Gapphof - Algunder Waalweg & St. Magdalena Church
Our favourite walk with the dog
Would you like to explore Lagundo with your dog in a very special way? Then this loop hike is just the thing for you. It starts right at the Gapphof, leads along the beautiful Algunder Waalweg, past the romantic St. Magdalena Church in Quarazze, and ends at a small stream where your four-legged friend can cool off to their heart’s content. Look forward to shaded forest trails, breathtaking views of Merano, vineyards, orchards, and many little hidden gems that you’d easily overlook without an insider’s tip.
Directions
The route starts right at the Gapphof. Follow the Alte Landstraße to the Pension Paradies. That’s where the Grabbachweg begins on the right. Don’t worry - the first climb might make you break a sweat, but you’ll be rewarded at the top with the beautiful Algunder Waalweg.
Once you reach the top, turn right and follow the historic Waalweg toward Quarazze. The trail runs almost flat along the old irrigation canal and is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful walking paths around Merano. While the vineyards and apple orchards glow to your left, your gaze will keep wandering over the entire Val d’Adige valley. And your dog? He’ll probably think each scent along the trail is the more exciting than the last.
After a while, you’ll reach a fork in the path that leads down to St. Magdalena church. This small Romanesque church is idyllically situated among vineyards and is one of the most picturesque spots in Lagundo. For us, however, it holds a special meaning: this is exactly where Christian and I got married. That’s why we love coming back here time and again.
After the church, turn right and follow the main road for about 20 meters. Immediately after the first house, a small gravel path branches off to the right. Follow this path until you reach Rosengartenstraße.
After the bridge, turn left immediately onto a narrow nature trail. After just a few meters, a small stream will run alongside you. Keep your eyes peeled: on the right, a short path leads straight down to the stream. It’s the perfect spot for a quick breather - and for your dog, it’s probably the highlight of the whole hike. Cool off their paws, have a drink, splash around… and if a little water splashes onto your hiking pants in the process, that’s just part of the fun.
Then follow the path to Breitofenstraße, turn right there, and at the next intersection, turn left onto Mair-am-Korn-Straße. At the end of the street, you’ll rejoin Alte Landstraße, which you can use to stroll leisurely back to the Gapphof.
Our tip
This hike is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing hike with their dog in South Tyrol. Especially in the spring, when the apple blossoms transform the landscape into a sea of white and pink flowers, or in the fall, when the vineyards glow golden, this loop shows itself at its best.
Our insider tip
Pack a small snack and take a break at St. Magdalena church or by the stream. Sometimes it’s precisely these little moments that turn a beautiful hike into an unforgettable day of holiday. And if your dog is lying contentedly in its basket, snoring after the hike, you’ll know you did everything right.
Hike details
Start/Finish: Gapphof
Elevation gain: approx. 250 hm
Distance: approx. 7 km
Duration: approx. 2–2.5 hours
Difficulty: easy to moderate
