Culture & Sights in Ahrntal/Valle Aurina

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 church of apostle Peter is situated on the mountainside, surrounded by farms, trees and meadows.

The information center for hikers who wish to begin from the start of the Riesenferner Ahrn Natural Park, is situated at the point where the road ends in the Ahrn Valley. The glass rear wall allows hikers to decide their goal from this point, as though on a huge T.V. screen. The ground floor, flat roofed building is built entirely of plain wood: vertical wooden slats cover the exterior and on the inside well placed windows and doors as well as a wooden counter dominate the room, which then leads down three steps to the panoramic window, flanked by floor to ceiling photographs of the glacial area. The lower floor is a light exposed concrete room in which black display cases contain information about the history of building in the mountains in the Ahrn Valley. A pleasant, simple building.

The St. Gertraud Church is documented the first time in 1383.
1831 the curate Johann Nepomuk Schiffer had built the new church. The gothic tower still exists.

10 meditational spots are found along the side of the path until you reach the "Franziskus and Klara" chapel, the ruin from the Toblburg Castle.

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!

Copper was once mined in the Aurina/Ahrntal Valley, and even today the tunnels can be visited and are used for the medicinal purpose of relieving asthma. The granary next to the church in Steinhaus has long served for the storage of food, with which the miners were partially remunerated. In 2000, it was rebuilt into a museum in order to exhibit the Enzenberg Collection comprising wood models, paintings, mine maps, documents and finds from the mines at Predoi/Prettau. In addition to a pavilion as foyer, which is made of a steel structure with stone slabs and connected with the exhibition rooms through a glass atrium, the renovation operation focused mainly on the central section of the elongated building structure. A wooden staircase, lift access, emergency stairs, and sanitary facilities were also installed here. The encased staircase represents a type of watershed between everyday life and the world of the museum.

 

A new structure for a kindergarten, library and cafeteria was built to replace the dilapidated kindergarten. The compact, plastered masonry fits in with the character of a small village in terms of scale, volumes, roof shape and materials used. Deep recesses and an array of window shapes, with offsetting, show that good modern architecture can be created out of conservative structures. Box windows in various sizes illuminate the interiors. In the kindergarten area, the windows are designed in such a way that their deep embrasures can be used by children as benches to relax and play inside the building. This architecture is convincing in its simplicity, with carefully considered modern details.

Rötbach Waterfall – Feel the power of nature in Kasern/Casere

Marvel at the rushing waters of the Rötbach Waterfall, located above Kasern/Casere on Knappenberg Prettau/Predoi, near the historic tunnels of the former copper mine. The “breathing platform” offers a stunning panoramic view and a revitalizing microclimate.

Feel the cooling mist on your skin, breathe in the pure mountain air, and be mesmerized by the colorful reflections of sunlight. A place to pause, reflect, and recharge amidst the beauty of nature.

The church in Ahornach/Acereto is a wonderful example of the late gothic style in the Pustertal Valley. The stonecutter Valentin Winkler from Falzes had built the church in 1512.

Grill Fun Along the Cycle Path in San Giacomo

Right along the scenic cycle path in San Giacomo, our cozy barbecue area invites you to enjoy relaxed moments outdoors. Two tables offer space for around 10 people – perfect for a get-together with family or friends. Use of the grill area is free of charge, but please bring your own firewood.

To ensure availability, we recommend reserving the barbecue area through the local tourism office. Reserved groups have priority.

We kindly ask you to leave the area clean and tidy after use – so that the next guests can enjoy it just as much.

Fire up the grill, turn up the good vibes – enjoy your time!

The church in Lapago is first-mentioned in 1426.
Already in 1480 it was re-consecrated after reconstruction.
1812-1815 the master-builder Johann Priller from Vandoies has built the new church.

Manufacturing knitting wool, all the steps required from virgin wool to the finished product. Historical equipment and how they were used in wool processing. If there is a group of more than 4 people, it is possible to do a guided tour also on other days if requested.

Tuesday: guided tour with the magic of making something out of felt at 5 pm (registration possible on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 pm).
Cost: €8.

Fascinating water: learn more about water - about the power, the secrets and the magic.
During your visit, you bring water with your own energy to jump. Taste the gemstone water and learn how the water came to earth, etc.

The museum can be visited at any time on request for groups of 10 people or more. Also in winter.

