This short, sun-drenched hike over the Jaufenkamm to the Fleckner Hut (2,100 m) offers magnificent views over the picturesque Passeier Valley and, in good weather, a unique panoramic vista stretching from the Jaufenspitze across the Laugen to the mountain peaks and glaciers of the Hinterpasseier, which rise to over 3,000 metres. The hike is particularly suitable for families and, for those with sufficient stamina, can be extended to the Glaitner Hochjoch (2,391 m) (westwards on trail no. 12 – hiking time just under 3 hours).

Accessibility

From Bolzano, take the MeBo motorway to Merano and continue through the Passeier Valley to St. Leonhard, from where the winding Jaufen Road climbs up to the pass of the same name. From the final hairpin bend before the Jaufen Pass – known as the ‘Römerkehre’ – a small, steep access road leads up to the car park just above the bend.

Description

Starting from the car park above the Römerkehre, a wide, gravel-surfaced track (trail marker 12A) leads westwards across the wide, sun-drenched grassy slopes towards the Flecknerhütte, which can already be seen in the distance from here. The route is very even, with only minor inclines and hills that cause the path to rise temporarily (gradient 13%). Passing a small mountain lake surrounded by alpine wet meadows and slopes covered in alpine roses, the hike then continues on almost level ground, offering views of the two small peaks, Saxner (2,358 m) and Fleckner (2,331 m), which tower above the Flecknerhütte. The final short section of the trail up to the hut features a steep gradient of 12–15% and several rainwater gullies. Upon reaching the end of the hike, the steep access to the sun terrace is only very limitedly accessible for guests with reduced mobility (extreme gradient and uneven ground).

Over a tasty Alpine meal, a cold beer or a glass of South Tyrolean red wine, we finally treat ourselves to a well-deserved break and enjoy the magnificent view before heading back along the same route to our starting point.