Bezienswaardigheden in Zuid-Tirol

The narrow-gauge railway: The Ritten railway was opened on 13th August 1907. For the first time it was possible to cover the just under 1,000 m difference in altitude from Bolzano up to the Ritten effortlessly. Quick, reliable and not subject to changes in weather the modern railway carried not only passengers but also goods up to the Ritten. Up until the 1960s the rack and pinion railway was the lifeline of the Ritten. Today all year round it joins up the localities of Oberbozen, Wolfsgruben, Lichtenstern and Klobenstein. In order to cope with the requirements of the “Südtirol Takt” (regular-interval timetable), the rolling stock has been extended. The course is set for the future. The Ritten railway is one of South Tyrol’s treasures. It is an important public means of transport, a sought-after excursion railway and a technical railway rarity passengers have become fond of and that will also bring a lot of pleasure in the future to those who have taken it to their hearts.

A nature play in white marble! The Gilfenklamm is a gorge in pure white marble and stretches from the village Stange/Stanghe into the Ratschingstal/Val Racines to the hamlet of Jaufensteg/Ponte Giovo. Wooden bridges and runways lead through the canyon and give a spectacular sight to the waterfalls. The primordial power of the water is tangible with all senses. The gorge is protected as a natural monument and is known as one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Alpine region.

The runways through the gorge were built in 1896 and just after a few years the unfolded magic attracted numerous visitors. Beetween the great world wars the bridges were left to decay, but were restored in the early 1960s, and have since become a must see of the Sterzing-Ratschings area. The hike through the gorge lasts nearly one hour (1,5 hours with return) and is worthwhile for nature lovers, families and seniors.

The Gilfenklamm gorge is situated in the Eisacktal/Alta Val d’Isarco valley, close to Ratschings/Racines and the city of Sterzing/Vipiteno. On an established trail you can walk across this charming and breathtaking canyon with its waterfalls cascading into the depth. About 100 years ago the gorge was named after the Austrian emperor Franz Josef, but its name changed so that it is now known as the “Cascate di Stanghe” gorge. During its course, the initially small Rio di Ratschings river turns into a roaring river which has been carving its way through the marble walls for centuries. Experience the forces of nature and the uniqueness of this fabulous natural monument.

No reservation is necessary. However, it is recommended to avoid the main visiting hours (between 10.00 am and 12.30pm).

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)

On the adventure trail "BeeForest", you can immerse yourself in the mysterious world of bees.

The approximately 2-kilometre-long trail takes you past meadows and through forests to various places of energy with stations and illustrated panels, right up to a beekeeper's house with honeycombs and beehives on view - from mid-May to the end of September.

At these stations, you will learn exciting facts about life in the beehive, the importance of bees for our ecosystem and the challenges that these small, industrious insects face today. For children and adults alike, the trail offers an educational and sensory experience: listen to the buzzing of the bees, see their flight paths and feel how important their work is for our environment.

It's not just about honey bees - visitors also get an insight into the exciting and very different life of wild bees.

At the beekeeper's house, everyone then has the opportunity to take a closer look at the hive's hustle and bustle on the honeycomb.

Practical information:

• Route length: approx. 2 km, ideal for a relaxed walk
• Duration: about 1 to 1.5 hours
• Accessibility: The trail is only partially accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. They cannot be used for the entire route
• Best time to visit: Spring to autumn, when nature is in full bloom and the bees are at their most active

Immerse yourself in the world of bees and discover the secrets of these little superheroes - come and see for yourself how fascinating and valuable their work is.

Here is a brief insight:
Video BeeForest

From the village centre (town hall) via the Church Alley ‘Kirchgasse’ to the parish church of Saint Blaise. Walk under the church, then keep left to Turnauna irrigation channel path no. 8. At the end of the irrigation channel path, follow the forest road upwards. After the second bend, the path to "Schlietplott" branches off upwards at a small gate (approx. 45 min from the town hall). 

This rock called „Schliettplott" belongs to a type of inclined megaliths known as fertility stones or slides. Women in search of fertility used it until the end of the 19th century. This custom, linked to the cult of the “Great Mother” and widespread in many countries among the Alps, provided that women in search of motherhood slipped along the rock in the nights of full moon. These numerous slips that had been practised over the centuries, have left evident signs of smoothing.

The Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park, Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage since 2009, measures approx. 25,680 hectares and spreads across the municipalities of Badia and La Val in Alta Badia, Braies, Dobbiaco, Marebbe and Valdaora. The Dolomite high route no. 1 leads through the area of the Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park.

The mountains facing Val Pusteria valley form the park's northern, Val Badia valley its western boundary; in the south the Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park stretches all the way to South Tyrol's provincial border in the direction of Cortina and the Val di Landro valley marks its eastern boundary against the Dolomiti di Sesto. The steep, almost insurmountable rock faces protect a morphologically and scenically highly diverse, broad area of alpine pastures high plateaus.

The majority of Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park's area is covered by mountain pastures and meadows which are characterised by a unique variety of plant life. Leopard's bane, gentian, orchids, bistort and golden hawksbeard are commonly found. The vegetation zones range from mountain forests near the valleys to above 3,000 metres (9,842 ft). Fanes-Senes-Braies natura preserve's fauna is representative for the Dolomites.

The natural park's part in the Alta Badia area offers some particularly interesting zones:

• the Armentara-meadows, a small but highly diverse area with an impressive variety of species:
• the Counturines cave: Up to today, the cave located at 2,800 m (9,186 ft) above sea level, is the highest bear cave in the world. In 1987, a bear's fossilised bones, skull and teeth were found in this cave. Scientists discovered, that the remains belonged to a bear that had lived in the Austrian Alps around 50,000 years ago, called the Ladin bear (Ursus ladinicus);
• the Fanes high alpine pasture with its lithic amphitheatre known as the "Marmots' Parliament" is the setting of one of the prettiest of Ladin legends, the fairy tale "The Empire of the Fanes".

Contrary to Puez-Odle natural park, Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park explodes in colours, waters and life. In order to fully experience and understand its unique world and landscape, one must not just look at Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park from its boundaries.
One must hike in it, experience and get into contact with the area.

It is also called "the shining face of the Dolomites" because of the rich variety of its vegetation and landscapes, with steep cliffs rising at the edge of the Park and protecting a large area of pastures and colorful plateaus.

A hike through the Nature Park will take you to the mysterious places of the legend of the Kingdom of Fanes. The saga, which is considered the Ladin national epic poem, tells of the expansion of the mythical Fanes empire and its fall, of the princesses Moltina and Dolasilla, of the evil wizard Spina de Mul and of the fearless hero Ey de Net.

At the S-charl ridge, also called Cruschetta pass, there is a viewing platform with carved wooden figures.

First documented in 1180, from year 1600 it has been used as a holiday station by the Agostinian monks from the convent of Muri Gries. All around the little church of S. Magdalene you can find the old master's house, the prelate's house, the 'Stegerhof' with its rural buildings that is nowadays' summer residence of the Benedictine monk of Muri Gries.

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).

The Carnic mountain ridge appears almost insignificant compared to the stately Dolomite rock towers on the opposite side of the Sesto valley. But this impression is deceiving! From Sesto, you can not only reach the Tre Cime Dolomiti, a popular and panoramic hiking and skiing area, but also the western foothills of a mountain range that stretches for over 100 km, almost to Villach in Carinthia. Interesting detail: The Carnic Alps were formed long before the Dolomites. Numerous fossil finds indicate a turbulent, geological past. However, the mountain range also has great historical importance, as it forms part of the Italian-Austrian border. Those who want to experience a border passing on high tracks can walk from the Monte Elmo peak (2,434 m) past the Helmhaus and along the ridge - with their left foot in Austria and the right one in Italy. This is also the starting point of the popular Carnic high route, also called the "peace route", which leads in eight to eleven days of walking to Arnoldstein in Carinthia.

 

The St. Johann Benedictine convent of Müstair Valley across the border in Switzerland is a well-preserved monastery complex that dates back to the Carolingian period. Here, Benedictine everyday life, cultural cultivation, art and research meet. Legend has it that none other than Charlemagne laid the foundation stone for the monastery. Immediately after his coronation, Charlemagne was caught in a snowstorm on the Umbrail Pass. Out of gratitude for having survived this, he founded the monastery in Müstair in 775. 
St. Johann Monastery has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. 

