Cultuur & bezienswaardigheden in de Dolomieten

Look very closely and you may be able to spot eye-catching rock formations – the Latemar Dolls frozen into stone according to the ancient legend. Walkers can explore the Labyrinth Trail leading directly up to the Latemar Towers into the Dolomites – UNESCO World Heritage.

This mountain hut, located at 2.096m next to the cable station Oberholz in Obereggen, Dolomites, contains a restaurant and is located with direct connection to the ski slope. The cantilevering structure grows out of the hill like a fallen tree with three main branches creating a symbiosis with the landscape. Each of them is facing towards the three most important surrounding mountains: Mendola, Corno Nero and Corno Bianco. At the end of the branches a large glass facade frames the surrounding mountains from the interior of the hut. The sloped roof shape of the glasses takes his inspiration from typical huts in the area, while the branching roof and complex structural interior expresses a new and contemporary interpretation of the classic mountain hut. The interior is defined by a complex curvilinear and visible wood structure that gradually fades into walls and creates so called “pockets” for intimacy. The entire hut is constructed with wood: structural elements and interior in spruce, the facade in larch, furniture in oak - all typical woods from the area.

The "Kaserer Bild" chapel, named after the nearby farm "Kaserer Hof", is a traditional place of pilgrimage in Steinegg|Collepietra. The chapel is located directly on the street Riedl on the ridge of the mountain Riedl, an area that is one of the oldest settlements in South Tyrol. In its current form, the neo-Romanesque chapel dates back to 1871, with the small ridge turret added in 1874.

Inside the chapel you will find a lovingly designed, neo-Gothic altar with the image of the Madonna, called "Kaserer-Mutter". According to legend, this image of the Virgin Mary originally hung on a mighty larch tree that once stood exactly where the chapel is now built. The stories and legends surrounding the image and the building of the chapel tell of the deep faith and conviction of the people in the miraculous power of the ‘’Kaserer-Mutter‘’.

The chapel was recently renovated and is now in excellent condition. Holy masses are celebrated regularly in the summer months, bringing this special place back to life. 
The little church is only opened on such special occasions. Otherwise, it can only be viewed from the outside.
However, it is definitely worth a visit - not only because of its religious significance, but also because of the idyllic location and the fascinating history that surrounds this chapel.

The parish church of Nova Ponente, a Gothic building dating from the 15th century, has an impressively beautiful sandstone cladding. The inscription in the choir vault gives its date of origin: the cornerstone was laid on 5 July 1455 by Pastor Johannes Steel. Below the inscription is the coat of arms of the Diocese of Trento with the eagle, along with that of the then Bishop Georg Hack with its thin branch, also chosen as the heraldic symbol of the municipality of Nova Ponente.

The building was completed in sections, as suggested by the differences in the foundations and the sandstone cladding. Construction work was not completed until 1498, with the church consecrated on 16 September of the same year. In order to imagine it in its pure and original form, the new sacristy at the northeast corner and the organ loft with its outside staircase must be ignored. The interior of the church was vastly improved by the most recent renovation in the summer of 1975. The two neo-Gothic altars date from 1900, with a new organ installed in 1976.

Of particular note in the church are the four old relief panels on the high altar, showing the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, the Presentation at the Temple and the Death of the Virgin. The panels are from a famous large triptych, created around 1420 by the Master Hans von Judenburg for Bolzano’s Parish Church, as was the group of the Visitation on the wall of the choir. The main figures on the high altar – Our Lady of the Rosary and the church’s two patron saints - are beautiful works by the Innsbruck sculptor Dominikus Trenkwalder from around 1900. The relief figures of St. Barbara and St. Catherine as well as the relief panel of the Visitation, also on the choir walls, date back to around 1500. The sandstone pulpit from the early 16th century is held by Karl Atz in his “History of Art from Tyrol and Vorarlberg” to be one of the most beautiful of its kind in the entire land.

