Zvláštní aktivity regionů v Jižním Tyrolsku

The Plunacker Archeoparc is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Alps. The settlement remains span from the Mesolithic period to the Neolithic period, from the bronze age to the Roman period. That is a time span of about 7,000 years! The main attractions are certainly the extensive Roman and mediaeval remains of buildings.

It was discovered by chance in 1976 during excavation work, and during the 80s various buildings were gradually uncovered. The Villanders Archeoparc now covers an area of approx. 1,600 m². There is a permanent exhibit next to it with amphoras and many other discoveries.

Guided tours are also possible outside the opening hours.
Further information: Tel. +39 3355474663 or e-mail: mari.erlacher@gmail.com.

Located at 2,000 metres above sea level, visitors find true serenity and pure nature in the area of Prato Piazza. Thanks to its integration into the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, the beautiful Prato Piazza area surrounded by imposing peaks, has been able to maintain its naturalness and originality. Far from car traffic and any noise, the alpine plateau fascinates with a splendid view of the surrounding mountains like Picco di Vallandro and Croda Rossa, and in the distance you can admire the Monte Cristallo and Tofane Mountains. Hobby photographers find the best of motives in summer and winter. You can sit down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the variety of nature, or actively discover the surrounding nature. Walking, Nordic walking, hiking, climbing or by bicycle.

A special experience for young and old!

Step into our shop and discover a captivating world of hand-carved nativity figures, traditional wood carvings, musical instruments, rhythm tools, novelty items and much more.

A highlight for visitors: our group program– available by reservation, offering guided tours and demonstrations you won’t forget.

Visit us on site or browse from the comfort of your home in our ONLINE SHOP

Viewing tower at 2,400 m Pure fascination: 360° panorama with 150 peaks and more than 80 three-thousanders. Enjoy the wonderful view on the Dolomites with the Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen, on the Zillertaler Alps, on the Durreck-group – and all this from the top station of the chairlift Sonnklar. Thanks to the clear labeling you will find it easy to locate and marvel at our beautiful mountains. With photo point. Just flying can beat this experience!

The unusual phenomenon of the ice caves between the two villages of Kaltern (Oberplanitzing/Pianizza di Sopra) and Eppan/Appiano can be explained with a simple physical principle: air streams down through cracks in the porphyry stone, creating a system of windpipes that becomes cooler as it descends. This heavier, cold air mass collects in a 5 meter high pool in the depression. This climate is ideal for plants that would normally thrive in higher alpine regions. We do recommend to make this excursion during warm summer months.

Water is, without doubt, one of the most important natural elements in the Texel Group Nature Park. It runs off nearby glaciers and bubbles up from deep underground springs to fill many crystal-clear streams and lakes. The Partschins waterfall is one of the most impressive falls in the Alpine region.

The thundering water shoots out over a towering rock wall and thunders, rages and roars downwards like a "liquid curtain”. The sun’s rays shine on the drops of water making a fascinating myriad of rainbow colours. The 97 mt. high falls are at their best from May to July, when they swell with melted snow water, or after heavy rain storms (water capacity 4,000 – 10,000 per second). Water in all its mighty, majestic forms – the Partschins waterfall is an absolute must, especially around the end of March to the beginning of April when the snow starts to melt and the falls reach a 50 to 60 lt. per second capacity, at the end of April with an average 100 to 200 lt. per second or the end of May with records of between 350 to 500 lt. per second.

The falls reach their full weight with melted snow from mid-May to the end of June or beginning of July with 5,000 to 6,000 lt. of water crashing over them. The most impressive sight of all was seen in July 1989 when an estimated 10,000 lt. per second went hurtling its way towards the valley.

Alpine Health: The high level of humidity found at the waterfall has an extremely beneficial, refreshing and re-vitalising effect on our body, helps improve the circulation of air in our lungs and boosts our immune system. The “WATERFALL CURE” is recommended as a means of combatting the effects of air pollution as well as for itscleansing action on the breathing mucous membranes. The Partschins waterfall is known to have an exceptionally high concentration of so-called oxygen-ions, estimated at an incredible figure of 50,000 per sq: cm. These particular oxygen-ions are present in our homes as 100 ions pro cm³, 200 ions in town and city air, and 5,000 in mountain and seaside regions. You can either walk up to the bottom of the Partschins waterfall from the village centre in about 1,5 hoursor take the bus line 265. A well-marked, safe path then leads up to a viewing platform with a fantastic panorama out over the nearby valley and imposing mountain peaks.

