Hike WoodyWalk Family Hiking Trail at Plose Mountain

The WoodyWalk on the Plose is the ideal family hiking trail high above the Eisack Valley near Brixen in South Tyrol. From the top station of the Plose cable car at 2,050 metres, the pushchair-friendly circular trail leads across alpine meadows and through open woodland to the Rossalm — accompanied by a breathtaking panorama of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites with the striking Peitlerkofel and the jagged Geisler peaks.

Play Stations Crafted from Pine and Larch

Along the WoodyWalk, one adventure station follows the next — all crafted from local timber. It kicks off with the Ploseblitz, a giant slide, and the Glockensee, where you can play a tune using cowbells in the water. Next come the wooden anaconda for balancing, the Krixliekraxlie climbing tree, the WoodyPhone (a forest telephone), various ball runs and the "Don't Touch the Ground" path.

Further up, the rotating Peitlerthron — a viewing platform with panoramic views of the Peitlerkofel — and giant loungers invite you to relax in front of a spectacular natural cinema. At the Kneipp pool, tired little feet are refreshed. Fresh mountain spring water is available from the drinking fountains along the way.

Rossalm — Destination and Turning Point

At the end of the WoodyWalk, you reach the Rossalm, one of the finest alpine huts in South Tyrol. Besides the terrace with Dolomite views, there is a large playground with a trampoline and swings, plus a small pond with a raft. On the surrounding meadows, up to 60 horses graze in summer — an unforgettable sight against the Dolomite backdrop.

Return and Getting Back to the Valley

The return route follows either the same path or the gently descending service road No. 14, which runs slightly above the WoodyWalk. Back at the top station, you can ride the cable car down to St. Andrä — or take the mountain carts and roll down into the valley on three wheels.

At the top station, the Finestra mountain restaurant with its sun terrace offers an initial refreshment stop. Halfway along, the Rossalm serves refined alpine dishes, homemade desserts and farmhouse ice cream from the Gostnerhof in Brixen. The Rossalm terrace with its Dolomite views is a place where you'll gladly linger longer than planned.

Right from the very first few meters, it’s clear why the WoodyWalk is one of South Tyrol’s most popular family trails: At the Ploseblitz, a giant wooden slide, the little ones can’t be stopped, and at Glockensee, you can play your own song with submerged cowbells. Further up, the rotating Peitlerthron—a viewing platform—towers above, offering a slow 360-degree sweep of the mighty Peitlerkofel and the jagged peaks of the Geisler Group. At the Kneipp facility in the middle of the alpine meadows at over 2,000 meters, tired hiker’s feet are revitalized. At the end of the trail, the Rossalm—one of South Tyrol’s most beautiful alpine huts—awaits, featuring a sun terrace, playground, rafting pond, and refined alpine dishes against the backdrop of the Dolomites—a place where you’re guaranteed to stay longer than planned.

Those with more time can combine the WoodyWalk with the Lorggenring — an 8-kilometre circular trail that branches off the WoodyWalk and leads through the forest to the legendary figures of the Plose. From the Rossalm, the Pfannspitz cable car is also reachable, carrying you up to 2,545 metres — with unforgettable views of the Geisler peaks.

The WoodyWalk is technically easy and pushchair-friendly — sturdy shoes with good grip are sufficient. A change of clothes for children is advisable, as they rarely stay dry at the water stations. A refillable water bottle and sun protection belong in the backpack. At over 2,000 metres, weather can change quickly — pack a light rain jacket.

By Car

There are a few parking spaces right in front of the Plose valley station.