Padastertal: Circular hiking trail re-opens after winter closure - new viewing platform

Europe’s largest landfill site is located at the opening of the Padastertal, a valley branching off from the Wipp valley in Tyrol, near Steinach am Brenner. The hiking trail around the landfill site is not your garden variety path: take a stroll along this varied route and enjoy the natural beauty of the Padastertal, whilst observing the construction work and the transport of materials via the enclosed conveyor belts at the bottom of the valley. On themed panels along the path you can learn interesting facts about the Brenner Base Tunnel project, for example about the diversion of the Padasterbach stream during the construction work or the water protection measures.

The starting point of the hike is the small Padastertal car park near St. Wendelin’s chapel. The circular trail leads alternately along forest paths and narrower trails along woods and meadows, as well as through a 470 m long tunnel through which drinking water flows; the lighting in the tunnel switches on automatically when you walk through it. The steel stairs and viewing platforms specially built to make the circular route accessible are a fun part of the experience. There are a lot of steps, and those who prefer climbing downhill rather than up should take the path in the other direction, starting at the south trailhead.

Due to the route, it is not suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Surefootedness is required on the west side of the trail. We recommend wearing heavy shoes.

The new viewing platform

A modern viewing platform has been constructed on the site of the Padastertal landfill. It s right next to the Padaster tunnel and connected to the hiking trail.

The platform is accessed via a steel staircase, starting from the construction site.
It is accessible to anyone and provides an impressive view of the landfill site, the highway and the surrounding infrastructure.

The platform is about nine metres high and placed on top of several containers, three of which can be visited in guided tours. These containers are mostly glassed-in and have a large monitor for drone filming and presentations, a telescope, information panels and an exhibition of drilling cores.

Click on this link for the trail description, directions, travel options, more information about the Chapel of St Wendelin and other interesting facts: https://www.tunnelwelten.com/en/circular-hiking-trail/

Brochures on the circular hiking trail and the chapel: https://www.tunnelwelten.com/en/information-material/