Haslhof
Hidden Rural Places & Unique Farm Stories
Haslhof is a hidden rural gem that reflects the traditional mountain farm life of South Tyrol. The area represents a simple lifestyle centered around farming, livestock, and alpine nature. It offers visitors a chance to experience authentic rural culture and the historic mountain traditions of the region.
Haslhof Covelano / Göflan – Profile of the Ascent
Haslhof Covelano / Göflan in South Tyrol (Italy) is a scenic alpine farm that serves as an important starting point for hiking ascents in the region. The trail from here offers a gradual climb through forests, mountain landscapes, and traditional farming areas. It is especially popular among hikers looking for peaceful, less-crowded routes with stunning natural views.
Jausenstation Haslhof
Jausenstation Haslhof is a traditional alpine rest stop where hikers can enjoy simple, local food and refreshments. It is a popular stop during trekking routes, offering a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature. Visitors often pause here to relax, recharge, and experience authentic South Tyrolean mountain hospitality.
Marble Circuit Trail, Stage 3: From the Haslhof Farm
Stage 3 of the Marble Circuit Trail begins at Haslhof farm and continues through dramatic alpine landscapes and marble-rich mountain terrain. This section of the trail is known for its natural beauty, scenic views, and geological significance. It provides hikers with a memorable experience of South Tyrol’s unique mountain environment.
Why Haslhof is a Must-Visit in South Tyrol
While South Tyrol is packed with gorgeous mountain huts and alpine restaurants, Haslhof stands out for several reasons:
- Breathtaking Location — Sitting at 1,574m with panoramic views across the entire Vinschgau Valley
- Authentic Mountain Cuisine — Traditional Brettljause, fresh Knödel, and locally sourced Speck
- Gateway to Epic Trails — Starting point for the famous Göflaner Marmorweg (Marble Trail) and hikes to the Göflaner Alm
- MTB Mecca — Home base for the legendary Holy Hansen Trail
- Cool & Green — Unlike the dry, sun-baked Sonnenberg across the valley, the Nördersberg is covered in shady, lush coniferous forests — perfect for summer escapes
Traditional Mountain Food – What to Eat at Haslhof
A Jausenstation is a traditional South Tyrolean snack station — a rustic farmhouse-style restaurant that serves hearty, homemade Alpine food using locally sourced ingredients. And Haslhof delivers this experience at its finest.
The Brettljause (Must-Try!)
The star of any Jausenstation visit is the Brettljause — a stunning wooden board loaded with: Speck Alto Adige — The region’s famous smoked and cured mountain ham
- Local mountain cheeses — Aged, creamy, and full of Alpine character
- Cured sausages — Handmade from traditional recipes
- Pickled vegetables — Crisp and tangy, the perfect complement
- Fresh farmhouse bread — Often the famous Vinschger Paarl, a hearty flatbread unique to the valley
Pro Tip: Pair your Brettljause with a glass of local wine or a refreshing Hollundersaft (elderflower juice) for the full experience!
Classic South Tyrolean Dishes
Beyond the Brettljause, Haslhof’s menu features beloved Alpine classics:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Käseknödel | Fluffy cheese dumplings served in broth or with salad |
| Speckknödel | Savory bread dumplings studded with smoky Speck |
| Schlutzkrapfen | Half-moon pasta filled with spinach and ricotta — South Tyrol’s signature pasta |
| Tiroler Gröstl | Pan-fried potatoes with onions and tender meat — a mountain classic |
| Gerstesuppe | Rich, warming barley soup perfect after a long hike |
| Kaiserschmarrn | Fluffy shredded pancakes dusted with sugar, served with plum sauce |
| Strauben | Crispy funnel cake — the ultimate Alpine sweet treat |
| Apple Strudel | Flaky pastry filled with local Vinschgau apples, cinnamon, and raisins |
Fresh Alpine Drinks
- Buttermilch — Creamy, fresh buttermilk straight from local farms
- Hollundersaft — Homemade elderflower juice
- Local wines — From the famous South Tyrolean vineyards
- Craft beer — Regional brewery selections
Hiking from Haslhof – The Best Trails
Haslhof is not just a restaurant — it’s a strategic alpine hub and the starting point for some of the most spectacular hikes in the Vinschgau region.
