from 190 €
WINKLER 5-Star Design Hotel
Design hotel | St. Lorenzen at Mt. Kronplatz
s
from 114 €
Green Lake Hotel Weiher
Pleasure & well-being | Issing at Mt. Kronplatz
s
from 75 €
Hotel & Resort Schlosshof
Charme Hotel | Lana near Meran
s
from 163 €
Viktoria Alpine Spa Resort
Wellnesshotel | Hafling near Meran
from 141 €
Vitalpina Hotel Schulerhof
Active hotel | Plaus near Meran
s
from 65 €
Landhaus Fux
Residence | Schlanders in the Vinschgau
s
from 90 €
Hotel Saltauserhof
Wellness hotel | St. Martin in Passeier
from 102 €
Vita Aktiv Hotel Der Heinrichshof & Residence
Traditional hotel | Algund near Meran
from 67 €
Ruster Resort
For relaxation seekers, active travellers & culture lovers | Algund near Merano
from 62 €
Garni Ganthaler
In the middle of fruit orchards | Algund near Meran
from 110 €
Grand Hotel Bellevue
City hotel | Meran
from 125 €
Hotel Waldhof
Vitalpina Hotel | Rablà near Meran
from 220 €
Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier
Sport & wellness resort | St. Martin in Passeiertal
from 70 €
Alpwellhotel Burggräfler
Wellness hotel | Tisens near Meran
from 230 €
Alpenpalace Spa Retreat
Exclusive well-being oasis | St. Johann in Tauferer Ahrntal
s
from 144 €
Hotel Sand
Hiking - biking hotel | Kastelbell-Tschars
s
from 122 €
Majestic – Unique Spa Resort
Wellness hotel | Reischach at Mt. Kronplatz

Transhumance in Schnals

During the transhumance from the valley of Schnals to Ötztal in early summer, between 3,000 and 4,000 sheep are driven from South Tyrol across the Italian-Austrian border to Tyrol – and back in autumn. In fact, the have to deal with 3,200 meters of altitude uphill and with 1,800 m of altitude downhill on thousands of years old routes.

Transhumance is a type of nomadic pasture farming, during which shepherds and drivers guide herds (mainly sheep, goats and cows) to distant pasture areas at certain seasons. The used tracks have been fixed many centuries ago, and dogs as well as horses help the shepherds with their work. Pasture farming in the Alps is not considered to be a type of transhumance, even if there are some similarities.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

In 2019, transhumance has been added to the list of international UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage at the common request of Italy, Austria and Greece. This tradition, passed on from generation to generation, improves biodiversity and symbolises a strong connection between humans and animals as well as for sustainable agriculture.

Unique transhumance in Schnals

Transhumance is made in many regions of the world, mainly in the Mediterranean are too. However, the sheep transhumance from Schnals to the summer pastures near Vent in Ötztal is the only known border and glacier crossing nomadic pasture farming. The transhumance across the main Alpine ridge in the Ötztal Alps has been existing since at least 6,000 years.

Dangerous track over snow and rocks

In June, the herds are driven over two routes: from Kurzras over Hochjoch pass (2,520 m) to Rofen Valley and from Vernagt over Niederjoch pass (3,017 m) to Niedertal Valley. For the sheep coming from Vinschgau, the hike even takes two days: They start one day earlier in Laas and stay near the gathering places in Kurzras and Vernagt overnight. In total, they make a transhumance of 44 km.

After the sheep will have enjoyed the lush grass and the aromatic scent of Alpine herbs on the high pastures, they will return from Ötztal Valley to Schnalstal Valley in September. Because of the mild climatic conditions, the way back is easier to make. The successful sheep transhumance is then celebrated during a great festival.

Current holiday offers

from 166 €
MIRABELL DOLOMITES HOTEL

Enjoy a special 5 * feel-good time in the heart of Pustertal & unique nature experiences at Mt. Kronplatz in the Dolomites.

To the hotel
from 168 €
SOLVIE Calm Inspiring Getaway

An inspiring panoramic getaway for lovers of peace.

To the hotel
from 100 €
Hotel Tirolerhof

Welcome to Tirolerhof. The perfect place for your active holidays – hiking, cycling and relaxing. Directly at Mt. Kronplatz in Gsies Valley.

To the hotel
from 141 €
LANERHOF Relax & Active Retreat

Relaxing spa retreats, exquisite cuisine, and guided adventures in nature.

To the hotel

Images

Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Katerina Fiser
Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Gudrun Muschalla
Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Gudrun Muschalla
Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Peter Santer
Transhumance in Schnals
Transhumance in Schnals

Intangible UNESCO cultural heritage: the unique trasnhumance of sheep in Schnals

Tourismusverein Schnalstal - Gudrun Muschalla

Traditions

Selected accommodations in Schnals

Berghotel Tyrol - Schnals in Meran and environs

Berghotel Tyrol

Schnals in Meran and environs
4.4 Very good
6 Recommendations

Uniquely beautiful, for active holidays and mountain R&R!

from 85 € per day
Memorise
Edelweiss Hotel & Chalets - Schnals in Meran and environs
  • Top location on the lake
  • South Tyrolean delights
  • For those seeking peace and quiet & active guests
  • Wellness Alm with lake view
  • Private chalets
from 110 € per day
Memorise
Pension Leithof - Schnals in Meran and environs

Pension Leithof

Schnals in Meran and environs
4.3 Very good
25 Recommendations
  • In the hiking paradise of Schnalstal
  • Cosy flats and rooms
  • Sun terrace on the lake
  • 5 minutes' drive from the ski slopes
  • Fishing in the lake possible
from 39 € per day
Memorise
Hotel am Fels - Schnals in Meran and environs

Hotel am Fels

Schnals in Meran and environs
4.4 Very good
33 Recommendations
  • Sunny panoramic location
  • In the middle of an alpine mountain world
  • Cosy rooms & comfortable apartments
  • Perfect for hiking lovers
  • Glacier ski area nearby
from 75 € per day
Memorise
Service