This well-frequented route from Schabs/Sciaves runs through the valley and across the Rienzschlucht gorge to Rodenegg Castle, one of the biggest and best defended fortifications in South Tyrol, before returning via Mühlbach/Riomolino back to Schabs.
The hike starts in the centre of Schabs, in front of the church (744 m). Follow trail no. 3 along the main road to the Viummer Kreuz cross (803 m) then turn left into trail no. 1/A, along the tarred road to a small chapel near the Rundlhof farm. From here continue along trail no. 1, along a partly paved field track down to the Rienzschlucht gorge. Cross a wooden bridge and ascend up the forest track to Rodenegg Castle. From Rodenegg Castle follow trail no. 11 through the forest along the Jägersteig hunter’s track before reaching the Planatscher Hof farm and from there, take trail no. 7 up to Mühlbach (764 m). After reaching the church in the centre of the village, follow the Cikilyrweg Trail, which starts outside the wall of the church and soon crosses the old Pustertaler Straße road and the railway line. After the bridge, change to the right bank of the Valser Bach brook and follow the track south along the Rienz river to the entrance of the Steger-Bühel-Weg Trail.
The return hike is via the Viumser Kreuz and back to the starting point in Schabs.
