Category: South Tyrol

How to reach Lasa

Attractions:
– Church of St. Sisinio
– Church of Maria Lourdes

About five kilometers from Silandro/Schlanders lies Lasa/Laas with his quiet historic town center. The apse of the parish church from the 12th century is a particular highlight of the village tour. It was created out of white marble, which is quarried above the village. Lasa owes its nickname, the marble village, to the white gold and boasts a reputation far beyond its country’s borders as well.

But guests can look forward not only to special cultural places, but also natural sites, because Lasa is not only known for its marble. As the cold pole at the foot of the high Ortler massif, it is also ideal for growing produce. Organic products from Lasa, like apricots, apples and sauerkraut, enjoy an excellent reputation. Amidst the idyllic natural landscape, the “Marble and Apricots” festival takes place every year.

Art & Culture:
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.

Taste & Enjoy:
Nature, culture and unadulterated enjoyment – this is the hallmark of Venosta Valley. Agriculture continues to play a major role today in the valley of connoisseurs. Time goes by differently here – the rhythm of daily life, work, and regional cuisine are adapted to the climate and the seasons.

Sun, wind and little precipitation characterize the valley. This excellent microclimate helps bear sweet fruit on the farms. Venosta Valley is today home to high quality produce. Here you will find old fruit varieties such as the Venosta Valley apricot or Palabirne (pear), and cabbage products – specialities, which are still sold direct from the farm and in farmers markets. Additionally, fields of grain, fruit and vegetable planations, and vineyards at altitudes up to 1000 m above sea level can be found here.

Shopping:
Apples, apricots, cabbage and marble: The Silandro and Lasa holiday area in the Venosta Valley is known for its regional delicacies and the purest marble in the world. The variety of Italian fashion boutiques, shoe stores and sportswear stores make the area the shopping center of the Venosta Valley culture region.

In our shopping guide you will find a list of shops, service providers and craftsmen in the Silandro and Lasa holiday area. Ideal for your holiday shopping and the perfect holiday gift for the loved ones at home.

How to reach Stulles

Attractions:
– Stulles Waterfalls

Exactly opposite the village of Plata, there is the sun-drenched village of Stulles at 1,315 m asl, located at the slope of the Giovo mountain ridge. The village provides impressive views on the mountains of the Alta Val Passiria, a landscape that is worth to be experienced. Stulles is also starting point for several mountain tours, such as the Guardia Alta and the Grande Punta di Montecroce.

Horse riding and hang-gliding are further offers that are available in this village. If you would like to become acquainted with tradition, come and see the so-called “Passeirer Almabtrieb“, the day the cattle returns from the Alpine meadows, where they spent the summer months. The lushly decorated cows and horses are welcomed in the village with a huge village fair, that also makes you taste some local delicacies.

How to reach Corzes

Attractions:
– Church of St. Egidio

Corzes/Kortsch, the largest municipal district within the principal Silandro/Schlanders municipality, lies nestled at the feet of the Monte Sole mountain, at a distance of approximately 1 km from Silandro in direction Resia Pass.
This sunny district has expanded simultaneously with the principal village so that it is now merely separated from Silandro by the main state road.

At the feet of the barren Monte Sole slopes, the extensive chestnut groves form a particularly eye catching sight. A small, white tower can be seen reaching out of the chestnut groves – it belongs to the chapel of St. Egidius, a small chapel that is without doubt the most famous example of architecture in Corzes/Kortsch due to its construction over 700 years ago on the “Schatzknott”, a rock that, as legend goes, is said to cover a hidden treasure.

How to reach Selva Val Gardena

Attractions:
– Dragon Lake
– Lake Crespëina

The highest village in Dolomites Val Gardena!

Placed directly below the Sella massif, the plateau-shaped mountain which appears as though it’s carrying the weight of the heavens on its shoulders, lies the picturesque village of Selva Val Gardena. Opposites create a true harmony in Selva Val Gardena which attracts countless visitors to Dolomites Val Gardena every year: modernity meets a bucolic setting, sport goes hand-in-hand with recovery, the perfect infrastructure alternates with leisurely and isolated meadows and paths. Dive into a world that will sweep you under its spell within a couple of seconds.

