Saltaus: Passer Trails, Hirzer and Tyrolean History

Saltaus offers different ways to experience the Passeiertal: walking trails, the Hirzer hiking area, guided activities on the Passer and historic buildings in the village. When planning your day, the main things to consider are how you will get around and the conditions. Two walks are listed as taking around two hours; for other activities, factors such as operating schedules, weather or river conditions come into play.

On foot, by bike and up to the Hirzer

The Hirzer cable cars take you directly from Saltaus to the Klammeben mountain station at an altitude of 1,980 metres. They operate seasonally; check whether the cable car is running during your travel dates before setting off. Above Klammeben is a large paragliding launch site. It can be reached by taking the Hirzer cable car and then walking for 15 minutes. Access depends on the cable car’s operating schedule and the weather, both of which you should factor into your plans.

The Hirzer hiking area, also known as the Sarntal Alps, lies between the Passeiertal to the west and the Sarntal to the east. Its hiking trails range from gentle to challenging and pass through unspoilt mountain scenery. This gives you a wide choice of hikes in the surrounding mountains, in addition to the valley trails.

The Saltauser Waalweg is an easy walking trail that takes around two hours. It starts at the Torgglerhof beside the Passer and runs through apple orchards and wooded areas to Planta Castle in Obermais. The easy, mostly level walk along the Passerdammweg from Saltaus to Meran also takes around two hours. The estimated time is roughly the same for both routes, but their courses and destinations differ: the Waalweg ends at the castle, while the Passerdammweg ends in Meran. Trail conditions may vary.

The 19-kilometre Passeiertal cycle path runs from Meran to St. Leonhard in Passeier and passes through Saltaus. The surface and route conditions may vary. Another option is the Passeirer Schildhöfeweg, which leads back to Saltaus via the Passerweg.

The Passer and guided activities

The unspoilt Passer flows through Saltaus to Meran. On a rafting trip, participants travel down the river in small boats with a trained guide. Tours are offered at various levels of difficulty, including family trips and tours for adults. Which tours can go ahead depends on river conditions; check whether your chosen tour will run during your travel dates.

On a canyoning trip on the Passer near Saltaus, the route takes participants through natural pools and rock formations and over waterfalls on abseiling descents. Participants are accompanied by a mountain and canyoning guide. Confirm the conditions before taking part.

Local history and architecture

The Saltauserhof, a shield farm topped with battlements, was first mentioned in 1230. It once served as a customs station for the Counts of Tyrol; during the Tyrolean Rebellion, it provided Andreas Hofer with a hiding place. These details make the Saltauserhof a notable landmark in the history of the village.

The new Church of St Michael in Saltaus was consecrated in 2006. In the sanctuary, a translucent wall illuminates the space. Two bells in the tower feature reliefs of the Archangel Michael. The details on the wall and bells give the church a distinctive architectural character without requiring an extensive historical explanation.

There is a free public car park above the fire station. As parking regulations may change, check the situation before your arrival.

Discover more destinations: St.Johann, Rabland, Petschied, Riscone, Vinschgau, Trafoi, Laag, Astfeld

See the main travel overview: Bozen.