Culture & curiosités dans les Dolomites

The 3 Peaks are one of the most well-known landmarks of the Dolomites and of South Tyrol. The impressive mountains with their imposing rock formations originated over 200 million years ago and attract visitors from all over the world. Because of their extraordinary beauty the Dolomites with the 3 Peaks have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009.

Landro in Val di Landro near Dobbiaco affords stunning views of the north faces of the 3 Peaks: these are visible only from the valley. 3 Peaks View is situated some 7 km from Dobbiaco. You get there on the road Dobbiaco-Cortina, or on the easy and popular cycle path or the cross country ski track. There is also a bus-stop nearby. Before you are the impressive north faces of the 3 Peaks, and in the South arises the impressive mountain range of Monte Cristallo and its reflection in nearby Lago di Landro. The majestic Monte Piano, one of the main theatres of the Dolomites War, is also visible from here.

Viewpoint to the north faces of the 3 Peaks
You reach the vantage point through a portal, which represents the formation of the mountains. It is designed in concrete made from Dolomite rock and refers back to the nearby fortresses that were built by Austria at the end of the 19th century to secure the border (until 1918 South Tyrol belonged to Austria). A wooden platform provides information on the nature and landscape and the history of the exploration of the Dolomites by mountaineers. Through a free telescope visitors can admire the panorama of the Dolomites from a distance. The rugged and distinctive rock formations are very close, and you can even watch climbers on their vertical challenge. A relief model of the peaks shows the most important climbing tours of the north faces. The routes are also added in Braille.

Little Chapel with view to the dolomites of Sesto / Sexten The San Antonio Chapel was built in 1930 and is located at Mitterberg / monte di mezzo. Sebastian Holzer and his wife Anna Mitteregger constructed this chapel around 1930 as a result of a vow that the wife should recover from a severe illness. The chapel was dedicated to S. Antonius from Padova.

More than 160 pieces of art by painter Rudolf Stolz (1874 - 1960) can be admired in the museums' showrooms. The artist learned by self instruction. During the first half of the 20th century he was one of the most renowned artists in Tyrol, together with Egger-Lienz. The art of Rudolf Stolz is characterised by the drawings of Madonnas. Special exhibition in the summer 2021: Amon e Fingerle 1906 -1940: Liebe für das Haus (love for the house)

The Three Peaks are the landmark of the Dolomites and the nature highlight of the Holiday Region 3 Peaks in the Dolomites. The Three Peaks are situated in the Three Peaks nature park and in 2009 they were declared UNESCO World Heritage, as were all other peaks of the Dolomites.

The three battlement-like peaks consist mainly of dolomite:

• The Cima Grande measures a proud 2,999 metres
• The Cima Occidentale 2,973 metres
• And the Cima Piccola 2,857 metres

Among climbers the Three Peaks are one of the most popular destinations in the Alps, offering numerous climbing routes of various levels of difficulty.
Alpine climbers began to conquer these most important peaks in the Dolomites from 1860. Paul Grohmann from Vienna was the first climber of many of the summits of the eastern Dolomites. In 1869 Grohmann started from Landro and, together with Franz Innerkofler and Peter Salcher, conquered the Cima Grande di Lavaredo. With the construction of the Val Pusteria railway line in 1871 the number of alpine climbers increased steadily. 

The station, designed by Wilhelm von Flattich, was put into operation in 1871 together with the Pustertal Railway, which was driven by the Südbahn company. From 1921 it also served as a separation station between the running in east-west direction Pustertal Railway and the Dolomite Railway, which branched off from Dobbiaco south to the Val di Landro/Höhlensteintal. However, in 1962, when the northern branch of the Dolomite Railway was closed, the Toblach station lost this function again.

As part of a total renovation of the Puster Valley Railway, redevelopments were also carried out in Dobbiaco/Tobalch in 2009: The realized construction measures included adapted platforms, an underpass and a new access.

