Bezienswaardigheden in Zuid-Tirol

One of the biggest larches in the area is located in Valdaora di Sotto, near by the “Lexen” farm At the site there is a rest area and a wall chart with all the dates about the tree.
These are: age: 170 years, height: 37 m, diameter: 1,06 m

Montan/Montagna is located at the border of the Trudner Horn/Monte Corno Nature Park and surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Paved alleys and colorful buildings characterize the historic center of Montan. The parish church was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. The Schloss Enn/Castel d'Enna is located high above the village and was built in 1172 by the Lords of Enn. The small hamlets of Pinzon/Pinzano, Gschnon/Casignano, Kaltenbrunn/Fontanefredde, Glen/Gleno, and Kalditsch/Doladizza also belong to Montan. The plateau is characterized by the typical vineyards, where the best Pinot Noir wines of South Tyrol thrive. Montan is a popular starting point for numerous hikes and mountain bike tours.

 

As early as 1891, there were plans to construct a railway between Ora and the Val di Fiemme Valley in order to improve accessibility and stimulate the economy. The Val di Fiemme railway line was built during World War I. Between 1918 and 1936, it was used mainly for transporting goods. It connected Auer/Ora with Predazzo. The segment between Auer and San Lugano is still in good condition. Nowadays, it is a very nice hike and cycle path which leads through the beautiful mountain landscape of the Trudner Horn Nature Park and is especially worthwhile due to the views of the South Tyrolean Unterland region.

In winter, when Lake Haider is frozen, its surface is used for ice sailing. With special boats mounted on runners, sailors make use of the wind to glide across the ice, often reaching considerable speeds.

The lake is located in St. Valentin auf der Haide, surrounded by the alpine landscape with the Ortler mountain in the background. Ice sailing is only possible when the ice is thick enough and officially released, and is mainly practiced by experienced sailors

The Resciesa Alp is part of the Dolomites - UNESCO World Heritage and a popular excursion destination for everyone. Hikers, families, hobby photographers, bikers and connoisseurs are taking advantage of this unique space in the middle of Nature park Puez - Odle. The natural park with an area of ​​over 10,000 ha is bordered in the north by Passo delle Erbe and in the south by Passo Gardena; in the east the area reaches Val Badia, in the west into Val di Funes up to  Val Gardena. The northern part of the area is dominated by the Aferer and the Funes Odle and the Sas de Pütia, the southern the plateau of Gherdenacia, Sassongher, Puez with Vallunga and the Cir Group.

 

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Vinschgau Valley, Bunker23 in Tartsch holds a fascinating history beneath its surface. What appears from the outside to be an unassuming relic of the past was once a strategically important part of the so-called "Alpine Wall"—an extensive military defense system.

Today, this former shelter has been transformed into a unique meeting place. Bunker23 serves as a cultural space that unites art, history, and memory. Regular exhibitions, guided tours, and events take place in its cool corridors, immersing visitors in a truly special atmosphere.

The Old Courthouse, also known as the Görz House, is one of Niederdorf’s most important historic buildings. It once served as the seat of justice under the Counts of Görz in the Puster Valley. Its northern facade still features painted coats of arms, including those of Görz and Tyrol, as well as noble families. The building reflects the village's former political and judicial significance in regional history.

Around the village of Teis, from the bottom of the Villnöss valley to the Haube mountain at 1260 m above sea level, you can find a line of partly uncovered and partly hidden trenches, shelters and caverns. These are the remains of the extensive fortifications built as part of the “Barricade of Klausen/Chiusa” at the beginning of the First World War. Over the course of the last century, the trenches have been partly destroyed by human activities and partly reclaimed by nature. A group of locals has taken on the task of investigating the history of these fortifications more closely, preserving them and making them accessible to the public.

At the far end of the valley, just before reaching Mühlwald/Selva dei Molino, is the beautiful Mühlwald lake, a small dam lake at around 1,220 m above sea level that can be easily circumnavigated in half an hour on a barrier-free circular trail. Numerous rest areas with shady seating invite you to linger along the way.

Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol, works its magic on every visitor with its charming medieval atmosphere, perfectly preserved town walls and its three picturesque gate towers. Virtually unchanged since the 16th century, there are echoes of the eventful history of this former trading town around every corner. With its romantic character, rich culture and idyllic surroundings, Glurns is a real alpine jewel. It is our pleasure to invite you to our beautiful town to share with you magical moments, historic festivals and spectacular cultural events.

While the beginnings of the village of Glurns probably go back to the Carolingian era, the first actual mention dates from 1163. Southeast of the clustered village on the bridge over the River Etsch, Meinhard II of Gorizia-Tirol created a city around the year 1290 in order to secure his power in the Upper Vinschgau Valley against the Bishop of Chur. This new settlement was described as a “burgum” in the year 1294. The two settlements – the village and the city of Glurns – existed for some 200 years alongside each other. After the destruction suffered during the Battle of Calven in 1499, the Habsburgs, especially Maximilian I, had Glurns fortified as a bulwark against the forces of Graubünden; the centres of the two settlements were thus connected by means of the new city walls, still in existence today. Among the oldest buildings that exist to this day are the residential and defensive towers, especially the so-called “Glurns Castle”, and the Spatzenturm tower in the southwest corner of the old town. The 16th century constructions succeed in dominating the city’s contemporary appearance.

Egna is located at the foot of he Castelfeder hill. Already in the Middle Ages the village was a thriving trading centre due to its strategic geographical position and today it is the main cultural and economic centre of the Bassa Atesina. It is no coincidence that this lovely village is considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy. A must see is the old village centre with its 500 metres of arcades, its stately manors and magnificent inter courtyards. This is where you will find the perfect mix of entertainment, relaxation and taste.

The Romanesque St. Sisinius' Church is situated on a plateau above Lasa/Laas, the village of marble in South Tyrol. Its rare choir tower church was built on the ruins of a former building. Skeleton and clay fragments from the Bronze Age even prove the existence of a cult worship place. The hill’s many years of settlement are probably due to its location. Even today, visitors enjoy the wonderful view of the surrounding mountains that extend to the Laaser Ferner glacier.

The church itself was first mentioned in 1290 and is dedicated to the martyr Sisinius, who lived in the Nonsberg area of South Tyrol. Surrounded by a high asylum wall in a Romanesque herringbone pattern, the eastern wall has a Gothic pointed arch gate devoid of a gate wing. The choir is located in the tower, which is covered by a stone tower pyramid. The nave, on the other hand, has two round arched windows, a protruding triumphal arch and a portal made of pure Lasa marble.

The church has no sacral furniture and is closed. Guided tours are offered by Marmorplus on request T. +39 347 4095404

 

The natural bathing pond in Lüsen is a small, idyllic mountain lake right in the midst of South Tyrol. Returning from a great hiking trip with super panoramic views or a nature park excursion, a visit to the bathing pond will bring you much sought after refreshment. Children can whiz down the slide while parents dive deep into the fresh spring water from the Lüsen Alm, when nearby farmers work on the fields and cows grass on the meadows. Dogs are not allowed.

A steep path starts near the "Carabinieri" training centre in Vallunga and heads up to the castle ruins. Built at the beginning of the 13th century, it collapsed in 1525 and has never been rebuilt. It has been owned by the Wolkenstein family since the 14th century. Oswald von Wolkenstein, a famous minstrel and poet born in South Tyrol between 1376 and 1387, died in Merano 1445, probably spent his summers in the castle.

Access at your own risk. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Rötbach Waterfall – Feel the power of nature in Kasern/Casere

Marvel at the rushing waters of the Rötbach Waterfall, located above Kasern/Casere on Knappenberg Prettau/Predoi, near the historic tunnels of the former copper mine. The “breathing platform” offers a stunning panoramic view and a revitalizing microclimate.

Feel the cooling mist on your skin, breathe in the pure mountain air, and be mesmerized by the colorful reflections of sunlight. A place to pause, reflect, and recharge amidst the beauty of nature.

