Culture & curiosités dans les Dolomites

The Ilsterner Au biotope extends along a 1.3-kilometer stretch of the River Rienz/Rienza  and is located in the municipalities of Kiens/Chienes and Vintl/Vandoies. It consists of four hectares of water area and eight hectares of biotope area.
Floodplain forests are rich in water and plant nutrients, which provide an ideal setting for a colorful range of vegetation. While grey alders are the most common trees to be found in the Ilsterner Au floodplain forest, parts of it are also densely populated by spruces and pine trees. 
Ash trees are the predominant plants in the eastern part of this biotope, which is a bustling home to many different animals. Countless fascinating insects and birds live here all year round, and many migratory birds can be observed on their way north or south.
The ecological function of a floodplain forest, however, is not limited to merely protecting its native wildlife; biotopes also play a key role in maintaining the hydrological balance of their surroundings, since they act as a large water reservoir.  Moreover, in terms of landscape, it is an enriching counterpart to the intensively used landscape areas.
In the course of the sustainable revitalization project, large parts of the terrain were lowered, the river bed widened, and several groundwater ponds were created. The upper area with the theme board is also considered a nature-oriented recreation zone for the local population in general and families and schools in particular.

Once known as "Lucke" (or hole), the gate carries a painting by the South Tyrolean painter Rudolf Stolz (1874-1960) which shows Saint Florian, the Bruneck coat of arms and the town's founding bishop, Bruno. In Florianigasse, St. Florian, a work by the Bruneck artist Josef Bachlechner (1871-1923) can be seen.

The village of Lungiarü (1398 m), is situated at the foot of the nature park Puez-Odle (Dolomites UNESCO world heritage). Because of the beautiful location at the end of the valley, the very low level of traffic and the lack of lifts and cable cars, the village opens up like a precious pearl, showcasing Ladin traditions completely untouched by change. Because of its lack of lifts and cable cars and thanks to its unspoilt nature, Lungiarü is the perfect paradise for hikes with touring skis, snowshoes and winter boots.
Its location at the foot of the nature park Puez-Odle ensures that Lungiarü is ideal for summer holidays. The mountain visitors immerse themselves in unspoilt nature and conquer with numerous hiking paths the Dolomite peaks on foot or by climbing.

The objective of the mountaineers villages is the sustainable development in the mountain villages, the harmony between humans and nature, to support the local sectors and some more. Less but better is the motto.  Lungiarü is the first village in the Dolomites with the name “mountaineering village”.

The foursquare chapel near the court Wirther in Rasun di Sopra dates back to the 16th century.

Two churches overlook the Piazza Cappuccini.
One is the Church Cappuccini and the other the Church of Santo Spirito.

Built in 1652. The black Mother of God with Infant Jesus is worth a visit. After the Mauren begin the stations of the Cross leading to the most popular place of pilgrimage of the middle Pustertal: Maria Saalen. The little pilgrimage church "Unsere Liebe Frau von Loreto" was built in the 17th century and once had a hermitage. The entrance has the year 1652 written on it and on the top right-hand side a modern painting of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto. The gable of the altar shows the Annunciation, and below the Black Mary with the Infant Jesus, Saints Anne and Joachim, and above the doors Saints Joseph and Sylvester.

biotope with a special animals and plants - descriptions during the walk

The protected hanging spruce is a very rare and botanically interesting natural monument and stands at the foot of an embankment next to the road between Hofern/Corti and Issing/Issengo near Mühlen/Molini, below the bridge over the Grünbach/rio verde.

There, a unique post spruce, also called a garland spruce, rises from the young growth. While the terminal shoot grows upright, the approx. 30 cm long side branches hang vertically and are slightly twisted downward. The tree, which is about 115 years old (in 2021), reaches a height of 25 m (1991) and has a circumference of 34 cm (1991). The hanging spruce is difficult to classify in the many columnar and hanging forms known so far. In any case, it is the narrowest spruce form ever found in South Tyrol and far beyond.

The roman miliary stone (201 a.C.) was found in 1958 by the Prugger brother while building the power station in Oberolang. The miliary stone stil reported the original incisions made by the roman Emperor Settimo Severo (193-211 a.C.) and his sonsCaracalla and Geta. Now the roman miliary stone is positioned near the Hotel Alte Goste in Oberolang/ Valdaora di Sopra.