From Dobbiaco in Alta Pusteria you can reach the Landro lake in the Landro-Valley, at an altitude of 1406 m. It is already in the Three Peaks Nature Park, so it is a protected area, and the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park is directly adjacent to its western shore. The magnificent mountain scenery around the turquoise-green Dolomite lake is known far and wide: The view reaches as far as the Cristallo Group in the Ampezzo Dolomites, and near the lake, in the direction of Dobbiaco, is the well-known "Three Peaks View" with a view of the world-famous Three Peaks.                                                                         

Centuries ago Dobbiaco’s waters were used by craftsmen and in mills. The historic melting furnace at the Klauskofel in the Val di Landro shows how people in those days used the power of the water to melt ores.
Modern usage of hydro power is demonstrated using the example of a power station.

Further information on Dobbiaco’s Water treasures

St. Josef Church in Moos was built in 1679, you will find there some beautiful frescoes of Rudolf Stolz.

 

From its source in Dobbiaco to the point where it joins the river Danube, the river Drava is 750 km long. There is a miniature replica of its dimensions on the way from the cycle path to the source of the Drava. Every 1 meter of path corresponds to 1.4 km of river. After 15 minutes walkers arrive at the source of the Drava.

Further information on Dobbiaco’s Water treasures

Built in 1735, at the site of a chapel dating from 1690. It is impressive because of the numerous frescoes and the pulpit with the inlayed Panels.

The most beautiful baroque church of the Pusteria Valley, built on the foundations of a Roman and later Gothic church. Rudolf Schraffl, an architect from Dobbiaco, was commissioned to plan and oversee the consturuction works. The bell Tower, situated North-west of the main nave, was completed in 1804.

Built with the proceeds of admission charges to Pian di Maia/Maistatt spa (digestive complints, 1511 visit by Emperor Maximilian I) artistic high altar with various different marbles.

One valley - one beer
Since its foundation in 1999, the company Pustertaler Bier S.r.l.deals with the cultivation of barley and the production of malt and beer for processing.The own barley, obtained from the Val Pusteria, in the first years - until the end of 2011 - greatly contributed to diversify beer.  

Just like the innkeeper Georg Paprion from San Candido, also the innkeeper Johann Klettenhammer from Prato Drava, was a zealous pilgrim. Both lived around the same time, and like the outer church realised by Paprion, the Loreto Chapel realised by Klettenhammer also provides a testimony to Baroque devotion. The town of Loreto in Italy was a popular destination for pilgrims even in the 17th century, since drawings and paintings of its Chapel of Mercy can be found everywhere in Tyrol. Johann Klettenhammr brought back a copy of the miraculous image from his pilgrimage to Loreto, and constructed a chapel in the style and shape of the Chapel of Mercy - the Loreto Chapel - beside his house. The chapel was consecrated in 1650. It was struck by detritus carried by the flooding of the two rivers, the Mittereggerbach and the Mühlbach several times - the last time in 1965. For the inhabitants it was a miracle, that the chapel had never been destroyed by these miseries: hence, the Loreto Chapel became more and more of a destination for pilgrims. The fresco on the outside wall depicts the legendary transport of the house of the Sacred mother by angels to Loreto. Visiting times: daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“It is wonderful here and definitely invigorates soul and body....” so wrote Mahler during his summer stay in Toblach.

During the sommermonth between 1908-1910 Gustav Mahler composed some of his most famous works in this simple wooden cabin in the heart of the Dolomites: the 9th and 10th symphonies and the "Lied von der Erde".

“How can people forever think,” cried Mahler “that Nature lies on the surface! Of course it does, in its most superficial aspect. But those who, in the face of Nature, are not overwhelmed with awe at its infinite mystery, its divinity (we can only sense it, not comprehend or penetrate it) -- these people have not come close to it. […] And in every work of art, which should be a reflection of Nature, there must be a trace of this infinity.”

More informations about composing house
https://youtu.be/E82lce0YJIM

Information and requests for further visits: mahlertoblach@gmail.com

In his honour the town organises the annual Gustav Mahler Music Weeks, when the most famous and beautiful pieces by this famous composer are played.

Lookout platform on the western shore of the lake with an attractive resting place and a view of the animal and plant world of Lake Dobbiaco/Toblach and its zone of sedimentation. The viewing platform offers a great view of the mountains and the lake. Due to the numerous information boards, every visitor gets an optimal insight into the special features of Lake Dobbiaco.

