Discover Algund: Churches, Menhirs and the Via Claudia Augusta

Algund combines architectural history, menhirs and the historic Via Claudia Augusta with cycling and hiking opportunities. For planning your trip, these themes can be considered separately: the churches and Forst Castle represent different historical points of interest, while the cycle path, circular hike and forest adventure trail offer different activities. Seasonal events and Kneipp stations throughout the municipality are additional attractions.

Cultural history and seasonal traditions

The old parish church of St. Hippolytus and Erhard features three architectural periods: Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. The early Gothic Church of St. Mary and the Maria Steinach Monastery were founded in 1241 by Countess Adelheid of Tyrol. The Maria Steinach monastery complex and church can currently only be viewed from the outside.

At Forst Castle, its construction date and first written mention do not coincide: it was built in the 13th century and first mentioned in writing in 1302. The menhirs of Algund offer a different perspective on early history. These monumental stone figures are believed to have been created more than 5,000 years ago. At the menhirs, you can listen to an approximately 15-minute story about the statues in three languages via a QR code or borrowed headphones.

Event highlights include selected markets in the church square and a Christmas market. Every year on the second Sunday after Corpus Christi, local residents light flaming Sacred Heart symbols on the mountains, visible from far away. Market days and programmes vary by season; check the specific event dates before your visit.

The Via Claudia Augusta and walking routes

The historic Via Claudia Augusta runs through Algund. Today’s cycling route leads from the Reschen Pass through Algund and Merano into the Adige Valley, then continues to Bolzano and the Salurner Klause. The intermunicipal Claudia Augusta cycle path passes directly by the Museum at the Bridgehead; one section follows the banks of the Adige through riparian forests to the Hochkreuz viewpoint.

The Lagundo Waalweg is freely accessible. From Aschbach, a circular hike leads through the Naturnser Alm area. The Aschbach Forest Adventure Trail is an approximately 3.6-kilometre panoramic route that is suitable for pushchairs. It introduces children and adults to different habitats of the local forest flora and fauna.

When choosing a route, you can compare these features: free access on the Waalweg, the circular route starting in Aschbach, and the forest themes and pushchair accessibility of the Forest Adventure Trail.

Kneipp stations and the GuestPass

Several Kneipp stations are dotted throughout the municipality, offering refreshment for body and mind. A map shows around 50 free stations. If you plan to visit them, check on site whether the facilities are being maintained.

When you stay at participating accommodation, the South Tyrol GuestPass Algund benefits card is included in the accommodation price. It covers the use of all public transport in South Tyrol and free rides on selected cable cars. To benefit, make sure that your chosen accommodation participates.

Discover more destinations: Lana On The Adige, Schenna, St. Leonhard In Passeier, Merano, Gargazon, Marling, Nals, Hafling

Return to the main travel overview: Burggrafenamt.