Old relief medallions of the mysteries of the rosary are inserted into the neo-Gothic rosary altar; the altarpiece was created by Franz Unterberger. Franz Haider’s beautiful nativity figures can be seen at Christmastime on this altar: his figurines and statues of saints are to be found throughout the Reggelberg area and he was a long-time resident of Monte San Pietro. The bell tower is for the most part much older than the present-day church. It dates back to the Romanesque era; inside can clearly be seen two rows of coupled arched windows that were later walled up. The tower formerly belonged to the old parish church of St. Benedict, documented as early as 1265. Today’s cupola was added in 1793 after lightning badly damaged both the tower and the church roof.

Another special feature of the church is that the pews have brass plaques, some with a rune-like mark next to the occupant’s name. These are the old house and farm marks of Nova Ponente. Each farm would use its mark to identify tools, grain sacks, logs and the like that were offered for sale. Many such marks can also be seen painted with red ochre on the outer walls of the church, now faded on account of the wind and rain. The impressive war memorial (1967) on the northern wall of the cemetery is by the South Tyrolean sculptor Martin Rainer, who was in 1976 awarded the Walther von der Vogelweide prize.

The cluster of wooden buildings of the forestry school lies within viewing distance of the former Grand Hotel Karersee, appearing modest in contrast. An extension was added onto two existing buildings. The elongated building with a pitched roof is linked to the older buildings via a wooden walkway with a pergola. Despite the traditional style of the building, clear contemporary architecture has been created here. Well-proportioned window frames and entrances are paired with the horizontal wooden slats of the facade. On the interior the walls are plastered white and add even more brightness to the room underneath the transparent roof construction. The silver colored construction of the steel stairs that connect both floors to the foyer is particularly elegant.

 

The Alta Badia Valley, which spreads over 16 km in the southeastern part of Südtirol/Alto Adige, lies in a sunny basin surrounded by imposing Dolomite peaks and framed by two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Puez - Odle Nature Park and the Fanes - Senes – Braies Nature Park.

The Puez-Odle natural park, measures 10,722 hectares and spreads across the municipalities of Corvara and Badia in Alta Badia, Ortisei, St Christina and Selva in Val Gardena as well as San Martino in Badia and Funes.

Part of the natural park are the mountains of the Odle group, the Pütia group and the high-plateau-like Puez group with the Sassongher mountain.

The Dolomite High Route no. 2, known as the "high route of legends" leads through the area of the Puez natural park.

From a geological perspective, Puez-Odle natural park is particularly interesting since all the rock strata typical of the Dolomites can be found here, such as Gröden limestone, Bellerophon strata, Wengen and St Cassian strata, Schlern dolomite, Raibler strata, Dachstein dolomite as well as Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks.

The Dolomite massif which splits off from the orographic core of the Sella and turns north in the Puez and Geisler group, has its outermost branch in the Peitlerkofel. Beyond that, the quartz foothills form the Lüsen caldera and the Plose elevation, whereas the Porphyr massif splits off from the Raschötz in the west.

This difference of geological structures result in this zone's diversity of shapes and landscapes. The grey and uniform Puez plateau's typical, tabular structure forms a contrast to the slim and bold shapes of the Cir and Geisler peaks, the Sassongher and the Peitlerkofel. This groups' sceneries are characterised by recessed, cliffy and austere shapes. Kilometre by kilometre, the eyes wander over deep solitude, a sort of moon landscape whose rough waves, grey pebble fields and white rock ledges which embody a harsh sterility.

The chapel is consecrated to the saints Rochus and Sebastian and owes its existence to an oath which the people of Nova Levante made during the plague in 1635/36. However, the chapel was only built between 1662 and 1666 and inaugurated in 1697. The long space of time between the oath and the chapel's completion was due to the fact that the people of Nova Levante were in disagreement over the location. The chapel is a building with a round apse, barrel vault and low-arch windows. Inside, there are several altars, the pulpit, sculptures and paintings - Baroque works from the 17th Century.
The chapel is not open to the public. The key for the chapel is available at the Romantikhotel Post Weisses Rössl in Nova Levante.

The Mini - Star Trail is an art installation and at the same time a short themed trail that is specially illuminated at night.
On a short stretch of 105 m in the centre of Steinegg / Collepietra, we encounter 11 selected stars. Away from the sun, these are laid out in the correct scale. A light year here is 4 cm. You have to imagine that a light year is the enormous distance that light travels in one year. You have to bear in mind that light travels almost 300,000 km in one second. That is 9.46 trillion kilometres in one year.

