Long-distance hiking trail. Senselerweg
The Senseler - the scythe smith Anton Reinisch - was a Volderer and was elected captain of the Landsturm Rettenberg. In the Austrian Empire, Rettenberg was the judicial district and administrative unit to which the present-day municipal areas of Wattens, Wattenberg, Kolsass, Kolsassberg and Volders belonged. The role of the municipalities was minor in imperial times, the role of the judicial district was essential for administration and jurisdiction.
Seven days on the long-distance hiking trail from Volders to Mühlbach (South Tyrol)
During the First War of the Coalition, the Rettenberg Landsturm was called upon to fight against the French army in South Tyrol. In the battle of April 2, 1797, Senseler fell in Spinges (today the municipality of Mühlbach in Pustertal) with 19 other comrades from Volders, Wattens, Watternberg and Kolsassberg. He was only 34 years old.
A second historical hero, the girl from Spinges, Katharina Lanz, gave her name to the central square in Mühlbach and the rifle company. She is also honored in Volders.
When the Landsturm Senseler Volders marches out, a woman with a pitchfork leads the way alongside the captain, who represents Anton Reinisch. This refers to Katharina Lanz. Historically very interesting. She is also known as Joan of Arc of Tyrol. A woman of the people who took up the fight.
This event was the reason for the village partnership between Volders and Mühlbach, which was founded in 1984. The 225th anniversary of her death is the reason for the Senselerweg Volders - Mühlbach trail.
The basic idea of this long-distance hiking trail is to make culture, life stories, local history, the magnificent landscape and contemporary history accessible and tangible. The hiker can explore numerous stories and events. Seven days in the high mountains is much more than just a physical feat.
It is worth noting that the Senseler Volders assault group is the only Tyrolean traditional association that refers to April 2, 1797. All others refer to 1809.
The Senselerweg was therefore also conceived by a "Senseler", Reinhard Steinlechner. The first ascent was undertaken by Rudolf Kogler, Hubert Tirler, Peter Schär and Reinhard Steinlechner, all members of the Senseler Landsturm group, in summer 2021.
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The stages of the trail are planned so that you can descend each day and return to the starting point by public transport.
There are approx. 1000 meters of altitude to overcome per day. With a walking time of approx. 6 - 8 hours, this should be manageable for an averagely trained hiker. There is one exceptional day with 1400 meters of altitude and approx. 8-9 hours walking time.
