Objevte krásy Vinschgau

Thanks to its diverse and distinctive natural and cultural landscape, the Schnalstal Valley is one of the most fascinating valleys in the entire Alps. The discovery of Ötzi, the glacier mummy, and the annual driving of sheep – the transhumance - over the main ridge of the Alps, are proof that hunters and shepherds have been travelling through the Schnalstal Valley for thousands of years. The wool in these slippers (potsch) comes only from Schnals mountain sheep, which are perfectly suited to life in this Alpine region. The felt is made in one of the most prestigious loden and felt factories in South Tyrol. The wool in these felt slippers has proven itself, for example, through optimum thermal balance and tremendous durability. The ipotsch product are warranted for hand made, ecologic and etic production. The slippers "ipotsch" are available in the tourism office a Certosa/Karthaus.

4 automatic bowling alleys with bar in the Texel sport zone in Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau.

 

There's a great, flood-lit, natural ice rink at the Texel Sports Centre in Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau.

Opening times: every day from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Skates to hire: directly on site (self-service)

Fun & action on Lazaun
After a wonderful hike with a cosy stop at the Lazaunhütte, enjoy a speedy descent on three wheels with the mountain carts from Sportservice Erwin Stricker.

The fantastic mountain carts are available every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from end of June / beginning of July to end of September / beginning of October, and every day in the middle of August. The carts can be hired at the mountain station of the Lazaun cable car and returned at the Lazaun valley station. Children aged 10 years and over and over 140cm can ride alone if accompanied by an adult.

The Ötzi shop ist something quite special: a treasure trove for things which give pleasure. Dropping in is worthwhile, they take her small piece Schnalstal along! The Ötzi shop is led since 1997 as a family-owned enterprise. The business lies directly in the center of Maso Corto/Kurzras and is open throughout also on Sundays and bank holidays.

The Oberniederhof farm with its 700 years is a historical heritage in Schnalstal Valley (1,500 m a.s.l.). There is more to Oberniederhof than just a vacation in a Tyrolean farm: The Tappeiner family offers its guests a wide range of organic farm products.

The Tappeiner family has specialised in breeding and keeping old breeds of farm animals that are worthy of protection or threatened with extinction. The Oberniederhof is a recognised Ark Farm and a member of the G.E.H. (Society for the Preservation of Domestic and Farm Animal Breeds Worth Protecting). At the same time, they provide insight into the history of these breeds and their current situation through vivid farm tours. Meats from special breeds give extra-tasty smoked salami and speck. In the farm shop you also find herbal teas and herbal salt produced with herbs growing on the farm.

Products: cheese, ricotta, butter, yoghurt, salami, speck, herbal teas, herbal salt

Farm visits: The Tappeiner family offers farm tours with product tastings on Wednesday and on request from Dezember to late March (€ 8,50 per person). For booking and further questions see contact information below.

From Katharinaberg/Monte S. Caterina to Mountain pasture EishofRoute description

The Merano High Mountain Trail climbs upwards along a forest slope overlooking the mountain village of Monte S. Caterina/Katharinaberg and is accessible by car and bus. The bus stop is in the village itself and there is also an unattended car park that is free of charge. From there, follow the trail signposts until you reach the Merano High Mountain Trail. Continue upwards along the road as far as Montferthof farm (1,471 m a.s.l). Just after the farm, staying on the trail, cross the steep arid slopes with their unassuming flora. Passing through meadows, meandering up and down along the trail, you soon reach the distinctive turn into Pfossental valley. The trail drops slightly along an extended forest slope. Care should be taken in the tunnel valley due to falling rocks - even without rain or the like! After passing Infanglhof farm you will reach the road, stay to the right of it and the trail continues upwards to the next inn. Gasthof Inn Jägerrast (1,693 m a.s.l), at the end of the public road, is a very popular spot with hikers. A wide trail continues on through a sparse forest into Pfossental valley. If you are watching closely, you might spot the chamois on the opposite side of the valley or a golden eagle that is casually flying through the canyon, as their nests are in the valley cliffs. Having passed a wayside shrine, after a distinctive right turn in the trail, you will see the Mountain pasture Mitterkas (1954 m a.s.l) and further along the Mountain pasture Rableid (2,004 m a.s.l). After these two possible stops, the trail continues through a Larch forest. Further on, you come to the Mountain pasture Eishof (2,071 m a.s.l). Rising up from here, you will see the striking Hohe Weiße (3,278 m a.s.l), its name taken from the bright limestone, and to the left of the valley, the Hohe Wilde (3,480 m a.s.l) with its dark rock.

