Discover Hafling: Nature Trail and Church History

If you are looking for a hotel in Hafling, you can plan your trip around specific interests: natural history, church history, mountain bike downhill routes, horse rides or winter activities in Merano 2000. Each offers a different focus. The Haflinger Experience Trail leads from the village of Avelengo to Santa Caterina; the churches offer their own points of historical interest.

Nature trail and a range of activities

The Haflinger Experience Trail is a nature trail with twelve stations. It leads from the village of Avelengo to Santa Caterina and is dedicated to the Haflinger horse. The stations give the trail a clear structure, while its dedication provides a distinct thematic focus. If you would like to include natural history in your trip, this trail offers a specific option. It should not be confused with the mountain bike downhill routes: the Experience Trail focuses on learning and its stations, while the downhill routes focus on sporting trails. This makes it easy to distinguish between these two interests when planning.

Two churches, two historical perspectives

For those interested in culture, two churches offer different points of historical interest. St. Kathrein Church was consecrated in 1251, placing its construction in the second quarter of the 13th century. It is also part of the Alpine Road of Romanesque Art. Its year of consecration, construction period and place on this cultural route together provide a specific historical context. The parish church of Avelengo is dedicated to John the Baptist and was first mentioned in documents in 1291. This date refers to its first recorded mention. By comparison, the consecration and construction period are the focus for St. Kathrein, while the dedication and first documented mention are the focus for the parish church. This distinguishes two different ways of placing the churches in their historical context.

Mountain biking, the pond and horse rides

On the high plateau between Avelengo, Verano and Merano 2000, there are three marked mountain bike downhill routes of varying difficulty, with a vertical drop of up to 2,000 m. Their number, markings, range of difficulty and maximum vertical drop are specific details to consider when planning. Conditions and route availability may change, so check these details before setting out on a particular ride.

Over time, many animal and plant species have settled in and around Sulfner Pond. The pond therefore offers a different nature experience from the trail: the trail is structured around twelve stations, while the pond's natural theme is shaped by its animal and plant species. Sulfner Equestrian Centre in Santa Caterina in Avelengo offers horse rides. If a ride is important to your trip, check the current options in advance, as available services may change.

Winter and getting around

In winter, the Merano 2000 ski area offers skiing, snowboarding and sledging. This is a different seasonal focus from the mountain bike downhill routes: Merano 2000 offers three winter sports, while the downhill routes are marked trails of varying difficulty. The Falzeben cable car runs from Falzeben/Avelengo to the mountain station at Merano 2000. Check the latest operating information for your travel dates. Bus route 225 connects Merano with Falzeben via the village of Avelengo; check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Marling, Lana on the Adige, St. Pankraz, Vöran, Moos in Passeier, Ulten, Unsere Liebe Frau im Walde-St. Felix, Naturns.

Go to the regional travel overview: Burggrafenamt.