Weekend in Naturns - Naturno

A gentle 2km circular path through chestnut groves and meadows just behind the village. Marked with info boards on local forestry and wildlife.

Tip: Go in late September or early October when fallen chestnuts are free to pick. Bring a small bag.

A 14th-century Gothic church with a striking spire and well-preserved frescoes inside. The cemetery has views over the valley.

Tip: Look for the early 15th-century fresco of St. Christopher on the north wall – it survived the church renovations.

A flat, paved cycling and walking trail along the old railway line between Naturno and Merano. Runs through apple orchards and past castle ruins.

Tip: Rent a bike for €10/day at the station. The section towards Castelbello has fewer people and better views.

A Gothic church with a tall spire, built 1460. Inside, fifteenth-century frescoes and a wooden altarpiece. The churchyard has a small ossuary chapel with painted skulls.

Tip: Free guided tour in German on Sundays after mass at 10:30am — just ask the caretaker.

Network of well-marked paths starting from the village edge, ranging from short riverside walks to longer climbs towards mountain huts.

Tip: Start early to catch the morning light on the Texel Group peaks. Free paper maps at the tourist office.

A restored medieval farmstead with original wooden interiors, tools, and a bread oven. Set in a quiet meadow with picnic tables.

Tip: The farm is small – combine it with a walk along the nearby Kesselbach stream. Free guided tours on request.

A narrow limestone gorge carved by the Rio Racines. Wooden walkways and bridges run along the cliffs. Good for a short walk of about 45 minutes, with views of polished rock walls and turquoise pools.

Tip: After rain the walkway can be slippery — wear proper grip shoes, not trainers. Best in late spring when water flow is highest.

A spectacular 15-metre free-falling waterfall on the Schnalser Bach. Walk up from the bridge on the main road, or take the easy path from the car park. Can be noisy in spring when

Tip: Visit late afternoon for the best light on the spray — and bring a rain jacket if you get close.

An alpine meadow and forest area with a network of marked hiking trails. Falls, streams and wildflowers in early summer. The rangers run free nature talks on Thursdays in July and

Tip: Download the 'Naturpark Texelgruppe' offline map before you go — phone signal drops quickly once you're in the valley.

A panoramic spot on the slopes above Naturns, looking across the valley to Juval Castle (Reinhold Messner's home). No entry to the castle itself without a paid ticket, but the publ

Tip: Walk up from the village via the 'Vinschgauer Waalweg' irrigation channel path — mostly flat and shady, takes about 40 minutes one way.