27 Vetzan – Secluded Alpine Pastures and Abandoned Farms

Course: Tappein Farmstead (Start) ➔ Trail No. 7 ➔ Tappeiner Alm (Highest point) ➔ Vetzaner Alm ➔ Mittereben Ruins ➔ Patsch Farmstead ➔ Flat forest road ➔ Tappein Farmstead (Destination)

This impressive circular hike takes you far off the beaten path into the quiet mountain world high above Vetzan. You will explore a fascinating cultural landscape with rustic alpine pastures and centuries-old, now-abandoned mountain farms. From Vetzan, drive up the paved access road to the Tappein farmstead (1,400 m), where parking is available. Start your hike on foot following trail No. 7 northeastward, climbing steeply through the shady mountain forest until you reach the idyllically situated Tappeiner Alm (2,040 m). From this pasture, follow narrow, highly scenic mountain paths heading east over a ridge to the quiet Vetzaner Alm (1,990 m). From the Vetzaner Alm, a steep and brisk descent begins across the barren slopes of the Sonnenberg. You will first pass the historic ruins of the Mittereben farm and eventually reach the equally deserted Patsch farmstead (1,370 m) – silent relics of the extremely harsh mountain farming life of centuries past. From Patsch, a flat forest road leads you in a westerly direction back to your starting point at Tappein.