Barrier-free: Between Oberplanitzing and Mitterdorf

The barrier-free hike begins at Hotel Masatsch in Oberplanitzing, an inclusive hotel fully equipped for wheelchair users. From here, the path leads south along Oberplanitzingerstraße. The walkway is completely paved and wide enough to be comfortably navigated by both manual and electric wheelchairs. Curb cuts are provided, making street crossings easily manageable. The surroundings are quiet, nestled in the Kaltern wine landscape, with gentle ascents and a beautiful view of the surrounding hills.

After a few minutes, the route turns into Garnellenweg. Here, too, the path remains fully paved and largely barrier-free. The route continues along Preystraße, which is also well developed, up to the church in Mitterdorf. This first section is about 1.2 km long and is very suitable for wheelchair users without an accompanying person. Several seating options are available up to the church, although not all are accessible without barriers. Nevertheless, this spot offers a good place for a first break — with views over the surrounding vineyards and the village.

From the church, the path becomes more challenging: the route climbs slightly steeply via Krumbachweg up to Major-von-Morandell-Platz. The path then continues towards Schloss Campan — over a short but significantly steeper section. This part is the greatest challenge on the entire route. Due to the slope and length, it is only passable with strong assistance. This section cannot be managed with a manual wheelchair without support. Even with an electric wheelchair, an accompanying person is recommended here. Those who master this passage reach the historic Schloss Campan, a protected manor with a medieval tower, located amidst vineyards. The castle is privately owned and not open to the public, but a short stop is worthwhile to enjoy the view and atmosphere.

The return route leads from Schloss Campan via Garnellenweg. From here, the route is much more relaxed again and continuously on well-maintained paths. The path passes by a winery with outdoor seating, though the access is not fully barrier-free — and returns to the intersection with Preystraße. From there, it goes back along Garnellenweg and Oberplanitzingerstraße to the starting point at Hotel Masatsch.

Along the entire route, there are repeatedly benches and rest areas — seven in total. However, not all are easily accessible by wheelchair, as some stand on unpaved ground or slightly raised borders. Particularly suitable for breaks are the area around the church, Major-von-Morandell-Platz, and the surroundings of Hotel Masatsch. The entire route is about 5.8 km and can be comfortably managed with breaks in about two to two and a half hours — depending on individual pace and support needs.

The hike offers a successful combination of natural experience, cultural highlights, and breathtaking panoramic views — embedded in the typical South Tyrolean wine landscape. Up to the church in Mitterdorf, the route is also easily manageable alone for wheelchair users. However, an accompanying person is absolutely necessary for the section to Schloss Campan. Those who complete the entire loop will be rewarded with an impressive natural and cultural experience that is also accessible for people with mobility impairments — with some assistance at the right points.