The Partschins waterfall is fed by various side streams and other smaller falls all along its 8km. journey on through a steep gorge. The watershed of the Texel Nature Park, which is completely encircled by the Merano High Path, totals some 25 sq. km. and includes the highest peak of the Partschins/Parcines area, the Roteck peak at 3,337 mt.

The falls are most swollen at about 20.00 by which time the run-off water from various mountain streams and little lakes, which takes five hours to reach the main stream, has found its way to the waterfall. The water volume decreases during the night.

The sports centre at St. Peter/Pitzack offers the young and the old many ways to spend enjoyable and diverse holidays. Whether you prefer bowling, skateboarding or ice skating, excitement and fun are guaranteed. In the sports zone you will also find a shooting range (open by reservation only). 

On the Val Venosta wine route hikers can enjoy an insightful and pleasurable tour throughout the year. For long distances the wine route follows the rogge, which were originally built as artificial irrigation channels. At times, it runs past farms or crosses private property and vineyards. The people who live and work here are happy to offer passers-by a glimpse into their wayof life and work. Hikers and lovers of nature asked to respect the property and traditions of this region and to approach nature with care. Along the way notice boards provide information on the landscape, the wine, the restaurants and other food outlets, and the local wineries.
The 2.5 hour long hike can also be undertaken in sections and in both directions.

There is a very special vantage point in "Hochkreuz" in Lagundo, located on the popular Via Claudia Augusta bicycle path: the Trauttmansdorffer Throne. The view of Merano and the surrounding area, including Forst Castle (and the brewery with the same name) and one of the most modern churches in the entire Alpine region, the San Giuseppe Parish Church, is breathtaking in its splendour. Ideal for photographs and an absolute must-see for every tourist in Merano. Especially cyclists often stop here for a break to enjoy the view with a picnic before continuing their journey towards Val Venosta (Vinschgau) valley or Merano. Visitors can see the famous Botanical Gardens at the Trauttmansdorff Castle with binoculars. This observation deck is the ideal starting point for a visit to the Botanical Gardens of the Trauttmansdorff Castle.

Kneipp-treading facility at the Schalderes Creek with water treading site, children playground and large lawn. Treading water in cold, flowing water in open nature has a toughening, circutation promoting and stimulating effect. A stream of power of original nature for weakened life spirits of modern mankind. A unique experience for body and soul.

The "Kneipp facility" area is also accessible in winter, but the Kneipp path is dry.

The people all have totally different personalities, there are no two alike. And this fact is worth studying. The best time is the morning, when your mind is still quite fresh. And the best place is Kaltern's main village market square. Just simply observe, with perhaps a cup of espresso, and - slow down the pace a bit.

Enjoy some ice cream near the fountain, no, here it's called gelato. Or perhaps even a cappuccino. But if you want to continue doing as the locals do in the afternoon, then it should be a glass of lightly chilled Kalterersee wine.

These three larch trees, to be found near St. Gertraud in Ulten Valley, are considered to be the oldest conifers in Europe. Legend has it that these ancient larch trees are more than 2,000 years old.

The Lake Tret – also called Lake Santa Maria – is located in Alta Val di Non near St. Felix, at the point where South Tyrol and the Italian-speaking Trentino meet. The way to the sea proceeds through the forest and across larch meadows, by the wayside we watch various forest flowers and many butterflies.

Lake Lago di Dobbiaco is situated at 1259 m in the Val di Landro which links Dobbiaco with Cortina. It is located in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. The lake with its varied lakeside vegetation is the ideal resting and breeding place for many kinds of water birds, including those which breed in South Tyrol only rarely and infrequently. During the bird migration periods in the spring and the autumn several rare migratory birds can be spotted here.
Lake Dobbiaco is a safe and relatively undisturbed habitat and one of the few remaining wetlands in South Tyrol.

A nature discovery trail with 11 stations around the lake provides important informations on the vegetation, wildlife and geomorphology of the area. The viewing platform on the western shore offers a place to rest and views of the lake’s plants and wildlife and of the silted areas. Walking time approx. 2 hours from Dobbiaco.

In the summer the lake is refreshingly cool for tired feet. Boat trips (contact boat hire: +39 0474 973 267) and fishing are also recommended: fishing licenses for foreigners can be obtained from the Tourism Association Dobbiaco, day tickets in the restaurant by the lake.

In winter you can enjoy ice stick shooting, curling and ice skating.