But what is a star?
A star is a gigantic burning ball of gas. It consists of hydrogen and helium. When hydrogen burns, energy is released that we perceive as light and heat.

How big is a star anyway?
There are many stars that are significantly larger than our star, the Sun. For example, the star Antares is 820 times bigger than the Sun. In order to better understand these dimensions, we will find a comparison of the size of the star and the sun at the respective stations of the mini star trail.

Why do stars shine in different colours?
When observing the starry sky closely, we can also see with the naked eye that stars shine in different colours: reddish, bluish, white, etc. This has to do with the different surface temperatures of the stars. 

In the evening and at night, the stars on the Mini - Star Trail are also illuminated from the inside with the right mixture of light.
So it is now possible to walk along the romantically illuminated Mini - Star Trail in the centre of Steinegg / Collepietra in the evening and get to know exactly these peculiarities of the starry sky.
The Mini - Star Trail is also barrier-free accessible.

This theme trail is financed by the Interreg project Skyscape. The measures of the Interreg project "Skyscape" are supported by the European Regional Development Fund and Interreg V-A Italy-Austria 2014-2020.

If we take the path above the Church in Badia, after about half an hour, we arrive at a junction; one road leads to Valgiarëi and the other to Sotciastel. The name of this farm is easy to  explain; the Ciastel farm is further above. As is the case in many other places the name of the settlement below is given with the preposition "sot" (below).

In the 1980s Sotciastel became famous as the result of research carried out by the University of Trento in cooperation with the Provincial Monument Office and the Ladin Cultural Institute "Micurá de Rü". These excavations proved that a Bronze Age settlement including permanent living quarters once stood here. The kind of articles found - parts of weaving looms, kitchen implements, agricultural tools, jewellery, pins and awls - lead us to believe that the settlement was agricultural and pastoral, was inhabited the whole year round and that above all sheep, goats, oxen and cattle were reared.

The settlement in Sotciastel appears to have been one of the first in the valley where people lived for a longer period of time.

In 2022, on the initiative of the meditation group of La Val, and under the direction of labyrinth expert Gernot Candolini, a labyrinth was built in the centre of the area occupied by the former church of San Genesio. It is a simple Gothic labyrinth, consisting of five paths traced with brook stones. Many things here in Dlijia vedla remind us of the transience of life: the remains of the old church walls, the abandoned cemetery.

Memento mori - Memento vivere!

Everything passes quickly, and the moment never stops. So be present and aware, enjoy the view, feel the hope that lurks in life, let yourself be inspired and blessed by goodness and change.

"This place here is a place of power, you must make use of it" Dr. Karl Gruber, Regional Conservator

                                

The parish church of Steinegg|Collepietra is a special place where art, history and spirituality come together in an impressive way. 
First mentioned in 1322, the church, with its walls and works of art, tells of times gone by and living tradition. Originally dedicated to St Peter and St Jakobus, later only to St Peter, and today to St Peter and St Paul - the history of the patron saints reflects the development of this sacred building.

On entering the church, the pointed arch-shaped main portal catches the eye, with its star-shaped vault dating from the first half of the 15th century. The choir, as you see it today, was built around 1664 and impresses with its three-sided apse. A special highlight can be found in the choir: a small, artistic sandstone statue of St Peter.

The 35 metre high tower from the 15th century houses six bells that carry the sound of faith far into the valley. There is much to discover inside the church: The valuable Stations of the Cross date back to 1747 and the colourful frescoes, created by Karl Joh. Henrici in 1794, tell stories from the Bible and invite you to linger.

The works of art from modern times also fit harmoniously into the story: The sculptor Friedrich Gurschler created the altar, the baptismal font and the lectern, while H. Peter Fellin painted the impressive altarpiece depicting the Most Holy Trinity - with the Virgin of Protection, embedded in the mountain landscape of the Rosengarten|Catinaccio, Schlern|Sciliar and Steinegg|Collepietra.

Another highlight are the colourful stained glass windows, designed by Prof. Widmoser and masterfully realised by the artist Ulrike Peer Huber. The Stations of the Cross were carved by Jakob Oberhollenzer and the church patrons, St Peter and St Paul, were created by Matthias Resch from Steinegg.

