Weekend in Hafling - Avelengo

A gentle walking path lined with indigenous trees and shrubs, part of the longer Tappeiner Trail. This flat section runs through meadows and offers views of the Schlern mountain. B

Tip: Great for a short stroll after lunch. Bring binoculars for birdwatching – you’ll often see red kites and kestrels. The path is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

A well-marked alpine walking path with panoramic views over the Merano valley. This section is easy to moderate, passing through meadows and forest with benches and refreshment hut

Tip: Start early to catch the morning light on the Dolomites. Pack water and a snack as the few mountain huts on this stretch are seasonal and pricey.

A small Romanesque church dating from the 13th century, set on a grassy hill. Inside are faded frescoes and a simple wooden altar. The graveyard has views across the valley.

Tip: The church is often locked, but you can get the key from the tourist office in Hafling village (open 9–12 and 14–16). Go on a clear day for the best light on the frescoes.

A small open-air museum in a restored farmhouse, showing tools, kitchen equipment and furniture from the 1800s. Run by a local volunteer group. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

Tip: The museum is only open on Sunday afternoons from June to September. Check the exact date on the Avelengo tourism board website. Arrive before 15:00 for a guided tour in German or Italian.

A well-maintained hiking trail with panoramic views of the Texel Group and Meran valley. This section starts just outside the village and is open all year, though snow can cover parts in winter.

Tip: Start early to catch the sunrise over the Dolomites. The trail is quieter on weekdays; bring sturdy shoes and water as there are no fountains along the upper stretch.

A restored WWII bunker on the outskirts of Hafling, set into the hillside. Exhibits include original military equipment, photographs, and a short film on the Alpine defensive line.

Tip: Free entry but guided tours only on Saturday mornings. Book at the tourist office a day ahead. Bring a jacket—it stays chilly inside year-round.

A circular 10 km trail looping around Hafling village through apple orchards and larch forests, with interpretive panels on local farming and geology.

Tip: Pick up a free trail map at the tourist office. The southern section has the best views of the Texelgruppe peaks. Complete it in about 3 hours at a steady pace.

A small 15th-century Gothic church with frescoes and a wooden altarpiece, set in a quiet meadow. The interior is simple but the setting is striking against the mountains.

Tip: Key is available from the tourist office in Hafling for a small deposit. The frescoes are best viewed in late afternoon when sunlight streams through the south window.

A seasonal waterfall fed by snowmelt, cascading about 40 metres over a rock face. Best viewed after heavy rain or in May/June. The short detour from the trail is marked.

Tip: Park at the Falzeben car park (free) and follow the ‘Wasserfall’ sign for 10 minutes. Bring a rain jacket – the spray can reach the path. It dries up by late July most years.

A metal viewing platform perched on a rocky outcrop, offering a 360-degree view over the Etsch valley, the Ortler Alps, and the Dolomites in clear weather.

Tip: Best at sunset for the alpenglow. Bring binoculars to spot marmots on the slopes below. It's a 25-minute uphill walk from the bus stop at Avelengo centre.