Hike to the Kanzel Viewpoint

Short hike from the lovely hamlet of Casignano near Montagna to the Kanzel Viewpoint high above the Valle dell’Adige valley.

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We start our hike in the hamlet of Casignano (near the Dorfnerhof) and walk towards the Gstoagerhof farm.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The path no. 10 leads us through meadows and the forest.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Beautiful flower meadows at the edge of the Monte Corno Nature Park.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The trail proceeds through the dense forest towards the Gstoagerhof.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Small brooks flow through the forest - it seems a jungle.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Past an old mill we continue our hike to the Kanzel Viewpoint.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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After crossing the road to the Gstoagerhof we hike steeply uphill through the forest.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Then the narrow trail on the last section to the viewpoint gets flatter and more pleasant.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The view on the south of South Tyrol includes Lake Caldaro, the Bassa Atesina area, the Monte di Mezzo mountain and the green vineyards of Montagna.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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High above the Valle dell’Adige valley.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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On the way back we follow the forest road until the end where it turns into an asphalt road leading to Casignano (Gschnon).
Foto: AT, © Peer
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An old lime kiln with information panel by the wayside.
Foto: AT, © Peer

We reach Casignano (Gschnon) by car following the small road from Montagna to Gleno and Trodena. The junction near Molini (Mühlen) leads us to the southern side of the valley and to the small hamlet at 900 m a.s.l. At the Dorfnerhof tavern we start our hike following the path through the meadows and the forest to the Gstoagerhof.

Right before the farm we walk in serpentines uphill at the slope - it's a short steep section before we reach the forest road to the Kanzel Viewpoint. This special place offers a fabulous view on the Bassa Atesina area with Lake Caldaro and the town of Bolzano. On the way back we follow the forest path to the junction with the asphalt road which takes us back to our starting point again.

Author: AT

If you want to do this hike, please take information about the weather and the current conditions of the trail on site!

Starting point: Casignano
Route: Casignano - Gstoagerhof - Kanzel - Casignano
Trail length: approx. 5.3 km
Walking time: about 1.5 - 2 hours
Altitude difference: approx. 260 m
Altitude level: between 860 and 1,010 m a.s.l.
Suitable for families? Yes, if you'd like to avoid the short and steep section during the ascent you can follow the asphalt and forest road. It is also suitable for prams.
Experienced in: June 2011