Gargazon: Hiking, Apple Culture and Local History

Gargazon is nestled among the orchards of the Adige Valley. When choosing a destination for your stay, several specific interests come together here: trails through the landscape, the history of fruit growing, a natural swimming pool and historic buildings. Gargazon can therefore be explored both from the perspective of nature and outdoor activity and with an interest in local culture.

Hiking and the Waterfall

The Kröll Tower circular trail is a family-friendly, leisurely hike with rest stops, including places with loungers and seating. It leads from Gargazon’s village square to Kröll Tower and provides access to the waterfall, as well as a view of it. Access conditions may change, so check them before your hike.

The water of the Aschler stream plunges 47 metres vertically into the gorge. This means the circular trail brings together two distinct points of interest: the ruins of a former castle and a striking natural feature. The waterfall is the landscape’s focal point, while Kröll Tower is its historical landmark.

Natural Swimming Pool and Apple Trail

Another option is the Gargazon natural swimming pool. It is located in the sports zone, right next to Gargazon railway station, and covers 12,000 m². The water is purified entirely without chemicals. There is a naturally designed stream and a toddler pool for children. Unlike the Kröll Tower circular trail, whose highlights are the route, rest stops and views of the waterfall, the focus here is on the swimming facilities and children’s areas.

The Apple Trail explores a different theme: old apple trees provided the inspiration, and their varieties told the story of fruit growing in the Adige Valley during the 20th century. The trail features information boards, a gravel path, an inviting entrance, a picnic area and an apple-themed work of art. The fruit of the varieties grown there is used for tastings. The Apple Trail thus brings together the history of fruit growing and tastings of the fruit grown there.

Churches and Kröll Tower

When it comes to the churches, it is important to distinguish between the old and the new. The old parish church of the Nativity of St John the Baptist is first mentioned in 1337. The new parish church was built between 1900 and 1930 in the historicist styles of Romanesque Revival and Gothic Revival and is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The early mention of the old church and the construction period and styles of the new parish church therefore offer distinct historical points of reference.

Kröll Tower survives as the ruins of a former castle. It probably served as a watchtower on the border. Throughout its history, Gargazon has always been a border village. These details highlight different aspects: the possible watchtower function relates to a single building, while the description of Gargazon as a border village applies to the entire town.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Destination

The options can be clearly distinguished to help you decide: the Kröll Tower circular trail combines a family-friendly hike with rest stops and waterfall views; the Apple Trail focuses on the history of fruit growing and tastings; and the swimming facilities and children’s areas are the main attractions at the natural swimming pool. The churches and tower complement these leisure activities with local architectural and town history.

Discover more destinations: Schenna, Tscherms, Plaus, Lana on the Adige, Vöran, Dorf Tirol, Marling, Hafling

View the main travel guide: Burggrafenamt.