Category: South Tyrol

How to reach Nova Levante

Active:
– Golfclub | Carezza
– Swimming pool | Nova Levante

Attractions:
– Lake of Carezza

Endless woodlands as far as the eye can see. Pale rocks reaching for the clouds. A mystical charm that can only be found in the Dolomites shrouds the village of Nova Levante in the Val d’Ega…

Nova Levante (1,182 m) stretches from 850 to 2,842 metres a.s.l. The unique nature of the Dolomites World Heritage Site between the Passo di Costalunga (1,600 m) and the Catinaccio massif can be explored on two legs or two wheels – and obviously also on skis, as soon as winter comes to the Val d’Ega and the slopes of the Catinaccio mountain turn into the fantastic Carezza family ski area. Go from the heart of the village directly to the pistes with the Nova Levante cabin lift! The descent from the Fronza alle Coronelle mountain refuge, no less than 7.6 km long, leads straight back to the town centre. And in summer there are walking trails, fixed rope routes, mountain hikes, the Carezza bike trail and the bike park awaiting those who just can’t get enough active adventure!

How to reach Ciardes

Attractions:
– The Kastelbell Castle

Tschars/Ciardes stretches across the Monte Sole mountain at the foot of the Texel group. It is located just below the hill of Juval Castle, at the entrance of the rugged Schnalstal valley. There are many historic farmsteads in the village center as well as examples of contemporary architecture which complement the old structures well and give the village the aura of a small but bustling living space. Ciardes also offers visitors many culinary delights.

Ciardes is the location of many beautiful hiking trails, like the Latschanderwaal trail with its chestnut groves, or the Ciardes Waalweg trail as one of the longest irrigation channel paths in South Tyrol (11km). The irrigation channel paths to Stava/Staben and Juvale/Juval are also well worth seeing and numerous culinary delights can be found along the way.

Taste and enjoy:
Castelbello-Ciardes/Kastelbell-Tschars is located between the mild Alpine-Mediterranean basin of Merano/Meran, the high Alpine glacier of Senales/Schnals and the windy but sunny Venosta Valley. Thus, it offers ideal conditions for high-quality farm products and specialties. The village is known for its organic produce such as asparagus and great wines, but also excellent fresh fruit such as apples and pears, apricots and berries. Castelbello-Ciardes is also home to great single-varietal fruit brandies.

The wines are mostly produced by small wine growers, who also run small farm distilleries and farmers’ shops, where all first-class products can be tasted and purchased locally.

Art and Culture:
The history of Venosta Valley is omnipresent in Castelbello-Ciardes/Kastelbell-Tschars, which lies along the ancient Roman trade route Via Claudia Augusta. Many places of interest line the way to the small village, including four castles, various estates and historic farmsteads. All testify to the importance of the village over the centuries. The many picturesque irrigation channel paths, orchards and vineyards around Castelbello-Ciardes are inviting for hikers to experience.

Visitors of the Messner Mountain Museum at Juval Castle can experience living history and art. This picturesque castle is located on the left shore of the Adige and is also the setting for many popular events. Not only cultural events, but also traditions and customs are high on the agenda. The festivals, processions and autumnal Törggelen are yearly highlights for locals and guests.

How to reach Mühlbach

Attractions:
– Rio Pusteria Fortress | Rio di Pusteria
– Funicular in Rio di Pusteria

Activities:
– Open air swimming pool | Rio di Pusteria/Mühlbach

Mühlbach is located at the entrance of the Pustertal valley and has had market village status since 1269. Ancient walls, stately manors and refined townhouses bear witness of its long-standing history. Located at the heart of an important traffic artery, Mühlbach forms the centre of the Almenregion. The multifaceted hustle and bustle can best be enjoyed on a leisurely shopping stroll with a culinary stop-over at one of the cafés. Direct bus connections from Mühlbach to the Vallertal, the sunny Meransen, the Rodenecker-Lüsner Alm as well as Spinges with its old farms, all just a stone’s throw away and certainly worth a trip. Also, the cable car takes you up to Meransen as well. Alternatively, you can catch the train to the Pustertal or take the bus to Brixen.

Shopping:
A new pair of hiking boots or rather pumps? In the many shops in the heart of Mühlbach everyone will find a gift for the loved ones at home. Subsequently, you can enjoy the multifaceted village live having a glass of wine or a Cappuccino on one of the sun terraces of the cosy cafes.

