Vernago: Reservoir, Cultural Heritage and Mountain Trails

Vernago is a suitable destination for you if you would like to combine cultural history and mountain landscapes in one travel plan. Around Vernago Reservoir, you will find topics ranging from the history of traditional settlements to challenging hikes. At the same time, an archaeological route leads from Vernagt over the Niederjoch to Vent.

Living Tradition in the Schnalstal Valley

Transhumance, or the seasonal sheep drive, in the Schnalstal Valley is an ancient and still living tradition. It is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage and gives your stay a special cultural and historical dimension. This subject is particularly interesting for you if you want to understand not only the landscape but also the routes between the Alpine valleys that have developed over centuries.

Every year, shepherds take three to four thousand sheep from the villages of Vernagt and Kurzras in the Schnalstal Valley over the Niederjoch and Hochjoch to the summer pastures near Vent in Austria’s Ötztal Valley. The transhumance route leads from the Ötztal Valley to the Schnalstal Valley and back. People and animals cover up to 44 kilometres in two days – a remarkable connection between natural landscapes, pastoral farming and cross-border history.

Vernago Reservoir and Leiter Church

The construction of Vernago Reservoir permanently changed the area: it submerged the Oberörl and Unterörl farms with their Nuihaus, Obergamp and Untergamp, Oberleit and Unterleit, the small Leiter Church and the Spechtenhaus.

The Vernago dam was completed in 1964. It is 64 metres high and 480 metres long. Those interested in technology and landscape history will find in this structure a clear, visible connection to the development of the reservoir.

When the reservoir reaches its lowest water level in late spring, the bell tower of the old Leiter Church may become visible. Today’s Leiter Church was built in 1997 and preserves the artistic furnishings rescued from the former church. At the reservoir, you can therefore encounter both traces of the submerged buildings and a later approach to this heritage.

The Ötzi Rope Park is located directly at the end of Vernago Reservoir.

Hiking from Vernagt

For your hiking plans, the Lagauntal, Taschenjöchl & Berglalm route offers a clearly defined framework. It starts in Vernagt, is moderately difficult and involves 847 metres of ascent. The estimated duration is 4 hours and 13 minutes. This allows you to classify the tour as a longer hiking day and take your personal fitness and preferred daily pace into account.

A shorter way to explore the water is the circular trail around Vernago Reservoir. It follows a natural path directly along the shore, focusing attention on the immediate connection between the lake and its surroundings.

The Vernagt–Vent archaeological hike (A2) leads from Vernagt to the Niederjoch, offers views as far as the Tisenjoch and crosses the border to Vent. It connects the starting point with a historic Alpine region and is suitable for you if, alongside walking, the history of the crossings between the valleys also plays a role.

Bus Stop and Car Park

The SAD intercity bus route no. 261 goes to the Vernagt bus stop. There is also a free, unattended car park directly at Vernago Lake. For your planning, this provides both a bus connection to the stop and a parking option at the lake as different points of reference.

When choosing your accommodation, you can compare these focuses with your personal travel plan: transhumance and the Leiter Church appeal to visitors interested in culture, while the lakeside circular trail and the mountain and cross-border routes described support other types of day plans. This allows you to choose a hotel in Vernago based on the experiences you would like to place at the centre of your stay.

Further destinations: Lazfons, Stainhaus, Petschied, Margreid an der Weinstraße, Saltaus, Ahornach, Eisacktal, Weißlahnbad

To the higher-level travel overview: Bozen.