More information, guided tours and opening hours of the monastery church at: www.muestair.ch

The Stelvio Pass Road twists and turns in tight serpentines and more than 48 hairpin bends before reaching Stelvio Pass at a lofty height of 2,757 meters.
It connects Spondigna/Spondinig in Venosta Valley with Bormio in Lombardy and is the highest mountain pass in Italy. Its planning and construction – which was begun in 1820 under Kaiser Franz Joseph and completed in 1926 with only six years’ construction – is regarded as a pioneering achievement in the area of mountain road building.

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.

A circuit trail near the Obere Stilfser Alm Alpine refuge leads to the Goldseen Lakes above Stilfs/Stelvio (not to be confused with the Goldsee Lake on the Stelvio Pass). In the high mountain grasslands around these small Alpine lakes, one enjoys an unobstructed view of the Ortler area.

Mount Conturines, located in the Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, is the highest mountain in the Fanes group of which it is also one of the most representative.

The hike to Mt. Conturines, in the Fanes-Senes-Braies nature park, starts in San Cassiano / Capanna Alpina. The ascent to the cave is challenging, the hike is therefore recommended for well trained mountaineers only.

On trail no.11 climb up o the Col de Locia towards Fanes until you reach the Gran Plan (great plain in Ladin language). Continue to the left on a slope of mountain pines and climb on steep screes to the foot of Mt. Conturines at 2800 m, where you will find the entrance of a bear cave.

The discovery of the Conturines cave at the end of the 80s (in 1987) was a big sensation: In the cave there were found fossil remains of a cave bear. Studies of the bones have subsequently revealed that the fossilized skull, teeth, and bones found in the cave do not originate, as initially suspected, from a cave bear of recent times, but rather do belong to a cave bear of the Middle Ice Age. The Conturines bear was named Ursus ladinicus, in honor of the Ladin valley where it was found.

The access to the cave is allowed only on the occasion of guided hikes organized by the Alta Badia Tourism Cooperative. The fossil remains are exposed in the Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus in San Cassiano.

An Adventure Playground for Children on Watles, the Hikers' Paradise  

Amidst the expansive Watles hiking area, there is the 1500 m² Spielesee – an artificial lake for children, designed as an exciting adventure playground for little ones and families. Kids can play on the wooden rafts, hanging bridges, waterfalls and streams where they can try their hand at "gold panning" or exploring for minerals and other gems. Children love the long slide and the new Funballz, a water–walking-ball which kids can hop and run with along the surface of the water. 

Wooden chaise-langue’s are also available and adults can unwind and enjoy the view from the platform, with its magnificent mountain panorama. Admissions are free of charge.

The idyllic mountain lake, situated at 2252 metres above sea level, lies in a deep natural basin surrounded by the rugged cliffs of the Sella Group. The lake can be reached from the top station of the Boé cable car in just 20 minutes on an easy footpath. Those who want to walk a little longer can reach the Franz Kostner hut on the Vallon from Lake Boé on path no. 638.

Formations from the last ice age The earth pyramids are geological formations from the last ice age. Since then the red clayey ground slides away from the meadows and the forests and give life to the earth pyramids. The 'Margarethenbach' (a stream) originates here and flows into the Etschtal towards Siebeneich.

The train station of the old Val di Fiemme railway was the starting point of the line extending from Auer/Ora to Predazzo, passing through Montan/Montagna, Truden/Trodena, and Kaltenbrunn/Fontanefredde. In 1894, the construction of a railroad had already been considered. Prompted by WWI, the Austrian army command ordered construction of the railway in 1916; it was an important means of supplying the Dolomite Front. From 1918 onward, the railway also carried passengers. In 1930, the train - which was pulled by a steam engine - was electrified, thus reducing the travel time from 4 to 2 hours. Due to increasing mobilization and the establishment of a bus connection to Val di Fiemme, the train lost its importance. On January 10, 1963, the train ran one last time from, Auer to Predazzo, before being decommissioned. Today, the railway track is a popular path for cycling tours or hiking excursions. The old train station Auer Val di Fiemme is the location of several cultural events and concerts.

