Mountain hike towards Villgraten (Austria)
Starting point: Val Casies Valley / S. Maddalena head of the valley
Distance: 17 km
Descent: circular hike
Walking time: 07:00 h
Difficulty: difficult
Difference in altitude: 1387 m
Information: www.suedtirolmobil.info - Lin. 441
Starting from the valley head in San Maddalena/Val Casies Valley (1460m, refreshment point, parking fee), turn right over the stream of the valley and follow the markings no. 12 up to the Pfoital Valley and the alpine tree line. Continue straight into the valley to the Pfoialm (2134m, not a refreshment point) and through the valley of alpine pastures, on a comfortable road, uphill to the fork. There, turn right, and by following the markings no. 13 climb upwards into the rear Hintere Gsieser Lenke (2539 m; beyond it, reach the lake Schwarzsee in just a few minutes via a trail (2455m). From the lake Schwarzsee, return to the rear Hintere Gsieser Lenke, turn right and follow the signs up and northwards to the mounds “Hellböden” (2710m). Continue along the ridge north-westwards down into the Pfoischarte (2617m). From there, follow the signs up and north-westwards to the mountain Hochkreuzspitze (2739m). Return: From the Hochkreuzspitze, return to the Pfoischarte and continue on path no. 12 over the southern back of the mountain to the Uwaldalm (2042m, refreshment point). Still on path no. 12, return to your starting point.
