Speciale activiteiten van de regio's in Zuid-Tirol

The little St. Joseph Church in Ronchi - “Kirche St. Joseph in Rungg” in German, “Chiesa di San Giuseppe a Ronchi” in Italian - is, compared to the other churches in the surroundings of Lake Caldaro, a more recent construction. The building was planned in 1900 by Ferdinand Mungenast, an Austrian architect, who designed also other significant buildings in Bolzano and the Oltradige area, such as the Grandhotel d’Appiano or the St. Joseph Church in Frangarto. Seven years after its edification in 1901, the St. Joseph Church was embellished with a steeple.

Nowadays, the sacred building presents itself with a two-bay groined vault, a polygonal choir termination and a church tower with a pointed spire. In 1977 the church was placed under monumental protection. Worth seeing are above all the artworks by Ferdinand Stuflesser (1855 - 1926), a famous sculptor from the Val Gardena valley in South Tyrol: the altar with the statues of St. Joseph with Jesus the child and St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of writers and deaf people, as well as St. Teresa of Ávila, also called Saint Teresa of Jesus, the national patron saint of Spain.

Above the church entrance there is the statue of St. Anthony of Padua, venerated as the patron saint for the recovery of lost items. It is located in the hamlet of Ronchi (Rungg), which can be found along the South Tyrolean Wine Road after the centre of Termeno and before the wine village of Cortaccia. Also the public bus stops there.

Itinerary from Schmiederalm to Schönrastalm, Neuhütt, Auerleger and Laneralm back to Schmiederalm.

The famous landmark of Sterzing, the city tower, is widely known as “Zwölferturm”. Its name is attributed to the fact that its bell rings the citizens for lunchbreak. Consisting of gray granite blocks from the area, it was erected over the city gate from 1468 to 1472 according to the design of Hans Feur. Two marble tablets above the archway remind us of the laying of the foundation stone by the Duke Sigismund of Austria back in 1469. It became a symbol of the economic and cultural boom in the city in the north of South Tyrol and has established itself to this day as the symbol for the city of Sterzing. 

At certain events, the tower can also be visited also from the inside, e.g. during the Cristmas Market, in summer during the lantern parties or at the famous dumpling festival ("Knödelfest"). 

Without bigger difficulties one can recognise that this municipality matured after the parochial foundation of Eppan about 1147 to the richest Pfarre of South Tirol with headquarter in St Paul. She was fine so well-to-do on account of many noble inhabitants of this area who, as it was a custom, of course supported the church. After 1786 it was divided the Pfarre for the first time into Girlan (Girlan, Schreckbichl and Frangart) and St Paul (St Paul, Saint Michael, Montiggl, mountain, Missian, untermargin, Perdonig and Gaid). In 1921 this happened next time: The principal place of the municipality - Saint Michael - was appointed with Montiggl, Gand, Pigeno and southern half by Eppan/mountain to the new Pfarre Saint Michael. On account of the plentiful financial possibilities one began in 1484 with the construction of an especially nice church. The magnitudes of the untercatch were extensive, it lasted therefore also till 1533, until the church was ready. The tower, 86 m high, experienced his own history within the scope of the construction work. From the late 15th century up to the middle of the 17th century there lasted his construction. For this reason he also unites two architectural styles: While Under - and middle section are held in the Gothic style, the end with the onion dome visible far away in baroque kind forms. In his inside there are nine bells, the heaviest one of it weighs 5 tonnes and sounds in deep A. You pleasantly voluminous sound remind us of the fact that this "instrument of God" second largest is in the country. A solar clock from 1718, Funeraldenkmäler of the noble Firmian, Khuen, Thun, rests of Late-Gothic Seccomalereien... There is a lot to see at this place! Something else: The church of St Paul is the only church far and wide which is consecrated only to Holy Paulus. This is not so natural at all, because Paulus is always called in connection with Holy Peter...

