From St. Michael to the Montiggl lakes

Starting from Rathausplatz in St. Michael | Eppan, proceed along Bahnhofstraße to the large roundabout, then turn right onto Montiggler Straße. After approximately 500 meters, hiking trail No. 3 branches off to the right in a left-hand curve. Leave the last houses and vineyards behind as the wide forest path winds through deciduous woodland and thick-trunked pines heading south. Be attentive to the trail markings in places, as there are many paths and junctions. After just under an hour from Montiggler Straße, the forest path merges with a newly built cycle path; follow it until the first orchards of Montiggls come into view. Slightly further south, the church tower of the hamlet Montiggls | Eppan appears—a quiet, cozy village nestled among vineyards and orchards. The Montiggls swimming lakes are located very nearby, where there is especially much activity in the summer. A quarter of an hour from Montiggls Church, hiking trail No. 5 (which subsequently merges with hiking trail No. 20) leads past a hotel and a reed belt directly to the Großer See (Large Lake). A hiking path borders the lake from its western to its northern end. Following hiking trail No. 16, you will soon reach the Kleine Montiggler See (Small Montiggls Lake): small in size, but large in terms of pristine nature. As with the Großer Montiggler See, there is an opportunity here to linger, enjoy the scenery, or have a bite to eat before starting the somewhat shorter return journey. On the wide forest path No. 1, heading towards Rungg, ascend to a summit and then descend briefly but steeply, following signpost No. 2, until you reach the parking areas of the Sportzone Rungg. After crossing the access road to the parking spaces, the path continues briefly through the forest in the same direction before, at the foot of the Mendel range, the Überetsch region unfolds, showcasing its castles and fortresses. The tarred road that follows heads towards Girlan | Eppan. After approximately 500 meters, trail No. 6 branches off; through beautiful vineyards, it leads directly to the large roundabout. Bahnhofstraße leads back to the center of St. Michael | Eppan.