The church St. Georg in Antholz Mittertal was rebuilt in 1798 to today's baroque church. It is assumed that Antholz Mittertal had already a church in the year 1000.

The South Tyrolean Folklore Museum is the oldest of the provincial museums in South Tyrol and offers a view of social life in the past. The noble residence “Mair am Hof”, built in the 17th century, gives you the opportunity of following a striking itinerary through the refined world of local aristocracy. The stately rooms of the landed gentry and the collections of the museum are located inside the residence. Translocated original farm houses, craft workshops and cottage gardens are situated on the three hectares of the green area. A walk through the open air site takes you into the everyday world of various peasant groups of the past: from the self-sufficient farmers to rural craftsmen, cottagers and labourers.

The Meizger-Stöckl, built in 1816, is a Mariahilf chapel in Antholz Niedertal.

The milestone of the roman emperors Septimus Severus, Caracalla end Geta was found in 1928 to the west of the village of Casteldane- Italy in the vicinity of the “Hinterbühel” and was inserted in a country wall. The measurements of the stone (local quartziferous porphyry) are as follows: Over-all height: 1.95 m Top circumference: 1.54 m Central circumference: 1.71 m Bottom circumference: 1.89 m The engraved surface measures 82 cm in height and 74 cm in width: the average height of the letters is 4 cm. The milestone dates back to 201 AD and indicates the distance from Aguntum, a roman town close to the modern city of Lienz-Austria. Starting point: Kiens (782 m) at the tourist office; parking facilities nearby, bus stop. Cross the main road (state road SS 49), and between the Gasthof Gatterer (inn) and the Sparkasse bank building head south down to the bridge across the River Rienz. Walk over the bridge and through the railway underpass and now always follow the No. 5 blue-and-white trail markers: first walk east for about 300 m, then turn south and proceed on that path until you reach the first houses of Ehrenburg. From there continue on the tarmac road for about 100 m as far as the turn-off for the “Straße am Römerstein” (road). Now proceed in a westerly direction, always following the No. 5 blue-and-white markers to the milestone. From there initially keep heading west and subsequently take the track which runs north until you reach the road which runs parallel to the railway lines. From there walk east back to the Rienz bridge and to the starting point. Total walking time: about 1 ½ hours Standard: easy Summary: This walk is especially interesting from a botanical point of view since the vegetation is rich and varied.

Bruneck blends the charm of a historic town with the unique flair of a winter resort. You can feel the special atmosphere of Alpine vibes and Italian Dolce Vita while strolling through the streets of the old town at the foot of the snow-covered Kronplatz mountain. That's one of the reasons why you shouldn't miss a visit of the traditional Christmas Market. Christmas is in the air and it is taking over the entire town. At the market you'll find lovely decorated stands with arts and craft, sweet treats and handmade gifts as well as several culinary delights. Make sure to try the local mulled wine, the best way to end a cosy winter evening.

The traditional Christmas market takes place from 23 November 2018 to the 6 January 2019 in the town centre of Brunico. The guests will find lovely decorated stands with arts and craft, sweet treats and handmade gifts as well as several culinary delights at the Christmas market. Concerts, music, ice rink and the Advent Calender.

 

The plague wayside shrine is a well known landmark of Valdaora and is reminiscent of the plague epidemic from the year 1448.

In 1924 bulit the farmer Josef Pallhuber the "Brugger" chapel next to his house. Until now it is the youngest chapel in the valley.

The sulphur baths at Bad Bergfall The newly reviving bathing culture in South Tyrol is only one of the reasons why we have reconstructed Bad Bergfall. Here you can feel the element of water with all your five senses: Sulphur baths, Fountain of youth baths, Drinking cures, Inhalation fountain, Relaxation room, Relaxation massages, Energetic massages e Fitness programme The spacious pool facility with adjacent guesthouse provides the ideal retreat for people who want to spend recreational holidays to improve their health. The Pörnbacher family meets this increasing demand with professional bathing offers.

The old Lippa sawmill from the 19th century is located in Oberolang, in an easily accessible location in the immediate vicinity of the Val Pusteria cycle path and the Olang nature and culture trail. It is the last remaining Venetian sawmill, which was restored and put back into operation in 2011 after it was last used in 1958. It is a unique testimony to the history of the Val Pusteria timber industry.

