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The Vallunga is part of the Dolomites - UNESCO World Natural Heritage and is located in the heart of the natural park Puez Geisler, which now covers an area of ​​about 10,722 ha. The natural park extends in the north to the Passo Erbe and in the south to the Passo Gardena; In the east it reaches the Val Badia (Kampill, Untermoj), in the west the Val di Funes and Val Gardena.

The valley is bedded in between rocky walls that fascinate tourists in summer as in winter. It offers countless opportunities for sports enthusiasts and real nature lovers, as it is part of the Europe-wide protected area network Natura 2000, which primarily aims to protect the habitats and wild fauna and flora.

WINTER: The valley, which extends over several kilometers, is great in winter for snowshoeing and hiking and is a dream come true for cross-country skiers. It enchants both children and adults with fantastic panoramas immersed in unique mountain peaks. SUMMER: Fresh springs and pure mountain air bewitch us on all our hikes in this unique holiday paradise. Both cyclists and climbers will get their money's worth. With its numerous hiking trails, the Vallunga is the ideal starting point for hikers of all ages.

Lookout platform on the western shore of the lake with an attractive resting place and a view of the animal and plant world of Lake Dobbiaco/Toblach and its zone of sedimentation. The viewing platform offers a great view of the mountains and the lake. Due to the numerous information boards, every visitor gets an optimal insight into the special features of Lake Dobbiaco.

Further information to the water treasures of Dobbiaco: http://www.drei-zinnen.info/en/dobbiaco/dobbiaco/experiencing-dobbiaco/lago-di-dobbiaco-lago-di-landro-and-dobbiaco-water-treasures.html?_ga=1.243384837.1489106145.1483110301

The fertile terrace between Auer/Ora, Neumarkt/Egna, and Montan/Montagna is an ancient cultural landscape. Castelfeder was the center of human existence in the south of South Tyrol for thousands of years. There are traces of settlements from the Stone and Bronze Ages. The remains of a castle complex, the legendary fertility chute and the walls of the Barbara Chapel bear witness to a mystical past. Also, Raetians, Romans, and other tribes who settled in the area around the hill retreated to the 400-meter-high hill in troubled times and left their traces.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire had Castelfeder refortified as a bastion against the Germanic tribes shortly after the year 500. On this "acropolis," hundreds of people could find refuge together with their cattle and supplies. The last remains of the 500-meter-long ring wall of this largest fortress of the Adige Valley are the "Kuchelen," whose construction resembles the city wall of Constantinople.

Because of the Mediterranean vegetation, the area was called the "Arcadia of Tyrol" by romantic poets. The Castelfeder hill is important not only from an archaeological and historical point of view, but also from an ecological one. Thus, a zone with an area of about one hundred hectares was placed under landscape protection as a biotope years ago. Due to the Mediterranean climate, it is particularly mild on the hill as early as March. Today, Castelfeder is home to some animals that have become rare in Europe. The biotope's flora and fauna can be explored on the nature discovery trail.

Dark green coniferous forests, the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Rieserferner mountain chain and, in the midst of all this, shimmering turquoise-green water. This is the dreamlike scenery of the lake called Antholzer See, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps! And with 44 hectares and a depth of 38 m, this idyllic pearl of our Blue Valley is the third largest mountain lake in South Tyrol. Located at the head of the valley, it is also very close to the well-known Staller Saddle mountain pass and Austria. At an altitude of approx. 1,640 m, families, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy countless activities in the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park all year round.

Father Joachim Haspinger, also called "The warlike Capuchin", was born in 1776 in Val Casies Valley. After completing his studies, he entered the Capuchin Order and in 1809 he participated in the Tyrolean battles for freedom. Alongside of Andreas Hofer he fought at the Bergisel against the French and Bavarian troops. In his honor, a monument was erected in the village square of his birthplace St. Martin.

The Fortress Mitterberg dates back to 1884-89. Two years before the construction work started, the Triple Alliance between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy was signed. In order to strengthen this defensive alliance, numerous fortifications were built on the borders and passes, including the Monte di Mezzo Fortress on the southern slope and the Haideck Fortress on the northern slope of Sesto. The aim of the 427,000 kronor expensive complex was to close the Monte Croce Pass and to block the access to the Val Pusteria valley if necessary. The fortresses were connected by telephone and visual telegraph.

Located next to the parish church of the Holy Margareth. Erected by the inhabitants of the town, that survived an epidemic of plague. The Wayside shrine is supposed to be painted by Michael Pacher, a famous regional painter of the late Middle Ages. The Wayside shrine got thoroughly restored after being heavily damaged in 1882.

The Chapel was built in the Selva's graveyard to commemorate all mountaineers who die in the Dolomites in Val Gardena. Their names are engraved in a large coper book.

