Culture & curiosités dans les Dolomites

At the cheese dairy farm Ebenhof, the South Tyrolean cheese tradition is cultivated with passion. Since 2007, delicious raw milk cheeses have been made from the fresh grass-fed milk of the local Alpine cows. Farmer and cheesemaker Markus relies on natural ingredients and craftsmanship to create unique cheeses such as the mildly flavoured "Sternkasl", the aromatic Mountain Cheese and the versatile Farmer Cheese.

Production takes place directly on the farm - from milking the cows to maturing the cheese in the cellar. Sustainability and animal welfare play a central role here. 

You can buy the eight different types of cheese at the farmers' markets in Welschnofen|Nova Levante and Bozen|Bolzano and at the grocer's shop Despar Masoner in Steinegg|Collepietra. Farm-gate sales are only possible by prior appointment by telephone.

The impressive formations of Steinegg|Collepietra are a true natural wonder and tell a story that goes back thousands of years. Their formation dates back to the last ice age: when the glaciers melted, they left behind huge quantities of moraine material - a mixture of clay, sand and stones. Over the millennia, rain has eroded this material, but in some places it has formed clay cones with protective stones on top. These ‘hats’ protect the cones of earth underneath from erosion, giving the earth pyramids their unique shape.

Their slender formations, often crowned by imposing boulders, rise up from the valley floor and seem almost unreal - as if from another world.
A hike to the earth pyramids takes you through picturesque forests and meadows and even through a gorge. Whether you are hiking alone or with your family, this place is both fascinating and inspiring.

The best time to explore the earth pyramids is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light brings out the bizarre shapes in a particularly impressive way.

The Collegiate Church in San Candido is one of the most beautiful sacral buildings in Roman style in the Eastern Alps. The Collegiate Church was constructed around 1143 when the Benedictine Convent of San Candido founded in the 8th century by Duke Tassilo from Bavaria III was transformed into a Collegiate Church. The Church assumed its present appearance around 1280, while the bell tower dates back to between 1320 and 1326. The monumental walls recall the style of the fortresses favoured by the crusaders and the many castles built in the days of the Hohenstaufen. Also the church was meant to be a fortress of God. Worth seeing are the monumental Roman fresco, the special crucifixion group, and the crypt.

The starry experience in the First European Star Village starts right in the tourist office of Steinegg|Collepietra - with a real highlight: the new Virtual Reality Corner! Here you can take off, explore space and experience adventures you won't soon forget.

Take a seat in the interactive Roto VR gaming chair, put on the Oculus Quest 3D glasses and immerse yourself in fascinating worlds of experience. Whether it's rocket flights, walks on the International Space Station (ISS) or exploring distant planets - anything is possible!

With 7 different apps, you can immerse yourself in 7 different worlds of experience:

• Overview 360: Take off from Earth and discover the universe with spectacular images and film sequences from Nasa.

• Into Space: Experience the history of the Apollo missions and take a look at the future of space travel.

• Apollo 11: Become part of the historic moon mission and explore the lunar surface.

• Star Chart: Turn your room into a virtual planetarium and discover the solar system in an accurate real-time simulation.

• Mission ISS: Float weightlessly through the ISS, dock a spaceship and go on space walks.

• Titans of Space +: Let yourself be guided through our solar system and beyond - exciting facts will accompany you.

• Shuttle Commander: Take control of the space shuttle, land precisely and experience the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope.

This innovative Virtual Reality Corner was realised as part of the SKYSCAPE Interreg project in collaboration with the municipality of Karneid|Cornedo all'Isarco and the Steinegg Tourist Association.

The virtual reality experiences are recommended for visitors aged 13 and over and can be enjoyed without barriers.

The virtual reality corner can be used free of charge during the opening hours of the Tourism Office Steinegg.

