Garfrescha – Gantakopf (1958m) – Alpe Nova – Garfrescha

This is a lovely little walk with a wonky chairlift ride at the start, amazing views from the top of Gantakopf and a hut serving delicious Kaiserschmarren when all the height meters are done. The hike is especially stunning in autumn, when everything turns orange.

Start from the far end of Sankt Gallenkirchen, taking the Garfrescha chair lift to the top. In Garfrescha turn left from the chair left and make your way through the beautiful wooden houses that make up this little mountain village.

Just beyond the village the road turns left and then the hiking path turns right, off the road and starts leading uphill through open meadows.

Soon you will reach the woods and the path keeps going uphill through the trees until it comes out onto an amazing ridge. You will find a view point just off to your left, from where you can really enjoy the surrounding mountains.

From the viewpoint, follow the path to the right. It keeps leading uphill towards Gantakopf and you will continue to have lovely views of the mountains.

The path leads up gently and there are quite a few hills before you will be standing on the top of Gantakopf. This gives you a good chance to enjoy this relaxing walk along the ridge without getting too much out of breath.

At the top of Gantakopf you will find a triangulation point, several benches and of course fantastic views all around. This really is a great spot for a break.

Once you continue along the ridge, you will soon see Nova Stoba restaurant ahead. It would be possible to end the walk here and take the gondola down to the valley. But since it’s only downhill from here back to Garfrescha, we would suggest making this a round walk.

If you do not visit the restaurant, follow the path anyway until it meets the gravel road just below the Nova Stoba restaurant. Turn right and make your way downhill towards Alpe Nova. It’s a gravel road all the way, so very easy walking.

Just before reaching the Alpe, the path turns off to the right into the meadow, crossing a little stream and then leading down towards the river. Follow the stream down the valley.

The path now leads gently all the way back down into Garfrescha. There is another restaurant for a refreshment in the village and then the chair lift is taking you back down to the valley.