The Dürer Trail

In the Footsteps of Albrecht Dürer – The Dürer Trail

The Dürer Trail is one of the most fascinating themed routes linking South Tyrol and Trentino. It follows the footsteps of the great Nuremberg painter, engraver, and art theorist Albrecht Dürer, who crossed this landscape in 1494 on his journey to Venice. The impressions he gathered along the way were captured in numerous watercolors that today stand as a vivid travel diary of an artist

The hike begins at the historic St. Florian Monastery (“Klösterle”) near Neumarkt, about 10 km south of Tramin. Once a shelter for pilgrims and merchants making their way through the marshy Adige Valley, it now marks the starting point of the trail. From here, the path leads through Laghetti (Laag) and across the ancient Roman Bridge up to Buchholz (Pochi) above Salorno, where vineyards and orchards define the landscape. The route continues through the Monte Corno Nature Park, over the Sauch Pass, and on to the mysterious Segonzano Earth Pyramids in the Cembra Valley – one of Trentino’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Along the way, hikers encounter traces of centuries past: castles and ruins, elegant farmsteads, small churches, and sculpture gardens tell stories of culture, trade, and life on the linguistic border. The trail embodies the meeting of two worlds – the German-speaking North and the Italian South – blending landscapes, traditions, and history in perfect harmony.

Stretching about 38 kilometers, the Dürer Trail can be explored in several stages. Especially rewarding is the section from Neumarkt through Laag to Buchholz, offering picturesque views over the South Tyrolean lowlands. Those who follow the entire route experience a rare combination of art history, nature, and peaceful hiking pleasure. This path unites past and present, art and landscape, people and nature – in the spirit of Albrecht Dürer, who viewed the world with open eyes and made its beauty eternal through his art.

• Length: approx. 38 km (total distance)
• Stages: several, including Neumarkt – Laag – Buchholz
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Suitable for: hikers, culture enthusiasts, families
• Especially beautiful: spring and autumn

You can find the flyer for the Dürer Trail here