Bezienswaardigheden in Zuid-Tirol

Altitude training canoeing & kayaking on the Vernago lake

The lake in the midst of the three thousand metre peaks is characterised by its unique turquoise-green colour, especially in summer, which is caused by the glacier cut in tzhe water. It is not for nothing that national teams have been training on the Vernago lake for years.

A welcome guest for example is Antonio Rossi, three-time Olympic Champion and multiple Canoe World Champion.

With its location at 1,700 metres above sea level and marked rowing routes of various lengths, the lake offers ideal conditions for optimal altitude training

 

The reason for the perfonmance-enhancing effect of altitude training is easy to explain: The lack of oxygen at high altitudes forces the human organism to adapt. This affects primarily the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system and the blood.

Schwarzbach Waterfall – where nature meets art

Just above Luttach/Lutago, the Schwarzbach Waterfall plunges 15 meters through a narrow rock crevice into a stunning blue lagoon – a breathtaking natural spectacle!

Feel the cool mist on your skin, breathe in the refreshing air, and admire the colorful reflections dancing in the sunlight.

The path to the waterfall is lined with wooden sculptures created by international artists during the annual Ahrntal Sculpture Symposium. A unique fusion of nature and art – a feast for all the senses.

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

Located at 2,000 metres above sea level, visitors find true serenity and pure nature in the area of Prato Piazza. Thanks to its integration into the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, the beautiful Prato Piazza area surrounded by imposing peaks, has been able to maintain its naturalness and originality. Far from car traffic and any noise, the alpine plateau fascinates with a splendid view of the surrounding mountains like Picco di Vallandro and Croda Rossa, and in the distance you can admire the Monte Cristallo and Tofane Mountains. Hobby photographers find the best of motives in summer and winter. You can sit down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the variety of nature, or actively discover the surrounding nature. Walking, Nordic walking, hiking, climbing or by bicycle.

High above the Adige Valley, in the mountain village of Aschbach, there is another pair of Trauttmansdorff throne chairs, a unique viewing platform on the edge of the forest. Those who take a seat here experience the feeling of being enthroned above the valley: a sweeping panorama opens up before you, taking in the Adige Valley, the villages of Rablà and Parcines, the impressive slopes of the Texel Group Nature Park and, on clear days, the long stretch of the Via Claudia Augusta towards Merano.

The throne chairs are an ideal photo opportunity and a popular stop for hikers and mountain bikers who start from the Aschbach cable car or are on the high-altitude trail. The silence of the forest, the light wood of the chairs and the majestic view create a perfect place to pause, enjoy and breathe deeply. Many visitors use the chairs for a short rest, a small picnic or simply to let their gaze wander over the alpine panorama.

The Trauttmansdorffer throne chairs in Aschbach combine nature, tranquillity and distant views, a special vantage point that enriches every visit.

"Eye-catchers" and wonderful views

Lana and its neighbouring villages benefit from a truly unique location as they are situated in the middle of the Adige Valley and at the same time nestled at the feet of high mountain ranges. Thus, the villages of Lana, Burgstall and Gargazon can enjoy the convenience of the mild valley basin and of the rough mountain climate alike. Winters in the valley are usually mild and visitors who prefer fresh mountain air instead of hot summer days will find relief when driving through the lower mountain range.

Another privilege of this geographical position is definitely the panoramic view. Within a 7-minute drive is the Mount Vigiljoch or the village of Völlan where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Adige Valley and the Rosengarten group of the Dolomites or further on to the city of Merano and the capital of Bolzano. Sometimes you will wish to know more about one or the other sight you might see from above.

This is why hikers more and more find so called "Eye-catchers" (German: "Hingucker") on strategic lookout points. These are permanently installed telescopes that provide good views but also information about the sights.

Geocaching - The GPS Treasure Hunt

Geocaching (from "geo", the Greek for earth, and "cache" or "secret store") is a kind of electronic treasure hunt practiced the world over, which first came into being in 2004.

The basic idea is to communicate the location of new and interesting places, to foster group dynamics and the ability to get one's bearings, all whilst having fun.

Geocaches are also hidden in Merano and Environs and published on the internet using geographical data on the official geocaching database. With the help of a GPS receiver, anyone can go treasure hunting. Together with the MGM (Merano Marketing association), the Lana & Environs Tourist Information Association has also hidden geocaches under the  reference "eye-catcher".

But what is a geocache? A geocache is a water-tight container containing a logbook that is well hidden in an interesting place. Whoever finds it can enter their name in the logbook and so document their successful search.

Afterwards the container has to be put back in its hiding place! The successful hunt is entered on the internet and, perhaps, complemented with photos and comments. In this way other interested parties and above all the person who hid it can find out about what goes on with the geocache.

