This sunny circular walk combines stunning views of the Schlern and the Rosengarten with the centuries-old traditions of this beautiful South Tyrolean wine-growing region. The tranquil wine-growing village of St. Pauls, with its picturesque narrow streets, is nestled amongst vineyards and apple orchards and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year.

Reachability

From Bolzano, take the Mendelstraße towards Kaltern until you reach St. Pauls. We cycle across the large village square by the parish church and turn right towards Unterrain. Near the pharmacy, we park at the edge of St. Pauls in the public car park (a space reserved for people with disabilities).

Description

From the car park (390 m), we cross the road and head out of the village. After just a few metres, we turn onto the quiet dirt track, which climbs steadily at a gradient of 10–12% up to the Hotel Weingarten. Continuing straight on, we soon pass the Café Konditorei Peter Paul. Eventually, the tarmac village road ends and is replaced by a wide dirt track with a firm surface. Surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards, we enjoy a breathtaking view from here of the imposing Dolomite peaks of Schlern and Latemar and the high Texel Group. The lovely dirt track leads through the sunny orchards with a maximum gradient of 10%. In St. Pauls, wine culture weeks are held every year, featuring specialist seminars and wine tastings in the village square. Passing a former bunker (375 m), we slowly approach the residential area of St. Pauls again. Eventually, the dirt track ends and is replaced by a tarmac village road. At the entrance to the village, we pass the school and a children’s playground and reach the village centre of St. Pauls, where there is also a bus stop by Café Wieser. We cross the centre and find ourselves directly in front of the Gothic parish church. The lower part of the tower is Gothic, whilst the spire with its onion dome is typical of Baroque architecture. From the large village square, we follow the road out of the village towards Unterrain and, passing the Schreckenstein wine bar and the Paulserhof, return to our starting point.