Bezienswaardigheden in Zuid-Tirol

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

The Solda Lake is situated in the homonymous valley, in the centre of the Stelvio National Park.

A Natural Monument!
The 82 m high waterfall is fed by the Möltner Brook. The path leads past the old Vilpiano's Wasserwaal from the 17th century. The water was once used to irrigate the fields.

Accessible by foot in ten minutes from the village center of Vilpiano.

In the Razoi Valley of Sulden/Solda you will find a variety of little, high mountain lakes. They are perfect to take a rest and observe the colorful reflection of the mountains in the water. Freshwater is flowing towards the valley in little meander-formed brooks.

The Moassl Waterfall is a natural recreational area in the rear Pfitschvalley near Sterzing / Vipiteno. The refreshing air and the calmness at the end of the Pfitsch valley is a famous rest zone around the Moassl waterfall, a special place of energy amidst a beautiful natural setting. 

The gentle outlet of the mountain stream offers a natural Kneipp facility: after a long hike, take off your shoes and dip your feet in the invigorating cold water of the stream before warming your feet in the lush green grass. Benches invite you to linger and the forest landscape offers ideal opportunities for adventurous games. Recharge your batteries! 

Prad am Stilfserjoch (915m)

 

Prad, mit dem Ortsteil Schmelz, den Prader und Agumser Berghöfen, dem Weiler Gargitz, der Ortschaft Agums und der Fraktion Lichtenberg liegt im oberen Vinschgau, dem Westen Südtirols. Mit königl. ital. Dekret vom 14.3.1929 verlor die Gemeinde Prad ihre Eigenständigkeit, ihr wurden die Gemeinden Stilfs und Lichtenberg inkorporiert. Die ursprüngliche Bezeichnung der Gemeinde Prad im Vintschgau wurde per Gemeinderatsbeschluss vom 26.3.1951 und Reg. Ges. Nr.5 vom 27.4.1953 außer Kraft gesetzt und jene aus der faschistischen Ära Prato allo Stelvio, zu Deutsch Prad am Stilfserjoch, übernommen. Während Lichtenberg als integrierte Fraktion bei der Gemeinde Prad verblieb, erhielt Stilfs laut obigem Regional Gesetz seine Eigenständigkeit zurück. Im Jahre 1984 wurde Prad mit Regional-Dekret Nr.367/A vom 10. Mai 1984 dann zur Marktgemeinde Prad am Stilfserjoch erhoben.

 

Dorfzahlen: Im gesamten Gemeindegebiet, einer Fläche von 51,36 km², leben laut Stand vom 31.12.2013: 3.365 Einwohner, davon 391 in Lichtenberg und 2.974 in Prad/Agums samt Weilern und Berghöfen. Damit hat die Gemeinde Prad, mit letzthin steigender Tendenz, ihre bisher höchste Einwohnerzahl erreicht. Auch die Baueinheiten sind in den letzten 50 Jahren stetig angestiegen. So sind dies laut Katasteramt: 1.186 bürgerliche, 430 wirtschaftliche, 100 Volks-, 6 bäuerliche und 19 Villenwohnungen. 46 Büros, 1 Pfarrsaal, 2 Seniorenwohnheime, 1 Sprengelstützpunkt, 2 öffentl. Ämter, 9 Schulen, 2 Bibliotheken, 98 Geschäfte, 4 Sportanlagen, 3 Kreditinstitute, 28 Produktionsstätten, 65 Handwerksbetriebe, 169 Gebäude für landwirtschaftliche Produktion usw.

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

Here you will find a splendid panorama and a calm environment. Around the lake is also a small path. The path is very easy to walk and mostly flat. To arrive at this idyllic place you have to follow the path no.9. Only members of the local fishermen's association can also fish there.

The Weiberbödele is a site dating back to the Bronze Age (approx. 2000-1800 a. C) where votive pyres were consumed. Nearby, numerous metal slags and a bronze axe were found, which suggests the existence of a forge. The mineral should not have made a defect if you think that Stelvio - which is accessed after 15 minutes of ascent respecting the marker 9 (h. 1302 )- was built and inhabited by miners working in the mines of the area.

The ‘Maria Hilf’ chapel in Steinegg|Collepietra, popularly known as ‘Zum Weißen Bild’, is a place of contemplation and a piece of living tradition in the region. Its nickname is derived from a valuable wayside shrine made of white marble, which is located directly opposite the chapel.

The chapel was built at the end of the 18th century and was probably built in honour of the Madonna in gratitude for the happy outcome of a battle fought here against the French.
 It is a simple building with a white façade that impresses with its harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape. The interior is characterised by a lovingly designed altar and an artistic relief of the Madonna with child.