How to reach Sesto

Attractions:
– Peter and Paulus Parish Church
– Dolomit Arena
– Rudolf Stolz Museum
– Museum Bellum Aquilarum – Exhibition “Traces of historyof”

Pools:
– Outdoor pool

The attractive village of Sesto is nestling in the stunning mountain world of the Sesto Dolomites. Located far away from the hustle and bustle, the town offers nature at its best and opportunities for recreation for all tastes. Alpine climbers in particular know and love Sesto, because the most important peaks of the Dolomites are found here.

Sea level of the village centre: 1.300 m
Population: approx. 1,900
Characteristics: Jewel in the Dolomites of Sesto

Shopping:
Sesto is an idyllic village with all major shops: Grocer, bakery, butcher, newsagent, pharmacy and sports shop. With enormous passion for their products makers in Sesto are producing quality items that are well worth a closer look.

Culinary:
The culinary delights offered in Sesto range from the rustic hut to cosy inns, pizzerias and elegant restaurants. Bars and cafés tempt you with sweet treats, pubs and wine bars with savoury bites. Enjoy!

How to reach Vilpiano

Attractions:
– Waterfall | Vilpiano

Vilpiano is part of the municipality of Terlano. Vilpiano is situated fairly exactly half-way between Bolzano and Merano. The name “Vulpian” is first mentioned in the records in 1288. It is derived from “villa plana” – village in the plain. In 1313 the name had changed to “Fulpian”, later it became “Fülpian”. From 1564 Vilpian became the most widely used form.
The landmarks of the village are the two parish churches of St Joseph the worker. On your holidays in Vilpiano you should visit the waterfall and glide up Monzoccolo in the cable car.

Wine & culinary pleasure
Thanks to the fertile soil and Mediterranean climate, delicious fruit grows in Terlano, Vilpiano and Settequerce. The region is known as the asparagus triangle. It is also known for its crunchy apples and best grapes.

Culture tips
Terlano, Vilpiano and Settequerce have a strong cultural offer. There is also much to discover in the surrounding area; the cities of Bolzano and Merano in particular await you with their highlights.

How to reach Vezzano

The small village of Vezzano/Vetzan lies at the feet of the Monte Sole mountain slopes, at a distance of approximately 2 km from Silandro/Schlanders. Vezzano, specially sun kissed in its wonderful hillside position, is the Venosta Valley’s principal vineyard town. Records show that it has been managed by the Monte Maria Monastery from as early on as in 1170. On the well-aerated soil, fine wine varieties, such as the local “Vezzaner” and “Fraueler” still thrive.
Also the Romanesque St. Nikolaus Church, which was buried by a mudslide in 1840, is an interesting example of the truly moving history of the village.

Culture & art:
As a diverse country of contrasts, the Venosta Valley was an important gateway valley on the Adige River since Roman times and has been settled since prehistoric times. The valley was not only a connecting route over the Alps, but also a center of marble quarrying. Additionally, the Venosta Valley was rarely the scene of armed conflict. Thus, valuable monuments remain standing to this day.
In the capital and cultural center of Silandro/Schlanders and in the marble and artists’ village of Lasa/Lasa, there are a lot of attractions including castles and churches, frescoes and works of art from all eras. Early Romanesque churches along the ancient trade route Via Claudia Augusta connect at the foot of the high alpine scenery of the Stelvio National Park, forming a unique cultural landscape. Between traditions and everyday customs and culture, the Venosta Valley today also brings forth young creative artists and architects.

How to reach San Candido

Attractions:
– Parish curch of San Candido | San Candido
– Thermal Springs in Innichen | San Candido
– Inichen Monastery Museum | San Candido

Activities:
– Indoor swimming pool AcquaFun | San Candido
– Funbob at Baranci | San Candido

The market place San Candido is situated in the Three Peaks Nature Park at the foot of Mt Baranci.
San Candido in Alta Pusteria stretches from 1,113 m asl up to 3,145 m asl and has a total of 3,100 inhabitants. Already in the 4th century BC, the Celts settled down in this area. Worth seeing is the S. Michele parish church, dating back to the 12th century, converted to Baroque style in 1735. Also worth seeing is the Museo della Colleggiata of San Candido, comprising also the archive and the library.

Fully dedicated to the Dolomites, however, is the museum Dolomythos, where you can discover the genesis of the pale mountains from close quarters. Obviously the Dolomites are also the crucial element as far as leisure in San Candido is concerned. Mountaineers can choose from a wide variety of destinations. The most striking mountain group near San Candido is, however, the Monte Baranci.

