Via Kalkstein to the Alfenalm

The ancient paths "über die Jöcher", which connect the Villgratental in East Tyrol with the Val Casies in South Tyrol, were already covered by shepherds and smugglers in Prehistoric times. Nowadays, they are popular with mountain hikers. Today, however, we will not ascend to such high altitudes but stop at the malghe from where these ancient itineraries start.

We start our hike in Innervillgraten along the road to malga Unerstalleralm. At the Eggeberg farms (shortly before the Wegelate sawmill) we take the "Peststeig" path leading uphill across the mountain meadows before entering a forest where it meets up with a vehicle accessible path. Then, the route runs along a slope to Kalkstein and delights us with a wonderful panoramic view of the Villgratental. In the small settlement of Kalkstein at 1,640 m a.s.l. rises the St. Mary Major Sanctuary from the 17th century.

The forest path no. 8 takes us from Kalkstein to the malga Alfenalm with its wonderful meadows, the destination of today's trip. In the proximity of the alpine hut complex, several paths, including the Schmugglersteig, the Brauchtums - und Traditionssteig and the connection path to the Bonner Höhenweg, a high-altitude trail leading to the peaks of the Marchkinkele and the Corno di Fana, branch off. On our return, we retrace our steps. The restaurant near the car park in Kalkstein (Gasthaus am Parkplatz) is the only refreshment point on our way.

Date of the hike: 29 July 2016
Last updated in: 2026

Author: AT