To reach the impressive ruins of the Upper Castle of Tschengels, perched high above the Vinschgau Valley, the tour starts in Prad am Stilfserjoch, in the Stelvio National Park. From there, it heads southeast towards the Church of St. John, continuing past the "Dürrer Ast" farm and uphill to the mountain farms above Prad.
At the junction leading to the Wittenberger Farm, the surface changes to gravel. Shortly afterwards, at the stream crossing, the highest point of the route is reached at 1,430 metres. The descent follows gravel and paved roads through the forest until the trees open up, revealing magnificent views of the Tschengels Castle ruins and the patchwork landscape of the Vinschgau Valley. The panorama across lush green meadows to the dry slopes and striking peaks of the Sonnenberg on the opposite side of the valley is well worth a photo stop. The route then continues at a relaxed pace through the apple orchards back to Prad am Stilfserjoch, at the foot of the impressive Tschenglser Hochwand (3,376 m).
Note: The place name Gungadria originates from the "Tschrin Meadows" near the Nitt Stream. It contains the Romance word concha ("shell"), referring to a naturally rounded or oval-shaped hollow or depression in the landscape.
Start in Prad am Stilfserjoch. Pass St. John’s Church and climb to the mountain farms above Prad. Continue on gravel to the Tschengels Castle ruins and return through the apple orchards.