With the Two Country Skiarena, skiers of all ages have the opportunity to enjoy the ski areas in North and South Tyrol, from Nauders on the Resia Pass to Solda/Sulden in the Venosta Valley, with no limit. This ticket is valid in five ski areas, providing access to 211 kilometres of slopes. Visitors may choose between a multi-day pass and a season ticket. Other offers include the flexi ski passes, special week prices and family ski passes for unlimited use in the following five ski areas: Belpiano/Schöneben-Malga S. Valentino/Haider Alm, Watles, Solda allOrtles/Sulden am Ortler, Trafoi all'Ortles/Trafoi am Ortler and Nauders in Austria.

The Two Country Skiarena will be available for purchase in the 5 ski areas in Venosta Valley and in Nauders.    

Maultasch Castle Ruin (Neuhaus) was probably built in the early 13th century as a double castle, but shows only ruined walls today. These have been carefully restored so that visitors can imagine the castle life at earlier time.

The tiny church founded in 1744 by the mine owner, Michael von Jenner, is nestled in extraordinary countryside. The altar paintings by Franz Sebald Unterberger from the Fleim Valley are particullary noteworthy. The church is privately owned and the access is subject to a fee.
However, the church remains closed. 

Please do not enter the meadows surrounded by fence.

Indipendent from your ability, the architecturally impressive climbing hall in the heart of the town helps you to discover the world of climbing - either on your own or with an experienced instructor.

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.

How much habitat we let nature? Until the mid-20th century, the estuary was a 100-acre natural paradise in the ever more intensively used Adige Valley.

The whole Adige Valley was once a giant natural paradise full of ponds, riverside forests and bogs. People would keep away from the marshlands and its bad smell and instead settled on the elevated plains, hills and mountains of the area - not least because of the many floods. That explains the village development in many modern municipalities like Lana, Postal or Gargazzone.

Yet in the middle of the 20th century about 100 hectares of the lands in the river delta of the Valsura lay fallow. In the course of the German and Italian economic miracles the area experienced an unstoppable industrialisation that nearly upset its natural balance. When people started to rethink this ‘progress' in the 1970's the remains of the river delta of the Falschauer were declared a protected biotope.

Today the delta covers about 32 hectares, it is a refuge for many endangered animals and an irreplaceable habitat for more than 230 species of bird, including 50 breeding birds, amphibians, colubrids, fish and water insects, as well as for numerous rare plants.

Tip
Visitors who walk around in the accessible part of the mostly untouched delta can take a break at the ponds or bogs and listen to the countless number of birds and frogs.

A visit is possible throughout the year!

North of Wolfsthurn Castle, on the hiking trail from Andriano to the Bittner farm, on a flat slope called Schlosspichl you will find a magnificent chestnut grove.
Chestnut trees of different ages stand on the green meadow and have a special aura due to their fresh, light green foliage. One large oak tree dominates the chestnut grove majestically, which thanks to its position is much warmer than the surrounding forest and radiates vitality through its radiant colours.

A place to fall in love! A place that allows hikers to rest and that is a natural playground for children.   From the chestnut grove a short path leads to a small hill with a cross and several benches, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Andriano and the Adige valley.

Over time, the stream Gaiderbach has cut deeply into the porphyry rock and formed a narrow, distinctive gorge with waterfalls. The gorge presents itself simply fascinating and breathtaking: the mossy rock faces, the power of the water, the species-rich vegetation (including ferns and various species of orchids) form an undisturbed interplay of nature.

The Lake Kaltern The Mediterranean landscape around Lake Kalterer See leads many to the correct assumption that this lake really is the warmest lake in the Alps! There are four public beaches that offer direct access to the lake, known for its especially inviting water quality and colorful splendor! Sometimes it's a tint of deep blue, other times it mirrors the green of the surrounding landscape! And Lake Kalterer See is so versatile: row boats, sailboats, pedal boats and surf boards glide across the water. Yet it's so incredibly tranquil here. For sure you'll hear the sound of children's laughter; after all, this is their little corner of paradise. Quite simply, it's beautiful in the lake, on the lake and all around the lake.

The playground in Wiesen / Prati is a pleasant place and a popular meeting place for children and parents.

Approaching the Rastenbach gorge, on your way down from Altenburg/Castelvecchio to Lake Kaltern, it suddenly gets really cool and dark. Your steps become more cautious, as if you’re being careful not to disturb the peace. Silently, you look around and enjoy the wonderfully refreshing ambiance. How reassuring to know that the wooden stairs and bridges are reinforced and properly secured. When you get to the bottom of the trail, you are welcomed by a sunny field and Lake Kaltern.

