Experience the power of nature: 80 peaks of over 3,000 m, crystal-clear water and a superlative nature park
Mountains that can only be climbed by the experienced. Find balance amidst pristine nature. Savour regionally made speciality cheeses. Discover expertly made blankets that are exported as far as America. The inhabitants of our special valley are proud of all this and more! They can’t wait to share the magic of their home with you.
Rushing waterfalls whose power is hard to beat. Italy's only climatic gallery deep inside the mountain. State-of-the-art mountain hut architecture at dizzying heights. Unspoilt nature, ideal for switching off.
The water-rich valley with high peaks & a unique climatic gallery
Best pure air, water in abundance and mountains to the horizon
Taking a deep breath is easy in the Ahrntal valley. Scientists also agree on this and describe the valley as a clean air area, which means that there is hardly any ozone there, the pollutant content is far below the legally prescribed limits and the concentration of pollen is low.
Why is that? The high-Alpine location between 1,000 and 3,500 metres above sea level, which is dominated by 80 peaks of over 3,000 m, ensures clean air. There is no through traffic here; the valley ends where the northernmost mountain in the region rises. But it is not only outdoors that the Ahrntal valley can boast exceptionally good air; it’s even the case deep underground. In the old climatic gallery in Prettau/Predoi, the air is so pure that asthmatics and allergy sufferers can breathe freely. Recent studies have proven the positive effect.
Water plays an important role in the clean air area. 120 drinking water springs, 35 mountain lakes, ten waterfalls characterise the Ahrntal valley. It gushes out from between rock crevices and cracks, makes its way down and shapes the landscape.
There is certainly no shortage of opportunities to hike way up here. Hochfeiler mountain, Magerstein, Schneebiger Nock – and what they are all called: the very high peaks in the Ahrntal valley – there are over 80 of them – line up next to each other. On some of them there are mountain huts featuring outstanding design. And where there are glaciers, there is also a lot of flowing water. Accordingly, you often encounter it when you set out: as a rushing stream, thundering waterfall, refreshing mountain lake or small trickle. If you want to go up by cable car, you can do so at Speikboden mountain and Klausberg. For skiing and tobogganing in winter, for hiking and letting off steam in summer. You can relax and find peace in the tranquil villages and in the unspoilt nature. On the “Sunnsatwegen” – paths on the sunny side of the valley. Or in the climatic gallery with the purest air. Whether it's the mighty Burg Taufers castleor the pilgrimage church of Heilig Geist: If you are interested in old walls and places with a special atmosphere, you absolutely have to visit both.
For a phenomenal view into the distance, we have selected the most rewarding destinations in the Ahrntal valley for you: from lookout towers that can be reached by cable car to peaks with extensive panoramic views.
Regional and sustainable cuisine: many businesses in South Tyrol focus on fairness, top quality and traditional food production. This is what makes our Slow Food region special.
A cheese with a history, a breed of sheep that would have gone extinct long ago, a breed of grey cattle that by living with us for millennia has adapted to our mountain environment, and a type of bread that is part of our culture. These are examples of small producers and agricultural models, rooted in artisanal and traditional knowledge and the core of our four Slow Food circles.
Would you like a slice of spicy grey cheese? A hand-carved nativity scene? Or a bobbin lace quilt? You will find a wide range of local, high-quality foods and handcrafted articles for daily use and art in the Ahrntal valley, as in the rest of South Tyrol. Ahrntal valley farmers have dedicated themselves in particular to producing cheese. Grey cheese was even awarded a “Presidio” by Slowfood – the highest possible award. Lots of producers sell straight from the farm where you can sample the treats and get to know the producers. Lace-making and woodcarving have an important meaning here. In the past, handicrafts secured the valley’s economic existence.
There has been a long tradition of making things yourself in South Tyrol. High quality and durability are the primary factors, which are achieved through the use of proprietary manufacturing techniques and high-quality raw materials. This allows us to create products that are only available here.
Already look over the rooftops of the city or counting the peaks around it. These webcams will provide you with a live connection to selected places in South Tyrol. This way you can get a close-up overview of the region, weather or snow conditions from the comfort of your own home.
Are you keen to do your part for the environment and keep your carbon footprint as low as possible, even on holiday? We recommend travelling to our region by public transport. The bus and train will transport you here directly, with no detours.
Whether you use the cable cars to ascend from the valley to the mountain or take the train or bus to explore the area, your local transport is guaranteed.
If you are travelling to South Tyrol without a car, you can rest assured that you will be transported in comfort direct to your destination by bus, train or cable car. All timetables are carefully coordinated so that there is always a connection from the train stations in the province to the surrounding towns and villages. Simply hop on board and enjoy the journey through the villages and idyllic countryside.
You can take the train to Bruneck/Brunico, the next town in the surrounding area. From there, buses or transfer services will take you to your accommodation in Sand in Taufers and the villages in the Ahrntal valley.
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