25 To the Castle Ruins of Hochgalsaun

Course: Castelbello (Start) ➔ Köfelgut ➔ Latschanderwaal (No. 3) ➔ San Martino Road ➔ Wildlife Gate ➔ Trail "H" ➔ Hochgalsaun Ruins (Highest point) ➔ Junction ➔ Ansitz Kasten ➔ Galsaun ➔ Castelbello (Destination)

This circular hike combines a relaxed stroll along the gently babbling Latschanderwaal irrigation channel with a brisk, scenic ascent to the Hochgalsaun ruins. Start in the village center of Castelbello and walk past the traditional Köfelgut estate, ascending briefly to join the Latschanderwaal (Trail No. 3). Follow this idyllic irrigation channel trail heading east, contouring flatly along the mountain slope until you cross the San Martino mountain road. Continue along the Waalweg for a short distance past the road until you pass through a wildlife gate. Immediately after the gate, turn onto the trail marked with the letter "H". This path leads you across the sun-drenched slopes of the Sonnenberg mountain, climbing gently until you reach the historic Hochgalsaun Castle Ruins (795 m). Savor the splendid panorama over the Val Venosta valley basin. (Note: Entering the ruins is at your own risk due to an danger of collapse!). From the ruins, descend to a well-signposted trail junction. Here, you have two great choices for your return: you can either take trail No. 3 for a direct, flat return to Castelbello, or choose the cultural route leading past the historic Ansitz Kasten manor and through the small village of Galsaun back to your starting point.