The “Stoanerne Mandln“ stone men are located atop a remarkable knoll on Alpine pasture and tower at an elevation of 2,000 metres. Human figures made of stone such as these can also be found in other parts of South Tyrol: they served as a landmark frequently or were simply built by shepherds to pass the time.

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 and 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: At 2,800 m (9,186 ft) above sea level, this 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".

In contrast 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.

The cathedral of Brixen/Bressanone is one of the most important sacred buildings along the Alpine area. Its origins go back to the year 980 AD. Due to a major fire in the 12th century, it was redesigned in romanesque style with a three-aisled nave and two façade towers. In the 18th century the baroque reconstruction took place, to which the cathedral owes its present appearance. Inside, the baroque idea of triumph was brought to perfection with wonderful ceiling paintings (f.ex. in Paul Troger's Adoration of the Lamb). The cathedral has a valuable interior with 33 different types of marble. The high altar, which was completed by Tehodor Benedetti, is one of the most important baroque altars in Tyrol. In addition, this church was equipped with a magnificent organ.

The Museum of Popular Culture is situated in a historical building under the arcades of Neumarkt/Egna. You can visit the living space of a middle-class family of the 19th an 20th century.

With an extensive collection of furniture and utensils used in everyday life, the museum gives insight into a long-gone way of life. Thus, in the museum you can find a playroom, sewing room, a kitchen with pantry, as well as a salon and a bedroom.

Wild stories are around the Radlsee. Is it actually connected underground to Lake Durnholzer and the Mediterranean? Is it really a wheel of devouring and gauntlet-bearing sea:

Welcome to the „Fly-Line“ - are you looking for a new adventure?
Betake yourself on a spectacular journey through the woods! Swing your way through the trees soundlessly like a bird through narrow and wide curves, with small and big jumps back down to the ground.
A carriage restrained by centrifugal forces which glides on a carrier pipe made out of stainless steel permits a secured and controlled descent, an amusement for young and old. The gentle experience of nature for the whole family!

Location - Sand in Taufers Reinbach waterfalls:
Sart: 100 m after the inn „Gasthof Toblhof“ next to the trail to the Waterfalls

Description of the Fly-Line:
Total Length 850 meters
Altitude difference 200 meters
Journey time 5 minutes

Opening hours:
Middle of April - middle of October

It is possible to ascend by cable car. Otherwise 1 hour on foot from Obereggen.

The hill of St. Hippolyt in Naraun, a fraction of the municipality of Tisens/Tesimo, forms the highest point of the plateau. Due to its striking appearance and its breathtaking panoramic view, it is not only a popular destination for excursions, but has also radiated a special atmosphere on people since time immemorial. 

The first traces of settlement date back to the Neolithic Age, i.e. the 4th millennium BC. Since that time, the hill has been continuously settled or at least visited. In addition to small finds such as arrowheads, knives, garment clasps and various tools, numerous house foundations and an Iron Age fire sacrifice site from the 4th-2nd century BC have been found, giving us insight into the life and cults of the former inhabitants.

The numerous circular shells cut into the rock, so-called shell stones, still pose a mystery to us, and their function has not yet been clarified. Also puzzling is the scoring of a beautiful spiral that is hardly visible today. It is located on a rock slab ground smooth by the glacier near the pond at the foot of the hill (Narauner Weiher), directly on the path to the hill of St. Hippolyt. 

Today, the little church of St. Hippolyt, first mentioned in 1288 but certainly older, dominates the hilltop. It shows how much this place retained its mystical attraction for people even in Christian times, although other rituals took hold. 
One of these important rituals was certainly the weather ringing, the task of which the sacristan of St. Hippolyt had to fulfil. During heavy summer thunderstorms, however, the exposed nature of the hill repeatedly led to accidents, which is why the church of St. Hippolyt was nicknamed "Zum bösen Segen" ("To the evil blessing"). As late as 1925, a sacristan couple was killed by lightning, which is commemorated by a memorial plaque inside the church. 