The Zeilheim raised hide was built in the 17th century. Since 1977 the town hall is located in this historic building. Since 1977 the town hall of the municipality of Taufers has been located in there. The public library of Taufers “J. A. Jungmann” and the nature park house Rieserferner Ahrn are located in the modern building, built in 2001. The Zeilheim cannot be visited. 

Frankbach Waterfall in St. Johann/S. Giovanni – A natural gem along the Witch’s Trail

The Frankbach Waterfall in St. Johann/S. Giovanni is a true natural wonder, admired not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for its stunning location. The waterfall is situated along the picturesque Witch’s Trail, a popular hiking path that takes visitors on an enchanting journey through nature.

The Frankbach Waterfall is also easily accessible from the Restaurant and Hotel Berggasthof Platterhof, making it an ideal destination for a hike or a relaxing walk. Here, you can enjoy the refreshing sound of the rushing water while immersing yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Witch’s Trail, with its unique views that are sure to captivate.

An unforgettable nature experience – the Frankbach Waterfall awaits you!

A few minutes on foot from Sand in Taufers, near the Ahr, the Rein Valley waterfalls and a naturally formed swimming pool, stands a sports center, which is recognizable by the building's elongated, lightly curved roof. The interlocking of exterior and interior space defines the design. Light shines in from all sides through the glass panelling of the building, providing views of the surrounding area and of the outdoor pool which blends into the landscape. The terraces of the pool are reminiscent of the waterfalls. The interior rooms form a walkway between the areas and provide the required fixed points in the building that simultaneously offer stability next to the seemingly freely swaying roof. Few materials were used in the design: stainless steel basins, rough concrete for the walls, non-slip stone for the flooring, light acoustic ceilings, and the steel and glass facades which are very light in appearance.

Barbecue Area in Luttach – Perfect for enjoyable outdoor moments!

Our barbecue area is available on request. The usage fee is 30 €, including a starter pack with everything you need for a great grilling experience.

A deposit of 50 € is required for reservation.

Ideal for families, friends, or groups – enjoy your time surrounded by nature!

Marvel the impressive spectacle of the Lappach Klamm above Lappach/Lappago. Feel the cooling freshness on your skin, breathe in the pleasant fresh air and admire the colorful light reflections when the sun shines.

The church of St. James, located on a hill, was built in 1500 in late-Gothic style. The furnishings are predominately neo-Gothic.

Deep Underground – Discover the Copper Mining Heritage of Prettau/Predoi

In the remote village of Prettau/Predoi, nestled at the head of South Tyrol’s Ahrntal valley, copper ore was mined for over 500 years along the Rötbach river. Today, the St. Ignaz drainage adit has been transformed into an impressive visitor mine– part of the South Tyrolean Provincial Mining Museum.

Hop aboard the mine train and travel over a kilometre into the mountain, where you’ll enter a captivating world beneath the surface. Along two circular tours, realistic installations and immersive scenes bring the hard lives of miners from centuries past vividly to life.

But this is more than just a museum: copper is still extracted here today – in a sustainable, innovative way using bacteria to produce what’s known as cement copper.

Just outside the entrance tunnel, the historic Schinerhaus– once home to local miners – welcomes visitors as a silent witness to Prettau’s rich mining legacy.

Visitor Information

• Visits by advance booking only
• Last entry at 3:00 PM
• For groups of 15 or more: guided tours available after 3:00 PM upon request
• Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
• Closed in winter (until Easter)

👉 The current opening times and prices are available on the website

Step into the depths of history – authentic, educational, and unforgettable.

The Gothic church of St. Walburg is located at the top of a former castle hill a little above Kematen - it was consecrated in 1433.
St. Walburg was once a much-visited place of pilgrimage. The pilgrims came and fetched the Walburgis oil, which could cure diseases. Like many other churches and chapels, the chapel was closed during the time of the reform-minded Emperor Josef II.

LEGEND PATH to the St. Walburg church
Route: The path leads from Bad Winkel to Kematen up to the small St. Walburg church. The trail is mostly a forest path. The path can be walked from spring to late autumn. The start is in Bad Winkel: From the parking lot at the chapel next to Gasthof Bad Winkel (getting there either by passing through Kematen or as the case may be, passing by the Sand in Tauferer’s Sports area) we briefly stay on the road to Kematen and soon branch left onto the narrow footpath into the forest (do not take the road to Wiesemann farm!). The path then has some slight ascents and descents. Note: at the road fork you go right heading downhill not left heading uphill! The path ends at a clearing near a bench and at a carved wooden Hubertus Stöckl. Now, you go left onto the wider path heading upwards until you reach the road. Continue up this path for about 300 m. and then after a bridge you reach a wooden gate, where you take the left branching trail nr. 8 leading you to the St. Walburg church (1030 m), where a magnificent view of Taufers and the Zillertal mountains rewards you. You can return on the same path as you came on or you can take the City Bus to Sand in Taufers from Kematen.