In the basement of the church you will find the Museum Steinegg and the Chapel of the Resurrection - a quiet place for contemplation. The cemetery, which is one of the most beautiful in South Tyrol, impresses with its artistically forged crosses and radiates a special tranquillity.

Useful information:
The church is always open during the day and is barrier-free.
Masses are always held on Saturdays at 7.30 pm and on Sundays at 7.00 am and 10.00 am. 

The biotope relaxing zone is frequently visited by young and adult guests that appreciate the three ponds, a lawn with showers, a bar with restaurant and a children's playground.

There are three small lakes: a small pond, a children's pool and a regeneration pond which was built separately, to ensure the protection of the regeneration zone during bathing season. The pond is purified mechanically, but most of all biologically.

Prices:

Adults: € 10,00
Children (7-14): € 8,00
Children (up to 6 years and only if accompanied): € 5,00
1 Entrance + 1 Sunbed with umbrella: 16,00€
2 Entrances + 2 sunbeds with parasol: 28,00€

The centre point of the First World War ski tour is the symbolic mountain of the era, Col di Lana. The 80 km (49 mi) tour takes you around this mountain. Throughout the tour, you will find traces of the war: artefacts from the war era, trenches running right through the rocks, parapet walks and forts.

In Alta Badia, you will start in Corvara and go to Campolongo Pass until you reach Arabba. Via Arabba and Porta Vescovo, you will reach Malga Ciapela/Marmolada. From here, you can take a detour to Marmolada Glacier (3,342 m / 10,964 ft). The lifts at Marmolada are included in the Dolomiti Superski pass.

Continue with the ski bus to Alleghe, where you can explore the runs of the Civetta ski area. The ski bus takes you from Pescul to the Fedare mountain hut at the Giau Pass.  From there a two-seater chairlift will take you to the forcella Croda Negra at the Croda Negra Pass. 

On the north side of the Forcella Negra the new Averau-Troi ski track brings you to the Col Gallina and to Passo Falzarego where you continue for Alta Badia with the Lagazuoi ski tour.

For the whole tour you need approximately 7 or 8 hours. Therefore, we recommend to take off in the early morning in order to finish the tour in time before the lifts close.

The tour can be done either clockwise or anti-clockwise, and in both cases there are sections in the ski bus, the ticket for which must be bought on board, as it is not included in the ski pass. The counter-clockwise route includes an atmospheric section of approx. 1.5 km in which skiers are pulled by a parade of Norse horses. 

One of the most spectacular descents of this tour is definitely the ski slope that from the top of Lagazuoi descends towards Armentarola in Alta Badia, the longest ski slope in the Dolomites.

Families which have owned the same land for more than 200 years are awarded a "Deed of inheritance" by the Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol. The Nagler family has been honoured in this way.

The original name was "Murin da Coz" because grain from the Coz farm was milled ("murin" means mill in Ladin) here. The oldest written documents mention Hof Palua (The Palua farm) in about 1566, Pares in 1780 and finally Murin. The first settlement can be dated 1296; the saw and the grain mill probably needed water power. In 1771 the "Brochia" family from Longiarü settled here. In common with many other family names in Val Badia, "Brochia" was reinvented in German, in this case, as "Nagler".

In those days, priests - as well judges - came from places outside Ladinia and they could not speak Ladin which led them to renaming their family names; most written documents were set out in German or Italian. Before 1800 the Ladin language was used relatively rarely in written documents.

Now the Murin farm is private and can be visited outside doing the culture trail in Badia.

The Gran Risa slope is one of the most technical slopes in the Alpine Ski World Cup circuit. With its gradient (average 36%) and curves, the Gran Risa represents a challenge even for the greatest champions. In fact, the greatest ski stars such as the unforgettable Alberto Tomba who celebrated some of his greatest successes or Ted Ligety, Michael von Grünigen, Bode Miller and Marcel Hirscher have met here in recent years.

The Gran Risa slope is one of the most technically demanding slopes on the alpine ski circuit. With an altitude difference of 448 m, a length of 1,255 m and a maximum gradient of 69%, it challenges the world's best skiers every year.

