The Milk Trail from Valles to Malga Fane is one of the most fascinating themed hikes in South Tyrol, combining nature, culture, and dairy tradition in an accessible and captivating route.
The walk begins at the Berg am Boden car park at the end of the Valles valley and follows trail marker no. 17. After a short stretch on paved road, you cross the bridge near Malga Kurzkofel, where the actual Milk Trail starts. The path ascends gently through meadows and woods, accompanied by informative panels that share stories and curiosities about milk production in South Tyrol, from ancient processing techniques to the modern concept of “hay milk.”
The final destination is Malga Fane, considered one of the most beautiful and authentic alpine villages in the region. Here time seems to stand still: wooden huts, a small church, and active mountain farms create a unique atmosphere, immersed in a breathtaking alpine landscape.
A distinctive feature is the Adventure Book, available in accommodations and tourist offices in the Rio Pusteria Ski & Alpine Pastures holiday area. Each themed hike has a stamping station, and collecting at least three stamps earns you the bronze medal, six stamps the silver medal, and all ten the prestigious gold medal.
To reach the starting point, you can drive to Valles and park conveniently at Berg am Boden, or take bus line 412 from Rio di Pusteria to Valles, bearing in mind that the stop is about twenty minutes from the trailhead.
In summary, the Milk Trail is much more than a simple walk: it is a journey into alpine culture, an opportunity to discover the tradition of milk, and to experience a landscape that tells the story of South Tyrol.