Whether due to the lonely location of the sparsely overgrown hill, its long history or the vastness that can be seen here, there is no doubt that the hill of St. Hippolyt in Naraun with its church possesses a special aura that invites people to inner contemplation and makes it a place of spiritual energy. 
It is also for this reason that the path of reflection to the Luminous Rosary and in memory of Pope John Paul II was built in 2010, leading from the car park at the foot of the hill to the church.

The history of the World Cup in Dolomites Val Gardena goes back to the 1970s. The Saslong slope is one of the most beautiful and well-known stages of the world cup, what with its famous and feared ‘camel hump’ and speeds of up to 100 km an hour. The Ski World Cup took place in 1970 in Dolomites Val Gardena, among other places; on that occasion the whole skiing world set its eyes on the Saslong slope.

A pleasant and relaxing walk on the plateau above Corvara, through shady woods and with a stunnig view.

Kneipp-treading facility at the Schalderes Creek with water treading site, children playground and large lawn. Treading water in cold, flowing water in open nature has a toughening, circutation promoting and stimulating effect. A stream of power of original nature for weakened life spirits of modern mankind. A unique experience for body and soul.

The "Kneipp facility" area is also accessible in winter, but the Kneipp path is dry.

With its 65,000 square metres of space, Franzensfeste is the largest historical complex in South Tyrol. Begun in 1833 under Emperor Franz Josef, this masterpiece of Austrian fortress architecture was opened by Emperor Ferdinand in 1838 after a construction period of only five years. By this time, however, it had already lost its strategic importance and justification. The enormous effort and the horrendous costs - for nothing. From then on, the huge fortress was only of use as a depot and was frozen in the Sleeping Beauty sleep of a strictly guarded military installation for over a century and a half. Since the military left the fortress in 2003, Franzensfeste has been open to the public and was extensively renovated in the course of two major exhibitions in 2008 and 2009. As a South Tyrolean Provincial Museum, Franzensfeste Fortress is now a magnet for tourists and locals alike and a popular venue for a wide variety of exhibitions and events.

January and february: winter break

In the area of the station you can already see the marble blocks weighing several tons, which are processed in the marble factory of the company Lasa Marmo.

In the world of marble and in the whole place one finds the white stone: sculptures, buildings and even marble sidewalks - at sculptor workshops and at the technical school for stone-treatment.

Lasa marble is not only popular in South Tyrol, as in the Silandro Hospital and Bolzano Concert Hall, but worldwide - to marvel at the World Trade Center Transportation Hub.

The world of marble can be discovered during guided tours and hikes.
www.marmorplus.it

The Max Valier Observatory in Gummer|San Valentino is located near the provincial capital Bozen|Bolzano and is a gateway to the stars and a place where the fascination of the universe comes to life. Named after the South Tyrolean astronomer and space pioneer Max Valier, the facility invites visitors to explore the depths of the universe. The centrepiece of the observatory is an impressive 80 cm reflector telescope, which gives you detailed views of distant galaxies, brilliant stars and the planets of our solar system.

During a guided tour with the dedicated amateur astronomers of the ‘Max Valier’ association, you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover the infinite vastness of the cosmos. Whether you have just discovered your passion for astronomy or are already an experienced stargazer - the observatory offers you exciting insights and an unforgettable experience under the clear skies of South Tyrol.

Important information:
A visit or tour of the observatory is only possible as part of a guided tour. Guided tours take place every Thursday and Friday.
Booking is required!
Telephone: 0039 371 6761428 (weekdays from 9am - 12pm and 3pm - 6pm)
E-mail: info@sternwarte.it

Cost of the guided tour:
Adults (aged 14 and over): €8.00
Children (from 6 to 14 years): €4.00

You can stop for a break at the neighbouring Untereggerhof Inn

Here is a brief insight into our observatory:
Observatory Max Valier

Bolzano Christmas Market ─ The magic atmosphere of the festive decorations on the white tree, the nativity, the advent crown, the scented cakes and confectionery made week after week by the expert hands of those who keep their secret recipes and tricks. This awaited event is aimed at rediscovering the traditions that, in Alto Adige, are hidden behind the four weeks of the Advent, in anticipation of the most beautiful festival of the year that evolves through rituals and traditions lost in the dark ages.

