Saltusio: Discover mountains, the Passer and culture

In Saltusio, you will find the Saltauserhof, the Church of St Michael and BunCor.

Hiking, cycling and experiencing the Passer

The Passer flows through Saltusio to Merano. The Saltauser Waalweg trail begins directly on this river at the Torgglerhof. The easy walking trail leads through apple orchards and wooded areas to Planta Castle in Obermais; the walking time is approximately two hours.

The Hirzer hiking area, also known as the Sarntal Alps, lies between the Passeier Valley to the west and the Sarntal Valley to the east and includes hiking trails ranging from gentle to challenging through an unspoilt mountain landscape. The Hirzer cable cars take you directly from Saltusio to the Klammeben mountain station at an altitude of 1,980 metres. Above Klammeben, there is also a large paragliding launch site, which can be reached via the Hirzer cable car followed by a 15-minute walk.

The 19-kilometre Passeiertal cycle path leads from Merano to St Leonhard in Passeier and passes Saltusio. At 19 kilometres, the Passeiertal cycle path forms an independent route section for planning a day trip from Merano to St Leonhard in Passeier. From Saltusio, the Passerdammweg also offers an easy, largely flat walk to Merano taking approximately two hours. The largely flat route, which takes about two hours, can be planned as a separate walk between Saltusio and Merano.

The Passeier Schildhöfe trail leads back to Saltusio via the Passerweg.

Rafting and canyoning on the Passer

When rafting in Saltusio, participants travel in small boats along the natural Passer; a trained guide accompanies the tour. Tours with varying levels of difficulty are offered.

During canyoning on the Passer near Saltusio, the route leads through natural pools and rock formations and includes rappelling down waterfalls. Participants are accompanied by a mountain and canyoning guide.

Historic farms and contemporary art

The Schildhof Saltauserhof was first mentioned in 1230. The farm, crowned with battlements, once served the Counts of Tyrol as a customs station. During the Tyrolean Wars of Independence, it served as a hiding place for Andreas Hofer.

The Church of St Michael in Saltusio was consecrated in 2006. Its chancel is illuminated by a translucent wall. Two bells in the church tower feature reliefs of the Archangel Michael.

BunCor is located in a Second World War bunker in Saltusio. BunCor contains the artist’s heart as well as the hearts of invited artists, writers and critics who participated in Schönweger’s project by invitation. BunCor’s bunkers are modelled on the four chambers of the human heart and refer to the significance of the symbol “heart” in Tyrolean culture.

Practical information for planning your trip

A free public car park is located above the fire station in Saltusio.

Discover more places

Other destinations in South Tyrol include Santa Valburga, Reschen Am See, Riomolino, Rina, Petschied, Ahornach, Bolzano and Slingia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bolzano.