Ahrntal/Valle Aurina

In the Ahrntal valley, particularly clean air ensures your well-being. Scientists agree on this and describe the valley as a clean air area, which means that there is hardly  any ozone, the pollutant content is far below the legally prescribed limits and the concentration of pollen is low. Why is that? Firstly, the high alpine location between 1,000 and 3,500 metres, which is dominated by over 80 three-thousand metre peaks, favours the high quality of the air. What's more, there is no through traffic here as the valley ends where the country's northernmost mountain rises. 

But it's not just outdoors that the Ahrntal valley can boast exceptionally good air, even deep underground. In the old Prettau climate gallery, the air is so pure that people with asthma or pollen allergies can breathe freely. Recent studies have proven the positive effect.

Water also plays an important role in the clean air area. 120 drinking water springs, 35 mountain lakes and ten waterfalls characterise the Ahrntal Valley. It gushes out between crevices and fissures, carving its way and shaping the landscape.

Nestled in the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, the Ahrntal Valley impresses with its more than 80 three-thousand-metre peaks, 120 drinking water springs, 35 mountain lakes, 9 waterfalls and a unique healing gallery. A valley without through traffic, rich in the purest air, untouched nature and crystal-clear water. The establishment of the consortium "Zukunft Ahrntal" was a concrete step towards respectful treatment of nature, resources, traditions and the way of life in the valley. Local cycles and economic structures are promoted and further developed on the basis of socio-economic projects such as Taufrisch and Kleiner Marktplatz. Soft mobility and good, regular public transport connections promote environmentally friendly transportation. The Ahrntal Valley has been awarded the Sustainability Label South Tyrol for these measures – an important milestone on the road to a future fit for our grandchildren.

Would you like a piece of spicy grey cheese? A hand-carved nativity scene? Or a bobbin lace blanket? In the Ahrntal valley, as in the rest of Sud-Tyrol, you will find a large selection of local, high-quality food and handmade everyday objects and artefacts.  Lace-making and woodcarving play an important role here. The art trade secured the economic existence of the valley in those days.

Ahrntal farmers have dedicated themselves in particular to the production of cheese. The grey cheese was even awarded the highest possible "Presidio" award by Slowfood and at the Travel Food Award, the Ahrntal valley received the "Best Food and Wine Event Italy 2023" award for its grey cheese. Many products are available directly from the farm, where you can sample the delicacies and get to know the producers. Many of the regional specialities are served up on site during your culinary experience.