Hike to the Gurgl Waterfall and Bergalm in Ratschings

If you’re looking for an easy yet varied family hike near Vipiteno (Sterzing), this trail is a great choice. The route follows a rushing mountain stream to the spectacular Gurgl Waterfall, before continuing to the Bergalm Mountain Hut. On warm summer days, the hike is especially pleasant, as you’re never far from the cool water.

Besides beautiful mountain scenery, you’ll also find a playground, farm animals and a small Kneipp water therapy area at the Bergalm.

Good to know: The route via the Gurgl Waterfall is not suitable for strollers. If you’re using an all-terrain stroller, you can still reach the Bergalm by following the forest road instead (see the stroller-friendly route below).

Getting there and parking

Near the Maurerhof farm in Obertal, Ratschings (Racines), a small side road branches off to the left and leads to the free hiking car park. The narrow asphalt road soon becomes a forest road, which takes you directly to the parking area. The car park is signposted.

From there, follow the signs for “Gurgl Wasserfall” along Trail No. 12A.

The hike to Gurgl Waterfall

The hike starts on a wide forest road and follows the mountain stream for much of the way. After a short while, the trail becomes narrower and more scenic.
After crossing a small bridge, you’ll continue along a forest path. Soon you’ll reach a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Gurgl Waterfall, where the water plunges around 40 metres into the gorge below. After heavy rainfall or during the spring snowmelt, the waterfall is particularly impressive as large volumes of water thunder over the rocks.

The trail then rejoins the forest road. From here, it’s about another 10 minutes to the Bergalm.

Bergalm Mountain Hut in Ratschings

Surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Ratschings Valley, the Bergalm Mountain Hut is a wonderful destination for families.

Children can enjoy:

• a small Kneipp water therapy area with icy cold spring water,
• a playground with swings, a sandbox and a trampoline,
• a small petting zoo with goats, ponies, chickens and geese.

The hut is also well worth visiting for lunch. Traditional South Tyrolean dishes are served here, freshly prepared and full of flavour.

After your break, simply return to the car park along the same route.

Stroller-friendly route to Bergalm

If you’re hiking with an all-terrain stroller, you can still reach the Bergalm Mountain Hut. However, this route does not pass the Gurgl Waterfall.
From the car park, simply stay on the forest road all the way to the Bergalm. Unlike the waterfall route, do not turn off towards the Gurgl Waterfall. I recommend checking the map below for the exact route.

The forest road is wide and well suited to all-terrain strollers. Although you’ll miss the waterfall, you’ll still reach the Bergalm with its playground, animals and excellent restaurant.