The Rofis Boden in Stilfes near Sterzing is one of Freienfeld's natural gems. A few minutes' walk above the center of Stilfes leads to a large clearing right in the middle of the forest. There you will find a small natural pond, extensive green meadows, a barbecue area, a pavilion and a playground made of natural materials. 

In 1893 when the copper mine ceased its activity, the population of Prettau/Predoi was forced to find other sources of income: the lace making.

The precious art to create these masterpieces was transmitted to the local population after founding the School of Lace Making in Prettau/Predoi. The laces were sold in Europe, Africa and America.

Laces for costumes, applications for sheets and tablecloths, handrails, tablecloths, decorations, window decorations, Christmas and Easter decorations and much more ...

 

The castle ruins of "Castelforte/Festenstein" can be described as Andriano's symbol. It reigns over Andriano from the lofty, rocky outcrop of the Gola del Rio Gaido, and can only be reached via a steep mountain climb. Its location was certainly a pondered choice by the stonemason to ensure the weapons of the enemies would never reach the castle. At the same time, the spectacular location of the castle offers a 360° view across the lower Valle dell'Adige. "Festenstein" was first mentioned in written documents in the mid-13th century. We assume that the castle was built at the time or greatly expanded. Regardless, it had already been built by the time the Counts of Appiano oversaw the valley, they probably assigned one of their vassals to administer the castle.
Managing such a castle would have been tedious work  and included collecting taxes from farms, the constant worry about providing the castle with water, food, and firewood, improvement works and endless suveillance shifts. All these tasks, considering the virtually inaccessible location of the castle, would have been pure torture. Sometime between the 13th and 14th century the castle was damaged, probably during the ongoing skirmishes of the time, because in 1383 it became property of the Lords of Villandro, who were tasked with restoring the decrepit ruins to their former glory. This shows how the castle still had a role to play at the end of the 14th century.

In the following period, the castle changed hands various times. In the 15th century it belonged to the Sparrenberger, members of the gentry, followed by the Lords Lanser of Appiano between 1654 and 1818.

In 2008,  Count Meinhard Khuen von Belasi purchased the castle ruins and commissioned, together with the South Tyrolean Office for Cultural Heritage, various restoration measures to secure the state of the walls and protect the castle from further deterioration.

After years of restoration work, Castelforte is now open to visitors. On various dates, the Andriano Tourist Association enables a special opening of the castle.
Special Opening of the Ruins Festenstein 2023:

Sunday, 02.04.2023
Friday,07.04.2023
Sunday, 16.04.2023
Friday,21.04.2023 cancelled
Sunday, 30.04.2023
Friday,05.05.2023
Friday,12.05.2023 cancelled
Friday,19.05.2023
Monday, 29.05.2023
Friday, 02.06.2023
Saturday, 10.06.2023
Sunday, 11.06.2023
Friday,16.06.2023
Friday,23.06.2023
Friday,07.07.2023
Friday,21.07.2023
Friday,11.08.2023
Friday,25.08.2023
Sunday, 03.09.2023
Friday,08.09.2023
Friday,15.09.2023
Friday,22.09.2023
Sunday, 01.10.2023
Friday,06.10.2023
Sunday, 15.10.2023

Opening times:  10:00 – 15:00

Cancelled in bad weather!

“DOLOMITES WITHOUT BORDERS” is a unique mountain trail with demanding via ferrata sections that runs, in nine stages covering a total of 108 kilometres, through two countries, along 12 via ferrata and past 17 mountain refuges. It is deeply symbolic, not just from a mountaineering but also from a historical point of view. The route runs partly along old military trails by trenches and galleries from the war, and passes through the areas of Cadore and the Sesto Dolomites in the region of the Three Peaks (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) and as far as the Gail Valley in the Austrian Tyrol. There are also several places where the trail can be accessed: in East Tyrol from the mountaineering villages of Kartitsch and Obertilliach, in Sesto from the Passo Monte Croce Pass, the Prati di Croda Rossa or the Fondovalle Refuge Hut, and in Belluno from the Auronzo Hut, Misurina or the Valgrande near Padola. An adventure for present-day summiteers

The Church Tower in the Lake
The symbol of Venosta Valley: the sumberged steeple in Resia lake.