within 5 minutes to merano
Close to the Spa Town
50 Years of the Texel Group Nature Park
Lagundo at the heart of the Nature Park: as one of eight partner municipalities, Lagundo holds a special position. The sun-drenched village is situated above the spa town of Merano and serves as a starting point for numerous hikes in the higher elevations of the Texel Group Nature Park. The contrasting landscape between 300 and 3,000 metres above sea level makes this garden village an ideal destination for nature experiences and health-promoting activities.
Direct access to the high mountains from Lagundo, the chairlift from Mitterplars to Vellau and the gondola lift from Vellau to Leiter Alm provide access to the higher elevations of the Texel Group. These facilities offer comfortable access to the alpine hiking trails and the world-famous Merano High Path. The Merano High Path, one of the most beautiful circular hiking routes in the Alps, winds through the Texel Group Nature Park and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain scenery. The lifts make high-alpine hiking accessible to a wide audience and allow visitors to experience exactly those changes in altitude that the ANKER Study has identified as particularly beneficial to health.
The ANKER Study: scientific proof of health benefits the special significance of Lagundo for health and wellbeing has been scientifically substantiated by the ANKER Study (Algunder Natur und Klimatherapie – Lagundo Nature and Climate Therapy). The study examines the influence of two innovative nature-based forms of therapy – mountain hiking and forest therapy – on the physiological, psychological and immunological parameters of couples with a sedentary lifestyle. Both groups spend an eight-day holiday in Lagundo. The mountain group undertakes daily hikes in the alpine surroundings of Lagundo, covering between 400 and 1,000 metres of altitude per day. The results were clear: a scientifically measurable improvement in quality of life, in terms of both physical and mental health, can be achieved after just one week of active holiday.
"Vitamin Lagundo": a new campaign for a longer life building on the findings of the ANKER Study, Lagundo has developed the "Vitamin Lagundo" campaign. The region's sustainable philosophy – "Live longer with Vitamin Lagundo" – reflects the connection between movement in nature, regional value creation and a respectful relationship with the landscape. The campaign makes the scientific findings tangible and experiential for all guests. The aim of events such as Lagundo Balance in spring, for example, is to make the ANKER Study – which certified the region as health-promoting – a concrete and lived experience for visitors of all ages.
50 years of the Nature Park conservation and experience in harmony the 2026 anniversary honours half a century of successful nature conservation. The Texel Group encompasses both the eponymous mountain range and parts of the Ötztal Alps and Stubai Alps around the mighty Timmelsjoch pass. Ten crystal-clear mountain lakes lie embedded in unspoilt nature, mirroring the blue of the sky. For Lagundo, the anniversary brings together nature conservation and health tourism development on a scientific basis. The municipality demonstrates that sustainable tourism and evidence-based health promotion can go hand in hand.
Direct access to the high mountains from Lagundo, the chairlift from Mitterplars to Vellau and the gondola lift from Vellau to Leiter Alm provide access to the higher elevations of the Texel Group. These facilities offer comfortable access to the alpine hiking trails and the world-famous Merano High Path. The Merano High Path, one of the most beautiful circular hiking routes in the Alps, winds through the Texel Group Nature Park and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain scenery. The lifts make high-alpine hiking accessible to a wide audience and allow visitors to experience exactly those changes in altitude that the ANKER Study has identified as particularly beneficial to health.
The ANKER Study: scientific proof of health benefits the special significance of Lagundo for health and wellbeing has been scientifically substantiated by the ANKER Study (Algunder Natur und Klimatherapie – Lagundo Nature and Climate Therapy). The study examines the influence of two innovative nature-based forms of therapy – mountain hiking and forest therapy – on the physiological, psychological and immunological parameters of couples with a sedentary lifestyle. Both groups spend an eight-day holiday in Lagundo. The mountain group undertakes daily hikes in the alpine surroundings of Lagundo, covering between 400 and 1,000 metres of altitude per day. The results were clear: a scientifically measurable improvement in quality of life, in terms of both physical and mental health, can be achieved after just one week of active holiday.