The chapel is not only a popular destination for believers, but also for anyone seeking peace and a moment of contemplation. Its location, surrounded by idyllic nature and with views of the Dolomites, makes it a special place in Steinegg|Collepietra.

A hidden natural spectacle reveals itself to hikers at the head of the Ridnauntal valley: the waterfalls of the Burkhard Gorge, which can be reached by following a panoramic trail. Starting from the mining museum in Maiern/Masseria, a marked hiking track leads through shady coniferous forests alongside the Fernerbach, a babbling glacial stream. The romantic, approximately one metre wide hiking trail winds through meadows and forests, past lush mossy expanses.

In San Genesio at 1,435 m asl, located on the „Malgorer“ Salto, there ist the most ancient larch tree of the Salto high plateau.

Its age cannot be exactly determined.

This ancient larch tree is an an aesthetic feature in the middle of the wide larch groves on the Salto.

The lowest strongest branches form a candelabra shape. The tree crown could develop freely upward due to the lack of competition.

The once splendid tree has suffered damage due to the snow pressure in the winter of 2008/2009, numerous branches were pressed down and broken.

Height of the tree: 24m

Diameter: 2,03m

Circumference: 6,40m

Locality: Montoppio

Sea level: 1435 m

Relaxing at the idyllic lake Coldrano. The children can rehearse fishing in the lake and the adults can relax on the lawn around the lake or taste a delicious coffee on the terrace of the restaurant.

Place of birth of the alleged minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide (1168 - 1230) Walther von der Vogelweide, poet and minstrel is presumed to have been born in Vogelweiderhof Novale/Ried Laion in 1170, this thesis is supported by Mr. Haller who in 1867 published an article on the subject. The coat of arms of the City Laion shows a bird in a cage in memory of the poet. A guest register is still available. Visit against reservation by Fam.Mair

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 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.

The Lake Tret – also called Lake Santa Maria – is located in Alta Val di Non near St. Felix, at the point where South Tyrol and the Italian-speaking Trentino meet. The way to the sea proceeds through the forest and across larch meadows, by the wayside we watch various forest flowers and many butterflies.

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

A paradise for excursions - do not miss walking on the Salto/Salten with its calming larch trees and the panoramic view on the Dolomites! 

The national defender monument better known as the "eagle monument" in Laces was built in 1809 to commemorate the fallen of the wars. In connection with the commemoration of the century in Latsch the inauguration of the national defender monument took place. A post-wife named Lina Platzer was the biggest sponsor of the monument.

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 octagonal, striking tower of the water station, together with the reception building, the storage shed with loading ramp according to type plans by Wilhelm von Flattich and the railway dwellings to the east planned by Angiolo Mazzoni in 1926, form a railway ensemble steeped in technical history. The water reservoir, a unique landmark of railway buildings from the “k.k. Monarchie” (imperial and royal monarchy), was inaugurated in 1871. It was placed under monument protection by decision of the regional government in 2004 and has been the property of the municipality since 2010. In the era of steam locomotives, the water station had the function of a regular filling station, which was fed by the natural gradient of the high springs, south of the railway line, by means of a gravity pipe (communicating vessels). As the trains had a stopover of around 15 minutes to refuel the locomotives, the water filling of the tenders (storage wagon) and usually the deslagging of the ash box and the re-fuelling of the coal were carried out at the same time.

 

The coat of arms has five red dots along the diagonals on a silver field. The motif comes from the shield of the noble of Goldegg.

The building techniques and the disposition of stones in layers let suppose that this little fortress was built around 1180. It is highly likely that the lords of the castle were the Counts of Tyrol. The last written documentation about the Helfenburg goes back to 1353.

Das Schmelzschmiedhaus                                     

 