These three larch trees, to be found near St. Gertraud in Ulten Valley, are considered to be the oldest conifers in Europe. Legend has it that these ancient larch trees are more than 2,000 years old.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful garden ensembles in Europe, the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are a vibrant celebration of botanical diversity. This twelve-hectare green stage, just minutes from Merano’s historic center, invites visitors to discover exotic plant life from across the globe. Sun-kissed slopes, delicate blossoms, Mediterranean olive groves and elegantly designed lily ponds combine to tell stories of nature, culture, and a passion for beauty. But Trauttmansdorff is far more than a botanical garden. It is a landscape thoughtfully composed, where nature becomes performance – with four themed areas and over 80 garden scenes unfolding like carefully choreographed acts. Here, terraced Mediterranean gardens meet dense North American woodland; surreal desert landscapes flow into tranquil water worlds – all framed by breathtaking views of Merano and the Texel mountain range. At the heart of it all stands the majestic Trauttmansdorff Castle. Once a refuge for Empress Elisabeth of Austria – better known as Sisi – who found healing and serenity here during her extended stays, the castle today is home to the Touriseum, South Tyrol’s one-of-a-kind Museum of Tourism.

Good to know:
- Awarded “Botanical Garden of the Year” in 2005, the gardens enchant with highlights such as a walk-in aviary, an underground grotto theatre, and a sound garden that makes the voices of plants come alive.
- Nature becomes a sensory experience along the “Garden of the Senses”: touch, smell, listen – here, walking becomes wonder.
- Each summer, the gardens transform into a concert venue, attracting international artists to perform on the open-air stage nestled in lush greenery.

The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle inspire visitors of all ages: adventurers who journey through millions of years on the “Geological Mosaic”; romantics who linger among roses and waterfalls; curious minds who explore how plants shape our world through interactive displays.

And perhaps most magical of all: the gardens are always changing. With every season comes a new palette – the soft glow of magnolias and tulips in spring, a riot of fragrance and color in summer, and the golden brilliance of Japanese maples in autumn.
This is not a simple stroll through flowerbeds – it is a journey around the world, an immersive adventure, and a dialogue between nature and culture.

From the village centre (town hall) via Church alley ‘Kirchgasse’ to the parish church of Saint Blaise. Walk under the church, then keep left to Turnauna irrigation channel path no. 8. After a few hundred metres along the irrigation channel path, the path to the cup stone branches off downhill (approx. 20 minutes from the town hall).

The prehistoric cup stone dates back to the Middle Neolithic period (approx. 4,500 - 3,000 BC) and is therefore one of the oldest monuments of mankind. The indentations in the stone are known as ‘ cups’. Researchers do not agree on the meaning of the cup stones. There are various assumptions:

1. The cup stone stored energy and served as a place of power. It was mainly used as a fertility symbol for ritual purposes. The cups were notched as thanks.

2. The cup stone was an astronomical calendar. At a certain distance, a wooden slat cast a shadow on the cups, indicating the right time for sowing and harvesting.

3. People or animals were killed on a lying cup stone and the blood that flowed out was soaked up in the cups and sacrificed to the gods.

The cup stone was found on 11 November 1988 during excavation work for irrigation pipes by Paul Hermann Vidal. In April 1989, Dr Lorenzo Dal Ri, then Director of the State Monuments Office, was able to prove the authenticity of the cup stone. In September 1990, Dr Sennhauser, an archaeologist from the monastery of St. Johann in Müstair, determined the age of the cup stone to be 4,500 BC (Neolithic period).

Piazza della Libertà at Egna. The nucleus of the hamlet developed around the Piazza della Libertà/Freiheitsplatz, which, after being used for years as a parking area, was the star of an important restoration project. The ancient well was renovated and the “Sas del poz”, a calcareous monolith probably used in conjunction with ancient German judicial tradition, was reinstated.

At Kaserbach, where hydroelectric power was once used, lies the former artisan zone that characterized village life back then. Our path leads past the smithy, the knitter mill and the old sawmill. At that time, the grain of the Lüsner farmers was ground in the mill. The "Stricker mill", whose historical roots reach back to the year 1645, has remained true to its original function until today.

The earth pyramids in Nobls/Jenesien are fascinating geological formations dating from the last Ice Age. Here, the red clay soil of the large 'Wieser Lahn' landslide area stands out clearly from the surrounding meadows and forests, allowing the impressive earth pyramids to appear in all their glory. These unique natural wonders are not only a popular destination for hikers but also an impressive example of the power of nature. Additionally, the 'Wieser Lahn' contains the source of the Margarethen creek, a vital watercourse that flows down into the Adige Valley toward Siebeneich. A visit to the earth pyramids promises an unforgettable experience amid a breathtaking landscape!