Pretty route with steep sections through the woods to the sunny rock ledge of Monte Corno. No rest stops.

Be aware of the avalanche danger. More information at the alpine schools and the mountain guides.
A detailed map is available in the tourist offices.

A narrow rocky gorge, thundering water, and a breathtaking view – the “Hölle” - the hell waterfall is an impressive natural spectacle you definitely shouldn’t miss. The water plunges about 46 metres down a steep rock face, creating a scene that is both powerful and mesmerizing.

The waterfall is also known as a weather oracle: in good weather, fine spray rises and glistens in the sunlight, resembling smoke – that's when “Hell smokes.” On cloudy or rainy days, the effect disappears, giving the waterfall its reputation as a natural weather indicator.

Your short hike to the “Hölle” begins conveniently at the parking area in Stein/Innerpflersch. First, you follow a paved road that soon becomes a well-maintained forest path. This peaceful walk through nature already makes the approach a special experience. After a while, you’ll reach a viewing platform offering an impressive first look at the waterfall.

But your journey doesn’t end there: a narrow trail leads you to a stunning viewpoint, where you can enjoy not only the full beauty of the waterfall but also sweeping views of parts of the Pflersch Valley. On sunny days especially, it’s worth pausing here to soak in the serenity and raw power of this unique spot.

Visitors of all ages to Obereggen can look forward to lots of new highlights, a viewing platform a fascinating adventure trails and the high-rope adventure centre.

The South Tyrolean viticulture and a colorful vegetation accompany the hiker along the nature and wine educational trail "Hoher Weg" in the wine village of Girlan | Eppan. Wine lovers and those interested in viticulture can learn everything about Eppan wine on this picturesque path and gain insights into the life and work of the winegrowers, the measures taken in viticulture, and the importance of viticulture for the region.

The starting point for the 40-minute theme hike through the wineries is the Village Square in Girlan | Eppan. From there, follow the Pfarrgasse (Church Alley) and turn left onto the wine educational trail. The circular hike leads back to the starting point and offers a magnificent panorama along the entire route over the vineyards, the provincial capital Bolzano (Bozen), and the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage.

This route can be hiked either on a one-day or a multi-day tour.

The Schlern: emblem mountain of South Tyrol, gentle giant and hiking paradise. This tour leads straight over the Seiser Alm, ascends all the way up to the Tierser Alpl, surrounded by its impressive rocky formations, and then crosses over the Schlern plateau to arrive at destination - the “Castle in the Dolomites”: The Refuge Schlernhaus mountain hut – or rather, mountain huts, given that there are 4 of them alongside each other, all built between 1885 and 1908 , in an architectural style which merges seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. The interior decor is, for the main part, in its original condition and wakens a sense of mountaineering nostalgia and an atmosphere of sociable companionship, rounded off to perfection with traditional South Tyrolean dishes.

 

What better way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites and the surrounding mountains than on a two-day hut hike to the highlights in the holiday region Seiser Alm? The first stage of our tour leads to the Schlern, whose unmistakeable form is the emblem of South Tyrol. The following day we make our way to the privately-owned Refuge Tierser Alpl hut with its distinctive red roof and on to the Seiser Alm.

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.

ROUND OF PÜTIA (total walking time: 4 hours)
From Passo delle Erbe, this hike along trail 8a runs though stunning pastures. At the foot of the north face of Pütia, turn right at the fork and take trail no. 4 to the Forcella di Pütia pass. At Forcella di Putia, head south down to the Göma pass across the pastures and then on to the north face of Sasso Putia and back.