The Chapel of St. Agatha stands on a wooded hill in complete seclusion and silence. It remains unknown why it exists in such a remote place. It is speculated that there was a prehistoric settlement on this site, while the legendary Kegelberg hill and old mining tunnels can be found nearby.
The building itself is of Romanesque origin, with the later extensive modifications showing ostensibly Gothic elements. The beautiful, stone-framed pointed-arch portal dates from that time, with its figurines of saints, grapevines and a zigzag band in the ogee, with a rod that ends to the left in a root and to the right in a shovel.
The church interior underwent major renovation in the 17th century: the simple sandstone pulpit and richly carved altar date back to that time. Sadly, the free-standing statues were stolen by art thieves. The altarpiece by Orazio Giovanelli, showing St. Agatha and St. Anne with Jesus and Mary, dates back to 1619. Remains of old murals can also be seen on the church. The façade probably shows St. Christopher with the infant Jesus and scenes from the life of the patron saint, while inside parts of a nativity scene are visible.
Location: Nova Ponente
Opening times: The church is closed; the key is kept at the Unterkofelhof farm and may be collected from there.

The Peter Anich Solar Observatory in Gummer|San Valentino, in the municipality of Karneid|Cornedo all' Isarco, is just over half an hour from Bozen|Bolzano and yet far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and light pollution. Together with the Max Valier Observatory, it offers fascinating insights into the secrets of the universe - from the depths of the starry sky to the spectacular details of our sun.

The view through the solar telescope, which is equipped with a special filter, is a real highlight: you can see the bubbling surface of the sun, recognise sunspots and experience the unbridled power of our star up close. 

In the summer months, guided tours take place every Friday at 2 pm, where you can learn all about the sun and practical sky observation from experienced guides. Individual appointments can also be arranged for groups - advance booking is always required.
During the usual evening tours at the ‘Max Valier’ observatory, the telescope of the solar observatory serves as an additional instrument for observing stars, the moon, galaxies and much more

Entry fees:
    Adults: €8.00
    Children: € 4.00

Lo sapevi che il Lago di Carezza ha un fratello minore?

Seguendo il sentiero [12] attraverso la foresta del Latemar, si arriva a uno specchio d'acqua segreto: il Mittersee o Lago di Mezzo. Non appena la neve inizia a sciogliersi, dove in realtà c'è solo un prato, emerge un lago. Il lago è alimentato da sorgenti sotterranee e per un breve periodo in primavera invita i più avventurosi a fare un giro su una zattera e i più coraggiosi a immergere i piedi nell'acqua fresca a 8 gradi.

 

Sacred art is here surrounded by old stone walls: ancient altarpieces and consecrated panels from the 16th century, early Baroque statues of saints and religious paintings delve deep into the history of the Val d'Ega. The local museum in Castle Thurn is attached to the present-day town hall in a Romanesque tower dating from the 13th century, which was once used as a residence and, around 1341, for court sittings. In 1911 the residence of Thurn Castle was transferred to the municipality of Nova Ponente, which meticulously renovated the building and opened it to the historically minded.

The church of San Silvestro/Wahlen is devoted to St.Nicolas, patron saint against flooding and avalanches. The church was bulit in the 16th century. 

A church in Wahlen was first mentioned in a document around 1258. Certainly in the 15th century, but probably already in the 14th century, there was a little church dedicated to St. Nicholas in Wahlen. According to the inscription on the choir vault, the Gothic church of St. Nicholas in Wahlen with its rich net vault and beautiful portals was newly built in 1512 by the master builder Andre Firtaler from San Candido.                                          

The Steinegg Museum offers an unforgettable excursion into Tyrolean history. Rural life, its roots in religion, the various almost forgotten trades and the painful memories of the wars are just some of the lovingly collected exhibits. On a guided tour through the faithfully reconstructed rooms, chambers and workrooms, you can feel the spirit of simple life at first hand and be fascinated by almost forgotten living and working habits.
An exhibition of native animal species will make children's hearts beat faster.

A new attraction is the opportunity to hear directly from contemporary witnesses about how they lived in earlier times. These exciting interviews can be shown on various screens.

