Starting from the eponymous Vernagt reservoir, we cross over the dam wall and continue along the steep upward trail no. 17 through the forest to the Mountain pasture Waldinger Alm and on to the edge of the forest. After an ascent of about three hours, we arrive at the summit cross, having achieved an elevation gain of about 1000 m.

Descent option 1: This descent takes about 2.5 hours and is to the Mountain pasture Mastaun where you can fortify yourself with the typical South Tyrolean “Merende” platter before carrying on to Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau. From there, we can either walk or take the bus to Vernago/Vernagt and back to our starting point.

Descent option 2: Return along the same route as far as the fork in the pathway. Take a left downwards along trail no. 16 that leads into the valley and further down onto trail no. 13. Gently rising and falling, this trail leads across the Mountain pastures Bergl. Continuing through the Swiss pine forest to Hotel Gerstgras inn and further along trail no. 13A out of the valley through meadows and the larch forest to the lake. We continue along the lake and back to the dam wall.