Cultuur & bezienswaardigheden in de Dolomieten

The church St. Valentine dates back to 1303 and the nave as well as the bell tower are built in Romanesque style. Probably there was already a previous church at this position around 1090. While the majority of the frescoes inside the church date back to the 15th century, the oldest ones were painted in the 14th century. Exceptional is the Gothic winged altarpiece, an oeuvre by Hans Klocker from 1500.

The Lutheran church is a lime block northeastern of St. Magdalena, accessible from the church of St. Magdalena. The supporters of the lutheran teaching shall have met in secret to celebrate The Liturgy of the Word.

The Nature Park Visitor Center of Villnöss brings visitors closer to nature and is the perfect place to dwell on. A walkable aerial photo gives visitors a bird‘s eye perspective of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. The exhibition area “Touch the mountains” focuses on the key topic - the geology of the Dolomites. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park has been designated the “Dolomites site office” because it is home to all of the rock types, deposits and weathering that are typically found in the Dolomites. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park in the Dolomites is estendet on a area of the 3 valleys: Gadertal valley, Gröden valley and Villnöss valley.  The “Nature’s treasure trove” on the second floor contains plenty to discover: animal fur, bird’s eggs, feathers, footprints, droppings, teeth, antlers, medicinal herbs … all of which - and much more - is on display and can be touched! The “Conquering Mountains” room is primarily dedicated to alpinism. The world’s probably most famous alpinist, Reinhold Messner, comes from Villnöss. He talks about his experiences in the mountains in a short film. The “Puez-Geisler Nature Park film” is also shown daily in the mountain cinema. Leave your stress at home, discover the world of the mountains, and feel like a hunter in the woods.

Brick shrine on the way to St. Magdalena which was build in 1636.

While nursing homes were formerly often pushed “into the green” on the outskirts of the village, it was decided in Valdaora/Olang to attach the elderly to the major facilities within the town center, where the school, kindergarten and other public institutions are to be found. The new nursing home has become an important meeting point. The four-story, wood-paneled structure houses two nursing units with 20 beds and associated spaces. Around the spacious foyer on the ground floor there is a café, a chapel, and a multipurpose room for events. In addition, an outpatient medical clinic and the offices of the district community are housed here. Glazed notches across the entry hall provide for good illumination; a partition of a pleasantly light, inviting architecture further emphasizes this impression through color, light natural stone and wood.

The Hill of the Holy Sepulchre is the most beautiful viewpoint of Tiso. The Holy Grave Chapel was built as a baroque building at the end of the 17th century. In it, the suffering and death of Jesus Christ was worshiped. After the entry of Italy into the First World War in May 1915, fortifications were built here on the order of the Austrian Empire army. They should serve as a defense against a possible invasion of Italian troops in the Isarco Valley, if the Dolomite front should fall. The trenches and a bunker were built by Russian prisoners. However, the defenses were not used during the First World War. However, during the final months of World War II, the bunker was used by the village population as protection against air raids and bombing.

Nestled in the pristine nature of Bad Bergfall, just a few kilometers from the village center, lies one of the region’s most fascinating natural wonders – the sulfur spring. Known for its healing properties, the spring has been valued since the 16th century. The mineral-rich water that bubbles from the spring contains a high sulfur content, traditionally used for treating skin conditions and promoting overall health.

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

In the center of Valdaora di Mezzo, not far from the St. Ägidius church, Valdaora remembers one of his famous sons. The hero of the french wars from 1809/10 is devoted a huge monument from Hans Piffrader.

The St. Bartholomew Church of Nafen was mentioned in 1307 for the first time and the building in late Gothic style was built in 1489. The frescoes inside the church date back to the 15th to 17th century. The winged altarpiece from the 16th century is exceptional. Because of the illustration of the “Holy Face” at the back of the altar, the church was a pilgrimage site for dental patients for a long time.

The unique tabernacle is particularly interesting: the Cross is made from a grapevine. The key can be collected at the nearby Gasthof Lamm.

The landscape is nestled in a fairytale white: deep snow makes the rugged peaks and rocks of the Dolomites appear soft and gentle, while forests and meadows on the slopes and in the valley lie under a deep blanket of snow. After dusk falls, silence settles over the landscape, and the stars sparkle on the horizon. Christmas lights illuminate the streets, and in the wooden objects of the "holzART" exhibition, twinkling stars, glowing angels, and shining hearts appear with a gentle glow, while Mitterolang Park also shines in a particularly atmospheric light: welcome to the Dolomites.Light.Zoo.

Here, the magical winter landscape of the Dolomites is reflected. Twelve corten steel steles, crafted by local artisans in the shape of our Dolomites’ peaks, create an interactive light path and offer a unique way to experience the wildlife of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. Take your time to immerse yourself in this idyllic scene and explore the park's wildlife.

A journey through the wildlife of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park for young and old alike.

The parish church in Valdaora di Sotto is one of the oldest of the occident. As district from other churches in the surroundings the mother parish church was able to preserve the baroque equipment.

In the Infopoint Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Zans is shown the long history of the unique Dolomites in a time lapse.

The rocks, once in the seabed, are now building peaks and are sloping, bent or folded. This is reflected in the architectural concept of the Infopoint.