Important information:
The museum opens on Palm Sunday and remains open until the end of October.
Visits are only possible with a guided tour in german or italian languague. These take place from Tuesday to Friday at 10:10 and 11:10 and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 17:00.

A reservation is required: +39 0471 619560 or steinegg@eggental.com
On weekdays, reservations must be made by 12 noon the day before, on weekends by 4 pm on Thursday and 48 hours in advance on public holidays.
Special guided tours for groups of 10 people or more are possible by prior arrangement.

A barrier-free visit to the museum is unfortunately not possible.

Here is a brief insight:
Video Museum Steinegg

The history of the Grauer Bär Hotel goes back half a millennium. It has, in fact, been  in the hands of the same family for nine generations now. The reconstruction and renovation of the bar, reception area, lobby, rooms, and restaurant extension were thus carried out by a variety of different architects over the course of many years and with great sensitivity. The spatial and historical qualities of the old building were developed in this way; at the same time, though, a new and contemporary atmosphere was created. The existing historical structure served as the starting point for the architectural changes, which were integrated in such a way that creates the feeling it has always been so. The bar in particular, which was done in light wood, white plaster and hanging lamps, with clean lines, has become one of the village's main meeting places.

Every vacationer in South Tyrol has to visit Lake Carezza, the most gorgeous Alpine mountain lake!
This small mountain lake is well-known for its soft, deep green waters and the exquisite view of the Rosengarten and Latemar mountain ranges.

The lake is at its most gorgeous in the evening or early morning, when the Rosengarten-Latemar mountain ranges and the green of the Karerwald forest are reflected in its crystal clear water. This is a natural spectacle you won't want to miss!

Many South Tyrolean legends are based around the lake, such as that of the water nymph, and many writers and painters have chosen the motif for their paintings and stories.

Situated at 1,520 metres above sea level, Lake Carezza is 300 m long and 140 m wide in the Val d'Ega municipality of Nova Levante and is a protected natural monument. It is fed by underground springs from the Latemar mountain range, which is why both its size and depth are highly dependent on season and weather conditions - the greatest depth of Lake Carezza has been recorded at 22 m.

As Lake Carezza is a protected area, it is forbidden to cross the protective boundaries around the lake. Likewise, bathing and swimming in it is also strictly prohibited.  

Lake Carezza is accessible without barriers. At the car park of the lake there are a total of 4 parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities. At the lake there is a visitor centre with barrier-free toilets and a barrier-free passage to the lake. The viewing platform and the circular walk around the lake are also barrier-free. 

There are refreshment facilities at the visitor centre, which include two bistros. Other places to stop are the restaurants and huts in the area.

Lake Carezza is accessible around the clock all year round. The visitor centre with its subway for pedestrians and the toilets are open daily from 9 am - 6 pm.

For more info on Lake Carezza, click here: eggental.com/lakecarezza

The cave dwelling "Mortner Gufl" is located on the old Steinegger carriage road, which at that time connected Steinegg|Collepietra with Kardaun|Cardano and Bozen|Bolzano.  About 500 m from the farm Mortner in the direction of Kardaun, there is an extensive, flat square with a thick stone slab hanging over it, as if it wanted to provide a protective roof for the little place. It is said that a hermit, the Mortner Hias, lived here during the First World War. He even set up a farm oven in this natural dwelling and walled the place up. The hermit wove baskets here. During the Second World War, this place was used as an air-raid shelter for the inhabitants of the nearby farm Mortner. Some remains of the wall can still be discovered and admired today.
In 1951, there is also said to have been an apparition of the Virgin Mary at this special place.
A descriptive board on site tells of these extraordinary occurrences at the "Mortner Gufl".
Route description:
Starting point is the Steinegg village square. From the car park at the Cafè Christl, walk past the Lex Market grocery shop along hiking trail [2] / Rittersteig. Continue along the Rittersteig past the Ebenhof farm until you reach the turnoff to the Mortner farm. Here you walk a short distance in the direction of Mortner farm and then immediately turn left to the "Mortner Gufl".
The way back is via the same path.
Length of the route from the Steinegg village square to the "Mortner Gufl": 3km (approx. 50 minutes walking time)