The ice holes, also called ice cellars, are generally found in the Otradige, but also in Pontives/Laion three such ice cellars have been found. This is a rare natural phenomenon that can be explained by the physical principle of the wind tube. The warm summer air flows in the scree from the top to the bottom and is cooled down very much. The heavy cold air flows out of the "cellars" again and thus the surrounding area is also cooled very strongly. Ice forms on the rock surfaces. In the winter months, this system collapses as the conditions are reversed. The cellars were built over gaps in the ground and insulated from the outside. They look like small bunkers. 
The three ice cellars of Lajen are located in the Val Gardena valley at the turnoff to San Pietro in Valle. The largest one is located right next to the road and consists of two chambers. The two smaller ones are located in the forest.

The Adige has its source at 1550 metres, about 10 minutes from the village of Reschen. It is the main river in South Tyrol and the second largest river in Italy with a length of 415 kilometres. It forms the watershed between the Adriatic and the Black Sea with the Stillebach, which flows towards the Inn and the Danube.

Brown, marshy ground surrounds the three Schwarzseen (black lakes), which lie below the Toten. All around you can admire the abandoned mines with galleries and slagheaps, and the imposing peak of Villanderer Berg rising into the sky. The single lakes of the black-lakes-formation are called black, white and blue lake.

The Pfeifer Huisile Gorge offers a fabulous view of the beauty of two imposing waterfalls. From the 12m long viewing platform, you can look down an impressive 85 metres into the depth. The gorge through which the Ratschinger Bach descends into the valley via gushing waterfalls is called Pfeifer Huisile, a sorcerer who was born and raised here in the hamlet of Flading around 1625.

On this experience trail you will come across 6 informative stations that have been set up at special energy spots.
Which animals and plants are essential for our bees and where do they find their well-being on certain days and at certain times of the year? The bee in the meadow, the bee at the pond, the bee in the pasture and at the former forest border - special energy places for our indispensable helpers are pointed out.
The focus is not exclusively on the honey bee - visitors also get an insight into the exciting and very different life of the wild bee.
At the beekeeper's house, everyone has the opportunity to take a closer look at the hustle and bustle in a beehive on the display honeycomb.
From mid-May until the end of September, guided walks are also offered here every Tuesday. Our guides will specifically show you the power spots that can be found here in nature. The special characteristics of wild bees and honey bees are compared in detail and also looked at.
Of course, a visit to the wild bee hotel and the beekeeper's house is also part of the experience. To round off the experience, a honey tasting is not to be missed.

Bookings for the guided tour (in german and italian languague):
+39 0471 619560 or online: BeeForest

Here is a brief insight:
Video BeeForest

The lake Totensee, literally "lake of death" is less threatening than its name suggests.

The lake is located in a hollow below the well-known Chapple Totenkirchl. Surrounded by boulders and meadows, it is situated at an altitude of 2200 m. The macabre name comes from the agricultural expression "dead", which can be interpreted as unprofitable.

Place of birth of the alleged minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide (1168 - 1230) Walther von der Vogelweide, poet and minstrel is presumed to have been born in Vogelweiderhof Novale/Ried Laion in 1170, this thesis is supported by Mr. Haller who in 1867 published an article on the subject. The coat of arms of the City Laion shows a bird in a cage in memory of the poet. A guest register is still available. Visit against reservation by Fam.Mair

The Rasciesa is part of the Dolomites – UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the nature park Puez-Odle. During summer, as well as in winter, the Rasciesa is a famous destination for numerous guests. In early summer, you can admire the beautiful flower that transforms the plateau into a sea of color. Even during the winter months you can enjoy numerous activities, such as hiking and snowshoeing.

An impressive drama of nature is offered by the three Rio di Riva waterfalls which can be reached starting out from the hamlet of Bad Winkel. The Rio di Riva waterfalls are located in the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park and offer an impressive view of nature above all else in the summer. Fed by melted snow, the Rio di Riva plunges in three cascades over the rock cliffs into the depths, making it possible for visitors to experience the power of water with all of their senses. 

The St. Francis'Path with the 10 meditational spots lines the path of the Reinbach waterfalls up to the Franziskus and Klara chapel.

Walking time from the starting point "car park Cantuccio/Winkel; Wasserfallbar":

- until the 1st waterfall approx. 20 minutes - 40 m altitude difference -
        up to the 1st waterfall suitable for baby stroller

- o until the 2nd waterfall approx. 40 minutes - 140 m altitude difference

- o until the 3st waterfall approx. 55 minutes - 170 m altitude difference -
        from here you can return with the Fly-Line possible www.fly-line-wasserfall.eu

- o until the Franziskus and Klara chapel approx. 75 minutes - 300 m altitude difference

Way back:

For the way back you can use the same trail or from Gasthof Tobelhof (near 3rd waterfall) on the hiking trail 2A in the direction of Sand in Taufers back to the starting 

The Leuchtenburg/Castelchiaro ruin dominates the hill above Lake Kaltern and shapes the landscape all around this wonderful village. The panoramic view from there is stunning and involves Kaltern itself, Tramin/Termeno, the South Tyrolean Unterland/Bassa Atesina and the nearby mountain peaks.