Skiing area at the Schnalstal Glacier
Easily reachable by the cable car, the glacier of Val Senales at 3,212 m a.s.l is the ideal starting point for varied runs (42 km of slopes) across all levels. From wide slopes for carving to the challenging 8 km long valley run for athletic skiers, the ski area also offers two cross country slopes and a toboggan run through the winter forest. Numerous huts and sun terraces invite for enjoying the traditional dishes of the South Tyrolean cuisine. Alreday in mid-September the international ski trainers are here for their training lessons. The winter season begins on mid-September and ends at the beginning of may.

Hiking area at the Schnalstal Glacier
In summertime the Schnalstal Glacier Cable Car, the Roter Kofel lift and also the Lazaun Cable Car are open.

The Hochjochferner Glacier in Schnalstal Valley is a popular destination for high Alpine hiking in South Tyrol. Demanding tours lead up to the Weisskugel and Finailspitze mountains, as well as to the spectacular Similaun peak near Oetzi’s discovery place.

With the new Lazaun cable car you can reach the Lazaun mountain station comfortably and safely in about 4 minutes. Up here you will find a very special alpine flora and fauna, as the Lazaun plateau is characterized by the power of the glaciers and an upland moor. If you are looking for more entertainment, you can rent mountaincarts, which will ensure an actionpacked descent. The via ferrata Larix also promises an unforgettable day.

Those who want to experience this (including the surge of adrenaline) can learn it under the supervision of an instructor in the Marchegg rock climbing garden. The 30 metre high wall offers a lot, from fixed rope climbing to climbing routes with degrees of difficulty from 4a to 7b+. Great adventure and fun not only for kids!

Fishing at the Vernago LakeThe purchase of a day pass is subject to the presentation of an Italian national licence for fishing. These can be obtained from the Hotel Vernago at Vernago (T +39 0473 676 063) or at the shop „Go Fish“ in Castelbello (T +39 0473 624 464) for € 32.00 per person. (valid for 10 years)

DAY TICKETS (ONLY AVAILABLE WITH STATE LICENCE)
- Vernago Lake € 20.00 + € 5.00 caution or Schnalstal river (from Vernago lake to Certosa bridge) € 30.00 + € 5.00 caution
- available at the Hotel Edelweiss in Vernago, T +39 0473 669 633 and Hotel Vernago in Vernago, T +39 0473 676 063
- From Lake Haider to Naturno: Go-Fish in Castelbello, T +39 0473 624 464 or Restaurant Langwies in Naturno, T +39 0473 667 526

DAY TICKETS (WITHOUT STATE LICENCE)
Directly available at lake Coldrano or Prato allo Stelvio

The climbing garden Mastaun is located in the high valley oft he same name near Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau in Schnalstal Valley, approx. 20 minutes walk behind the Mastaunalm hut.

The approx. 70 metre high rock face offers technically challenging routes over several pitches in the middle of an untouches natural landscape. It was initiated and built by Nereo Ongaro (AVS Schnalstal Valley), further routes are planned.

Special features: Due to the exposed location oft he rock face, the multi-rope lenghts and the technically challenging routes, the climbing garden is suitable for experienced climbers.

