Lakes and larches, Alta Pusteria
A slow autumn week in one hotel in Villabassa, with short walks to the lakes of Alta Pusteria while the larches turn gold, and the Törggelen suppers of new wine and chestnuts that come with the harvest.
Day by day, lake by lake
Every night is in the same hotel. Each point is the highest you reach that day; pick one to see the walking time and the climb.
Arrive in Villabassa
Transfer from Venice or Innsbruck, an evening walk through the village and dinner at the hotel.
- Walking
- 1 h
- Distance
- 3 km
- Up
- 30 m
- Down
- 30 m
Rowing on Lago di Braies
An early start to take a rowing boat out on Braies before the day visitors arrive, then the path round the lake.
- Walking
- 2 h
- Distance
- 4 km
- Up
- 100 m
- Down
- 100 m
Up to Prato Piazza
A short drive, then a path through gold larches to the Prato Piazza meadows, facing the Croda Rossa.
- Walking
- 4 h
- Distance
- 10 km
- Up
- 450 m
- Down
- 450 m
To Lago di Dobbiaco
A flat day on the valley cycle path to Dobbiaco and its lake, by bike or on foot. In the evening, a Törggelen supper at a farm: new wine, chestnuts and Schlutzkrapfen.
- Walking
- 3 h
- Distance
- 14 km
- Up
- 100 m
- Down
- 100 m
Lago di Misurina
Across to Misurina for a walk round the lake, with the south side of the Tre Cime behind it.
- Walking
- 3 h
- Distance
- 6 km
- Up
- 120 m
- Down
- 120 m
Larch woods and home
A last walk in the woods above Villabassa, then the transfer back to Venice or Innsbruck.
- Walking
- 1½ h
- Distance
- 4 km
- Up
- 150 m
- Down
- 150 m
Why this route, and why with us
Late September and October are quiet months in Alta Pusteria. The summer visitors have gone, the larches turn yellow then gold, and the paths to the lakes are empty in the mornings.
This week has no long days and no hut nights. You stay in one hotel, walk two to four hours most days, and have afternoons free. Two evenings are Törggelen suppers at local farms, the South Tyrol custom of tasting the new wine and roast chestnuts after the harvest.
When the weather turns
October can bring the first snow on the passes. The walks in this week all have a lower version, and the valley cycle path is open in any weather.
Included
- 5 nights in a hotel in Villabassa with breakfast
- 3 dinners at the hotel and 2 Törggelen suppers
- Rowing boat hire on Lago di Braies
- Bike hire for the Dobbiaco day
- Transfers from Venice or Innsbruck and back, and to each walk
Not included
Flights, lunches, drinks, travel insurance, tourist tax paid locally.
Where you stay
A family-run hotel in the center of Villabassa, with twenty rooms, a garden and a spa. Every walk starts within half an hour’s drive.
2027 dates and prices
Prices are per person, two sharing. Private dates for your own group start any day between 25 September and 25 October.
| Starts | Ends | Double room | Room with a mountain view | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 25 September | Thu 30 September | €1,590 | €1,790 | Rooms held |
| Sat 2 October | Thu 7 October | €1,690 | €1,890 | 3 rooms left |
| Sat 9 October | Thu 14 October | €1,690 | €1,890 | Waiting list |
| Sat 23 October | Thu 28 October | €1,590 | €1,790 | Rooms held |
A 20% deposit holds your place; the rest is due eight weeks before you start. Cancellation terms
Questions about this route
Usually in the second and third weeks of October, though it varies by a week either way. The mid-October dates are the safest bet.
Early in the morning, yes. By late morning the car park fills even in October, which is why the rowing is at the start of the day.
An autumn custom in South Tyrol: suppers at farms with new wine, chestnuts and local dishes after the harvest.
Walking shoes with a good grip are enough for every walk on this week.
Still deciding?
Book a 20-minute call. We'll ask about your walking and tell you straight if this route is right.
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