South Tyrol is an Austrian province that has everything to offer in terms of hiking. Here you can experience everything you could wish for as a mountain enthusiast: mighty 3,000-metre (10,000 ft) peaks, dreamy mountain villages, and endless lush green and golden alpine pastures. If your hiking heart starts to beat a little faster now, then you should definitely read on.

I would like to take you on a very special adventure. One on which you will get to know South Tyrol and one of its most diverse valleys from a stunning angle: from above, of course. I’m talking about the Vinschger Höhenweg.

Over around 110 kilometres (68 mi) and across a total of six stages, it leads you along the Sonnenberg mountain from Staben to Reschen. Whether you’re on the trail in spring, summer or in golden autumn (my personal favourite time for hiking adventures in South Tyrol), this trail will stay in your memory for a long time. What makes it so special is not only the amazing view that you enjoy almost constantly, but also the varied flora that the Sonnenberg presents: you hike through steppe grasses and even discover one or two Central Asian plant species. A fantastic experience no matter your level of botanical knowledge.

There's never a dull moment on this high-altitude trail: you'll spot castle ruins steeped in history, pay a visit to dreamy mountain villages and at the end you'll stand in front of the notorious sunken church tower of Reschen. You probably won't find more South Tyrolean flair anywhere else.

This also applies to the difficulty of the trail, because each stage demands quite a bit of fitness. The sections are quite long and you have to gain many metres of elevation on the way. In return, classic huts serving delicious South Tyrolean food await you from time to time.

Each of the six stages leads you to at least one overnight accommodation option. To be on the safe side, I recommend making reservations before you start your adventure. Staben, the starting point of this multi-day adventure, is easily reached by train. From your final destination, Reschen, a bus will take you via Nauders to Landeck/Zams, where you can board the train again.

Keen to get started? Then get ready for one of the most beautiful hiking regions of all. Have fun in wonderful South Tyrol!