The new Strata wing of the conservative Königswarte Residence creates a conscious contrast with its modern architecture and design. The building was developed with the high outlines of the sunny slopes overlooking the Dolomites in mind. Horizontal lines created by larch wood slats on the balconies of the facade characterize this building, creating a continuation of the topography and connecting the construction mass as closely as possible to the landscape with this layering.  Hidden behind, there is a spacious, glazed concrete construction that houses the roomy suites. Natural materials such as loden, leather, larch wood and Dolomite stone are used in these well-proportioned rooms. The architecture won the Piper's Award and the Next Generation Award in 2008 as well as the Alpine Interior Award in 2011.

The majestic Castle of Karneid is located high above the valley basin of Bozen at the entrance to the Eggental valley. The castle, which was built in the 12th century, was once the proud home of the noble Greifenstein family. In the 14th century, the castle came into the possession of the Lords of Völs, then to the later bailiff Heinrich Gessler and finally to the Counts of Lichtenstain. Today the castle is privately owned and is one of the most beautiful examples of medieval architecture in South Tyrol.

Apart from a few minor details, the original form from the 16th century has remained unchanged to this day, and this is one of its special features. The interior of the castle offers a wealth of beautiful architectural and art-historical details of great interest.

A guided tour of the castle will immerse you in history: magnificent knights' halls, an old chapel with valuable frescoes and mysterious corners that will bring you closer to life in the Middle Ages. 

The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
Guided tours are offered in April, May, June, September and October. These always take place on Fridays at 3 pm.
Registration is required: +39 0471 361313
Minimum number of participants: 10 people

Admission price:   
Normal price: 7,00 Euro
Reduced price: 5,00 Euro (pupils/students up to 25 years, senior citizens from 65 years)

Emma Hellensteiner (23 April 1818 - 9 March 1904)

Emma Hellenstainer was a charismatic host, an excellent cook and a pioneer for tourism in the Alpine region. The “Schwarzer Adler” (Black Eagle), as the Hotel Emma was known then, became known far beyond the country’s borders. Her charm captivated guests from all over the world. Visitors from Germany, Great Britain, Italy - they all came to Villabassa because of the beautiful local landscape, but mainly because of Emma and her engaging personality.

At an altitude of 1520m, Pietralba is the most significant place of pilgrimage in South Tyrol and among the region’s popular destinations, especially since the visit of Pope John Paul II in July 1988. Highlights include the large monastery and its collection of votive.

In the beautiful natural landscape of the Pusteria Valley you will find the game park of Carbonin Vecchia/Altschluderbach in Dobbiaco/Toblach.
Many different types of Alpine animals are only a step away: stags, deer, red deer, lynx and muflon, wild boar, pheasants, eagle owl, snow owl, raccoon, ducks, geese and many more.
Pure nature at your fingertips!
You can reach the wildlife park not only by car, but also via a leisurely walk from Dobbiaco.

More information:
Tel: +39 0474 972347
E-Mail: herbert.trenker1@gmail.com

The Joseph chapel at the 'Moartalalmwiese' (Moar Valley alpine meadow) was built in 1897 by the Association for Alpine Hotels. In the summer of the years prior to World War I, a mass was held there every day. For this reason, the management of the 'Grand Hotel Carezza' employed a hotel chaplain. In 1976, the parish of Nova Levante bought the chapel. Thereafter, the little church was renovated and extended. Today, it offers space for 200 people. The renovated chapel was consecrated on the 18th June 1983.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the restored grain mill in Carezza. As well as an explanation of how the mill worksand where the water comes from, guests can observe the mill in action as it grinds grain to make fl our.

