Bezienswaardig Zuid-Tirol

The Renon earth pyramids are the highest and the most aesthetically pleasing in Europe. Earth pyramids are a phenomenon of erosion. They originate where ice-age glaciers have deposited moraine clay in valleys. When it is dry, it is rock-hard. If it comes into contact with water, it turns into a clayey pulp that flows down into the valley. However, when protected from the rain by large stones, the clay remains dry and hard. Only the part around the stone erodes. This is how earth columns are formed and become higher each time it rains. If the top stone falls off the peak, the column is certainly doomed to a quick decline because the clay is exposed to the rain and then carried away by it.

The earth pyramids on the Renon can be marvelled at in three ravines: in the Rio Fosco valley between Longomoso and S. Maria, in the Rio Rivellone valley below Soprabolzano and in the valley of the Rio Gasterer at Auna di Sotto.

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.

The Earth Pyramids in Percha - Several hundred years ago there was a landslide caused by a storm, which cut off the existing cart track between the Thalerhof and Aschbach. It would have been easy to fill in the gap with earth, but nobody did it, as the route was not an important one. In 1882 there was again a great storm, and a large trench formed. Through repeated flooding and washing out of the side slopes, these loamy pillar structures remained standing where the heavier stones lay. The earth pyramids change constantly, and new pillars form all the time, especially in winter and spring. The erosion area is situated at a height of 1550 to 1750 meters above sea level and is the most significant incidence of earth pyramids in the Puster Valley, particularly because of the many different sizes of formation.

Prato allo Stelvio  was and still is marked by a continuous changing. As a living organisms it is drawing itself through the history. People come and go, the buildings crumbles and there are built new ones. The forces of nature continue shaping the landscape. Also wars and catastrophes didn’t spare the peaceful place at the road of Passo dello Stelvio.

Something is lasting. The building of historic value have been listed on a historic register; the churches testify the architecture of the past; customs are kept alive. Memories are preserved and kept alive for future inhabitants and visitors of our place.

An important role have for this the historic village points, that are distributed among  whole Prato. They help us to understand our place  with its history at the bottom of the National park of Passo dello Stelvio.

Campofosso Lake is also a deep blue alpine lake (2.439m) with a legendary story: once upon a time there was a beautiful, green meadow in the Campofosso area. This was the property of the richest farmer in the village of Terento. A young shepherd, with eyes as blue as gentian, used to live here. One day, the only daughter of the farmer brought his lunch up to him. When she looked into his eyes she fell in love. He fell in love too. Some time went by, but the farmer's daughter did not visit the shepherd again. One day, the farm labourer brought lunch up to the alpine pasture and informed the shepherd about the upcoming farmers' daughter's wedding. The shepherd was petrified and the mountain trolls provoked a storm. Instead of the alpine hut, the farmers' daughter found a lake, as blue as the eyes of the shepherd.

Tree showers, water wheels and a raft, these are just some of the attractions that make Schwemmalm Adventure Pond the ideal destination for the whole family, guaranteeing fun and excitement for the young ones.

The pond is a natural playground oasis for children and adults alike, and with its diverse habitat, blends harmoniously into the Schwemmalm landscape. Wooden tables and chairs ensure that this natural children's playground is also a real place for parents to relax on the meadows while the kids experience pond adventure.

On the Hochmuth below Steinegg there is a viewing platform that looks like a stylised basket. This references the historically arduous life working the land on the steep slopes of the Muthof farms, where, with the help of winches, baskets of earth and manure were pulled up to the fields so that they could be cultivated again.
The viewing platform provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Merano and the Etsch Valley as well as the surrounding mountains. The platform is equipped with two telescopes and provides information on the mountains that can be seen from the Hochmuth, as well as on the cultivation of the steep fields of the Muthof farms in days gone by.

No-one has yet been able to explain exactly the function or the reason why ancient man hollowed out identations in the rock face know as "Schalensteine", although thousand of pages have been written on this subject. In the Vinschgau and neighbouring valleys hundreds of "Schalensteine" can be seen. They vary in size from minute hollows to hollows the size of a human cranium. Some possibile theories of their use are that they were places of workship, guiding points for travellers or possibly that the hollowing out of the stone face was for ritualistic or medical purposes.
Route description
Start at the village square in Castelbello, pass by Castelbello Castle, go to the Latschander irrigation channel path and follow it until the junction for Laces. There is the access to the nature's myths path. The first section of the myths path takes you on path no. 8 towards Montetrumes. The path leads through Douglas firs, Austrian pines and locust trees before you reach the so-called "Luamer Tschött" pond and the cupstone after some 30 minutes. Soon afterwards, the path branches off to the right. It is first even before you descend to reach the Via Montetrumes street that you follow for about 300 m towards Castelbello. Turn right at the sign (path no. 8) and continue to the "Klumper" slab and the irrigation channel path above Castelbello form where you can return to Castelbello's village square.

The panoramic view at the mount Penegal, on 1,737 m offers a stunning view towards the near Dolomites, the Brenta Dolomites as well as the Etschtal/Val d’Adige (South Tyrol) and the Val di Non (Trentino). Absolutely not to be missed especially in case of optimal weather conditions.

The Renon earth pyramids are the highest and the most aesthetically pleasing in Europe. Earth pyramids are a phenomenon of erosion. They originate where ice-age glaciers have deposited moraine clay in valleys. When it is dry, it is rock-hard. If it comes into contact with water, it turns into a clayey pulp that flows down into the valley. However, when protected from the rain by large stones, the clay remains dry and hard. Only the part around the stone erodes. This is how earth columns are formed and become higher each time it rains. If the top stone falls off the peak, the column is certainly doomed to a quick decline because the clay is exposed to the rain and then carried away by it. The earth pyramids on the Renon can be marvelled at in three ravines: in the Rio Fosco valley between Longomoso and S. Maria, in the Rio Rivellone valley below Soprabolzano and in the valley of the Rio Gasterer at Auna di Sotto.

