From Huberhof in Mühlbach (Riomolino) above Gais you can leave the car where it is and set off on foot. Through the Mühlbacher Talile you reach our Huberalm at about 1,850 m in around 1 hour 30 minutes with 400 metres of ascent, passing an educational trail, a Kneipp pool and the Mühlbacher Badl on the way. If you prefer something more demanding, take a loop with 700 metres of ascent and a stop at the alpine hut, 2 to 4 hours depending on the route.

At a glance

Start: right at Huberhof in Mühlbach, about 1,500 m
Huberalm: about 1,850 m, around 4 km from the farm, open for food and drink in summer
Walking time to the Huberalm: about 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the route
Mühlbacher Talile to the Huberalm: about 1 hour 30 minutes, 400 metres of ascent
Loop with a stop at the hut: 2 to 4 hours depending on the route, 700 metres of ascent
Tip for families: Mühlbacher Talile with educational trail and Kneipp pool

How long is the walk from Huberhof to the Huberalm?

The Huberalm is our family's own alpine pasture. It lies at about 1,850 m at the head of the Mühlbach valley (Valle di Riomolino) in the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park (Parco Naturale Vedrette di Ries-Aurina), about 4 km from Huberhof. On foot you reach it in about 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the route.

The route we recommend most often goes through the Mühlbacher Talile, which is what we call the Mühlbach valley locally. From the farm to the alpine pasture, allow about 1 hour 30 minutes and 400 metres of ascent.

In summer the Huberalm is open: you can stop for simple alpine dishes and fresh milk. Some of our animals spend about 120 days a year up there, and when time allows we make Graukäse (grey cheese) and butter from the alpine milk. Seven peaks over 3,000 m stand around the head of the valley and the Huberalm, including the Große Windschar (3,041 m) and the Schwarze Wand (3,105 m).

What will you see along the Mühlbacher Talile?

There is plenty to discover on the way through the Mühlbacher Talile, for children and adults alike. The main stops:

Educational trail ‘Auf den Spuren vergangener Zeiten’ (Following the traces of days gone by): wooden sculptures and information boards tell of old customs and ways of working in the valley.
Reservoir with Kneipp pool: at the reservoir in the Talile there is a car park and a Kneipp pool with seating. From there the path to the alpine pasture heads up the valley (path no. 2 from the car park).
Mühlbacher Badl: once known far and wide as a healing spa, about 15 to 20 minutes' walk from the reservoir.
Huberalm: at the head of the valley at about 1,850 m, with food and drink in summer.

Varied vegetation grows on both sides of the path, and higher up you walk past alpine meadows. Take your time at the information boards; children in particular love to stop at the wooden figures.

Wooden sculpture of a farmer carrying a bundle of hay on the educational trail in the Mühlbacher Talile

Which hike is best for families with young children?

For families with young children we recommend the Mühlbacher Talile. You don't have to go all the way to the alpine pasture: the reservoir with its Kneipp pool is a lovely spot in itself for a paddle and a break, and the Mühlbacher Badl is only about 15 to 20 minutes further on. Simply come back the same way.

If the children still have energy, carry on to the Huberalm. For the whole way from the farm to the hut, allow about 1 hour 30 minutes and 400 metres of ascent, more with children. In summer you can stop for something to eat at the hut before heading back down.

If you're bringing a pushchair or child carrier, have a quick word with us before you set off about which stretches are suitable. You'll find more ideas for families in our guide Family farm holiday in South Tyrol.

Girl wading in a Kneipp pool surrounded by forest and alpine meadow

Which longer hikes start right at the farm?

For experienced hikers there is a loop with a stop at the Huberalm starting from Huberhof: 700 metres of ascent, 2 to 4 hours depending on the route. The shorter version fits into half a day; for the longer one, allow more time, including your break at the hut. Doris and Stephan will explain the exact route and the options for the loop when you're here, ideally with a look at the hiking map and the day's weather.

Seven peaks over 3,000 m stand around the head of the Mühlbach valley. Tours to these summits are for experienced mountaineers with good equipment. Plan them with an up-to-date map and find out about conditions on the mountain beforehand.

Can you go cycling and mountain biking from Huberhof?

Yes. On a mountain bike you set off from the front door, for example into the Mühlbacher Talile. We also recommend the circuit via Bruneck (Brunico), Gais and Uttenheim (Villa Ottone) and back.

You can leave your bike safely in the ski room at Huberhof, where you can also charge your e-bike. And if you want to head into town after your ride: Bruneck with its old town is about 15 to 20 minutes by car.

What should you know before hiking from 1,500 m?

Huberhof sits at about 1,500 m, the Huberalm at about 1,850 m, and seven peaks over 3,000 m stand around the head of the valley. At this altitude the weather can change quickly, even in high summer. So always take a rain jacket, a warm layer and enough to drink, and wear sturdy shoes with a good tread.

Just ask us which hike suits the current weather. And if it does rain: you'll find ideas for rainy days in our FAQ.