The perfect location surrounded by breathtaking nature
Selva Val Gardena is located at the heart of a beautiful natural landscape, a picturesque valley surrounded by the Dolomite mountain ranges which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Part of the Puez Group, the Cir summits, and even parts of the legendary Sella and Sassolungo Group surround Dolomites Val Gardena.

Due to its picturesque location at the heart of the Dolomites, Selva Val Gardena is a favourite holiday destination for active holiday–goers. Tourism is one of the main industries in Selva. Countless hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and ski schools pepper the location. As one of the access points to the Sellaronda, during the winter season Selva Val Gardena is also visited by tourists wanting to complete the Sella circuit on their skis.

Across the schools of not only Selva Val Gardena but also the valley’s other two municipalities, children are taught Ladin. Together with Italian and German, it makes up the Dolomites Val Gardena’s official languages.

How to reach Silandro

Attractions:
– The National Park Visitor Center Avimundus
– Schlandersburg Castle

Silandro/Schlanders, the capital of the Venosta Valley, boasts approximately 6000 inhabitants. The community is nestled among the end of the Schlandrauntal Valley, the Lasa mountains, and the typical Venosta Valley orchards and vineyards. Silandro is the economic center of the entire Venosta Valley, and home to many companies, cooperatives and the hospital.

The emblem of the municipality is the tower of the Gothic parish church of Maria Ascension, which at about 90 m in height, is the highest church tower in the Tyrol. A further landmark is the magnificent Schlandersburg Renaissance Castle with its picturesque, two-storey arcaded courtyard. The traffic-free pedestrian zone around the narrow, winding streets and small cafes and shops gives Silandro an urban flair and invites visitors to take an unhurried stroll.

Art and Culture:
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.

Nature, culture and unadulterated enjoyment – this is the hallmark of Venosta Valley. Agriculture continues to play a major role today in the valley of connoisseurs. Time goes by differently here – the rhythm of daily life, work, and regional cuisine are adapted to the climate and the seasons.

Sun, wind and little precipitation characterize the valley. This excellent microclimate helps bear sweet fruit on the farms. Venosta Valley is today home to high quality produce. Here you will find old fruit varieties such as the Venosta Valley apricot or Palabirne (pear), and cabbage products – specialities, which are still sold direct from the farm and in farmers markets. Additionally, fields of grain, fruit and vegetable planations, and vineyards at altitudes up to 1000 m above sea level can be found here.

Shopping: Apples, apricots, cabbage and marble: The Silandro and Lasa holiday area in the Venosta Valley is known for its regional delicacies and the purest marble in the world. The variety of Italian fashion boutiques, shoe stores and sportswear stores make the area the shopping center of the Venosta Valley culture region.

How to reach Plan

Aktivitäten:
– Mountaincart | Plan

Plan is located at the head of the valley and is considered a family-friendly winter sports resort.

Plan in upper Val Passiria is located at 1,627 m asl and is an idyllic mountain village in the heart of the Gruppo di Tessa nature park. Typical wooden buildings and farms characterise the village, which has got some 160 inhabitants. The hiking area round Plan and the Altissima is particularly fascinating, the landscape is ideal to be discovered on foot. For those who aim higher, there are fixed rope routes, or you visit the outdoor climbing gym “Bergkristall”, making climbers’ hearts leap for joy.

While in summer you sweat on the hiking trails, in winter you can rage and riot on the slopes. The small but mighty skiing area provides ideal conditions both for adults and kids, while cross-country skiers can look forward to 17 km of cross-country ski trails.

But also on two wheels you can discover the beauty of the valley: for tours on your motorbike, there are the Passo del Rombo and Passo del Giovo. Those who prefer mountain biking can experience the Alta Val Passiria on the trail network covering this area.

How to reach the Velturno

Attractions:
– Archeoparc | Feldthurns
– Velturno castle | Feldthurns

A truly unique location: the villages of S.Pietro Mezzomonte/Schrambach and Snodres/Schnauders, nestled in the middle of meadows and fields, between rustling broadleaf trees and huge chestnut trees, cling to the sunny slope with the old Velturno farmsteads halfway up the ridge.