The unusual phenomenon of the ice caves between the two villages of Kaltern (Oberplanitzing/Pianizza di Sopra) and Eppan/Appiano can be explained with a simple physical principle: air streams down through cracks in the porphyry stone, creating a system of windpipes that becomes cooler as it descends. This heavier, cold air mass collects in a 5 meter high pool in the depression. This climate is ideal for plants that would normally thrive in higher alpine regions. We do recommend to make this excursion during warm summer months.

In the forest above Longostagno it´s incredibly scary. At the “Hexenbödele” where witches and devils celebrate revelries at night, the legend has it that a courageous young man met his death. Today, there is an old larch, with branches and twigs like a witches'broom.

Our hiking tip: You can reach the Gasthof Buchwald starting from Perdonig following the mark 8/10 to the former Gasthof Pichler on a steeper rise. You can go back on the “Eppaner Höhenweg” (number 9) to Perdonig (number 12) (Time approx.. 3,5 hours)

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

The water of the Bad Überwasser was formerly mainly recommended for baths against anemia, weakness, arthropathy and so on. In 2009 it was analytically proven that the water is bacteriologically pure. Compared to drinking water, however, it has increased levels of iron and manganese.

The "Human Shapes" project is a tribute to ten personalities from the past, who made a significant contribution to Merano’s cultural life during the course of their lives. The project embraced a wide temporal arch. It draws back to the theme of the plastic representation of the human shape, although it supports a free interpretation through contemporary art’s expressive means. The "Human Shapes" project has given life to an open-air art gallery along the Passer Promenade, between the Theater Bridge and the Iron Bridge. Every year, three to four busts of influential personalities were created.
Find out more at www.kunstmeranoarte.org

In front of the Lagundo Tourist Office near Merano (Meran) there are exact replicas of Menhirs (tall, upright stones) discovered during excavations of the area in the 1990s. The stones form part of the remnants of a cult originating from the Illyrian and Ligurian settlement 3,000 years ago. The petroglyphs found on the stele are similar to the design of the tattoos found on the skin of Ötzi the Iceman. The originals are preserved at the Civic Museum in Bolzano (Bozen).

"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.

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.

In Andriano there is a beautiful wooded area characterized by a strong presence of yew trees, which has been designated as a landscape protection zone.
Yew trees are found in communities with pines, hornbeams and black hornbeams, but also in pure, dark and dense stands, and offer an optimal habitat for many species of animals.
The yew forest with its numerous paths invites you to walk and relax.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

North of Wolfsthurn Castle, on the hiking trail from Andriano to the Bittner farm, on a flat slope called Schlosspichl you will find a magnificent chestnut grove.
Chestnut trees of different ages stand on the green meadow and have a special aura due to their fresh, light green foliage. One large oak tree dominates the chestnut grove majestically, which thanks to its position is much warmer than the surrounding forest and radiates vitality through its radiant colours.

A place to fall in love! A place that allows hikers to rest and that is a natural playground for children.   From the chestnut grove a short path leads to a small hill with a cross and several benches, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Andriano and the Adige valley.

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 to the water treasures of Dobbiaco: http://www.drei-zinnen.info/en/dobbiaco/dobbiaco/experiencing-dobbiaco/lago-di-dobbiaco-lago-di-landro-and-dobbiaco-water-treasures.html?_ga=1.243384837.1489106145.1483110301

The Lago Gioveretto is an artificial lake in the Ortler Alps in South Tyrol. The reservoir has an area of 70ha, situated at an altitude of 1850m in Val Martello and is crossed by the river Plima. The storage capacity is 19.6million cubic meters. The reservoir is situated in the Stelvio National Park and is used for generation of energy. The associated hydroelectric power station is located in Lasa.

From June to September you are allowed to fish with a state licence. You can buy the ticket at the keeper of the dam.

Bad Überwasser stands for tradition and health since 1876 (spa and nature oasis, mineral water tastings)

This dreamlike overlook is part of the famous "Sagenweg" - legend trail and is located at an altitude of 960m, leading towards the hamlet of Tabland/Tablà. A number of cupule engravings and crosses can be seen on this rock (different sized cup-shaped engravings, hand carved by man). North of here, adjacent to the Golderskofel, is a summit covered with mixed forest and brushwood, around which the attentive observer will be able to spot meager settlement walls. These are the faint remains of a small prehistoric settlement dating to the Neolithic period.

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.

This sculpture, created by contemporary South Tyrolean artist Ulrich Egger, is made from stainless steel and cement; it measures 4 metres in height and 8 metres in length. It is set in the centre of a traffic circle on Viale Europa, near the train station. The sculpture expresses the dream of visual vertigo, and the flow of daily life, time, and collective memory in the circularity of the gaze.

The Ciamin Valley is considered as one of the most beautiful and romantic valleys in the Dolomite area. Hiking through the Ciamin Valley is an easy tour with two alternatives: hiking through the wood or near the beck. The whole tour takes you about 3 1/2 hours and gives you a beautiful view over alpine meadows, a small beck and breathtaking Catinaccio mountain chain.

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.

Approaching the Rastenbach gorge, on your way down from Altenburg/Castelvecchio to Lake Kaltern, it suddenly gets really cool and dark. Your steps become more cautious, as if you’re being careful not to disturb the peace. Silently, you look around and enjoy the wonderfully refreshing ambiance. How reassuring to know that the wooden stairs and bridges are reinforced and properly secured. When you get to the bottom of the trail, you are welcomed by a sunny field and Lake Kaltern.