With its mountain forests, waterfalls and unspoilt alpine pastures, the lesser-known Flaggertal Valley is a hidden gem in South Tyrol.
The challenging hike begins in the small village of Mittewald/Mezzaselva (801 m), right at the Brenner/Brennero railway line. From the Gasthof zur Brücke Inn in the village centre, follow trail no. 16 south towards the Flaggertal Valley. The trail climbs moderately passing the Obere and Untere Flaggeralm mountain huts (1,605 m) before the long ascent to the Innere Flaggeralm mountain hut (1,939 m) begins, gradually winding its way up to the Schafalm mountain hut (2,046 m). After crossing into the high mountain valley, trail no. 16 follows the direction of the Flaggerbach torrent, over open terrain and finally up a steep incline to the Flaggerscharte ridge. With its blue and white shutters the rustic Flaggerschartenhütte (Marburger Hütte/Ital.: Rifugio Forcella Vallaga) sits right next to the Flaggersee high mountain lake (2,481 m). The stone-walled hut also serves as the starting point of the Sarntaler Hufeisentour, a multi-stage hike that crosses the Eastern and Western ridges of the Sarntaler Alps in 6 – 7 days.
To return, follow the same track back to the starting point.
