The late risers among you may shake your heads at these tips. But we promise: it’s worth the effort. What’s it all about? Find out here.

Out of bed and up the mountain!

Have you ever watched the sunrise from the mountains? Or even better: from a summit? Once you have witnessed this spectacle, you’ll want to see it again and again. And autumn is the perfect season for magical sunrise hikes. Why? Let us explain in three points.

1. In autumn the sun rises later than in summer.

For late risers this means: you can “sleep in” until about 4 a.m. – just kidding! In South Tyrol, the sun rises around 06.45 in September, and not until about 07.20 in October.
Imagine watching the sunrise from the Mt Luco/Laugenspitz – a fantastic panoramic peak at 2,434 metres in the Maddalene range. The ascent starts at the Passo Palade/Gampenpass and follows trail 10A. At first you might not notice, but the surrounding landscape is truly breathtaking (be sure to enjoy it on the way down). Shortly before the summit, the path splits: left to the Mt Luco Grande/Große Laugen, right to the Mt Luco Piccolo/Kleine Laugen, with Lake Luco/Laugen shimmering below in the twilight.
You’ll reach the summit of the Mt Luco Grande/Große Laugen in about 2.5 hours. Yes, you still need to get up early and start hiking, but it’s worth it – promised!



2. Autumn air is wonderfully clear.

No haze, no summer heat. Just crisp air and clear view (as long as the weather cooperates). With a little luck, a sea of clouds will float beneath your feet. That’s what makes an autumn sunrise hike so special. Of course, it can also be chilly, so don’t forget warm jackets, sturdy boots, and perhaps gloves.

3. It’s tea time again!

While most people avoid hot drinks in summer, autumn is finally tea season once more. Especially at this hour of the morning, when the air is fresh and cool. So, before setting off, pack a thermos of tea or coffee, take a few breakfast snacks with you, and enjoy your treat as you watch the colours in the sky unfold. When the sun finally peeks out from behind the mountains, you’ll feel the pleasant warmth on your face, let your cheeks be kissed by the sun, and watch as nature slowly comes alive – and so do you. Simply magical!

PS. Of course, there are many other peaks perfect for sunrise watching in Merano and Environs. A few suggestions:
• Mt Piccolo Picco d’Ivigna/Kleiner Ifinger from Falzeben
• “Stoanerne Mandln” from Schermoos
• Mt Spieler in Schenna, with breakfast afterwards at the Kirchsteigeralm hut (reservation required)