This wayside shrine is a beautiful and slender “tabernacle” with a pyramid-shaped roof. The four niches contain a cycle of paintings including the Madonna with the infant Jesus, Catherine and Margaret, the Mount of Olives, Wolfgang and Martin, a scene of the ascent to Calvary, Andrew and Leonard, the Crucifixion and the patron saints of the Taisten church, Ingenuin and Albuin. The frescoes are attributed to the Bruneck School of Painting (around 1460).

The panoramic view at the mount Penegal, on 1,737 m offers a stunning view towards the near Dolomites, the Brenta Dolomites as well as the Etschtal/Val d’Adige (South Tyrol) and the Val di Non (Trentino). Absolutely not to be missed especially in case of optimal weather conditions.

This dreamlike overlook is part of the famous "Sagenweg" - legend trail and is located at an altitude of 960m, leading towards the hamlet of Tabland/Tablà. A number of cupule engravings and crosses can be seen on this rock (different sized cup-shaped engravings, hand carved by man). North of here, adjacent to the Golderskofel, is a summit covered with mixed forest and brushwood, around which the attentive observer will be able to spot meager settlement walls. These are the faint remains of a small prehistoric settlement dating to the Neolithic period.

The viewpoint “Doss” in the Schlossweg offers beautiful views of the Merano basin, the Etsch valley, the Vinschgau and the nearby mountains. From the viewpoint guests can admire also a beautiful view of Tyrol Castle, Brunnenburg Castle and St. Peter's Parish Church.

The sun lounger is a harmoniously curved wooden lounge chair that is perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings. This seating and reclining option offers visitors the ideal opportunity to relax and unwind amidst nature. From this comfortable wooden lounge chair, one also has a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Whether for a short break or a longer stay, the sun lounger provides an unparalleled nature experience.

Our hiking tip: You can reach the Gasthof Buchwald starting from Perdonig following the mark 8/10 to the former Gasthof Pichler on a steeper rise. You can go back on the “Eppaner Höhenweg” (number 9) to Perdonig (number 12) (Time approx.. 3,5 hours)

The carved-wood monument in memory of the famous mountaineer is found under the "Parei de Ciampac" rock wall, in Vallunga, where Comici fell to his death in 1940. He made over 200 first ascents in the Dolomites, he was the director of the ski school in Selva and town mayor between 1938 and 1940.

The viewpoint at the mountain station of the Mendel cable car, offers a breathtaking view on Kaltern and the Dolomiti mountain peaks of Rosengarten/Catinaccio and Latemar.

This fantastic vantage point above Neumarkt offers a spectacular view over Neumarkt, Montan and the entire Unterland region as far as Bolzano/Bozen, Lake Kaltern and the entire Mendola group as far as the Corno di Tres above Fenn. To the north, the peaks of the Ifinger and Hirzer mountains can be seen, as well as the Sarner Scharte and the Texelgruppe above Meran/o.

Hiking up to see the Stoanernen Mandln, which translates roughly to ‘Men of Stone’, is quite a popular excursion.

The stone men are located atop a remarkable knoll on Alpine pasture and tower at an elevation of 2,000 metres above the municipality of Tschögglberg mountain plateau, looking out over the Sarentino Alps. Human figures made of stone such as these can also be found in other parts of South Tyrol: they served as a landmark frequently or were simply built by shepherds to pass the time.

Prehistoric flint tools and stone carvings have been found at the Stoanernen Mandln, however, demonstrating that this stone knoll has served as a passage from the Adige Valley into the Sarentino Valley for millennia.

Mythology and Witchcraft:
Myriad tales are linked to this place. In early modern times, people believed witches met with the devil up there, celebrating wild festivals, changing the weather, and sending strong thunderstorms down into the valley.

Tip: Sunrise and sunset hikes.

The Ragglmoos wetlands Located about 1 km east of the Casteldarne/Ehrenburg train station, the Ragglmoos wetlands are a humid biotope on the northern slope of Mount Kienberg. A true gem of nature nestled in the heart of a forest, their fauna is still relatively well preserved and deserves further protection to make sure this striking habitat lives on. Its mossy grounds are fed by seepage water, which collects on the hillside and flows out of the biotope on its western edge. Lined with pine trees, spruces, and birches, this low moor is very well embedded in its surroundings and consists of three different sections: The east is densely populated by sedges and peat mosses. In the drier central section, sedges and peat mosses share their habitat with purple moor grasses. Flanked by alders, the west is covered in reeds and some peat moss.

On the Hochmuth below Steinegg there is a viewing platform that looks like a stylised basket. This references the historically arduous life working the land on the steep slopes of the Muthof farms, where, with the help of winches, baskets of earth and manure were pulled up to the fields so that they could be cultivated again.
The viewing platform provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Merano and the Etsch Valley as well as the surrounding mountains. The platform is equipped with two telescopes and provides information on the mountains that can be seen from the Hochmuth, as well as on the cultivation of the steep fields of the Muthof farms in days gone by.