Rental of the latest models of Blizzard, skis, snowboards, ski touring sets, snowshoes, toboggans, accessories, avalanche sets (backpack, shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver). 
Professional ski service for skis & snowboards. Save 15% on online reservations.

In summer, mountain bikes, e-mountain bikes and climbing equipment are available for hire.

Arriving at the end of the Pfossental Valley you get to farmstead Vorderkaser (1,693 m a.s.l). The farm, situated in the Texel Group Nature Park, consists of several buildings that were originally built in the 13th century. Today the family of Richard Kofler welcomes guests in the tavern Jägerrast offering typical South Tyrolean dishes as well as quality meat and self-made products of the alpine cheese dairy.

Sense the spirit of our forefathers, with bow and arrows, such as Ötzi already used. This can best be understood on the newly erected bow challenge course at Moarhof Farm in Monte Santa Caterina/Katharinaberg. Valentin Müller has copied Ötzi’s bow and arrow, and – in a 3D hunting circuit with 20 targets, which imitate real animals and are set up in the forest – both young and old can pursue their hunting instinct.

Both the delightful Baroque-style pilgrimage church, built in 1304 and expanded in 1765, and the nearby cemetery with its artistic graveyard crosses made of copper and bronze by local artists are well worth a visit. The village of Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau celebrated its 700th anniversary as a place of pilgrimage in the year 2004. It is, in fact, one of the oldest pilgrimage centres in the entire Tyrol region.

Movement of sheep
Every summer thousands of sheep cross the border

The transhumance in Schnalstal Valley, which is still practiced and deeply rooted in local tradition, dates back 600 years. This ancient tradition in Schnalstal Valley is now part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The annual migration in Schnalstal Valley is the only cross-border and trans-glacial transhumance in existence.
Every June, the shepherds lead flocks of 3,000 – 4,000 sheep on a mass migration from Vernago/Vernagt and Maso Corto/Kurzras across two mountain passes to the fertile pastures of Vent in neighboring Austria. The transhumance in the Schnalstal Valley covers more than 40 km, across gullies and snow-covered fields.

In mid-September, the sheep and shepherds with the help of sheep dogs guide the flocks back to the Schnalstal Valley on the much safer return trip. At the end of the transhumance, the successful termination of the migration is celebrated.

archeoParc Schnalstal Valley - Get in touch with the world of the Iceman. South Tyrol's first hands-on archaeology museum is distinguished by its unconventional architecture. In terms of construction, form and material, the low-energy museum building is a homage to the Neolithic originals that archaeology has unearthed, and covers an imaginary vista sweeping through Tisental up to Tisenjoch. Depicted along the way are topics ranging from the oldest human traces in the alpine region to the Iceman and his lifestyle and economic adaptation. Life-size house models based on the archaeological evidence convey an idea of how our forebears lived.

The Texelgruppe Nature Park in Schnalstal ValleyThe largest nature reserve in South TyrolThe Texelgruppe Nature Park is set in an area of about 30,000 hectares, extending between Schnalstal Valley in the west and Passeiertal Valley to the east, and from the Etschtal Valley in the south to the Oetztal Alps in the north.
The Nature Park comprises the extensive high mountain region of the entire Texelgruppe mountain range.

The Texelgruppe Nature Park around the Schnalstal Valley is a popular destination for hiking, with dry semi-forested slopes, clear mountain lakes above the timber line and dense forests below. The Val di Fosse/Pfossental side valley occupies the heart of the nature reserve, a pristine area with varied wildlife. During special wildlife hikes in the Pfossental Valley, hikers may spot chamois’ and ibexes, marmots, and eagles. The Pfossental is home to probably more chamois and ibexes than people living in the Schnalstal Valley.

Nature Walk "Life on the Mountain Farms of the Val di Fosse"
A delightful, well-marked, informative walk starting at the Maso Vorderkaser and leading from one mountain farmstead to the next - a chance to learn a little more about the typical flora, fauna and geological aspects of the surrounding countryside and high Alpine pastures with special attention given to local bee-keepers and their work.

