This scenic, bracing walk above Vahrn/Varna takes you through woods and meadows to the ruins of the old Fortress of Salern, established by the prince-bishops of Brixen/Bressanone as seat of their court. With its splendid view of the Brixen basin, this is the northernmost chestnut forest in South Tyrol.
From the car park in Vahrn (677 m) follow the signs to the Naturdenkmal Schalderer Bach (Schalderer Bach Natural Monument) theme trail. Ascend the gentle slope to the left of the torrent as far as the Kneipp area. Keeping to the right, take the Vernaggenweg Trail past a large chestnut tree and a housing cluster before arriving at the ruins of the old Fortress of Salern. On reaching the bend in the road marked Schalderer Straße, turn north and follow the forest path to the Spilucker Bach torrent. Just above, lie the ruins of Voitsberg Castle. Follow the trail to the right along the torrent, up a slight incline as far as the bridge in the chestnut grove. Turn left away from the stream until you reach the next bridge that leads into the centre of Vahrn, passing Voitsberg Haus (rest stop) and back to the starting point.
