Hike to the Monte Cuzzo

We reach the starting point of our hike, the Kiener Alm mountain hut at 1,750 m a.s.l., by car following a small mountain road from the valley station of the Gitschberg Cable Car in Maranza to the hamlet of Serga. At this point the circular trail "Rundweg Geissraste" starts, leading steeply uphill towards the summit of the "Gitsch" (how the Monte Cuzzo is called by the locals). Past a fountain we walk through the autumnal coloured larch forest and enjoy the beautiful view on the Valle Isarco valley.

We leave the forest near the Koflerhütte mountain hut (no rest point) - the view opens up on the majestic Cima di Terento (2,738 m) and the valley. In front of us there's the southern flank of Mount Cuzzo. The forest path proceeds to the Breiteben meadow where the mountain station of the cable car is located and further on past the Rif. Gitsch mountain hut (path no. 12). The higher we get, the more impressive is the view on the Zillertal Alps on the right.

On the 2,512 m high summit of the Monte Cuzzo, or Gitschberg, our efforts are rewarded by an amazing view from the viewing platform (with telescope). We enjoy a break and the sunbeams and watch the paragliders starting. This mountain tour is perfect for an autumn hike between the Val Pusteria and Valle Isarco valleys!

Please note: you can also take the cable car from Maranza up to the mountain station (if operating). Doing so, you only have to overcome 400 metres of altitude difference to reach the summit of Mt. Cuzzo.

Author: BS