Retreats in South Tyrol

The northernmost side valley in South Tyrol, the Ahrntal, impresses with its mountain scenery. Given these rugged cliffs, it is not surprising that Ahornach/Acereto  was only accessible on foot for a long time. And in Rein in Taufers/Riva di Tures you can experience what it feels like to be surrounded by three thousand metre peaks - hiking through forests and past waterfalls. The villages of  Sacun/San Giacomo and Prettau/Predoi tell the story of the former mining industry - today you can follow in its silent footsteps in the climate gallery. In Kasern/Casere, at the end of the valley, the craft of lace-making lives on. And in Mühlwald/Selva dei Molini , the sound of the water is reminiscent of the work in the mills and sawmills. Six places, six paths in South Tyrol's quiet tradition.

As soon as you arrive in the holiday region of  Gsiesertal Valley-Welsberg/Monguelfo-Taisten/Tesido, you will notice how unspoilt this valley has remained. Each of the three places is deeply rooted in culture and living tradition. Between old farmsteads, farmed alpine pastures and views of the Dolomites, you can experience what authenticity means. Sustainability is a way of life here - with regional products, gentle mobility and an appreciation of what is available.

No noise, no hustle and bustle - just the sound of the stream. After Glurns/Glorenza you turn into Matschertal Valley. Noble families used to live here, but today it attracts nature and hiking enthusiasts. A little further north, in the Langtauferer Tal Valley,  close to the Reschensee Lake/Lago di Resia, you will reach the hamlet of Melag/Melago at the end of the valley, the starting point for hikes into the Ötztal Alps/Val Venosta. Here you live high up, with views of glaciated three-thousand metre peaks - in the middle of an untouched world. And in nearby Rojental Valley, at over 1,900 metres, lies the hamlet of Rojen/Roia, one of the highest year-round inhabited settlements in South Tyrol. Time seems to stand still here among the old farms. Your paths lead you past chapels with views of the Ortler massif or Lake Reschen. Two valleys, two places and silence for you.

Lüsen and Villnöss are part of the Odles Slow Dolomites region - two valleys where mindful travelling is possible. Deeply rooted in culture and tradition, it is important to the people here to treat what they have with care. You experience everyday farm life and a lot of appreciation. In summer, paths lead you through well-tended cultivated landscapes, while in winter, quiet cross-country ski trails and snowshoe paths await you instead of hustle and bustle. Villnöss/Funes is South Tyrol's first Slow Food Destination, Lüsen is following the same path. Two valleys where tranquillity is palpable.

They still exist, these retreats for nature lovers. The unspoilt Martell Valley stretches from Goldrain/Coldrano to the glaciers of the Ortler/Ortles and Cevedale groups. Nestled in the Stilfserjoch National Park, characterised by living tradition and a cultivated landscape, the valley has retained its original character. Famous for its strawberries, it also boasts shingle-roofed farms, the tranquil Zufrittsee/Gioveretto lake and wide mountain paths. In winter, cross-country ski trails lead to the biathlon centre; in summer, the strawberry trail leads to the alpine pasture. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you will find it here – in a landscape whose appearance alone is enough to make you feel at home.

The road to the Sarntal Valley winds its way through wooded slopes and tight bends – even as you approach, it becomes clear that this is a quieter place. As you journey into the high valley, you will be accompanied by dense forests, scattered farms and small villages. Hiking trails take you to quiet places such as the Durnholzer See/ lago di Valdurna or the Stoanernen Mandln/Omini di Pietra. In winter, well-groomed cross-country ski runs and sunny snowshoe trails await you. The craftsmanship also remains original: quill embroidery, mountain pine products and genuine traditional Sarner costumes are created in the workshops. A valley that leaves a lasting impression.

Framed by an ancient monastery wall, quiet and yet so meaningful, lies Karthaus/Certosa in Schnalstal Valley at 1,300 metres. Influenced by the former Carthusian monastery, the village still follows the path of silence that the monks once took. Away from the noise of the cities, you will find an authentic natural and cultural landscape that doesn't need any explanation. In summer, paths lead directly into the Texelgruppe Nature Park, while in winter, snow envelops the village in a special tranquillity. Karthaus/Certosa is not a temporary retreat - silence lives here all year round.

Ultental Valley is one of the most unspoilt valleys in South Tyrol. Steep meadows, dense forests and centuries-old farms accompany you on your way between St. Pankraz/San Pancrazio and St. Gertraud/Santa Gertude. Wooden shingles, larch fences and farmed alpine pastures show how closely nature and everyday life remain connected here. Surrounded by the Ortler group and the Nonsberg/Val di Non Alps, you can hike through rustic valleys, set off on touring skis in winter or follow the snowshoe trail. 

Imagine sitting high above the valley, with the Dolomites in view - in the evening they glow in the colours of the Enrosadira. All you hear is the wind and the ringing of cowbells. Then you are on the Raschötz/Resciesa, the home mountain of Lajen. Everyday life? Simply miles away. You can feel what counts in all seven places in the municipality: peace, authenticity, genuine encounters. Supported by the people who live here - who appreciate precisely that. In Lajen, slowing down is part of everyday life.

The village of Deutschnonsberg/Alta Val di Non is located on the south-western edge of South Tyrol, on a high plateau between the Etschtal/Val d'Adige and Nonstal/Val di Non valleys. The landscape is characterised by old farms, forests and alpine pastures, as well as views of the Laugenspitze/Monte Luco and Ilmenkamm/Catena delle Maddalene ridges. At any time of year, you can walk along quiet paths, past radicchio fields and old mills, through a landscape that has has kept its authenticity. No hustle and bustle, no rush - just space, peace and the feeling of being in the right place.

On the sunny high plateau of Tschögglberg/Altopiano del Salto, with the villages of Jenesien, Vöran and Mölten, you can switch off. Old larch forests, vast high pastures and traditional farms characterise the landscape. The locals here preserve culture and nature with care. Whatever the time of year, there are many ways to relax on the Tschögglberg/Altopiano del Salto. 

Tisens and Prissian lie quietly above the Adige Valley - nestled between castles, chestnut groves and gentle slopes. Throughout the year, you go to places with expansive views and simply stand there: to look, catch your breath, breathe deeply. Just you and a landscape that does you good.

Rodeneck lies on a high plateau - with authentic Alpine pastures, old farms and Rodenegg/Rodengo Castle, which watches over the valley. Not far away is Terenten, the sun-kissed village in Val Pusteria/Pustertal. There, paths lead through sparse forests to the earth pyramids. Two places where the unspoilt nature allows you to come to rest.

Narrow alleyways and old manor houses give Auer its special character. In Montan, paths wind their way through the steep village to Enn/Enna Castle. Salurn, at the end of the Wine Route, thrives on its charm: romantic alleyways, archways and Renaissance and Baroque houses characterise the townscape. What these picturesque corners have in common is their relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.

In the Südtiroler Unterland/Bassa Atesina, the wine villages of Margreid, Kurtatsch and Kurtinig are nestled among vineyards, cypress trees and olive groves. As you hike through the vineyards, you can breathe in the silence of nature and find places to stop and enjoy the view. You can immerse yourself in a special atmosphere here, even in winter. Step by step, calm returns.

Neumarkt is one of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia" - the most beautiful villages in Italy. Arcades, Venetian-style villas and hidden courtyards characterise the idyllic townscape. Situated at the foot of the Castelfeder hill, the village combines southern flair, cultural diversity and the tranquillity of the South Tyrolean Unterland.