Snow is hardly ever missing in San Candido: for skiing we recommend you the Three Peaks ski carousel in the Sesto Dolomites, offering 93 km of well-groomed slopes. Moreover there are also 70 km of winter walking trails. Also cross-country skiers’ hearts leap for joy, as there is a network of 200 km of trails. In the evening? Have a drink with friends in one of the cosy mountain huts.

As far as events are concerned, the municipality has got much to offer, from balloon enlightening in the frame of the Dolomiti Balloon Festival to International Snow sculpture festival, there is something for every taste.

How to reach Dobbiaco

Attractions:
– Gustav Mahler Zoo
– Lago di Dobbiaco
– Lake Lago di Landro
– Herbstenburg Castle 

Bike:
– Bike FUNActive Rental | Dobbiaco

Dobbiaco (Toblach) is situated at the entrance to the romantically wild Val di Landro. The town is famous for its cultural highlights, in particular the Gustav Mahler Music Weeks. In the winter the Tour de Ski comes to Dobbiaco. The town is also venue for other cross country skiing competitions.
During the summer holidays at Dobbiaco there are many possibilities to do beautiful hikes in the mountains with the whole family. Discover all the secrets of a stay in a hotel or apartments at Dobbiaco.

Shopping:
Dobbiaco’s shops prove that the town prizes individuality and quality. 58 owner-run shops along Dobbiaco’s shopping street offer a large selection of goods. Strolling along the extra wide pavements is a particular delight. Car parking facilities directly in front of the shops are one of the luxuries on offer.

Food and drink:
The culinary delights offered in Dobbiaco range from the rustic hut to cosy inns, pizzerias and elegant starred restaurants. The local cuisine is a symbiosis of traditional South Tyrolean dishes and lighter Mediterranean delicacies. Bars, pubs, cafés and patisseries tempt their guests with sweet treats and savoury bites. Enjoy!

How to reach Villabassa

Attractions:
– Museum Alta Pusteria | Villabassa

Villabassa is considered the cradle of tourism resorts of the Val Pusteria. Today it is venue for one of the hardest mountain bike races in the Dolomites, Dolomiti Superbike.

Villabassa is located at 1,154 m asl and harkens back on an animated past. This village is considered the cradle of tourism in Val Pusteria, dating back to 1871. The history of tourism is is documented in the Haus Wassermann, the local museum of tourism.

Places of interest are the S. Stefano parish church, boasting an altarpiece by the famous Baroque painter Martin Stoller. Also worth to be visited is the S. Maddalena church in Moso, hosting one of the most precious organs of Europe, seen from a historic and musical viewpoint.

Villabassa is a municipality that is ideal for those who love nature and outdoor activities. This is where you can find the first kneipp adventure village of Italy, providing a refreshing experience for body and spirit, surrounded by a magnificent scenery. Moreover the cure park offers tennis courts, a boccia lane, a recreation area and an adventure land for kids. In addition, a botanic educational trail provides interesting information for flora and fauna.

In Villabassa, all your wishes regarding hiking and walking destinations are going to be fulfilled. Either the Monte Serla, the local mountain of Dobbiaco and Villabassa, or Dolomite high path n°3 to Longarone, varied are the possibilities. Those who love mountain biking might be familiar with Villabassa as venue for the Dolomiti Superbike race, considered the hardest mountain bike race in the Dolomite mountains. Challenge yourselves on the race courses. Those, however, who prefer comfortable cycling down in the valley, can make a tour along the cycle track PusterBike of the Val Pusteria.

In winter, there are many skiing areas within easy reach. Either Monte Baranci, Monte Elmo, Croda Rossa or Plan de Corones, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to ski twice one single slope. Snow-shoeing, ski touring or winter walking in the fairytale landscape also leave lasting impressions in a scenery that has been added to the list of the Natural World Heritage sites.

How to reach Tesido

Active:
– Open-air swimming pool “Panorama”| Monguelfo

The village of Tesido is regarded as one of the five sunniest villages in the Val Pusteria Valley. The sun terrace between the mountain and the valley attracts numerous guests to this tranquil, idyllic village above Monguelfo with its beautiful panorama view of the Dolomites. Many hiking trails lead from the village to the surrounding mountain world. In the wintertime, the village ski lift is a meeting point for both young and old who want to cut a few curves on the slopes. The Romanesque-Gothic St. George’s Church is regarded as the cultural trademark of the sunny village.