The 'Larix' (larch in Latin) via ferrata with suspension bridges, exciting rope slides and a parallel hiking trail will be available.The challenging via ferrata is of medium difficulty and also suitable for experienced families. The entrance is located at the foot of the large Kurzrasbach waterfall and leads towards the Teufelsegg hut. The 'Alpin Trail' hiking trail runs partly along this, allowing you to observe and accompany the climbers. Whether you are a leisurely hiker or an arduous climber, you will find what you are looking for here.

Prerequisite: via ferrata equipment (rental in Maso Corto at Service Stricker or Ski Factory Maso Corto).

Entrance: behind the Roter Kofel chairlift, at the foot of the large Kurzrasbach waterfall
Exit: above the Teufelsegg hut
Difficulty: medium difficult (C)
Ascent: 3:30 h
Length: 1.8 km 
Metres in altitude: 410 hm each

Large selection of food, wines and spirits, South Tyrolean and Italian specialities, drugstore articles, sports and natural creams, souvenirs, newspapers and photo articles. Open daily, also on Sundays and holidays.

Enjoy the fascinating mountain and winter world in safety with the Ski and Snowboard School Schnalstal Valley; powder snow, sun and relaxation; no queuing at the lifts, no crowded slopes, these are our strengths! The experienced ski and snowboard instructors will accompany you - beginners or experts, adults or children - throughout your vacation. For all kids, the “Magic Carpet”, the Carousel and the Tepee create a special educational environment, transforming skiing into an adventure for our young guests.

Idyllic hamlet on the lake

On the east bank of the turquoise reservoir, at the back of the Schnalstal Valley, are a handful of houses and a church which form the hamlet of Vernago/Vernagt.

The original village was destroyed to make way for the construction of the reservoir in the 1950s. Even today, the tower of the former chapel protrudes from the lake in early spring.

In the idyllic village of Vernago/Vernagt, numerous hiking paths begin, leading through light forests up to the glacier, and passing centuries-old farms. An archaeological hiking trail runs along ancient places of worship to Oetzi’s place of discovery.

The Texelgruppe Nature Park, which encompasses more than 30,000 hectares, is the largest nature park in South Tyrol. It is situated between the Etschtal, Vinschgau, Schnalstal and Passeiertal valleys and the main chain of the Alps.

Some of the most beautiful hiking routes around Meran/Merano are located within this unique protected area. Examples include the Merano High Mountain Trail, which loops around the Texel Group over the course of several days, or the hike to the Spronser Seen lakes, one of the largest lake districts in Europe. The diverse geography and nature of the Texelgruppe Nature Park boasts deciduous and larch forests, high moors, blooming Alpine pastures, rugged rock faces, roaring streams, crystal-clear mountain lakes and panoramic peaks.

The Texelgruppe range boasts attractions beyond its diverse flora and fauna: the remains of prehistoric settlements, fortifications and places of worship demonstrate that mankind has long been attracted to this fantastic area. Neolithic engraved stones, "Ötzi the Iceman,” as well as the old ‘path of the dead’ from Pfelders/Plan to Dorf Tirol/Tirolo underscore the early presence of man in the Texelgruppe range area. In the late Middle Ages, due to the increase in population, farmsteads were operated year round up to an altitude of 2,000 metres. 

The Texelgruppe Nature Park is shared by the municipalities of Schnals/Senales, Naturns/Naturo, Partschins/Parcines, Algund/Lagundo, Dorf Tirol, Riffian/Rifiano, St. Martin in Passeier/San Martino in Passiria and Moos in Passeier/Moso in Passiria.