Trail 1: Göflaner Marmorweg (Marble Trail)
This is the crown jewel — a unique themed hiking trail that traces the history of marble mining in the Stelvio National Park.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Start Point | Haslhof → Kohlplätze |
| End Point | Göflaner Marmorbruch (Marble Quarry) |
| Distance | ~6.9 km |
| Duration | ~3.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Highlights | 11 informative stations, historic marble transport slides, white marble gravel paths |
| Best Season | April – October |
What Makes It Special:
The trail features 11 educational stations telling the fascinating story of Göflan marble — the same pristine white stone that has been quarried here for centuries. Along the way, you’ll discover:
- Historic “Bremsrutschen” — The ingenious braking slides once used to send massive marble blocks racing down the mountain
- Glistening white paths — Sections of the trail are covered in white marble gravel that sparkles in the sunlight, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape
- Stunning forest walks — Shady paths through dense coniferous woods with occasional clearings offering valley views
Note: The actual Mitterwandlbruch quarry is closed to the public for safety reasons, but the trail itself provides incredible views and historical context.
Trail 2: Haslhof to Göflaner Alm
A beautiful, easier hike that’s perfect for families and casual hikers.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Start Point | Haslhof (1,574m) |
| End Point | Göflaner Alm (1,826m) |
| Duration | ~2 hours up, ~1 hour 10 min down |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Highlights | Alpine meadows, forest paths, panoramic views, traditional food at the Alm |
The Göflaner Alm is a charming alpine pasture run by the Tappeiner family since 2014. It sits at 1,826 meters within the Stelvio National Park and is the perfect place to reward yourself after the climb with:
- Homemade Kaiserschmarrn and apple strudel
- A hearty Brettljause with local Speck and cheese
- Fresh buttermilk with sweeping mountain views
Trail 3: Extended Circular via Kreuzjöchel & Breitbichl
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge:
- Ascend from Haslhof via the Kreuzjöchel ridge to Breitbichl (2,400m)
- Descend through the Göflaner Scharte to the Göflaner Alm
- Return via the forest path back to Haslhof
This circular route adds stunning high-altitude views and a more demanding alpine experience.
Trail 4: Göflaner See (For the Adventurous)
Beyond the marble quarry, experienced hikers can continue along Trail No. 3 to reach the pristine Göflaner See at 2,534 meters — a remote alpine lake surrounded by peaks. This extension adds approximately 1.5 hours to your trek.
Mountain Biking – The Holy Hansen Trail
Haslhof is ground zero for one of South Tyrol’s most famous mountain bike trails.
The Holy Hansen Trail
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Trailhead | Haslhof (1,550m) |
| Type | Purpose-built flow trail |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to Advanced (S1–S3) |
| Elevation Gain | ~950m to reach the trailhead |
| Character | Berms, waves, small jumps, natural terrain |
| Claim to Fame | First trail in Vinschgau built “by bikers, for bikers” |
Why Riders Love It:
The Holy Hansen is legendary in the MTB community for its pure flow — a perfectly designed mix of:
- Smooth berms and banked turns
- Playful waves and rollers
- Optional small jumps and gap sections
- Alternating natural forest terrain and bike-park style features
Practical Tips for Riders:
- Shuttle Services — Several local operators (Mobil Car, Freeride Vinschgau, Vinschgau Shuttle) offer shuttle rides to the Haslhof. Check schedules in advance
- Wet Conditions — Do NOT ride the trail when muddy — protect the trail surface!