The Church Tower in the Lake
The symbol of Venosta Valley: the sumberged steeple in Resia lake.

The Roman milestone (milestone) was discovered in 1935 near to the farm known as Hanser. The stone is made up of local quartz, is 2.15 meters high and weighs 580 kg. It originated during the reign of the Roman emperor Decius (249–251 A.D.). Like all milestones along the Pusteral Valley, the Niederdorf milestone served as an indicator of distances to Aguntum, the provincial capital of the Noricum Province, close to the present-day city of Lienz (A). Owing to the stone’s fragility, the original inscription is only partly visible.

Ganglegg is the best-researched fortified Bronze-Age/Iron-Age Alpine settlement in the entire Alpine region.

Even today, the custom-manufactured railway built for the special environment of the Stelvio National Park transports the heavy marble blocks over four sections almost automatically down into the valley.

The marble-transporting train has been operated in the same original state since 1930 and carries the marble from the marble quarry (2,200 m above sea level) to the valley. With the Lasa sloped railway, it is possible to transport a 40-ton load at a speed of 1m/sec in 16 minutes in to the valley. To date, this type of transport is the most environmentally-friendly method of transportation of marble thusfar. During the marble hikes, interested guests can also visit the unique inclined railway.

Niederdorf’s current town hall was once the noble residence of the Kurz zum Thurn family. Around 1800, it received its elegant facade with Ionic columns. It later served as a toll office and military barracks. Since 1928, it has been the seat of the municipal administration.

The former water station in Welsberg, with its octagonal tower, is a remarkable technical monument from the Austro-Hungarian period. Inaugurated in 1871, it served as a “fuel stop” for steam locomotives. Together with the depot and railway houses built in 1926, it forms a rare ensemble of historical railway engineering, protected as a heritage site since 2004.

Ansitz Heufler by Norbert Niederkofler

Ansitz Heufler, located in the picturesque Antholz Valley in South Tyrol, is a historic manor house dating back to 1580. Built by the noble family Hohenbühel zu Heufler, the estate is regarded as an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture and has been carefully preserved to maintain its historical value.

The wood-paneled rooms on the first floor are among the most atmospheric in the entire region—most notably the historic “Hearnstube”, adorned with an intricately crafted ceramic stove bearing the Heufler family coat of arms. Celebrated as one of the most beautiful parlors in all of Tyrol, it impressively blends artisan craftsmanship with living tradition.

On the door to the Hearnstube, one can see a fine engraving of the south façade of Ansitz Heufler: a square, three-story structure surrounded by four diagonally positioned corner towers with characteristic gabled roofs.

The old “Rauchkuchl”, now transformed into a stylish lounge bar, was once a traditional open kitchen where food was cooked and smoked over an open flame or in a smoke channel – a method that added rich flavor and ensured long preservation.

Among the most distinctive architectural features are the bay windows and the towers themselves, all topped with steep gabled roofs. The large windows on the first floor are decorated with finely wrought iron grilles, adorned with elegant floral motifs.

Today, Ansitz Heufler presents itself as a refined residence offering luxurious hospitality and culinary excellence. Guests are immersed in a unique experience where historical charm meets modern comfort – an authentic journey back in time through the preserved spirit of an ancient noble home.

Since May 2025, the estate has been led by South Tyrolean Three Michelin Star chef Norbert Niederkofler, who has breathed new life into the residence, infusing it with his signature philosophy, “Cook the Mountain”. Ansitz Heufler features 10 rooms, a public restaurant, and a bar with a scenic terrace.

OldrenovatedsmithyattheKaserbachbelowLüsen

The Puez-Odle Nature Park in the Dolomites is estendet on a area of the 3 valleys: Val Badia, Val Gardena and Valle d'Isarco. 
Geologists also refer to the Puez-Odle Nature Park as the "building site of the Dolomites". Here, one can find all of the typical Dolomite rock types, strata and erosion forms. This park offers the hole year a large variety of possibilities for all nature and lovers.