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This gentle autumn walk begins in Feldthurns (851 m) and is considered one of the loveliest stages of the 90-kilometre Chestnut Trail in South Tyrol’s Eisack Valley. From here, follow the signs marked “Keschtnweg” south through the village centre, past the little St. Anthony Chapel, and continue on towards the Radoar Hof – the kind of place where you might be tempted to stop for a glass of new wine before you’ve even broken a sweat.

A farm track climbs briefly – just enough to get the heart going – before joining a wide country lane that winds through a picture-perfect chestnut grove. Soon the impressive Moar zur Viersch farmhouse appears, complete with a small meadow chapel dedicated to St. Catherine. From here, the view opens up to the Dolomites: the striking Furchetta, the proud Sass Rigais, and the elegant Fermeda peaks gleaming in the distance – a sight that quite literally takes your breath away.

The trail continues over a gentle rise shaded by chestnut and mixed woodland, then meanders past orchards to the hamlet of Pardell (775 m), where the Gasthaus Huber and the Obergostnerhof farm shop make excellent excuses for a stop. From here, the path descends in graceful bends along the paved road to the Säbener Hof, then follows broad meadow tracks towards Säben. After passing a small water reservoir, you reach the saddle between the Säben hill and the slopes of Pardell – and this is where things briefly get sporty: a steep little climb leads straight into the courtyard of Säben Monastery.

At the top, a quiet cultural treasure awaits: the Chapel of Grace, the Church of the Holy Cross, and the Monastery Church – all radiating deep tranquillity. The monastery itself is still home to Benedictine nuns and usually not open to visitors, which somehow makes the place feel even more serene.

The final stretch leads gently downhill, then right through a short rock tunnel (710 m). A few minutes later you’ll find yourself at the Church of Our Lady, and the descent into the artist town of Klausen (523 m) is pure joy – down the cobbled Stations of the Cross, past Branzoll Castle, and finally along a narrow stairway straight into the heart of the old town. A stroll through its lanes is the perfect finale: the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, cosy wine taverns on every corner, and the soft echo of footsteps on cobblestones – South Tyrol at its most authentic.

Perched above Bressanone, the picture-perfect Burgerhof Meßner sits right on South Tyrol’s famous Chestnut Trail – though not on the route we’ve just described, but on another, equally idyllic stretch of the 90-kilometre path that winds its way through the Eisack Valley. Here, fine food, heartfelt hospitality and a deep respect for nature come together beautifully.

At the Burgerhof, pleasure isn’t a side dish – it’s the main event. Every meal feels like a love letter to South Tyrol.

Autumn here means Törggelen – South Tyrol’s so-called “fifth season.” After the grape harvest, it’s time to celebrate with young wine and freshly pressed grape juice, known as Siaßer. The feast that follows is a joyful ode to local tradition: homemade Schlutzkrapfen (filled pasta), hearty sausages with sauerkraut, sweet doughnuts and, of course, roasted chestnuts that taste like autumn itself. The word Törggelen comes from Torggl, the wooden wine press – the place where all the fun began.

Katrin and Johannes, the young hosts, are breathing new life into the long-standing Buschenschank tradition. Their weekly changing menu is full of surprises – from homemade bread and traditional dumplings to handmade pasta and hearty Alpine dishes. Everything is prepared with care and ingredients from their own farm, including meat from their mother-cows and two very contented pigs who quite literally live the good life.

Since 2023, guests have been able to stay the night as well as dine. Two lovingly designed holiday apartments make the Burgerhof Meßner a place for anyone seeking peace, nature and genuine warmth. And because so much soul, flavour and authenticity is exactly what we stand for, the Burgerhof Meßner is a proud member of Mountain Hideaways.

Discover South Tyrol’s Eisack Valley with our handpicked MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAYS – perfect retreats for hikers and nature lovers.

Published: 2023 | Last Updated: 14.10.2025