- Trail Etiquette — Share the trail respectfully with hikers
- Refuel at Haslhof — Stop for a Brettljause and a cold drink before or after your descent
Nearby Attractions – Things to Do Around Schlanders
Haslhof is perfectly positioned to explore the wider Vinschgau region:
Schlanders (Silandro) Town
- Tallest church tower in South Tyrol — A landmark visible across the valley
- Schlandersburg — A Renaissance palace housing a menhir exhibition and library
- Pedestrian zone — Charming shops, cafés, and weekly markets
- Leisure center — Family-friendly facilities including a skate park
Natural Wonders
| Attraction | Distance from Haslhof | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Stelvio National Park | Direct access from trails | One of Europe’s largest alpine nature reserves |
| Waalwege (Irrigation Trails) | Schlanders valley floor | Historic flat walking paths along ancient water channels |
| Lake Resia (Reschensee) | ~40 min drive | The iconic submerged bell tower rising from the lake |
Cultural Day Trips
- Glurns (Glorenza) — The smallest city in South Tyrol, a perfectly preserved medieval gem (~20 min drive)
- Juval Castle — Reinhold Messner’s mountain museum perched on a dramatic hilltop
- Vintschger Museum (Schluderns) — Local archaeology and irrigation history
Cycling Beyond the Mountain
- Via Claudia Augusta — A scenic cycle path along the Etsch River, perfect for e-bikes and road cyclists
- 600+ km of marked trails — From flat vineyard routes to challenging high-altitude MTB tracks
Local Specialties to Try
The Vinschgau Valley is famous for:
- Vinschgau apricots — Sweet, sun-ripened, and uniquely flavored
- Vinschger Paarl bread — A traditional flatbread duo with caraway and fennel
- Local apples — Crisp and fresh from the valley’s orchards
- Törggele season — In autumn, local inns serve seasonal wine, chestnuts, and traditional dishes
How to Get to Haslhof
By Car
From Schlanders (Silandro), take the mountain road up the Nördersberg toward Göflan. Follow signs for “Haslhof” or “Gasthaus Hasl.” The road is steep but well-maintained. Parking is available at the restaurant.
By Train
Take the Val Venosta Railway (Vinschgerbahn) to Schlanders station, then taxi or local transport up the mountain. The railway connects to Merano and Bolzano.
Nearest Airports
| Airport | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bolzano (BZO) | ~60 km | ~1 hour |
| Innsbruck (INN) | ~120 km | ~1.5 hours |
| Verona (VRN) | ~200 km | ~2.5 hours |
Haslhof: Hidden Rural Places & Unique Farm Stories
Beyond the trails and the kitchen, Haslhof is a living window into a world that most tourists never see — the ancient, resilient culture of South Tyrolean mountain farming. The Nördersberg slopes are dotted with hidden farmsteads, forgotten paths, and stories passed down through generations. Here’s what makes this area truly special.
The Bergbauern – Mountain Farmers Who Shaped the Land
The families who farm these steep alpine slopes are known as Bergbauern (mountain farmers) — among the toughest and most resourceful communities in all of Europe.
Life at 1,500+ meters is no vacation:
- Summer means moving livestock to high-altitude Almen (alpine pastures) where they graze on nutrient-rich mountain herbs
- Haymaking is still done by hand on slopes too steep for machines — using techniques unchanged for centuries
- Winter brings isolation, snow, and the quiet work of maintaining animals and preparing for the next growing season
💡 Did You Know? South Tyrol’s famous “Maso Chiuso” (Closed Farm) law prevents farm estates from being split during inheritance. This centuries-old tradition means farms are passed intact to a single heir — preserving family agricultural units that have existed for 500+ years. Many of the farms you see around Haslhof have been in the same family for over 15 generations.
Ancient Traditions Still Alive
The Vinschgau Valley around Haslhof preserves traditions that have been recognized internationally for their cultural significance:
The Waalwege – UNESCO-Recognized Irrigation Channels
One of the most fascinating hidden stories of this region is the Waalwege — ancient irrigation channels dating back to the 13th century. These ingeniously designed water systems carry glacial meltwater across steep mountain terrain to nourish fields and orchards below.