Enjoy the magnificent view over the Odle/Geisler and the old villages clinging to the gentle hillside slopes. This scenic wonderland that implores you to take trips all the way up to the crashing waterfall above S. Pietro Mezzomonte or even higher, up to the local mountain, Monte del Pascolo/Königsanger (2436 m).

In fall, you are in the heart of the most beautiful area to visit the farmsteads for the south tyrolean tradition “Törggelen” : grape must and new wine , speck, roasted chestnuts and a wonderful atmosphere. Instead, in winter, you can enjoy skiing and cross-country skiing.

TIP: Take a walk on the “Keschtnweg”, the chestnut trail.

How to reach San Martino in Passiria

Attractions:
– Painter’s House
– Passeier Waterfall

The municipality of San Martino in Passiria is located in central Val Passiria and has got about 3,100 inhabitants. Located in the Gruppo di Tessa nature park, also the villages of Saltusio, Sorgente, San Martino, Valclava, Vallone, Montaccio and Cresta belong to the municipality. The parish church is dedicated to S. Martino and dates back to the 12th century. Round this church, the village started growing.

In and round S. Martino, there are seven of the famous Schildhof farms of the Val Passiria. If you would like to experience these special ancient buildings, we recommend you the Val Passiria Schildhof trail. Of course there are also plenty of other walks that are worthwhile, making you experience the intact landscape of the valley.

Tradition and culture are of utmost importance in the municipality. Once upon a time it used to be the seat of the Val Passiria painting school, which still today is remembered by numerous facades adorned with beautiful paintings in the village.

How to reach San Cristina in Val Gardena

The sun-kissed village at the foot of the Sassolungo
A place to find your inner peace, while the time away, and one village which will keep you coming back: these qualities – or similar ones – always crop up when talking about the sun-kissed village of Santa Cristina in Dolomites Val Gardena. The village is surrounded by verdant, blossoming meadows and interesting rocky shapes and forms, making this beautiful village a location where hospitality and traditions go hand-in-hand. S. Christina has fewer than 2,000 inhabitants and most of them work in tourism and are always delighted to welcome the countless hikers, cyclists, skiers and families that spend their holiday in this magical location.

Culture and associations in S. Cristina
Cultural events and associations are a very important part in S. Cristina, yet another proof that locals of Dolomites Val Gardena live up to the sense of duty they feel towards their home. The village band has been around since 1856 and the choir since 1972. Moreover, folk music is performed and kept alive in countless other musical associations.
The majority of the associations take care of shaping the cultural life in S. Cristina. They organise celebrations where locals and guests alike mingle and celebrate many times a year.

Sightseeing: What you shouldn’t miss out on in S. Cristina
We could stay here until the cows come home listing the sightseeing opportunities in S. Cristina. You should absolutely walk around the quiet and peaceful roads of the village centre and take in the beautiful buildings. When having a gander around, you should make the most of this opportunity to visit the parish church of Santa Cristina. Here you’ll find some works of art made by renowned sculptures of the region. The Fischburg castle is located between S. Cristina and Selva Val Gardena. In the 17th century it was built by Engelhard Dietrich von Wolkenstein-Trostburg, and the Renaissance summer and hunting castle is a true treat for the eyes. You cannot visit the castle as it’s a private residence but you can enjoy the view of the building. You can also visit the spherical sundial on the Monte Pana. If you’re interested in the history of the railway then you should walk along the Dolomites Val Gardena rail tracks where you’ll find more information about the history of our train on 14 informative wooden boards. Even the Tervela waterfall is worth a visit. It’s located directly opposite the village centre and is a perfect place to while the hours away. Another waterfall can be found in Soplajes, a fraction of S. Cristina.