Further information to the water treasures of Dobbiaco: http://www.drei-zinnen.info/en/dobbiaco/dobbiaco/experiencing-dobbiaco/lago-di-dobbiaco-lago-di-landro-and-dobbiaco-water-treasures.html?_ga=1.243384837.1489106145.1483110301

“DOLOMITES WITHOUT BORDERS” is a unique mountain trail with demanding via ferrata sections that runs, in nine stages covering a total of 108 kilometres, through two countries, along 12 via ferrata and past 17 mountain refuges. It is deeply symbolic, not just from a mountaineering but also from a historical point of view. The route runs partly along old military trails by trenches and galleries from the war, and passes through the areas of Cadore and the Sesto Dolomites in the region of the Three Peaks (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) and as far as the Gail Valley in the Austrian Tyrol. There are also several places where the trail can be accessed: in East Tyrol from the mountaineering villages of Kartitsch and Obertilliach, in Sesto from the Passo Monte Croce Pass, the Prati di Croda Rossa or the Fondovalle Refuge Hut, and in Belluno from the Auronzo Hut, Misurina or the Valgrande near Padola. An adventure for present-day summiteers

Located at 2,000 metres above sea level, visitors find true serenity and pure nature in the area of Prato Piazza. Thanks to its integration into the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, the beautiful Prato Piazza area surrounded by imposing peaks, has been able to maintain its naturalness and originality. Far from car traffic and any noise, the alpine plateau fascinates with a splendid view of the surrounding mountains like Picco di Vallandro and Croda Rossa, and in the distance you can admire the Monte Cristallo and Tofane Mountains. Hobby photographers find the best of motives in summer and winter. You can sit down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the variety of nature, or actively discover the surrounding nature. Walking, Nordic walking, hiking, climbing or by bicycle.

The church contains a neo-Gothic altar. The cementery is the last home of the famous Alpinist Viktor Wolf Edler von Glanvell.

The three wood constructions, which looks like spruces, inform the visitors about the activity of our forests and the possibility of the usage of the wood. The trees are accessible and with bridges they are connected together. The attraction is recommended especially for children and families, as it is located next to the playground Waldwunderwelt and is very quiet.

Because of the proximity to the Dolomites front several military hospitals were opened in San Candido in 1914-1989 during the First World War. So many wounded and sick soldiers died there that they could no longer be buried in the cemetery of the collegiate church. Mayor Josef Baumgartner therefore asked the Imperial and Royal Borders Commando No. 10 to create an own inter-faith military cemetery. In the summer of 1915 the work was started and at the end of July the first soldiers were laid to rest in the cemetery. On 12 March 1916 the cemetery and the chapel were consecrated by divisional priest Anton Pircher and formally opened by Major General Karl Englert. By November 1918 over 700 known soldiers were buried there in individual graves, among them members of the Imperial and Royal Army, Italian, Russian, Romanian and Serbian prisoners of war and Bosniacs, as well as many unknown soldiers interred in a mass grave. When in 1916 San Candido was bombarded with grenades and Services in the collegiate church and in the Franciscan monastery church became too risky, Holy Mass and other Worship was moved to the chapel of the military cemetery. Between the wars the parish and the Italian War Graves Commission (C.O.S.C.G.) looked after the cemetery, and in 1927 a special Cemetery Commission was set up for this purpose. In October 1934 the State ordered for the Italian prisoners of war to be exhumed and to be interred in the ossuary Pocol near Cortina. Following the options agreement between Germany and Italy and after the cemetery was already officially decommissioned by the Italian War Graves Commission in 1941, 181 victims of war were exhumed and re-interred in the war cemeteries in Varna/Bressanone (92), Croda Bagnata (68), San Giacomo/Bolzano (11), Merano (8), Passo Pordoi (2). The remaining crosses and the chapel disappeared over a period of time and vegetation covered the levelled field of graves. Thanks to the efforts of the Franciscan Father Brother Siegfried Volgger, and with the help of the renowned Regiment "Schützen Hofmark Innichen”, the war cemetery Burg was restored during 2002/04 and the chapel rebuilt. On 28 August 2004 the restored cemetery was formally consecrated by Suffragan Bishop Dr. Franz Lackner OFM of Graz. The hallmarks of the war cemetery “Burg” in San Candido and its charm are its simplicity and cared for appearance.

