Dolomites Region Villnösstal

This particular string of slender towers made of fissured Dolomite rock lies between the head of the Villnösstal valley and the Val Gardena region. The Villnösser Geisler range is often referred to as differing from the Aferer Geisler range, which are located on the opposite, northern side of the valley. The peaks of the the Villnösser Geisler range are called "Odles" (needles) in Ladin. The highest of all is the  Sass Rigais at 3,025 m. In the home valley of Reinhold Messner, these striking rock formation can be conquered via numerous climbing routes and via ferrata . At the foot of this idyllic postcard motif, hiking trails  lead to Alpine pastures and Alpine inns, allowing hikers to admire the  Geislerspitzen peaks from all angles  on a circular trail. 

Minimal traffic, no large hotels, just a group of people who are united and committed to their mission of caring for the natural landscape of the Villnösstal. By displaying the Slow Food label they made their vision public. Established in 1986 by Italian Carlo Petrini as a way of preserving local products, cuisine and recipes, Slow Food is now known worldwide as a sustainable movement.

Today, the Villnösstal in the Dolomites has become the first Slow Food Travel Destination in South Tyrol. Surrounded by meadows and Alpine pastures at the foot of the mighty Geislerspitzen peaks, people here still have close ties with nature, and farming continues to be part of the everyday culture. Huts, restaurants and hotels favour local products, and promote local producers. For instance, the Villnösstal is home to two Presidi Slow Food projects, which aim to preserve local and artisanal foods while supporting their producers. These include the Villnöss sheep and grey cattle. In addition, the strategy of sustainable tourism, which was adopted many years ago, continues to pave the way for a sustainable future.