By Vicky · Published Sep. 12th, 2025
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This great hike up Pederköpfl Peak in Martelltal is fairly easy with fantastic views, passing through forest, meadows and by a mountain hut.
Pederköpfl Peak Hiking Map
Location
The Pederköpfl Peak Hike starts from a large car park at the top of Martell Valley. It costs €7 per day, and although large, it can fill up quickly on sunny summer days, so arrive early. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from the main Vinschgau/Venosta Valley, changing in Ganda, a village halfway up the side valley. It takes about 50 minutes from the main valley on the bus, or 30 minutes by car.
Tips
- Stelvio National Park is called Nationalpark Stilfserjoch in German, and often you’ll see this on the signs as the region is partly German-speaking.
- Instead of driving here for one day, why not stay overnight in Martelltal*? You can then easily also walk around Zufrittsee Lake, or do the fantastic Glacier Nature Trail Hike at the end of the valley.
- The Lyfialm is a mountain hut along the route once you’ve descended from the peak. It’s open from June (closed on Mondays) and every day in July and August.
- There’s an alternative route up Pederköpfl Peak that starts from the car park by Zufrittsee. The distance is similar, but it’s an extra 100 metres climb.
- For more walks and hikes, check out our Italy Hiking Page.
Pederköpfl Peak Hiking Route
From the car park at the top of Martell Valley, walk back down the road a short distance. At the first corner, turn left up the gravel track and to the Enzianalm. Just past the building, turn left up a hiking path.
This route leads quite steeply upwards through the forest before bending right and crossing over a small stream. Continue onwards along the now-flatter trail, and you’ll reach a lovely open area with a hut and some benches.
The path now continues gradually upwards through the open hillside, with great views over Martell Valley and the mountains on the other side.
Reaching Pederköpfl Peak
Eventually, you’ll reach a contouring path just below Pederköpfl Peak. Turn right a short distance to the picnic bench and hiking signs. There’s now a short out-and-back to the peak itself, taking roughly 5-10 minutes each way. You can see the ‘horse head’, or ‘Pederköpfl’, from here – a column of rock with the top looking like a horse’s head.
There are great views from the top and it’s a nice place to have a break. Alternatively, the picnic bench just below also has great views. When you’re ready, turn left along the flatter path, which soon actually starts to lead downwards. Shortly before the forest, the path joins a larger track.
Lyfialm and Forest Tracks
Follow the track downwards. Don’t miss the hiking path that leads off to the left from the track just before the field. This path heads more directly downwards by a stream to the Lyfialm. If you miss the turnoff and stay on the track, you’ll still reach the Lyfialm, you’ll just end up walking a few more bends.
The Lyfialm is a great place to have a break and grab a drink or something to eat. There are tables on lovely little terraces right next to the stream, and it’s very cute. After a break, continue walking to the end of the buildings and take the track down to the left.
It’s now about 3 km along the gentle track. It’s mainly through forest and downhill, though with a few small upward sections and a nice waterfall. Soon you’ll be back at the car park, and the end of the Pederköpfl Peak Hike.
For more walks and hikes, see our Italy Hiking Page.
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