Modern water use, using the example of the power plant "Schmelze", is clearly visible before the eyes and ears.

Further information to the water treasures of Dobbiaco: http://www.drei-zinnen.info/en/dobbiaco/dobbiaco/experiencing-dobbiaco/lago-di-dobbiaco-lago-di-landro-and-dobbiaco-water-treasures.html?_ga=1.243384837.1489106145.1483110301

The location of the chapel on the highest point of the San Silvestro Valley, has been identified as a prehistoric hillfort. Pre-christian sanctuaries were mostly build in such high located spots. It is therefore possible that also the San Silvestro Chapel was one of the pre-german shepherd's sacred places with a sacrificial altar.

History and stories from the castle and the region, an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Prices:

www.burg-heinfels.com

The "Leitnstöckl" is one of the many plague shrines in our area. At the "Leitnstöckl" there is a beatiful view of the surrounding mountains an the center of Dobbiaco/Toblach. 

The hiking trail offers a wonderful view of Dobbiaco and leads past the Leitnstöckl chapel. The chapel is of great historical importance as it is one of the plague sticks and is reminiscent of the time of the Black Death in the Alps. The path leads through Dobbiaco and the sunny faction Wahlen.

 

The Fortress Mitterberg dates back to 1884-89. Two years before the construction work started, the Triple Alliance between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy was signed. In order to strengthen this defensive alliance, numerous fortifications were built on the borders and passes, including the Monte di Mezzo Fortress on the southern slope and the Haideck Fortress on the northern slope of Sesto. The aim of the 427,000 kronor expensive complex was to close the Monte Croce Pass and to block the access to the Val Pusteria valley if necessary. The fortresses were connected by telephone and visual telegraph.

Built in the first years of the 20th Century and consecrated in 1904. In Possession of the Hotel Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee.

Open air museum "Anderter Alpe":

Many areas of the Dolomites are in the process of setting up projects to enhance the historical testimony of the Great War. Sesto di Pusteria was both victim and protagonist of this tragedy. Sesto di Pusteria is the only place of Germanic language and culture belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire to find itself at the front line, undergoing forced evacuation and displacement, and then, together with other places of the South Tyrol, being annexed to Italy. This chance set of events makes Sesto an emblematic place to tell the history of this period, not only for the Tyrolean citizens of today but for all the inhabitants of Europe. The vicissitudes of the civilian population and of the soldiers during this extremely important moment in history have so far surprisingly been neglected, undoubtedly because of the upheaval following the end of the war and annexation to Italy. Given the considerable interest in the First World War that is now emerging in Europe, Sesto has unique and inestimable contribution to make. The Associazione Bellum Aquilarum (Bellum Aquilarum historical association) aims to save from oblivion the surviving testimony to this tragedy in order to preserve it so that it can be handed down to future generations, not only to the young people of Pusteria, but also to those living in places once belonging to the former Austro-Hungarian Empire that were the scenes of battle here. The tragedy experienced so deeply at Sesto and in Pusteria is askin to that of many other areas of Europe which were on the front line or which, after the war, witnessed the havoc brougth on by territorial annexation. The ensuing cultural, historical and political schism was immense; without doubt, these events changed Pusteria but also Europe itself, and today - in a European perspective enabling the age-old tensions issuing from the war to be overcome - preserving these memories can aid us in the construction of our common future.

The museum is located in Hotel Mondschein in the centre of Sesto. It was realised by Mr. Stabinger with a lot of love for detail.

Deeply under meters of concrete the modern history of the region is being presented in an adventurous way for every age in this bunker active to the very last days of the Cold War. The bunker reflects the conflicts of the region and offers a genuine insight into history. Interesting information about the course of the war is imposed at various stations, surprising every visitor.