On request, guided visits for groups from 6 people.

 

The Max Valier Observatory in Gummer|San Valentino is located near the provincial capital Bozen|Bolzano and is a gateway to the stars and a place where the fascination of the universe comes to life. Named after the South Tyrolean astronomer and space pioneer Max Valier, the facility invites visitors to explore the depths of the universe. The centrepiece of the observatory is an impressive 80 cm reflector telescope, which gives you detailed views of distant galaxies, brilliant stars and the planets of our solar system.

During a guided tour with the dedicated amateur astronomers of the ‘Max Valier’ association, you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover the infinite vastness of the cosmos. Whether you have just discovered your passion for astronomy or are already an experienced stargazer - the observatory offers you exciting insights and an unforgettable experience under the clear skies of South Tyrol.

Important information:
A visit or tour of the observatory is only possible as part of a guided tour. Guided tours take place every Thursday and Friday.
Booking is required!
Telephone: 0039 371 6761428 (weekdays from 9am - 12pm and 3pm - 6pm)
E-mail: info@sternwarte.it

Cost of the guided tour:
Adults (aged 14 and over): €8.00
Children (from 6 to 14 years): €4.00

You can stop for a break at the neighbouring Untereggerhof Inn

Here is a brief insight into our observatory:
Observatory Max Valier

The Rosengarten/Catinaccio massif in the Dolomites – UNESCO World Heritage Site – is known for the many legends and mystery that surround its peaks. Indeed, even today the Catinaccio mountain seems to bloom at sunset, as if by magic: it is said in the legend that many years ago, there was a garden full of roses (rose garden = Rosengarten) of the dwarf King Laurin. One day, while fighting knights, King Laurin used his magic cap which made him invisible. However, the knights could tell from the movement of the roses where the dwarf king was hiding. Very angry about this, King Laurin put a curse on the rose garden that had betrayed him. He decided that neither by day nor by night anyone should ever see his rose garden again. However, he forgot the twilight and so today you can still admire the magical alpenglow (Enrosadira) at sunrise and sunset which colours the mountain in and red.

At the Catinaccio there are countless hiking trails of different levels to be explored: the Masarè path to the Christomannos Monument, the Rosengarten circular route and much more. The Catinaccio massif also invites adventurous climbers to explore the via ferrata and the climbing routes.

Sesto was completely destroyed during the First World War, and the homes in the village are therefore new, almost without exception. Architecturally speaking the most important structure is the new Drei Zinnen Hotel, which was built in 1930 in the style of Bauhaus and Italian rationalism. The building, in fact, has become an icon of modern hotel construction in the Alps. The roof ridge is arranged transversely in relation to the narrow side of the structure. The side facing the valley represents a vibrant take on the bay window motif and sits, plastered in white, on a two-story stone plinth − all elements of traditional Alpine design with a modern twist. The 2000 renovation sensitively provided the comfort demanded by the modern guest without diminishing  the hotel’s distinctive style. A noteworthy example of this success, above and beyond the consistent selection of colors and materials, is the spa in the lower level, which provides direct access to the outside area.

The Gustav Mahler statue is located directly in the village center of Dobbiaco and was made in the years 1976 - 1982 by the Slovenian Bojan Kunaver.

The famous composer Gustav Mahler delighted in his summer holidays in Dobbiaco: “It is wonderful to be here, it sets your soul and body at ease...”. From 1908 to 1910 Gustav Mahler spent the summer months at the Trenkerhof farm in Carbonin Vecchia. In the composing house there he created his Ninth Symphony, the unfinished Tenth Symphony and “Das Lied von der Erde.”

The votive pillar "Peststöcklein" stands picturesquely on the old road from Steinegg|Collepietra to Bozen|Bolzano, around 2 kilometres from the village. You can reach this historic tabernacle wayside shrine from the second quarter of the 15th century in just 25 minutes on foot. The small construction with its shingle roof has four arched niches decorated with artistic frescoes: On the front you will find the crucifixion group, while the other niches show the Annunciation of Mary, a holy bishop and St Christopher.