The start of the piste can be reached from La Villa with the Piz La Ila cable car and via the ski slopes on the Piz La Ila - Piz Sorega plateau.

The descent through the forest starts just below the junction of the black and red slopes of Piz La Ila and runs through the forest close to La Villa. Since the slope extends mostly north and long parts through the forest, it is in the shade for the entire day. This makes it particularly speedy and sometimes even icy.

After overcoming the steep slope at the start, a marked bend leads the descent into a steep, narrow gully. The descent then leads to a second change of direction to arrive at the finish.

If you want to follow the footsteps of the world's best skiers, such as Ingemar Stenmark, Mark Girardelli, Michael von Grünigen, Ted Ligety, Bode Miller, Marcel Hirscher and of course the most successful racer in Italy - Alberto Tomba, and try the Gran Risa, you should be a well-trained skier.

But it’s worth to try, the satisfaction will be great because Gran Risa means pure emotion and adrenaline!

Technical data of the slope

Start at:1.868 m (6128ft)
Finish at:1.420 m (4658ft)
Drop: 448 m (1469ft)
Length:1.255 m (4117ft)
Maximum slope: 69%
Average slope: 36%

Mountain cinema in the Val d’Ega

After an easy, short hike along the path [17] from the Karer Pass/Passo Costalunga, you reach the mountain cinema Latemar meadows.

Today's blockbuster is called "The wild mountain range on the horizon - the Rosengarten/Catinaccio". Visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet at the foot of the Latemar and the changing sky of a thousand colours around the Catinaccio. Don’t forget to bring your own popcorn!

You will come across the ruins of the castle ruins Steinegg at a picturesque vantage point. As you explore, you will experience a journey back in time.
The lords of Völs|Fiè created a unique double castle complex here around 1200, of which there are only a few left in South Tyrol. The residential castle with a view to the south has almost completely disappeared today, but the remains of the fortified castle still sit proudly on an imposing rock above the Valley Eisack|Isarco.

The well-preserved castle gate and parts of the south side of the defence walls tell of the castle's former strength. Here you can feel the history in every crack of stone - even if the battlements and tower have long since fallen victim to time.

Just a 20-minute walk from the village centre of Steinegg, this special place awaits you with a wonderful view and the castle ruins of Steinegg. Another special feature is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the legend of ‘Die Sängerin vom Schloß Karneid’. The unique book in german languague was illustrated by the artist Lena Pichler from Steinegg and gives the ruins a special magic. 
A place where the past, legends and nature merge together.

Info:
 The Steinegg castle ruins are not accessible without barriers.

Spectacular Dolomite peaks and legendary passes. Offering many fascinating options for nature lovers, epicures and athletes, the Sellaronda ranks among the most beautiful and popular tours in the Alps. Fabulous slopes and thrilling ski touring races in winter, legendary bicycle competitions and leisure tours with race bicycle and mountain bike in summer. Top-class events and individual excursions. The Sellaronda makes your dreams come true.

In the Alta Badia valley, in Corvara and Colfosco you are directly on the Sellaronda, in winter as well as in summer. Once you start, a varied day awaits, leading over a unique run crossing four Ladin valleys Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Arabba and Val di Fassa and you'll be sure to make special memories along the way. Above all, the Sellaronda tour is a pleasant, stress-free tour which combines beautiful downhill runs with gastronomical specialties.

 

On the adventure trail "BeeForest", you can immerse yourself in the mysterious world of bees.

The approximately 2-kilometre-long trail takes you past meadows and through forests to various places of energy with stations and illustrated panels, right up to a beekeeper's house with honeycombs and beehives on view - from mid-May to the end of September.

At these stations, you will learn exciting facts about life in the beehive, the importance of bees for our ecosystem and the challenges that these small, industrious insects face today. For children and adults alike, the trail offers an educational and sensory experience: listen to the buzzing of the bees, see their flight paths and feel how important their work is for our environment.

It's not just about honey bees - visitors also get an insight into the exciting and very different life of wild bees.

At the beekeeper's house, everyone then has the opportunity to take a closer look at the hive's hustle and bustle on the honeycomb.

