Witness the strength and power of a thundering waterfall while you breathe in the crisp fresh air. The Partschins waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South Tyrol. The river plunges 98 metres down a vertical incline in the Zieltal, filling the air with glittering spray in all the colours of the rainbow. The water shoots out eerily over a freestanding rock face and then thunders down into the depths. The waterfall reaches its highest flow when the snow melts between May and July, collecting all the meltwater from the Zieltal in the Naturpark Texelgruppe/Parco Naturale Gruppo di Tessa. At this point roughly 10,000 litres of water fall into the depths per second. We can sense the cooling moisture on our skin.
Our hike begins at Partschins/Parcines and heads towards Vertigen/Valletina to reach the Partschinser Waalweg. On the Partschinser Sagenweg (Legend Trail) we can follow traces of prehistoric settlements and cult sites as far as the Ebnerhof. The path continues through the wood up to the Prünster Inn (1196 m), where we can marvel at the waterfall at close range. A short safe track leads to an observation platform right at the break of the waterfall. Here, and at the foot of the waterfall, we can allow the beneficial moist air to infiltrate our skin. The humidity and evaporation is very refreshing in summer. The high concentration of active oxygen ions has a particularly invigorating effect.
Tip: To avoid the ascent, we can take the new cable car right to the top. Then we can experience the waterfall on a comfortable descent back to Partschins/Parcines.
Info:
Route rating/description: hike
Mountain range: Texelgruppe/Gruppo di Tessa
Length: 9 km
Time: 3 hours
Time of descent: 1 – 1 ½ hours
Highest point: 1180 m
Elevation gain: 600 m
Ideal time of year: April to November