Mühlwalder Vertikalkilometer

A 1,000-meter climb in just over three kilometers

The Mühlwalder Vertikalkilometer is one of the most iconic mountain running races in South Tyrol. It takes place in Selva dei Molini/Mühlwald, a small municipality in the Tures Valley in the province of Bolzano, nestled between the pastures and peaks of the Puster Valley. The format is the classic vertical kilometer: a very short course of approximately 3.8 kilometers, where athletes face 1,000 meters of positive elevation gain, climbing relentlessly toward the alpine huts that overlook the village.

The Course

The race begins with a mass start from the Mühlwald sports field, located on the valley floor. From there, competitors take the "Wosaalmen" forest road and continue onto marked trail no. 29, which climbs steeply to just below the "Kleines Tor" pass in the high-altitude pasture area. It is a continuous, technical, and scenic climb that tests legs and lungs over a handful of kilometers, offering stunning views of the Tures Valley and Puster Valley mountains.

More than just for pros

Alongside the competitive race, the organizers cater to everyone: there is a category designed for hikers and amateurs who wish to tackle the climb with a "gemütlich" (relaxed) spirit, simply for the joy of walking in the mountains without the pressure of the clock. There is also a children's race with a shorter course and reduced elevation gain, introducing the youngest runners to high-altitude racing in a safe and festive environment.

An SSV Mühlwald tradition

The event is organized by SSV Mühlwald, the local amateur sports association, and has become a staple of the South Tyrolean mountain running calendar at the end of June. Over the years, the Selva dei Molini Vertikalkilometer has become a small classic for vertical specialists, as well as a village celebration: after the finish and the awards ceremony, the day continues with conviviality, music, and refreshments at the starting area.

The Setting: Selva dei Molini and the Tures Valley

Selva dei Molini is a predominantly German-speaking municipality in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, situated in a side valley of the Puster Valley. A land of alpine huts, forests, and ancient mills, it offers an ideal natural setting for a vertical kilometer race, where the mountain is the absolute protagonist. The event is also an opportunity to discover an authentic and less touristy corner of South Tyrol, blending alpine tradition with a passion for sports.