Art in the open air – The Sculpture Park in Luttach

Discover the freely accessible Sculpture Park in Luttach – a fascinating place filled with countless wooden figures created by artists from all over the world. These impressive works are the result of the annual International Wood Carving Symposium held in the Ahrntal Valley.
Come by and explore this special place, located near the water park (close to the fire station), and be inspired by the beauty of outdoor art!

The parsonage was built contemporaneously with the late Gothic church in Prettau and was subsequently operated as a farm, with stable and barn. It was to undergo a conversion into a private house. Special sensitivity was required in the conversion due to the restrictions related to it being a heritage-listed building. The architects managed to clearly identify the historical building’s structure yet simultaneously reflect our contemporary era through the spare use of modern details. This is especially true for the newly timbered barn: it was elegantly redesigned for residential purposes, with an open fireplace, skylights and untreated wood floors, it yet retained its old atmosphere despite this repurposing. In the old building both the stairs and the brick arches in the cellar were conserved, as was the sooty former Selchkuchl (smokehouse), which took on a new function as a work space.

Pojer Waterfall in Luttach/Lutago – A pure nature experience!

Experience the impressive power of nature up close at the Pojer Waterfall in Luttach/Luttach. This picturesque waterfall offers not only a breathtaking backdrop but also a refreshing retreat in the heart of nature.

Enjoy the soothing sound of the water and let yourself be enchanted by the untouched beauty of the surroundings. The trail leading to the waterfall takes you through an idyllic landscape – perfect for a hike or a relaxing walk.

A natural wonder you shouldn’t miss – come and experience the Pojer Waterfall!

The churchin S. Maurizio/St. Moritzen was builtin 1512.

A hidden gem in the heart of the Ahrntal valley

Copper was mined in Prettau for over half a millennium. The administrative centre of this mining operation was located in Steinhaus/Cadipietra– and today, the historic grain store (Kornkasten) houses the South Tyrolean Mining Museum – Steinhaus site.

This museum is more than just a place of historical memory – it’s also a space for artistic expression and interpretation:

The photographic work of Walter Niedermayr connects the miners’ landscape with the themes of the exhibition.
Martin Pohl’s striking installation welcomes visitors at the entrance with a powerful representation of Prettau’s coveted copper ore.
The films and soundscapes by Carmen Tartarotti offer a sensitive portrayal of lives shaped by mining, breathing life into the objects on display.

Temporary exhibitions on art, crafts and music further enrich the museum’s varied and vibrant cultural offerings.

Visitor Information

• Last entry at 5:00 PM
• Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
• Closed in winter (until Easter)
•  

👉 Current opening times and prices available on the website

Discover a cultural treasure – surprising, emotional and full of stories.

The name "Maranatha" comes from Aramaic, the language of Jesus, and means "Our Lord come". However, it refers not only to the coming of Jesus over 2000 years ago but also to helping experience the deeper meaning of His coming – and not just at Christmas.

Experience an impressive journey through the mystical world of nativity scenes. The path leads from the traditional Tyrolean nativity scene, through the ancient Oriental nativity group, all the way to modern depictions in contemporary art. Admire life-sized wooden figures and discover the highlights of traditional woodcarving and craftsmanship, enhanced by atmospheric light and sound effects.

Schwarzbach Waterfall – where nature meets art

Just above Luttach/Lutago, the Schwarzbach Waterfall plunges 15 meters through a narrow rock crevice into a stunning blue lagoon – a breathtaking natural spectacle!

Feel the cool mist on your skin, breathe in the refreshing air, and admire the colorful reflections dancing in the sunlight.

The path to the waterfall is lined with wooden sculptures created by international artists during the annual Ahrntal Sculpture Symposium. A unique fusion of nature and art – a feast for all the senses.

The parish church Riva-Rein was built 1908-1911. You can see the typical characteristics of the new gothic style.