- The Malser Haide irrigation channels were recently recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- They represent a model of sustainable water management and community cooperation — each farmer had specific water rights and time slots
- Today, the flat paths alongside these channels have become some of the most popular walking trails in the valley — offering easy, scenic routes through meadows and forests
The Almabtrieb – Festival of the Returning Herds
Every autumn, the Vinschgau Valley comes alive with one of South Tyrol’s most joyful traditions — the Almabtrieb (cattle drive). After spending the entire summer grazing on high alpine pastures, the decorated cows are led back down to the valley in a grand procession.
- Cows wear elaborate floral headdresses and decorated bells
- Farmers celebrate with music, food, and wine — marking the end of a successful summer season
- Villages host markets and festivals alongside the cattle parade
- It’s a deeply emotional event for farming families — a thanksgiving for the safe return of their animals
When to See It: The Almabtrieb typically takes place in mid to late September. Check local tourism boards for exact dates.
Hidden Rural Places Near Haslhof
The Vinschgau is a “land of contrasts” — within a short drive of Haslhof, you can discover remote valleys and ancient villages that feel untouched by time:
Langtaufers (Vallelunga) – The Forgotten Valley
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Haslhof | ~45 min drive |
| Altitude | Up to 1,920m |
| Character | Remote, pristine, surrounded by glaciers |
One of the most secluded side valleys in all of South Tyrol. Langtaufers feels like stepping back 200 years — tiny hamlets, ancient wooden farmhouses, and vast alpine meadows with virtually no tourist infrastructure. The Gamsegghof farm at 1,920m offers one of the most authentic mountain experiences in the region.
Martell Valley (Val Martello) – The Strawberry Valley
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Haslhof | ~30 min drive |
| Altitude | 900–3,000m+ |
| Famous For | Strawberries, Stelvio National Park, solitude |
Known as the “Strawberry Valley” for its famous high-altitude strawberry farms, Martell is also a gateway to the wilder side of the Stelvio National Park. Far less commercialized than neighboring valleys, it’s the perfect place to experience genuine mountain solitude.
Stilfs (Stelvio) – The Timeless Mountain Village
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Haslhof | ~25 min drive |
| Altitude | ~1,300m |
| Famous For | Stelvio Pass, ancient farmhouse culture |
One of the highest and oldest villages in the region, Stilfs preserves an ancient farmhouse culture that has barely changed in centuries. The village sits at the foot of the legendary Stelvio Pass — one of the highest paved mountain passes in the Alps.
Glurns (Glorenza) – The Smallest City in South Tyrol
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Haslhof | ~20 min drive |
| Character | Perfectly preserved medieval town |
With its intact medieval walls, towers, and arcaded streets, Glurns is one of the smallest cities in the Alps and feels like a living museum. Wander the cobblestone lanes, browse artisan shops, and stop for a coffee in the historic Laubengasse (arcade street).
Roter Hahn – Authentic Farm Stay Experiences
If Haslhof whets your appetite for the rural life, the Roter Hahn (Red Rooster) network offers certified, genuine farm stays across the Vinschgau:
- Active farms — Stay on working farms with livestock, orchards, and dairy production
- Homemade products — Enjoy farm-fresh cheese, butter, Speck, and fruit jams made on-site
- Hands-on experiences — Milk cows, help with haymaking, or visit the stables
- “Erbhof” (Hereditary Farms) — Some farms carry this prestigious title, meaning they’ve been in the same family for 200+ years
- VinschgauCard — Many farm stays include a free guest card with unlimited use of regional trains and buses.
