ideas here.

From Völser Weiher Lake

Walking time: approx. 1 h 25 min
Elevation gain: 417 m
Season: year-round
Mode of transport: on foot

This leisurely family hike starts at the Völser Weiher lake and leads via the Tuff Alm to Hofer Alpl. It is best to park your car here, near Hotel Waldsee.

Tip: In winter, when the Völser Weiher is frozen over, it is a fantastic spot for ice skating (skate rentals available on-site). In summer, it is a popular swimming lake. You can perfectly combine your hike with a relaxing break at this beautiful spot!

From Seis

Walking time: approx. 3 h 50 min
Elevation gain: 1,113 m
Season: year-round
Mode of transport: on foot

You can park your car at one of the several parking lots in Seis—ideally directly at the Seiser Alm cable car station. If you are arriving by public transport, get off the bus at the Seiser Alm cable car and head towards the Hauenstein and Salegg ruins. First, aim for the Völser Weiher lake (the path is well-signposted), then proceed via the Tuff Alm to Hofer Alpl as described in route no. 3.

Trail numbers: 6, 7, 2, 1

From Tiers along the Hammerwand

Walking time: approx. 3 h
Elevation gain: 963 m
Season: year-round
Mode of transport: on foot

There is a public parking lot near the parish church of Tiers; it is best to leave your car there. The path leads via Völsegg and then along the Hammerwand, a well-known peak above Weißlahnbad-Tiers. All paths are well-signposted.

Trail numbers: 4, 6B, 6, 7, 3

From Weißlahnbad via the "Bärenfalle" and Sesselschwaige

Walking time: approx. 3 h 50 min
Elevation gain: 1,551 m
Season: summer
Mode of transport: on foot

This is perhaps the longest path, but also the most adventurous, as you pass through the "Bärenfalle" (Bear Trap) – a beautiful gorge trail. You will also cross the Sesselschwaige, where you can take a break at the hut before continuing towards Hofer Alpl. Sure-footedness is absolutely essential for this hike.

Trail numbers: 2, 9, 7, 3

Weißlahnbad is located very close to Tiers; you can start your hike. Park your car here.

From Prösels Castle in Völs

Walking time: approx. 3 h
Elevation gain: 720 m
Season: summer
Mode of transport: on foot

Park your car at the parking lot near the castle. Starting from the castle—an impressive South Tyrolean monument with a long history—the trail leads steadily uphill through forests and alpine meadows via Ums. This is a very scenic route with great views of the Eisack Valley and the surrounding Dolomite peaks.

To the route

Tip: Why not combine the hike with a guided tour of the castle? It makes for a great full-day program! You can You can book your reservation directly here.

Multiple wooden signposts with distance information to various locations, blurred background with trees.

Stay a little longer

Getting to the Hofer Alpl hikers' car park

By car:
From Brixen, take the SS12 and state road 24 towards Schlernstraße in Völs am Schlern. Continue to the hikers' car park near the Moarmüller Mill (Moarmüller-Mühle); this is where hiking trails No. 8 and No. 3 begin.

By public transport:
The 176 bus line runs hourly between Tiers and Seis. The "Moarmüller-Mühle" stop is located 300 m below the hikers' car park—simply follow the signs from there.View the bus timetable here.

Bookable transport service

Use our Mountain Taxi

If you are staying with us for several days, your luggage is too heavy to carry, or it is raining heavily on your arrival day, we can pick you—or just your luggage—up by car upon request. The shuttle departs daily at 10:30, 15:00, and 17:00 from the...

Costs:
Stays up to 2 nights: €7 per person per trip (this rate also applies to dogs).
Stays of 3 nights or more: Free of charge.
Individual trips: All transports outside the official scheduled times will be charged at a flat rate of €35 per trip.
Day guests: Always pay the flat rate of €35 per trip.

Our transport service can also be used during your multi-day stay.

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Not sure if the weather is right? Check the forecast here!

What a special place! A chance to unwind and take a deep breath. The view into the valley makes every bit of the climb worth it. Simply wonderful.

Heiko S.

Two people in traditional attire standing in front of a wooden wall with red flowers in the window.

A little bit of home

Arriving among friends

After your hike, your eyes will fall upon our little lodge—a simple, traditional mountain house, typical of the South Tyrolean mountains. But once you step closer, you’ll soon realise that’s only half the story. A special atmosphere will quickly take hold, as our house is a family-run culinary retreat brimming with personality.