The frescoes were extensively restored a few years ago and now shine again in their original colours. The votive pillar is a reminder of a time when people sought solace and protection in their faith - a place of contemplation that to this day makes the history and piety of the region tangible.

Route description:
The starting point is the Steinegg village square. From the car park at Cafè Christl, walk past the Lex Market grocery shop along the hiking trail [2] / Rittersteig. Continue along the Rittersteig until you reach the Peststöcklein just before the farm Ebenhof.
Return via the same route.
Length of the route from Steinegg village square to ‘Peststöcklein’: 2 km (approx. 30 minutes walking time)

This fascinating open-air exhibition with 10 panels on astronomical themes can be found on hiking trail 2B around the ‘Pstosser Bühl’ hill, just a few steps from the centre of Steinegg|Collepietra.

Since May 2022, the ‘Fly to the Universe’ exhibition has been inviting you to immerse yourself in the depths of space. The impressive deep-sky images were created by Stephanie Wolters, Brigitte Lintner and Dieter Seiwald from the ‘Max Valier’ amateur astronomers' association. With every step along the trail, you will discover new perspectives - from the starry sky above the Max Valier observatory to the most remote galaxies.

There is another highlight on this trail: a mountain cinema. Take a seat on the practical wooden chairs, look through the wooden frame and discover wonderful views of the Schlern|Sciliar, the earth pyramids and the Rosengarten|Catinaccio.

While the adults discover distant galaxies, the children can let off steam in the forest playground on the Pstosser Bühl.

Everything a gardener's heart desires!

Visit us and see for yourself the selection and quality of our plants. Our plants are constantly freshly ordered and controlled, so we can guarantee the best quality.

In our shop you will find not only the right plants and gift ideas, but also the right accessories for your home, gardening and forestry. On our shelves we present only quality products, carefully selected by us.

Come by and see us. We will be happy to advise you on every purchase.

The San Valentino Church The San Valentino Church was built in 1825 at Bagni di Moso / Bad Moos. The chapel was constructed in 1925 by Valentin Wassermann for bathing guests. In 1980 the chapel was renovated.

The viewpoint "Spitzköfele" above Steinegg|Collepietra in the municipality of Karneid|Cornedo all'Isarco is a worthwhile destination for a short hike. Easily accessible via a well-signposted path, this place offers a special combination of nature enjoyment and adventure.

The wooden platform at "Spitzköfele" is equipped with a table, a bench and several stools. It invites you to take a break and enjoy the unique panorama. From here, you have an open view of the village of Steinegg and the impressive mountain massifs of the Schlern|Sciliar and Rosengarten|Catinaccio.

A special highlight is the permanently installed telescope. It is directly aligned with the North Star and thus shows the direction of the North. This location is part of the Path of Stars, which connects the two star villages of Steinegg|Collepietra and Gummer|San Valentino.

Route description - one of several possibilities:
The starting point of the hike is the village square in Steinegg|Collepietra. From there, the path [2/3] leads past Café Christl to Oberdorf. At Haus Tirol, turn right onto trail [6], which takes you via the farm Kummerhof to the descent to "Spitzköfele".
For the way back, you can take path [7], which turns right into path [2/7/8] and leads back to the village.

Walking time: The entire circular hike takes about an hour.

The viewpoint "Spitzköfele" is an ideal place for a short hike, a picnic or simply a short break in the midst of nature. Its proximity to the village and easy accessibility make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

The viewpoint is not barrier-free.

The current parish church was dedicated in May 1967 after a 2-year construction phase. It is a modern church with a low aisle under a sharp, gabled roof. The parish tower (37 m high) is a testimony to the oldest building activity in the village. The foundation dates back to the 13th century. In 1741, it was renovated from the belfry upward. The tower was given its octagonal center and its onion dome in 1741.