Practical information:

• Route length: approx. 2 km, ideal for a relaxed walk
• Duration: about 1 to 1.5 hours
• Accessibility: The trail is only partially accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. They cannot be used for the entire route
• Best time to visit: Spring to autumn, when nature is in full bloom and the bees are at their most active

Immerse yourself in the world of bees and discover the secrets of these little superheroes - come and see for yourself how fascinating and valuable their work is.

Here is a brief insight:
Video BeeForest

The Sassongher mountain, 2665 m high, located on the south-eastern border of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, UNESCO World Heritage, is the mountain which most represents the town of Corvara. From its summit you can enjoy a 360° view of the Dolomites.

The imposing massif overlooking Corvara is particularly attractive seen from the Campolongo pass.

For some years now, a bench and a large wooden panel with the writing Corvara, have been on the first curves of the pass where there is a particularly beautiful viewpoint.

Locals and tourists love to sit here and admire this Dolomite giant. Sassongher makes the perfect subject for photos and the ideal backdrop for selfies.

This is where people, ideas and traditions come together to create village life. Whether for association meetings, creative workshops or cultural events - the clubhouse offers you inviting rooms to organise events and activities of the local associations.

Its central location in Kardaun|Cardano makes it easily accessible, and the functional rooms ensure that you feel at home straight away. At the same time, the building symbolises the cohesion and diversity of the local associations that make life in the region so lively.

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.

The Armentara meadows, a natural biotope in which flora and fauna merge harmoniously, are a natural spectacle of rare beauty. By crossing soft mountain meadows, in summer you can admire rare orchids, silicate spruce trees, larch meadows, stone pine forests and more than 60 varieties of birds. The wide pastures are testament to the work of our farmers who have shaped the landscape respecting its delicate natural balance.

In winter the Armentara meadows are the idyllic location for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The "Ciasanöia" is the old tavern and was an important meeting point for the residents of Badia.

It is similar to a castel and was built in 1614 for the nuns of Sonnenburg (Castel near Brunico). It was the seat of this Domination.

Today the house is privately owned and not open to the public.

The long aisle in the monastery is impressive, with its many votive plaques. Maria Weissenstein / Pietralba (1,520 meters above sea-level) is South Tyrol's most-important place of pilgrimage. It is among the most highly venerated religious sites in the entire province. This place of pilgrimage has been served by good roads from two directions for a couple of decades, now. The one road comes from the Eggen Valley, via Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente and Petersberg / Monte S. Pietro to Weissenstein/Pietralba. The other road ascends from the Etsch/Adige Valley, touches Aldein/Aldino, and ends in Weissenstein/Pietralba. The stream of pilgrims has increased markedly since the visit here by Pope John Paul II in July of 1988. This place of pilgrimage – including the church, the Pilgrims' House (built in 1897), the souvenir store, the inn (built in 1708), and the parking lot – is well-equipped not only for devout pilgrims, but also for the many hikers who stop by here. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.

St. Nicholas, the Patron Saint of miners, was held to be the protector of those in danger from water. In Eggen, it was believed that he protected the village against the raging waters of the Sam Brook and of the Gerold Brook. Until the curacy was built in 1681, Eggen was served by the parish of Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente. While St. Nicholas had the right to bury its dead parishioners as well as to read the Mass, since 1435, Eggen was ministered by a priest from Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente. With the establishment of the first curacy, this stopped, and in 1919, the curacy was elevated to the status of an independent parish. The church is open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.

An extraordinary highlight awaits you in Steinegg|Collepietra: the rocket tree house. This imaginatively designed tree house, which is modelled on a rocket, makes children's hearts beat faster and also amazes adults.

While the little ones let their imaginations run wild and embark on a space mission, you can enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding nature.

Steinegg|Collepietra, also known as the Star Village, lives up to its name with this special project. The rocket tree house is not only a great place to play, but also a symbol for looking at the stars and a fascination for the universe.

The rocket tree house is one of the stops on the Path of the stars, which connects the two Star Villages of Steinegg|Collepietra and Gummer|San Valentino.

Route description - one of several options:
The starting point of the hike is the village square in Steinegg|Collepietra. From there, path [2] leads past the Lex Market and you follow this path until you see the tree house in the forest on your left.
Take the same path for the way back.