The ten Spronser lakes, the largest collection of lakes in the high alpine region, can be found to the north west of Tirolo, at the heart of the Texel group of mountains at around 2,500 metres above sea level. These enchanting mountain lakes form one of the most beautiful and significant groups of lakes in South Tyrol, with the Langsee lake, at 1 km long and almost 300 metres wide, also being one of the largest in the country.

The most beautiful group of mountain lakes in South Tyrol is so high that even in summer there is often snow on their shores. The Spronser lakes supply a large part of the city of Merano and its surroundings with water. The flora and fauna at this altitude are also noteworthy and absolutely fascinating.

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.

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.

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

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 Tschaufen Pond, once an artificial fish pond, is now a protected natural area.

Protected biotopes are valuable natural habitats that host many species of plants and animals, often rare or endangered.
They play an important role in preserving biodiversity and maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
In these areas, nature is largely left to follow its own course, allowing flora and fauna to develop undisturbed.

In 1940-41 by the fascist regime was built this bunker for reasons of defence. It is an impressive underground structure made on several storeys with a tight net of tunnels, that joins shooting ranges and inner rooms. In the front area there is an exhibition of photographs (Gampen Gallery), whereas the central part hosts an exclusive collection of minerals. 

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

There is a very special vantage point in "Hochkreuz" in Lagundo, located on the popular Via Claudia Augusta bicycle path: the Trauttmansdorffer Throne. The view of Merano and the surrounding area, including Forst Castle (and the brewery with the same name) and one of the most modern churches in the entire Alpine region, the San Giuseppe Parish Church, is breathtaking in its splendour. Ideal for photographs and an absolute must-see for every tourist in Merano. Especially cyclists often stop here for a break to enjoy the view with a picnic before continuing their journey towards Val Venosta (Vinschgau) valley or Merano. Visitors can see the famous Botanical Gardens at the Trauttmansdorff Castle with binoculars. This observation deck is the ideal starting point for a visit to the Botanical Gardens of the Trauttmansdorff Castle.

The Toll Post in Töll/Tel: testimony to the lively trade on the Via Claudia Augusta from Roman times to the Middle Ages

Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD) moved the border between the two Roman provinces of Raetia (with its capital Augusta Vindelicorium, Augsburg), and Venetia et Histria to the Töll (Teloneion = customs house) and laid the foundation stone for the toll station and the toll for goods and vehicles.
The Latin inscription on the base of the statue of Diana proves that a certain Aetetus, head of the customs office at Töll/Tel in the 3rd century, had the Temple of Diana built. He also introduced the "Gallic goods customs" (= foreign and export customs for goods to Germania, which replaced the Illyrian, the internal customs).
Along this important traffic route, the Via Claudia Augusta, inns and road stations for changing horses were built.
After the departure of the Romans towards the end of the 5th century AD, there are no records of the existence of a toll station for centuries.

In 1160, a customs officer is reported for the first time again and the sovereign customs are mentioned for the first time in 1271 and as the property of the Count of Tyrol (Meinard II). In 1388, the customs post was moved from Plars (Algund/Lagundo) to the Töll/Tel (to today's "Rössl" inn, since its renovation a few years ago again called "Zollwirt" - transl. inn at the toll station) and developed into the most important in Tyrol.

Toll guards had to keep an accurate register, which was sent to the Count’s Chamber on a quarterly basis and the customs officers handling the Tyrol Count’s tax revenues enjoyed the status of court officials. In 1808, the building housing the tax office was sold off by the Bavarian authorities and, after the introduction of a new consumption tax in 1829, the toll post was completely abandoned. From 1400 until its closure, the names of 27 customs officers were recorded as having worked there. The toll station (the Zollhof) included the Zollbaur Inn with the actual customs office situated on the left side of the building and a repository on the right. Just behind was the Steidlhof Guesthouse made famous for once hosting Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, Archduke of Austria and King of Hungary and Bohemia, (1503-1564). Ferdinand’s coronation as Emperor in 1525 is remembered in one of the Renaissance frescoes preserved in the customs office. Dating no later than 1530, this opus has been marvelously restored.

The former customs or toll post is no longer in existence.

A place of quiet grandeur - the Reinhold Messner Haus on Monte Elmo

Where once cable car gondolas arrived, a new chapter begins: the Reinhold Messner Haus is an impressive example of how the future can grow from what already exists. The former mountain station on Monte Elmo was not demolished, but upcycled - transformed into a visionary centre for sustainability, environmental awareness, art and culture.

This is where people, ideas and horizons meet. The Reinhold Messner Haus is more than just an exhibition. It is an invitation - to pause, to think, to engage in dialogue. Between old wooden beams and contemporary architecture, a lively place is created where past and future join hands. A house that not only tells the story of Messner's life, but also prompts our own reflections on responsibility and change. A place of quiet grandeur - the Reinhold Messner Haus on Monte Elmo. 