The New Generation – Innovation Meets Tradition
Perhaps the most inspiring story around Haslhof is the new generation of Bergbauern — young farmers who are choosing to stay on the land and reinvent alpine farming for the modern world:
- Self-built electric mowers designed for slopes too steep for conventional machinery
- Rare heritage crops — Forgotten grain varieties and unusual vegetables, sold directly to Michelin-starred restaurants
- Experimental farming — Some daring farmers are even growing wild bananas (pawpaw) in the valley’s unique microclimate
- Organic & sustainable — A growing movement toward chemical-free, regenerative agriculture
- Direct-to-consumer — Selling premium mountain products online and at local farmer’s markets
These young innovators are proving that mountain farming isn’t just a relic of the past — it’s a vibrant, evolving way of life that combines centuries of wisdom with cutting-edge sustainability.
Don’t-Miss Local Farm Products
When visiting the Haslhof area, look for these iconic Vinschgau products:
| Product | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|
| Vinschgau Apricots (Marillen) | Sun-ripened at altitude, uniquely sweet and aromatic — available June–August |
| Vinschger Paarl Bread | Traditional flatbread duo with caraway and fennel — baked in pairs |
| Mountain Speck | Slow-smoked ham aged in alpine cellars — intense, complex flavor |
| Alpine Cheese (Bergkäse) | Aged mountain cheese from cows fed on high-altitude herb meadows |
| Schüttelbrot | Crispy, flat rye bread — the original “trail snack” of the Alps |
| Fresh Buttermilk | Thick, creamy, and straight from the mountain dairy |
| Elderflower Syrup | Handmade from wild-harvested elder blossoms |
Best Time to Visit Haslhof
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (April–May) | Wildflowers blooming, trails opening, mild temperatures — perfect for early-season hikes |
| Summer (June–August) | Peak season — warm days, shady Nördersberg forests, ideal for hiking and MTB |
| Autumn (September–October) | Golden season — harvest time, Törggele events, fewer crowds, stunning fall colors |
| Winter (November–March) | Restaurant typically closed — check in advance for winter openings |
Best Overall Time: Late June to mid-September — when all trails are open, the weather is warm, and the Haslhof kitchen is in full swing.
Visitor Tips & Practical Info
- Always call ahead — Mountain huts have seasonal schedules; confirm opening days before hiking up
- Wear proper hiking boots — Even easy trails can be rocky and uneven
- Bring water — Carry at least 1.5L per person for longer hikes
- Cash recommended — Like many mountain huts, Haslhof may have limited card payment options
- Dog-friendly — Dogs are generally welcome on the terrace (leashed)
- Mobile signal — May be limited at altitude; download offline maps before you go
FAQ –Jausenstation Haslhof
Q: Is Haslhof suitable for families with young children?
A: Yes! The hike from the parking area is manageable for families, and the terrace is spacious. The trail to Göflaner Alm is also family-friendly.
Q: Can I drive all the way to Haslhof?
A: Yes, there is a mountain road from Schlanders/Göflan with parking at the restaurant. The road is steep but paved.
Q: Is there overnight accommodation at Haslhof?
A: Haslhof operates primarily as a Jausenstation (day restaurant). For overnight stays, check accommodations in Schlanders or nearby mountain huts.
Q: How difficult is the Göflaner Marmorweg (Marble Trail)?
A: It’s rated medium difficulty — suitable for reasonably fit hikers. The trail is approximately 6.9 km and takes about 3.5 hours.
Q: Can I rent a mountain bike to ride the Holy Hansen Trail?
A: Bike rentals are available in Schlanders. Shuttle services to the Haslhof trailhead can also be arranged through local operators.
Q: What languages are spoken at Haslhof?
A: German and Italian are the primary languages. Basic English is usually understood.
Q: Is there a playground or outdoor area for kids?
A: Mountain huts like Haslhof typically have open outdoor spaces where children can play safely while parents relax on the terrace.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Haslhof is a peaceful and charming destination that offers visitors a chance to experience authentic rural life, breathtaking mountain scenery, and warm local hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, scenic hiking trails, or a taste of traditional farm culture, Haslhof provides a unique escape from busy city life. Its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a hidden gem worth exploring for travelers seeking a memorable and refreshing experience.