 

The Farmstead Finailhof is one of the oldest farms in Schnalstal Valley, first records date back to the 11th century. It is known for its rare visit in 1416. Those days the farmers harbored Duke Frederick IV by employing him as a shepherd. Until 1967, the farm was highest one in Europe which cultivated cereals. To preserve the rural culture and architecture the entire farm became a listed building in 1981. Today the family Gurschler lives with four generations on the farm and welcomes guests in their „Stube“ and a huge sunny terrace with a great view over the lake Vernago/Vernagt.

After the tight canyon at the entrance to the valley, the valley widens and you will see the chapel of the village of Monte S. Caterina/Katharinaberg on your right. The chapel is like a signpost for the village. Once upon a time, this rocky hill was crowned with the castle of the „Lords of Schnals“, which gave the valley its name. Not only the inhabitants, but also our guests enjoy life in the village: the mild climate, lots of sun, stillness, wonderful hiking routes with direct access to the Merano High Mountain Trail in the Texelgruppe Nature Park, as well as some picturesque views into the valley and over the mountains.

Visiting the town of Certosa/Karthaus is like a journey into the past. The town was built inside the walls of the Cloister of Certosa degli Angeli, founded in 1326 and reopened in 1782. The Via Crucis of the ancient cloister is especially interesting.

Altitude training canoeing & kayaking on the Vernago lake

The lake in the midst of the three thousand metre peaks is characterised by its unique turquoise-green colour, especially in summer, which is caused by the glacier cut in tzhe water. It is not for nothing that national teams have been training on the Vernago lake for years.

A welcome guest for example is Antonio Rossi, three-time Olympic Champion and multiple Canoe World Champion.

With its location at 1,700 metres above sea level and marked rowing routes of various lengths, the lake offers ideal conditions for optimal altitude training

 

The reason for the perfonmance-enhancing effect of altitude training is easy to explain: The lack of oxygen at high altitudes forces the human organism to adapt. This affects primarily the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system and the blood.

Standing at the summit cross and enjoying the breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain world as well as the Iceman did 5,300 years ago - this is now possible on the new viewing platform „Iceman Ötzi Peak. “

The route up to the viewing platform at 3,251 meters above sea level begins in Maso Corto. The Glacier Cable Car takes you up to 3,212 meters, to the mountain station and the Glacier Hotel Grawand, the highest hotel in Europe.

The steel construction, designed and built by South Tyrolean technicians and companies, can be reached safely and comfortably via a staircase with handrail in 10 minutes from the mountain station.

Once at the top, you will discover the snowfield of the Similaun (3,606 m), where the oldest and most famous glacier mummy in the world was found.

You can also catch a glimpse of the Alto Giogo Glacier and the watershed that forms the national border between Austria and Italy, as it were:  Up here, the water flows once into the Black Sea and once into the Adriatic.

The path of Transhumance can also be seen from the platform. This centuries-old tradition was recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Challenge and fun for both young and old is promised by the high rope garden - Ötzi Rope Park at Lake Vernago/Vernagt. Situated in a beautiful natural landscape and above an imposing gorge was build a high rope course with several show jumping courses, a giant swing and a flying fox. The little ones can make their first experiences in infants obstacle course (2 years).

On September 19th, 1991 Ötzi, the Iceman, was found by the German mountaineering couple Erika and Helmut Simon on Tisenjoch/Giogo di Tisa mountain, above the Niederjochferner/Giogo basso mountain in 3,210 m a.s.l.

Today a pyramid of stones identifies the find spot.

Full-day tour, rechable from Vernago through the Tisental Valley to the Similaun refuge, to the place of discovery OR from Maso Corto to the Schnalstal Glacier and o the place of discovery. Return path through the Similaun refuge and the Tisental Valley. Duration: about 5 hours ascent and 3-4 hours descent.

All year round on Tuesday the guided hike or ski tour "Ötzi Glacier Tour" brings interested guests to the place of discovery - more details and registration at the archeoParc Schnalstal Valley or online under www.oetzi-glacier-tour.it