Summer in Trafoi between the Stilfser Joch Pass and Trafoi Canyon

By now, we have shaken off the last of our tiredness and are in a good mood as we hike across the glacier towards Geisterspitze. We are overtaken by snowcats that bring skiers from all over the world to the slopes for training runs. The Stilfser Joch summer and ski area in the Vinschgau also has several lifts.

We don't go all the way up to the Geisterspitze at 3,467 m, but after just under an hour's walk and 350 metres in altitude, we reach a rocky outcrop just in time for sunrise, which offers a magnificent panoramic view. On this July day, the sun rises at 5.40 a.m. and bathes the mountain landscape in glowing red and orange colours. The sun rises higher and it gets brighter, but there is still silence up here. We are at eye level with majestic three-thousand metre peaks: The Ortler King South Tyrol's highest mountain towers in front of us and behind us are the Biancograd (Piz Bernina) - the Engadin Dolomites glow in an extraordinarily beautiful light. Simply magical!

We descend to the Hotel Baita Ortler, where we treat ourselves to a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, we enjoy the golden morning light and the view of the Stilfser Joch Pass road. By now, the Stilfser Joch Pass is already a little busier: before we get to see the marmots, we have already heard them whistling. And the first racing cyclists and motorcyclists are already on the pass road.

Excursion to the canyon and grotto

Back in the valley, we are served a refreshing drink at the Hotel Bella Vista and then we set off directly from the car park next to the hotel on a nature trail towards the natural grotto. Just a few steps away from Bella Vista, we are immersed directly in unspoilt nature: we walk across colourful flower meadows and through the Trafoi Canyon (as the gorge of the Trafoi stream is called), and then we experience the next wow moment: we cross a wooden bridge to reach a grotto with turquoise water, protected by green overgrown rocks. A place of power and fairytale beauty where we spend a wonderful morning!

We've already hiked enough on this summer's day, but otherwise we would also be tempted by the hike to the waterfalls and the 3 holy fountains. And if the weather isn't as marvellous as it is today, then a visit to the naturatrafoi is well worthwhile: The visitor centre of the Stilfserjoch National Park provides fascinating insights into life in a high alpine region.

Culinary delights and wellness at Hotel Bella Vista

Full of new impressions, we take a more leisurely approach to the rest of the day. After a light lunch at the Hotel Bella Vista, we are allowed to watch the kitchen team prepare herb ravioli: We're already looking forward to tasting them at dinner!

But first we spend a relaxing wellness afternoon at Hotel Bella Vista. The highlights of the spacious garden include a panoramic outdoor sauna, an open-air hot tub, a small lake and an infinity pool that is heated all year round. There is also an indoor sauna, a Turkish steam bath, a relaxation room and a sun terrace. If you want to relax in complete privacy: some rooms offer breathtaking views of the mountain giants and glaciers as well as their own whirlpool.

We sweat in the panorama sauna and sunbathe on the loungers. Afterwards, we cool our feet in the lake and watch the children play on the raft. Kids can really let off steam on the water and in the 5,000 m² playground directly in front of the hotel. The Bear Club also offers a varied programme 40 hours a week for children aged 3 and over.

We, on the other hand, let this wonderful summer's day come to a relaxed end: We admire the nearby church of Trafoi in the soft evening light and enjoy a 5-course dinner with herb ravioli and other fine delicacies to round off the day.