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 chapel is reminiscent of the famous freedom fighter Peter Sigmayr. The Tharerwirt was shot 1810 from the Frenchmen near the Baumgartner farm.

A fantastic experience for the whole family!

The Mineral Museum Teis is dedicated to the famous Geodes of Teis which formed thanks to volcanic activities more than 290 million years ago. Besides Geodes of Teis, there are also exhibited other alpine minerals (rock crystals, smoky quartz, garnets etc.). The collection is Paul Fischnaller’s lifework who dedicated his life to the minerals.

A short introductory film gives insight into the formation of the Alps and the minerals. In the well-assorted museum shop you can purchase books, souvenirs, gemstones and healing stones.

Join Paul Fischnaller on his search for Geodes of Teis! Every Thursday, reservation required.

The parish church of St. Peter was built according to the plans by Matthäus Wachter in the 18th century and was dedicated to the saints Peter and Paul. The late baroque frescoes were painted by Joseph Schöpf, one of the most eminent painters of Tyrol. The bell tower dates back to the year 1897.

The roman miliary stone (201 a.C.) was found in 1958 by the Prugger brother while building the power station in Oberolang. The miliary stone stil reported the original incisions made by the roman Emperor Settimo Severo (193-211 a.C.) and his sonsCaracalla and Geta. Now the roman miliary stone is positioned near the Hotel Alte Goste in Oberolang/ Valdaora di Sopra.

The late gothic church in Oberolang was consecrated by Bishop Albertin in 1472. Around 1650 the church was renovated changed into baroque style. The actual appearance of the church is neo-Gothic (about 1900). Especially at the inside the church underwent a consistent change. In 1899/1900 architect Roman Picher took care of the renovation. The stoned glass was made in a Tyrolean Glass factory in Innsbruck. The wood work was completed by Jakob Veider from Niederrasen.

Most of the sacred buildings are bound on legends, like the parish church in Sorafurcia. A bear shall have attacked the Arndt farmer whereon he built a church.

The sulphur baths at Bad Bergfall The newly reviving bathing culture in South Tyrol is only one of the reasons why we have reconstructed Bad Bergfall. Here you can feel the element of water with all your five senses: Sulphur baths, Fountain of youth baths, Drinking cures, Inhalation fountain, Relaxation room, Relaxation massages, Energetic massages e Fitness programme The spacious pool facility with adjacent guesthouse provides the ideal retreat for people who want to spend recreational holidays to improve their health. The Pörnbacher family meets this increasing demand with professional bathing offers.

Already in the 13th century, there was a St. Mary’s church at Teis which, however, was destroyed by the heavy earthquake in 1471. The present-day neo-Gothic nave was completed in 1890 and consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The bell tower dates back to around 1500 and the great bell was cast at Innsbruck in 1734.

The old Lippa sawmill from the 19th century is located in Oberolang, in an easily accessible location in the immediate vicinity of the Val Pusteria cycle path and the Olang nature and culture trail. It is the last remaining Venetian sawmill, which was restored and put back into operation in 2011 after it was last used in 1958. It is a unique testimony to the history of the Val Pusteria timber industry.

Guided tours are only possible in SUMMER! For more information, please contact the Valdaora/Olang tourist office.

The church of St. Magdalene was first mentioned in 1394. The present-day late Gothic building dates back to 1492 and the interior is characterised by baroque elements. The paintings by the Ladin artist Johann M. Pescoller in the choir vault from 1928 are well worth seeing.

Important information on arrival:
The access road to the church is closed for cars (gate) and only accessible to residents. It is best to park at the "Putzen" car park shortly after the village St. Magdalena and walk to the church (approx. 30 min.).

Down the road of the kid park in Niederolang (Via Rienza) up to Mühlbach the are big stone with their signs that are about the thema of stones.

The St. James Church is located near the pre-Christian burnt offering site of Tschaufis. The walls of the nave date back to the 12th century and the bell tower was built in Gothic style. The gothic winged altarpiece from 1517 is the most precious piece of the church.

Next to the old Lipper saw you will find the old forge of Valdaora. With a lot of heat produced by coal, the machine workes and since hudred of years the workers forged the whole day. Today you can visit the forge and imagine how hard they worked so many time ago.

The origin of the church Saint Egidio in Mittelolang date back to the period of the High Middleage. According to an ancient parchmen Viktor Gatterer discovered at the beginning of XIX Century in the parish archive of Niederolang, the church could have be consacrated on the 1st September 1138 by the bischof of Briexn Rembert to the Holy Trinity, the Victorious Cross and to the disciple Egidio. One of the fourteen aukiliary saints, Egidio was evoked from shepherd and hunters to be wokshipped as patron saint of livestock and plauge.

Not long time ago a good income for farmers came from the production of withewash. With its sale the economic balnce of the council was balanced. Olang, but in particular Geiselberg were very famous for its production. The quality of whitewash changed depending of in which hoven it was prepared. After the bif fire that caused the partial destruction of Olang in 1904, there was a big production of whitewash due to the need of rebuildg the village. With the industrial developement the production of whitewash came to and end at the beginning of the 60´s of the XX century. Nowaday only the hooven in in Untermühlbach keeps the tradition.