Afing, Flaas, Glaning and Nobls

Approximately 10 km from the village centre of Jenesien, at 847 m above sea level, gently nestled on the slope above the entrance to the Sarntal Valley, this cosy little village is a popular hiking destination - easily accessible from Jenesien via the ‘Avia lumberjack trail’ or by bus 157. ‘Avia’ is also the Latin term for ‘remote area’, from which the name of this largest fraction of Jenesien is derived - not entirely inappropriate when you consider that the current access road was only built in 1980 and the village was previously only accessible via narrow paths from Rafenstein and Jenesien.

This idyllic spot is located at 1,357 metres above sea level and was first mentioned in documents as early as 1186 under the name ‘Valas’ (presumably from the Romanic ‘vall’ = valley). A perfect starting point for a variety of wonderful easy hikes - either directly from the village centre or slightly above the Schermoos car park. From here, you can either set off in the direction of the legendary Stoanernen Mandln or up the Salten, Europe's highest larch plateau. Flaas and Schermoos can be reached directly from Jenesien in just a few minutes on the 157 bus.

Its name, originally ‘Glaniga’ or “Glania”, means ‘place with cranberries’ - derived from the Passeier word ‘Glan’, which is still used there today for the small red fruits. However, Glaning, a place of pilgrimage since the 16th century, has much more to offer - for example the pretty little church of St Martin, centuries-old mighty chestnut trees, lush vineyards and a pleasantly mild climate. The picturesque village owes the latter to its ideal location at 765 metres above sea level on the sunny side of the Tschögglberg, just a stone's throw from the provincial capital of Bolzano.

The smallest fraction of Jenesien lives up to its name, which has been used since 1290 and is derived from the Latin ‘in opulis’ (= by the maple trees). In addition to magnificent maple trees, imposing earth pyramids and inviting hiking trails, you can also discover the little church of St Valentin, which was built in the 12th century. The small chapel has largely retained its external form since the Middle Ages - only the tower and the flat vault inside were added in the 15th and 17th centuries. Nobls is located at 1,270 metres above sea level, just below the Salten, making it the ideal starting point for an excursion to Europe's highest larch plateau. You will find ideal parking facilities at the ‘Locher’, just below the small hamlet.