Since 2011 the Schluderns Gate Tower in Glurns hosts a permanent exhibition concerning the history of this little medieval town, such as trade, customs, daily life and curiosities.

We are the ideal ski resort for connoisseurs, who, after various skiing experiences, have found this modern ski resort in the Italian Dolomites, where skiing as a sport is still the focus and where relaxed time with friends and family in a spectacular nature is of greatest importance.

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 tiny church founded in 1744 by the mine owner, Michael von Jenner, is nestled in extraordinary countryside. The altar paintings by Franz Sebald Unterberger from the Fleim Valley are particullary noteworthy. The church is privately owned and the access is subject to a fee.
However, the church remains closed. 

Please do not enter the meadows surrounded by fence.

The St. Benedikt church of Mals was ercted in the 8th century A.D. Its Carolingian frescoes are among the earliest murals in central Europe. Originally, St. Benedict's did not have a tower; this was probably only built in the 12th century and therefore appears somewhat oversized. 
Without doubt, however, the two portraits of the founders are the most interesting. They show the Bishop of Chur and a Franconian landlord in traditional costume. This portrait is unique in Europe, as there is no comparable representation anywhere else. 

Opening hours winter 06.12.2025 - 04.04.2026:
Open: Saturday at 10:00 am
Price: € 1.80 per person
Registration not required 

Opening hours summer 21.04.2025 - 31.10.2025:
Open to the public: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 10:00 - 11:30 am
Guided tours: Monday, Wednesday at 14:00, Friday at 10:00 (only in German language)
Prices: € 1.80 per person; with guided tour € 3.00 per person
Registration not required 

Guided tours only in German or Italian language (Info: +39 0473 831190)

The church is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

“Seabl Lack” is a protected biotope.

Protected biotopes are valuable natural habitats that host many species of plants and animals, often rare or endangered.
They play an important role in preserving biodiversity and maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
In these areas, nature is largely left to follow its own course, allowing flora and fauna to develop undisturbed.

The artificial pond at Teis is ideal for relaxing. It is situated amidst meadows and a circular trail (suitable for baby carriages and wheelchairs) will take you around this pond. Benches and a fountain with drinking water invite to take a rest and boulders on the eastern side of the pond stand witness to the area's geological history.

In 1992 in the church "Unsere liebe Frau auf dem Bichl" the in Laces standing stone (3.300-2.200 B.C.) was found during restoration work by the State Monument Authorities. The stele, which is made from the finest Vinschgau marble, formed the supporting surface of the altar table. The top and bottom parts as well parts of the left upper side of the 107 cm high, 77 cm wide and 12 cm thick stone are missing. It was probably originally located around where the current church stands on the hill and would thus have been visible from afar. As well as the iconic features common to all the male engraved stones from the Etsch valley group, such as scalloped belts, axes, daggers, clubs, bows, various decorative elements and fringed capes, elements are present that belong to the Lombardy group from Val Camonica and Valtellina, such as suns, deer and stylised male figure. Thus the in Laces standing stone is great proof of the ancient connection of the Vinschgau and the Etsch valley and the valleys of north-eastern Lombardy.

The valley along the Seres brook, in the mountaineering village Lungiarü, is also known as the Mills because of the many hydroelectric mills along its banks . Between the orographic left hamlet Seres and the orographic right hamlet Miscì are eight mills , two of which are equipped with two water wheels

On the famous Merano High Mountain Trail, above Lagundo and in the immediate vicinity of the Leiteralm, the Trauttmansdorffer Thronsessel (throne chairs) invite you to enjoy a very special viewing experience. Those who settle here can enjoy a regal view over the entire Merano basin, Tyrol Castle, the Mutspitze, the Ifinger and the orchards and vineyards lying far below.

The throne chairs are a popular resting spot for hikers travelling along the Merano High Mountain Trail or taking the basket lift from Vellau to the Leiteralm. The combination of alpine heights, quiet mountain meadows and impressive views makes this place a perfect stopover to take a deep breath, take photos and marvel at the scenery. Many visitors take a break here, enjoy a panoramic picnic or let their gaze wander over the peaks of the Texel Group.

On clear days, the view extends deep into the Burggrafenamt district and far below Merano, an incomparable panorama that changes constantly with the light. The Trauttmansdorffer throne chairs at the Leiteralm combine mountain romance, far-reaching views and the special atmosphere of the Merano High Mountain Trail, a place that delights and inspires every hiker.

At the Wuhnleger you’ll experience one of the most stunning views of the Rosengarten – intense, close, and unique in the entire area. The meadow lies at 1,402 m in the heart of the Sciliar–Rosengarten Nature Park and is home to a rich variety of wildlife: the pond and its surroundings host frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, and many other small creatures.
History has also left its mark here: the so-called “bomb craters” date back to World War II and stem from an emergency bomb drop by an aircraft around 1943.

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.