Between quiet alpine meadows, a pilgrimage site and the wild Bletterbach Gorge: a hike through several worlds – surprising, authentic and full of Dolomite magic.
This stage of the E5 from Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente to Oberradein/Redagno di Sopra often feels like hiking through several different worlds in just one day. Between quiet forests, sunny alpine meadows and wide views across the Eggental Valley, Maria Weißenstein/Madonna di Pietralba suddenly appears—a magnificent pilgrimage site set in the middle of the mountains, almost too beautiful to be here by chance.
Shortly afterwards, the scenery changes once again: the trail leads into the wild Bletterbach Gorge, a UNESCO Geoparc often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of South Tyrol.” Here, towering rock layers rise in bizarre formations like the pages of an ancient geological book.
At times you walk across gentle meadow paths, at others through rocky gorges and past striking formations that feel more like a lunar landscape than South Tyrol. With every kilometre, the stage becomes more surprising—until finally reaching Oberradein/Redagno di Sopra: quiet, remote and exactly the right place to end an extraordinary day of hiking.
Description
The tour starts in the centre of Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente at the parish church. Follow the asphalt road heading east through the village, which descends gently, always staying on the well-signposted E5 trail.
After about 500 m, a path branches off to the right across a picturesque meadow. Cows graze on the right, while the path descends slightly and then rises again before reaching the main road.
Cross the road and turn left. After 50 m, the trail signs appear again and the route continues to the right. With gentle ups and downs, the trail alternates between asphalt and gravel roads. A distinct left-hand bend leads into the next section, which again descends slightly.
For about 4.5 km, remain on the forest track, which descends gently to a wooden bridge. From here, the path climbs to the left, and soon you take the left of two paths (no. 2). The next kilometre climbs moderately steeply until reaching open meadows and the settlement of “Maria Weißenstein/Madonna di Pietralba”.
Maria Weißenstein/Madonna di Pietralba is considered the most important pilgrimage site in South Tyrol, and the impressive basilica with its art treasures is well worth a detour.
The trail (no. 1) continues behind the Hotel “Weißhorn” leading right uphill across meadows. After 600 m, the gradient eases and the path meets a forest road at a junction. Here, the E5 (trail no. 1) turns left onto the forest road and continues mostly level with a gentle descent.
Stay on trail no. 1 until, after the second fork, a narrow path (no. 3) branches off to the left, descending towards Lahner Alm. Here, there is an excellent playground with a small football pitch. Lahner Alm is an ideal place for a break.
The hike continues first straight ahead along the stream and then via a small road to the right, reaching the visitor centre of the Bletterbach Gorge within a few minutes. From here, the route descends left for about 1 km into the gorge along a beautiful forest trail.
Gradually, the landscape changes: the rock and soil turn reddish, creating an impressive backdrop. At the lowest point of the gorge, cross the stream before the path climbs back up on the right via steps.
The path then turns back into a forest track and continues ascending. At a junction—by now around 11 km into the hike—turn right and follow another path (trail no. 1–3) through the forest.
After a total distance of just over 13 km, you finally reach the centre of Oberradein/Redagno di Sopra, marking the end of the stage.