The church of Barbian was built in the 13th century consecrated to the apostle and patron Saint Jacob. Today the only remaining of the old church is he bell tower. The church was constructed in a Romanesque style and in the year 1472 it obtained Gothic elements. In 1874 – 1877 the Neo-Romanesque nave was added to the Gothic main body (today’s sacristy). The inclination of the campanile is attributed to the different grounding on which the tower was built. The half on the downhill side lies on the unstable soil of the Central Uplands and the other half on solid quartz-phillite-rocks. Ing. Fulvio Pisetta carried out a mechanical intervention in 1985 – 1988 to assure the stability of the church tower. Height: 37,00 metres Inclination: 1,56 metres

The summer-time adventure land for the entire family
At the SummerPark La Crusc, children can embark on an exciting adventure. There is also plenty to amuse older visitors such as panning for gold, paying a visit to the dragon cave, or engaging in a funny marmots’ battle.

The popular giant chairs made of wood as well as the hut with photo exhibition are also perfectly integrated into the SummerPark. The theme of the photo exhibition will change each year and in the hut there are books where you can fine a lot of information about the exhibition theme.

The SummerPark La Crusc is located directly at the top station of the La Crusc 1 chairlift and thanks to its ideal position it is kissed by the sun from morning to late afternoon. The circuit leads visitors past two mountain huts.

While the children are playing and having fun the parents can relax at the feet of the Sasso Croce mountain. 

What can you do at the stations in the SummerPark La Crusc?
• Giant wooden chairs
• Giant wooden loungers inspired by cute mountain creatures
• Dragon's cave 
• Marble race 
• Water games
• Gold hunt
• Target practice game
• Battle of the marmots
• Discover the photo exhibition with every year a new theme
• Play station: "le iat dala nëi" - snowcat

Each attraction of the SummerPark is symbolically connected to a Ladin legend of the Fanes Kingdom. For this summer the fourth book has been written, it tells the adventures of kings, princesses and knights in a mystical and fantastic world in the magical Dolomites landscape.
You can get these books at the SummerPark for free. While reading, you will travel into the past discovering the mysterious sphere of the Ladin legends.

The theme trail “In the footsteps of wild animals” also starts at the SummerPark and leads to the Lech Dlá Lé alpine lake, which has been declared a “Natural Monument”. Along the flat trail you can take part in a treasure hunt and stamp collecting game, with a reward for the winners at the end.

The bridge of Vadena/Pfatten was built in 1999 to replace the old, single-lane bridge from 1928. The modern, progressive structure is reminiscent in its form of the old bridge, which was restored and rebuilt a little further north as a bicycle bridge on the Adige/Etsch cycle route. The bridge of Vadena/Pfatten crosses the Adige river and connects the villages of Bronzolo/Branzoll and Vadena/Pfatten. Today it is also a symbol of the countless river crossings that have marked the history of the two villages for centuries.

The Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus tells the fascinating story of the cave bear that lived over 50,000 years ago in the Dolomites and was discovered in the Conturines cave, considered the highest-altitude site in the world where the remains of the cave bear and cave lion have been found. Visitors can also explore the geological history of the Dolomites, beautifully narrated through stunning fossils.

The Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus, an annex of the Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor in San Martino in Badia, is spread over three floors.

On the top floor, the formation of the Dolomites is illustrated with unique fossils of great scientific interest, typical of the area surrounding San Cassiano.

Next is the section dedicated to the formation of the cave, its discovery, and the excavations that unearthed thousands of bones. All the essential aspects of the cave bear's life and its environment are explained through the Ursus ladinicus remains, dating back more than 50,000 years.

On the ground floor, visitors can explore a reconstruction of the bear's cave, where they can admire "the mother bear in eternal hibernation with her cub."

Accessible for people with disabilities: The Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus is fully wheelchair accessible.