Walking time: You will need approx. 40 to 45 minutes for the outward and return journey. 
The path is barrier-free and suitable for pushchairs.

The Chapel of St. Helena is particularly impressive on account of its rich frescoes, a major work of the Bolzano school of painting from around 1400. Art historians state that these are closely related to the murals in the Parish Church of Terlano and the Church of St. Catherine in Aica by Fiè. The Niederthor crest on the triumphal arch strongly suggests that the painting of St. Helena – like that in Terlan – was commissioned by the noble Niederthor family. Concealed behind paint for a long time, the coat of arms was once more revealed in 1885 and fully restored in 1938.
The outer walls feature images of St. Helena, St. Christopher and a crucifixion group on the façade, while on the south wall towards the apse there are representations of Mary with the infant Jesus and the three Holy Virgins, Catherine, Barbara and Margaret.
Inside the church, vaulted frescoes in the nave show the four evangelists with their respective symbols, each with an excerpt from his gospel. In the apse Christ appears enthroned as judge, surrounded by the symbols of the evangelists. The series of the twelve apostles below was partially destroyed during a subsequent extension of the windows. The triumphal arch points in the direction of the nave to the story of Cain and Abel, while the intrados depicts scenes from the Creation. The side walls of the nave feature images from the life of the Mother of God and Jesus’s childhood: the Annunciation, the Visit of Mary to Elisabeth, Mary and Joseph, the Adoration of the Magi, the Presentation at the Temple and the Flight into Egypt. On the west wall opposite the altar are St. Helena, St. Sebastian, a proclamation and the Bishops Ulrich and Wolfgang.
The church is Romanesque in its basic features and probably goes back to the 12th century. The small, rough stone relief to the far right of the façade dates from the 14th century. In 1410 the church was re-consecrated following completion of the painting. In 1500 the tower was given its wide pointed-arch window; the deeper-lying, coupled round-arched windows were bricked up. The altar structure dates back to the first half of the 17th century; the altarpiece is signed “J. G. Plazer 1723”.
The Church of St. Helena stands, according to legend, on silver ore. An ancient tradition tells of mining activities in the immediate vicinity of the church: G. Innerebner lists the church hill below the prehistoric settlements as a probable place of worship and orientation.
A detailed description and interpretation of the frescoes appears in the colour guide “St. Helena near Nova Ponente” SB 21 (M. Frei).

The Deer Park “Sompunt”, between La Villa and Badia includes more than 7 hectares of meadows and forest where more than 30 species of deer and fallow deer live together in harmony.
The park can be easily reached by car, bus or by foot.

Starting from the hut “Paraciora” and following an easy marked path, you can admire these wild animals living in uncontaminated nature.
The path is approx. 1 km long.

The route is indicated by arrows and information boards on which you will find some information about the park and its majestic inhabitants. The trail is also suitable for trekking strollers.

• Every Tuesday from 1st July till 1st October from 10. 00 a.m. until 11.00 a.m. you can visit the Deer Park with the owner. The Meeting Point for this free visit is the “Paraciora” hut. The visit is free.

Our Park offers a playground for children and there are also ponies, donkeys, rabbits, ducks, chicken and goats to see.

The small village of Gummer | San valentino in Campo is home to the only planetarium in South Tyrol. This special place in Europe's first Star Village is a must for anyone fascinated by the starry sky and the secrets of the universe.
Here you can immerse yourself in the magic of the universe - without a telescope!
Sit in comfortable armchairs and gaze into the dome of the Star Room to experience realistic simulations of the starry sky and virtually fly through distant galaxies.
Most shows and performances are accompanied by guides and experts who bring you closer to the universe in a unique way. Whether day or night, summer or winter - a visit to the planetarium is always an experience you will remember for a long time.

The planetarium's Star Room has 53 seats and 2 spaces for wheelchairs. The entire structure is barrier-free.

The planetarium is only open during the presentations. These will be held in German or Italian.
Please book your tickets in advance - either directly via the website, by e-mail(info@planetarium.bz.it) or by telephone on +39 0471 610 020.

Click here for the current weekly programme