Unter dem so genannten „Schmelzschmiedhaus“ versteht sich jenes Wohn- und Wirtschaftsgebäude im Prader Ortsteil „Koatlack“ welches als Grundbesitz der Grafen Trapp auf Churburg einst eine gewichtige Rolle im Prader-Schmelzbetrieb spielte. Südöstlich im Ökonomiegebäude integriert befand sich nämlich eine so genannte „Wasserschmiede“. Ihr oblag nicht nur die Aufgabe die im Schmelz- und Bergwerksbetrieb anfallenden Schmiedearbeiten zu erledigen, sondern wohl auch das gewonnenen Roheisen –Kupfer teilweise zu Halbfabrikaten zu verarbeiten. Insbesondere in Zeiten des Bergbau-Niedergangs, als es mit der Ergiebigkeit der Erzgruben nicht zum Besten stand, belehnte der Schmelz-Gewerke und Gerichtspfleger zu Glurns und Mals Graf Trapp, diverse Untertanen mit der „Schmölzschmiedt“. Dem zu Folge wird der Betrieb in einschlägigen Dokumenten auch die „Trappische-Schmiedt“ genannt. Um 1549 besitzen Stefan Gerytter mit Frau Anna zu Prad die Schmiede und verkaufen sie samt Behausung, Hof, Stadel und Stall für 216 Gulden Tiroler Münze und Landeswährung den Dorfmeistern von Prad und Agums. Diese wiederum vergeben sie an Peter und Barbara Schmid aus Stilfs, sesshaft in Prad, nachdem ihnen die Liegenschaft zu einem jährlichen Zins von 5 Pfund Berner Tiroler Münze zu ewigen Zinslehen verliehen wurde. Damit verpflichteten sich die Eheleute, die zu leistenden Schmiedearbeiten von Montag bis Donnerstag um den jährlichen Empfang von 26 Mutt Roggen und 13 Mutt Gerste zu verrichten. In der Folgezeit ist aus den Urbaren und Steuerkatastern ein ständiger Besitzerwechsel der „Wasserschmitten“, die immer wieder bestandsweise verliehen wird, zu beobachten. Aus den Fassionen von 1775 erfahren wir schließlich, dass Johannes Ortler neben dem Schmied Joseph Theiner, eine in diesem Haus integrierte Lodenwalke betreibt. Ab dieser Zeit dürfte sich sowohl der Name „Wålcherhitt“ als auch der von der Kreuzgasse zum Haus führende Zugang „Wålchersteig“ gebildet haben. Damals, so offenbart uns die erwähnte Quelle, befanden sich im Gebäude der „Schmölzschmitten“ außer der Wasserschmiede und Lodenwalke, drei Stuben, zwei „Kuchlen“, sieben „Kämmer“ und drei Keller. Zudem gehörten neben einem Krautgarten auch etwas mehr als drei Tagmahd (6.858 m²) Wiesfeld dazu. Wobei es hier zu erwähnen gilt, dass diese Liegenschaft erst später das „bäuerliche Recht“ zugestanden bekam. Neben den unterschiedlichsten Besitzern dieses Anwesens findet sich dann zu Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts der aus Reschen stammende Hufschmied Alois Mall (Jhg.1785). Er vermählte sich mit der Schmiedtochter Anna Maria Schlögl, übernahm in der Folge die Schmiede und bekam damit auch den Vulgonamen „Schlögele-Schmied“ übertragen. Sein Enkel Johann Mall (Jhg.1855) ist es dann, der als Letzter die alte Schmiede aufgibt um in den ersten 1920-er Jahren in sein neu erbautes Haus mit Werkstatt (Bp.263) zu übersiedeln. Den Hausanteil der alten Schmiede erwarb 1931 hingegen Johann Josef Obkircher (Sienele – Jhg.1902) und verpflichtete sich den Mall-Geschwistern Alois, Anna und Anton in drei Räumen das lebenslange Wohnrecht zu gewähren. In der Folge errichtete Obkircher – Prads letzter Rädermacher - um das Jahr 1933 an der Nordostseite der „Wålcherhitt“ einen Zubau in Form einer Wagnerwerkstätte mit darüber befindlichem Wohntrakt.    

Zum geschichtsträchtigen Gebäude selbst bleibt schließlich noch zu erwähnen, dass der andauernden Besitzerwechsel an der Bausubstanz stetige Veränderungen mit sich brachte, deren Merkmale heute noch in aller Deutlichkeit sichtbar sind.  

Located next to the parish church of the Holy Margareth. Erected by the inhabitants of the town, that survived an epidemic of plague. The Wayside shrine is supposed to be painted by Michael Pacher, a famous regional painter of the late Middle Ages. The Wayside shrine got thoroughly restored after being heavily damaged in 1882.

The via della Roggia/Rauschertorgasse is situated in the heart of the city where you find a selection of small shops and artisans.

The mystical Hill of Tartsch towers amidst the green valley of Upper Vinschgau Valley, surrounded by the villages of Glurns/ Glorenza, Matsch/ Mazia and Mals/ Malles. Due to its position as viewing platform, the schist drumlin was already settled in prehistoric times. In the 11th century A.D. the Romanesque St. Veit Church dedicated to St. Vitus was erected upon a pagan cult site. It is one of the few churches that were never restored and displays precious medieval murals.
The Romanesque frescoes, which unfortunately have only been preserved in a few places, are of great art-historical importance. The interior of the church has a wooden ceiling from the 16th century. 
Traces of fire can still be seen in some parts of the church. These date back to the Engadine War of 1499. 

The church S. Veit is open from June to October every Thursday at 5pm for the guided tours in German and Italian language (Info: +39 0473 831190).

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.