The Four Churches Trail is a themed route that crosses the natural and cultural landscapes of the Puster Valley, following the mid-mountain ridge. The churches of Saint Valentine in Grimaldo, Saint Cyriacus in Falzes, Saint Nicholas in Issengo, and Saint John in Hasenried serve as prominent landmarks along the way.
The starting point is Grimaldo, from where you reach the Church of Saint Valentine, a fine example of late Gothic architecture. The trail continues to the center of Falzes via trail markers 7 and 17A, where the parish church of Saint Cyriacus and the Holy Family stands. The main altarpiece depicts the martyrdom of Saint Cyriacus, painted by Karl von Henrici.
Trail 7 leads to the Church of Saint Nicholas in Issengo, which outwardly reflects Gothic style, but its interior reveals Baroque elements. The route continues along trail 5 to the Issengo pond, then climbs to Molini via trail marker 1, and proceeds to Hasenried. This location was once a popular pilgrimage site, thanks to a spring believed to have healing powers. The Church of Saint John the Baptist, built in late Gothic style, is only accessible upon request.
From Hasenried, the trail leads to Schöneck Castle, birthplace of the minstrel Oswald von Wolkenstein, following trail markers 7 and 18B. After about 50 minutes, you reach Corti (Hofern), where the Church of Saint Martin stands in a clearing, with a Romanesque nave. It is open only by reservation (Tel. +39 0474 565245).
Return options include bus line 421 from Corti to Grimaldo, or walking back to Hasenried, then following the Pfaffensteig trail to Falzes, and finally returning to Grimaldo via trail markers 7 and 17A.
The route can be divided into stages or walked in sections. The Churches of Saint Valentine and Saint John are closed and accessible only upon request (Tel. +39 0474 538833). The chapel near the Church in Hasenried is always open.