On the "Missensteinjoch" on Meran 2000 a cross reminds on the killed people during the 2nd world war.

At the end of the parking lot, pass the game reserve. Trail. n° 9 continues through the forest, along the ditch until it turns left crossing a small bridge over the waters of the glacier. The winding path continues up to three cascades, made up of water from the glacier, then descending to the flat section of the woodlands and back again to the starting point.

Marienberg Abbey above Burgeis/ Burgusio dates back to the 12th Century. The highest located Benedictine abbey in Europe is situated at an altitude of 1,340 m a.s.l., since 900 years monks live here according to the rules of Saint Benedict of Nursia. Today, the main hall displays impressions about the daily life of the monks marked by Benedict's credo ora et labora. The exhibition displays also beautiful paintings such as the Romanesque Crypt frescoe with its unique depiction of angels.

Special exhibitions:

- Marienberg in front of and behind the lens
- Maria

Guided Tours
All information about guided tours and timetables can be found at https://www.marienberg.it/en/museum/guided-tours.html.

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.

The Kratzberger See Lake (2,116 m) is situated on the eastern side of the western ridge of the Sarentino Alps, along the E5 European long-distance footpath.

The clear mountain lake is known for its luminous shore and for being one of what are called brüllenden Seen or ‘roaring lakes’. According to lore, the brüllenden Seen emit audible sounds when inclement weather is looming. Above and beyond mythology, though, the lake is one of the most popular hiking destinations at Merano 2000.

It's accessible from the Missenstein Joch. From there, you can reach the lake along a somewhat narrow section of the European long distance footpath.

The "Stolpersteine" (stumbling stones) are a project by the Berlin artist Gunter Demnig that began in 1992. Small memorial plaques laid in the ground, these "Stolpersteine", are intended to commemorate the fate of people who were persecuted, murdered, deported, expelled or driven to suicide during the National Socialist era.

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.

 

In the Avisio River they experience an unforgettable adventure in the midst of nature with the rafting team!

As a place of passage over the Alps, the Upper Vinschgau has always been of military interest. Not only the Romans, the Habsburgs and Napoleon passed through here, but also the Second World War left its traces. Most of these traces, however, are not visible to the naked eye, as they are monumental underground bunkers that were planned as defensive installations and places of refuge. The hidden fortresses were part of the Alpine Wall, but were never used for military purposes.
Today, the architectural relics from the interwar period are embedded in the orchards and pastures of the surrounding area.

Bunker guided tours (in German or Italian): every Thursday from June to October. Registration and information on +39 0473 831 190

Tiroler Platzl is one of the largest initiatives in the greater Tyrol region. The park in the center of Marling was redesigned as part of Tyrol’s 200th anniversary in 2009. Rocks from the respective parts of Tyrol and the historic map, which shows the greater Tyrol region, commemorate Tyrol’s common history.

The "Kaserer Bild" chapel, named after the nearby farm "Kaserer Hof", is a traditional place of pilgrimage in Steinegg|Collepietra. The chapel is located directly on the street Riedl on the ridge of the mountain Riedl, an area that is one of the oldest settlements in South Tyrol. In its current form, the neo-Romanesque chapel dates back to 1871, with the small ridge turret added in 1874.

Inside the chapel you will find a lovingly designed, neo-Gothic altar with the image of the Madonna, called "Kaserer-Mutter". According to legend, this image of the Virgin Mary originally hung on a mighty larch tree that once stood exactly where the chapel is now built. The stories and legends surrounding the image and the building of the chapel tell of the deep faith and conviction of the people in the miraculous power of the ‘’Kaserer-Mutter‘’.

The chapel was recently renovated and is now in excellent condition. Holy masses are celebrated regularly in the summer months, bringing this special place back to life. 
The little church is only opened on such special occasions. Otherwise, it can only be viewed from the outside.
However, it is definitely worth a visit - not only because of its religious significance, but also because of the idyllic location and the fascinating history that surrounds this chapel.