only once, with leisure, without hurry and destination unknown, to roam through a timeless landscape full of tranquility...
THE VIA VIGILIUS
The Via Vigilius is a long distance hiking trail connecting the territories of Südtirol and Trentino. It can be easily accomplished in eight days, passing places and landscapes which leave unique and unforgettable impressions.
itinerary
time has stopped at the Vigiljoch; it stopped without acquiescence
first day
The journey begins at the top station of the Vigiljoch tram. The hike leads slightly uphill amongst larch and spruce forests and continues along mountain pastures to arrive at the Gasthof Jocher, today's final destination.
discover
this is the beginning; it is an opportunity to find time for yourself
second day
A long day spans ahead of the traveller. First there is a descent into the small mountain hamlet of Pawigl followed by entry into the Ulten valley. From there a steep hike through a quiet landscape leads to a pass known as the Platzerer Jöchl and onward to the pilgrimage place Unser Liebe Frau im Walde.
discover
today will pass the border, but the hiker is without boundary
third day
Today the provincial border of Südtirol - Trentino will be crossed. The day starts leisurely; the idyllic Felixer pond offers a relaxing respite prior to hiking on to the alp Malga di Fondo. After a long descent, the hiking ends this day at the village of Fondo.
discover
years ago the monks found in this place what the restless wanderer is still searching for
fourth day
After a pleasant start the hiker arrives deep down in the valley at the monastery of San Romedio, an ethereal place which compels one to linger and contemplate. Passing two lakes, the journey meanders through pleasant scenery all the way to the day's destination: the village of Sfruz.
discover
here the mundane regularity of life is left behind; what remains is the joy of walking
fifth day
This day the hiker is greeted by a less rugged and mountainous, more fertile and lush appearance. This also constitutes the longest leg of the trail. The majestic castle Thun near the village of Vigo di Ton is situated almost at the conclusion of this particular segment.
discover
the long, strenuous ascent detoxifies the mind; what remains is the simple act of repetitious breathing
sixth day
Today marks a day of upward mobility and elevation gain. The steady ascent to the al Malga Bodrina can be full of wandering thoughts; however, the following trail, which leads to the mountain hamlet of Monte, demands full attention.
discover
before climbing, it is necessary to descend far down. This is life: A perpetual up and down
seventh day
The day commences with a stroll through the beautiful villages of Mezzocorona and Mezzolomardo. This day includes hiking many meters in altitude difference and many kilometers high above the Etschtal valley to the valley dei Laghi. Passing by the lake Lago di Lamar leads to Vallene, the day's destination.
discover
today a timeless world is left behind, which for a short time became uniquely ours, and now we return to reality once again...
eighth day
The journey reaches its conclusion today. This day comprises another stroll through quiet scenery, before the hiker is engulfed again by the fast-paced daily world. In the center of Trento, it is possible to relax and revisit the passage along the great trail once more.
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