Bezienswaardigheden in Zuid-Tirol

Father Joachim Haspinger, known as “the fighting Capuchin,” was born in 1776 in the Gsiesertal Valley. After joining the Capuchin Order, he became one of the leaders of the Tyrolean uprising in 1809, fighting alongside Andreas Hofer at the Battle of Bergisel against French and Bavarian troops. The monument in the village center of St. Martin honors his bravery and enduring spirit of freedom.

Natural spectacles awaken the curiosity and fantasy of kids. In Lana and its surroundings you can not only find phenomenal mountains, but also waterfalls, that can easily be reached via short hiking paths. The whole family will enjoy a visit to the waterfall at the Brandiswaalweg.

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 on Dobbiaco’s Water treasures

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

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.

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

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 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.

The wayside shrine of Taisten is a slender, beautifully crafted tabernacle with a pyramid roof. Its four niches display frescoes from the 15th century depicting the Virgin Mary with Child, saints, evangelists, and Taisten’s patron saints Ingenuin and Albuin. The paintings are attributed to the Bruneck School of Painting, dating around 1460.

Lake Lago di Dobbiaco is situated at 1259 m in the Val di Landro which links Dobbiaco with Cortina. It is located in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. The lake with its varied lakeside vegetation is the ideal resting and breeding place for many kinds of water birds, including those which breed in South Tyrol only rarely and infrequently. During the bird migration periods in the spring and the autumn several rare migratory birds can be spotted here.
Lake Dobbiaco is a safe and relatively undisturbed habitat and one of the few remaining wetlands in South Tyrol.

A nature discovery trail with 11 stations around the lake provides important informations on the vegetation, wildlife and geomorphology of the area. The viewing platform on the western shore offers a place to rest and views of the lake’s plants and wildlife and of the silted areas. Walking time approx. 2 hours from Dobbiaco.

In the summer the lake is refreshingly cool for tired feet. Boat trips (contact boat hire: +39 0474 973 267) and fishing are also recommended: fishing licenses for foreigners can be obtained from the Tourism Association Dobbiaco, day tickets in the restaurant by the lake.

In winter you can enjoy ice stick shooting, curling and ice skating.

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

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.

The Völser Weiher Lake is located at the foot of the Schlern mountain in the middle of the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, a little way from the village of Völs am Schlern. It covers an area of 1 hectare and is located at an altitude of 1,036 m above sea level with a maximum depth of 3.5 meters. The reflection of the Schlern on the water's surface and the dense coniferous forests that reach to the shores give this natural spectacle a powerful aura. The public bathing jetty and the sunbathing lawn invite you to a relaxing break in both winter and summer.

Völser Weiher Lake was originally created in the 16th century by Leonhard von Völs for carp breeding. Today, fishing in the lake is forbidden, and a part of the lake is designated as a biotope. The remaining part of the lake is used for swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Völser Weiher Lake is considered one of the most beautiful bathing lakes in South Tyrol.

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 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.

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.

“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

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.

Dobbiaco also has the Cultural Centre Euregio, where many other concerts and events take place in a historic setting.

The Naturno Music Balcony was newly opened in 2020 and reveals a wonderful view of the Vinschgau Valley. Furthermore, you can admire the imposing mountain range opposite and Juval Castle, the summer residence of extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner.
The new attraction is located just a few minutes' walk from the Unterstell mountain station (heading west).
Together with the Unterstell viewing platform, which faces east towards Merano, the Naturno Music Balcony forms a panoramic view of Naturno and its surroundings that is well worth seeing.
The percussion ensemble of the music band of Naturno has recorded a piece for the opening of the music balcony, in which music is played only with clapping.

In the woods near the Ristorante Genziana restaurant you find a labyrinth of river stones with a drinking water well as a source of energy in its centre.

Further information on Dobbiaco’s Water treasures

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

Further information on Dobbiaco’s Water treasures

The wayside shrine of Welsberg dates back to around 1460 and was partially destroyed in 1882. Its four sides depict the Virgin Mary with Child, the Crucifixion, St. George, St. Augustine, and the saints Barbara, Margaret, and Catherine. The frescoes contain fragments of the original paintings attributed to Michael Pacher.

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.

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

 

Water as a metaphor for music: An installation by artist Ulrich Egger outside the Gustav Mahler music hall in the Cultural Center Gustav Mahler.

Further information on Dobbiaco’s Water treasures

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.

In the summer the lake of Braies reflects every colour. In the winter it is covers of ice and snow. Both as in the summer and winther it is the trail head of hikes, skitouren, snowshoe hikes and walks. Also nordic-walker are going to have walks in this territories. And everyone who likes to go to the limits of one's capacity can go to one of the three climbing crag.

During its 750 km long journey to the Danube the Drava flows through 5 European countries. It has its beginning in Dobbiaco. sily reached on foot or by bike. Starting point, especially for families is the forest WoodWonderland.

Further information on Dobbiaco’s Water treasures

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.                                                                         

Dobbiaco receives its drinking water from two different high quality sources: from the Dolomite limestones and the ferrous primary rocks from the Central Alps.
A drinking water well with an idyllic viewpoint at the edge of the town invites you to taste the two waters of Dobbiaco.

Further information on Dobbiaco’s Water treasures

With a height of 82 meters, the church steeple in Castelrotto is not only the highest in the vicinity, it's also – they say – the one with the most-beautiful-sounding bells. But the big tower bell has always been the greatest source of pride. They never fail to admiringly mention "Big Bell." The citizens of neighboring villages were so incensed by this that the young fellows in nearby Laion finally decided to teach the boastful natives of Castelrotto a lesson…
The chapel in the church tower is open daily from 08:00 - 18:00.

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.