Sports in S. Cristina
S. Cristina offers sport opportunities for the whole year. Countless walking paths and vie ferrate start here and lead active holiday-goers into the Dolomites. Even tennis courts, a swimming pool and a multifunctional sports ground provide for a lot of diversity and fun. S. Cristina is a favourite especially among winter sport lovers. The cross-country ski centre on Monte Pana is just as famous as the Sellaronda, which skiers in S. Cristina can directly access. Dolomiti Superski is a skiing carousel at the heart of the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and offers pure skiing bliss to every guest. If you’re also interested in watching professionals do what they do best, you can watch on as they compete in two races of the Alpine ski cup in Dolomites Val Gardena. The downhill races on the Saslong slope are also an absolute thrill-seeker’s delight. Moreover, a super slalom race also takes place.

How to reach Val Martello

Attractions:
– Castle Annenberg | Laces – Val Martello
– Culturamartell – Nationalparkhaus | Val Martello

The Val Martello lies in the Stelvio National Park and is considered one of the most beautiful side valleys in Venosta. It rises 950 m up to the Cevedale Glacier at 3,769 m. Those seeking peace and relaxation will find the right combination of elements for recharging themselves in preparation for the challenges of daily life: tranquillity, pure mountain air and unique types of flora and fauna. Winter sports-enthusiasts can take advantage of the cross-country skiing centre, biathlon, a network of winter-hiking trails and snowshoeing tracks. The Val Martello is a true Alpine skiing gem.

Lying between 900 m and 1,800 m, this is the highest altitude of strawberry cultivation anywhere in Europe. These are also ideal conditions for the cultivation of other fragrant berries, herbs and vegetables of various kinds.

Art and culture:
Where the Lower Venosta Valley with its Alpine-Mediterranean character meets the rugged Upper Venosta Valley there is Laces/Latsch, a lively cultural and fruit-farming centre boasting numerous examples of old architecture.

The Stelvio National Park is the largest protected area in Italy and the second-largest nature reserve in size in the Alpine region. Besides Laces and Val Martello, there are eight other municipal districts falling under the jurisdiction of the Stelvio National Park in South Tyrol, including Stelvio/Stilfs, Prato/Prad, Silandro/Schlanders and Ultimo/Ulten, spaced around the highest mountain in the region.

Numerous old castles and fortresses testify to the diverse cultural history of the Venosta Valley region. Many fortresses were saved from destruction through their utilisation and restoration; others such as ruins and architectural leftovers from the past now serve as cultural artefacts or as prized excursion destinations.

Food and wine:
The local delicacies and high-quality ingredients render the Venosta Valley a prime destination for lovers of good food. The regional farm products, such as the mountain apricots and berries, the Pala-pears (an centuries-old pear varietal), apples and quinces, honeys and mountain herbs, as well as a range of vegetables, potatoes, cereals and asparagus are all known far and wide. The wide range of local products, also provide the ingredients to numerous healthy and delicious regional dishes.

All these products may be purchased directly at the farms, but they are also for sale in the local shops and farmers markets in the region. Guided visits to the farms, including sampling the farm-fresh dairy products, tastings of wines and fine spirits are all popular tourist itineraries.

There is a wide selection of crops and produce to be found in Val Martello, such as mountain herbs and Alpine hay used in preparing smoked delicacies. Mountain berries such as strawberries; raspberries, blackberries and red currants are all grown in Val Martello.

Active holidays:
Hiking biking and mountain hiking. Laces/Latsch and the steep Val Martello are regarded as a hiking and biking haven in Venosta Valley, with trails leading from the vineyards to the Laces glacier and back. What’s more, there is a magnificent view of the valley.

Those keen on activities in the outdoors will enjoy exploring the trails that run alongside the ancient irrigation channels in the Venosta Valley. There are also relaxing excursions to the Alpine pastures and dairy farms in addition to a number of challenging high mountain trails and hiking routes around the Ortler Alps. Bordering the extensive Stelvio National Park amidst the mountainous landscape of Val Martello is a system of hiking trails running through the pristine environment. During the mild spring and in autumn, the sun-kissed Monte Sole mountain near Laces is ideal for relaxing excursions.

Besides the network of hiking and biking trails, the wide range of outdoor sporting options in the Laces and Val Martello holiday region include climbing, river rafting, tennis, swimming and sheer fun in the Laces AquaForum pools creating a total outdoor summer holiday experience.