Autumn in Trafoi at the Stilfser Joch Pass
Golden larch trees and glistening snow-covered peaks, imposing deer and roast chestnuts, bearded vultures in flight and partridges among the rocks: autumn in Trafoi and on the Stilfser Joch Pass offers unique nature experiences.
Stephan Gander from the Hotel Bella Vista in Trafoi told us about the autumn colours in the Stilfser Joch National Park, so we asked him to show us the autumn highlights on the Stilfser Joch Pass. We share our impressions here, just in time for the start of autumn.
The spacious outdoor area of the Hotel Bella Vista offers plenty of space to relax and play.
Internet Consulting | Adam Ungericht
The Hotel Bella Vista offers views of the marvellous mountains and the romantic church.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtSunset on Dreisprachenspitze
Fantastic mountain panorama with the Ortler Alps just before sunset on the Stilfser Joch Pass
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtStephan is waiting for us at the Hotel Bella Vista on a sunny autumnal afternoon. We continue up the scenic Stilfser Joch Pass road, which is not very busy at this time of year or day, and climb from 1,550 metres to 2,757 metres via spectacular hairpin bends.
The autumn air feels almost wintry here, but the easy 15-minute hike from the top of the pass to 2,843 metres at Dreisprachenspitze warms us up. We enjoy the view of the Ortler and other snow-capped mountain giants in wonderful peace and quiet. The setting sun illuminates the sky and peaks in warm colours with a spectacular view!
In autumn, the colour contrasts between the sky, mountains and forest at the Stilfser Joch Pass are particularly impressive.
Internet Consulting | Adam Ungericht
Romantic atmosphere at sunset on the peak of the Dreisprachenspitze
Internet Consulting | Adam Ungericht
The autumn programme at the Hotel Bella Vista also includes roasting chestnuts on the terrace.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtThen we return to the car park and drive down to Trafoi. The fresh mountain air makes us hungry, so after an excellent dinner at the Hotel Bella Vista we still have some room in our bellies. And that's good, otherwise we would miss out on a culinary delicacy. Stephan roasts Vinschgau chestnuts for us and hotel guests on the terrace. We not only enjoy 'Keschtn', as chestnuts are called in South Tyrol, but also a glass of South Tyrolean wine.
We end the evening chatting in good company and Stephan gives us a tip for a hike with a fantastic 360-degree panorama: from the Fragges hunting ground in the neighbouring village of Stilfs, we climb up to Piz Chavalatsch via the Obere Stilfser Alm: the 2,763-metre-high peak offers hikers a wide panoramic view from Lake Reschen to the Ortles group and the Engadin Dolomites.
Partridges, lammergeyers and red deer
The autumnal mountain world on the Stilfser Joch Pass at daybreak.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtAfter a night's rest in our hotel room, we set off again the next day: at 6:30 a.m. we once again climb the Stilfser Joch Pass to take photos and videos at sunrise. We also spot some rock partridges, which are already wearing their winter white coats and looking for food among the scree. They feed mainly on leaves, buds, seeds and berries. Their plumage is extremely dense and even their toes are feathered, which prevents them from sinking into the snow - innate snowshoes.
On the return journey from the Stilfser Joch Pass to Trafoi, we see another interesting bird: a bearded vulture gliding through the air. It is one of the rarest birds of prey in the Alps and, with a wingspan of 2.9 metres, also one of the largest. It owes its name to the black, bristly feathers that hang from its beak and resemble a beard.
In their white winter coat, ptarmigans are barely recognizable in the snow.
Internet Consulting | Adam Ungericht
With a bit of luck, you can spot bearded vultures in the National Park Stilfserjoch.
Internet Consulting | Adam Ungericht
Observe the impressive inhabitants of the Stilfserjoch National Park with a bit of luck
Internet ConsultingThe fauna in the Stilfser Joch National Park is fascinating: on the car journey Stephan tells us that there are many red deer in the National Park and that the mating of the deer in September and October is a particularly exciting time. The typical deer roaring with which the deer marks its territory, keeps 'its' hinds together and intimidates rivals, can be heard at dawn and dusk, even not far from the hotel.
The easiest way to see and photograph deer is the deer enclosure, which is a 40-minute walk from Hotel Bella Vista, near the pilgrimage church of the Three Holy Fountains in Trafoi. After refreshments at the hotel, we follow the signs to the Three Holy Fountains, pass a waterfall and arrive at the enclosure. The three red deer with their mighty antlers look majestic - it is hard to believe that they are all 'foundlings' and live in this enclosure in the national park because they would not have survived in the wild.
On the way back, we take the slightly longer Herb Trail, which leads us along the Trafoi stream through the wildly romantic Trafoi Canyon. At the hotel, there is the possibility of swimming in the year-round heated infinity pool or sweating in the panoramic sauna. We limit ourselves, however, to having a coffee on the sun terrace and admiring the wonderful panorama. The colourful mountain landscape, with its blue sky and white peaks, green meadows and yellow-orange larches, is magically beautiful. We would like to stay longer, but it is time to say goodbye to Stephan and set off on our return journey.
At the canyon there is the Flying Fox, which leads over the Trafoi mountain stream and to the start of a via ferrata.
Internet Consulting
The infinity pool of the Hotel Bella Vista
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtAn autumn stay in Trafoi is recommended for nature and mountain lovers, active families and couples seeking relaxation. Hotel Bella Vista, part of the Stelvio Hotels, offers an excellent autumn package during the deer breeding season: the offer includes wellness and children's entertainment, gourmet half-board and a colourful weekly programme. The variety of holiday experiences ranges from yoga to wine tasting, from roast chestnuts to a guided hike in the footsteps of the deer. Another traditional autumn event in the region worth seeing is the alpine cattle drive in Prad in September.
Deer rutting, cattle drive and roast chestnuts
Internet Consulting | Adam Ungericht