"Vitamin Lagundo": a new campaign for a longer life building on the findings of the ANKER Study, Lagundo has developed the "Vitamin Lagundo" campaign. The region's sustainable philosophy – "Live longer with Vitamin Lagundo" – reflects the connection between movement in nature, regional value creation and a respectful relationship with the landscape. The campaign makes the scientific findings tangible and experiential for all guests. The aim of events such as Lagundo Balance in spring, for example, is to make the ANKER Study – which certified the region as health-promoting – a concrete and lived experience for visitors of all ages.
50 years of the Nature Park conservation and experience in harmony the 2026 anniversary honours half a century of successful nature conservation. The Texel Group encompasses both the eponymous mountain range and parts of the Ötztal Alps and Stubai Alps around the mighty Timmelsjoch pass. Ten crystal-clear mountain lakes lie embedded in unspoilt nature, mirroring the blue of the sky. For Lagundo, the anniversary brings together nature conservation and health tourism development on a scientific basis. The municipality demonstrates that sustainable tourism and evidence-based health promotion can go hand in hand.
Lagundo: a starting point with a far-reaching view The entry point to the Merano High Path from Lagundo is particularly appealing. The chairlift takes you from the hamlet of Mitterplars to Vellau, and from there the gondola lift continues to Leiter Alm. The hiking experience thus begins with a touch of nostalgia and unforgettable views over the Merano valley. From there, varied stages lead through larch forests, past rustic farmsteads, alpine pastures and high-alpine passages.
"The Merano High Path is a symbol of gentle tourism, landscape diversity and the bond between the communities surrounding the Texel Group," explains Michael Schwellensattl, President of the Lagundo Tourism Association. "With our participation in the anniversary activities, we want to demonstrate how valuable such routes are for sustainable travel."
Event highlight on 30 June the central celebration of the 40th anniversary took place on the morning of 30 June 2025 at the Gasthof Hochmut, which calls itself the "panoramic lodge" on account of its unique view. Journalists, representatives of the Texel Group Nature Park, the local forestry office, alpine clubs, hiking guides and honorary guests from the worlds of politics and tourism were in attendance.
Nature conservation, visitor management and new impulses alongside the celebrations, intensive work is under way on the further development of the High Path. This includes new safety measures, visitor counting, improved infrastructure and the goal of making hiking even more in tune with nature and the local area. Topics such as mobility are also in focus: accessibility of the Pfossen Valley by public shuttle, improved trail signage and sustainable awareness-raising among visitors.
"The Merano High Path is a symbol of gentle tourism, landscape diversity and the bond between the communities surrounding the Texel Group," explains Michael Schwellensattl, President of the Lagundo Tourism Association. "With our participation in the anniversary activities, we want to demonstrate how valuable such routes are for sustainable travel."
Event highlight on 30 June the central celebration of the 40th anniversary took place on the morning of 30 June 2025 at the Gasthof Hochmut, which calls itself the "panoramic lodge" on account of its unique view. Journalists, representatives of the Texel Group Nature Park, the local forestry office, alpine clubs, hiking guides and honorary guests from the worlds of politics and tourism were in attendance.
Nature conservation, visitor management and new impulses alongside the celebrations, intensive work is under way on the further development of the High Path. This includes new safety measures, visitor counting, improved infrastructure and the goal of making hiking even more in tune with nature and the local area. Topics such as mobility are also in focus: accessibility of the Pfossen Valley by public shuttle, improved trail signage and sustainable awareness-raising among visitors.
Explore more
More interesting articles of Algund
Apple harvest and fresh mountain air
As soon as the summer comes to an end, the air gets cooler and the apples on the trees get redder. The annual apple harvest in the Garden Village Algund is just around the corner.
Our tips for the most beautiful spots in Algund
Algund is full of picturesque paths, stunning views, and special moments of enjoyment. Some places are so popular that they’re often chosen for excursions, walks, and photo opportunities. With a few simple tips, you can experience these spots in complete relaxation and often see them in an even more beautiful light.
Algund Crowns the Most Beautiful Natural Gardens 2025
Where others see only grass, the people of Algund discover true treasures: buzzing bee meadows, fragrant herb spirals, and blooming oases of biodiversity. The 2025 Natural Garden Competition, organized by the Algund Tourist Office, has once again proven it: in Algund, sustainability is not just preached – it is lived.