Guided tours are only possible in SUMMER! For more information, please contact the Valdaora/Olang tourist office.

The valley along the Seres brook, in the mountaineering village Lungiarü, is also known as the Mills because of the many hydroelectric mills along its banks . Between the orographic left hamlet Seres and the orographic right hamlet Miscì are eight mills , two of which are equipped with two water wheels

The chapel "Rauther" dates back to the 17th century. The chapel was built jointly by the owners of the two courts Ober- and Unterrauther.

The Ascension Church in Ehrenburg was first built in the year 1370. Today's building was built in the baroque period between 1698 and 1701. The mercy-painting was painted by I. A. Mölck (1755). In the crypt, there is an old statue of the Virgin Mary and other interesting paintings.

Cast in classy bronze, the panorama relief around the bell is made up of 24 segments stretching as far as 36 m. At the front, you can see the most important peaks visible from Mount Kronplatz and their height as well as the direction in which some key European cities lie.

The Ragglmoos wetlands Located about 1 km east of the Casteldarne/Ehrenburg train station, the Ragglmoos wetlands are a humid biotope on the northern slope of Mount Kienberg. A true gem of nature nestled in the heart of a forest, their fauna is still relatively well preserved and deserves further protection to make sure this striking habitat lives on. Its mossy grounds are fed by seepage water, which collects on the hillside and flows out of the biotope on its western edge. Lined with pine trees, spruces, and birches, this low moor is very well embedded in its surroundings and consists of three different sections: The east is densely populated by sedges and peat mosses. In the drier central section, sedges and peat mosses share their habitat with purple moor grasses. Flanked by alders, the west is covered in reeds and some peat moss.

The parish church in Valdaora di Sotto is one of the oldest of the occident. As district from other churches in the surroundings the mother parish church was able to preserve the baroque equipment.

SMACH Val dl'Ert is the public art park in the nature of San Martino in Badia winner of the special mention in the National Landscape Award 2023 awarded by the Ministry of Culture.
In the 24 hectares of pristine forest and pastures, the trail will lead you to discover 23 works that dialogue with the landscape and visitors.

The Val dl'Ert is conceived as a work in progress, in fact it is enriched with new works after each edition of the SMACH Biennale, which this year will open on July 8, 2023 presenting 10 new installations.

Admission is free and the park can be visited independently every day of the year. You can also contact SMACH for individual or group guided tours.

At the parish church St. Martin in Hofern the longhouse walls are romanic, the vaults, the choir and the tower were built in the year 1473. At the inside there is a sidepiece altar which dates bach to the year 1520. Church is locked, information about the key at the tourist office in Kiens/Chienes.

The church of St. Andreas in Oberrasen was built in the 14th century, consecrated in 1422, expanded in the 17th century and re-arched. In 1959 it was broken off in order to create space for the contemporary, modern style of the church.

Gais has recently been enriched by a cultural and historical jewel. After years of preparatory work, the old chapel, the so-called “ossuary,” has been transformed into a small museum and opened to the public.

The highlight of the museum is a cycle of late Gothic frescoes featuring a unique depiction of the Last Judgment. Beside it are works illustrating the redemption of poor souls — a kind of catechism for believers who, at the time, were unable to read.

In addition, visitors can admire the priestly vestments from Castelbadia (including several precious chasubles) displayed in a glass case, as well as the complete skeleton of Saint Constantine II preserved in a reliquary.

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The landscape is nestled in a fairytale white: deep snow makes the rugged peaks and rocks of the Dolomites appear soft and gentle, while forests and meadows on the slopes and in the valley lie under a deep blanket of snow. After dusk falls, silence settles over the landscape, and the stars sparkle on the horizon. Christmas lights illuminate the streets, and in the wooden objects of the "holzART" exhibition, twinkling stars, glowing angels, and shining hearts appear with a gentle glow, while Mitterolang Park also shines in a particularly atmospheric light: welcome to the Dolomites.Light.Zoo.

Here, the magical winter landscape of the Dolomites is reflected. Twelve corten steel steles, crafted by local artisans in the shape of our Dolomites’ peaks, create an interactive light path and offer a unique way to experience the wildlife of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. Take your time to immerse yourself in this idyllic scene and explore the park's wildlife.

A journey through the wildlife of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park for young and old alike.