Bezienswaardigheden in Zuid-Tirol

Every vacationer in South Tyrol has to visit Lake Carezza, the most gorgeous Alpine mountain lake!
This small mountain lake is well-known for its soft, deep green waters and the exquisite view of the Rosengarten and Latemar mountain ranges.

The lake is at its most gorgeous in the evening or early morning, when the Rosengarten-Latemar mountain ranges and the green of the Karerwald forest are reflected in its crystal clear water. This is a natural spectacle you won't want to miss!

Many South Tyrolean legends are based around the lake, such as that of the water nymph, and many writers and painters have chosen the motif for their paintings and stories.

Situated at 1,520 metres above sea level, Lake Carezza is 300 m long and 140 m wide in the Val d'Ega municipality of Nova Levante and is a protected natural monument. It is fed by underground springs from the Latemar mountain range, which is why both its size and depth are highly dependent on season and weather conditions - the greatest depth of Lake Carezza has been recorded at 22 m.

As Lake Carezza is a protected area, it is forbidden to cross the protective boundaries around the lake. Likewise, bathing and swimming in it is also strictly prohibited.  

Lake Carezza is accessible without barriers. At the car park of the lake there are a total of 4 parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities. At the lake there is a visitor centre with barrier-free toilets and a barrier-free passage to the lake. The viewing platform and the circular walk around the lake are also barrier-free. 

There are refreshment facilities at the visitor centre, which include two bistros. Other places to stop are the restaurants and huts in the area.

Lake Carezza is accessible around the clock all year round. The visitor centre with its subway for pedestrians and the toilets are open daily from 9 am - 6 pm.

For more info on Lake Carezza, click here: eggental.com/lakecarezza

The Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park lies in the midst of the Braies-Prags Dolomites and the Fanes chain. Typical karst forms such as fissures and limestone pavements, cracks, and sinkhole ponds characterize this area, the core of which is formed by the Malga Fane-Fane Alm and the broad Prato Piazza-Plätzwiese. And in the middle of the proudly soaring mountains is embedded the true gem of mountain lakes: the emerald shimmering Lago di Bràies-Pragser Wildsee.

The Lago Gioveretto is an artificial lake in the Ortler Alps in South Tyrol. The reservoir has an area of 70ha, situated at an altitude of 1850m in Val Martello and is crossed by the river Plima. The storage capacity is 19.6million cubic meters. The reservoir is situated in the Stelvio National Park and is used for generation of energy. The associated hydroelectric power station is located in Lasa.

From June to September you are allowed to fish with a state licence. You can buy the ticket at the keeper of the dam.

The milestone of the roman emperors Septimus Severus, Caracalla end Geta was found in 1928 to the west of the village of Casteldane- Italy in the vicinity of the “Hinterbühel” and was inserted in a country wall. The measurements of the stone (local quartziferous porphyry) are as follows: Over-all height: 1.95 m Top circumference: 1.54 m Central circumference: 1.71 m Bottom circumference: 1.89 m The engraved surface measures 82 cm in height and 74 cm in width: the average height of the letters is 4 cm. The milestone dates back to 201 AD and indicates the distance from Aguntum, a roman town close to the modern city of Lienz-Austria. Starting point: Kiens (782 m) at the tourist office; parking facilities nearby, bus stop. Cross the main road (state road SS 49), and between the Gasthof Gatterer (inn) and the Sparkasse bank building head south down to the bridge across the River Rienz. Walk over the bridge and through the railway underpass and now always follow the No. 5 blue-and-white trail markers: first walk east for about 300 m, then turn south and proceed on that path until you reach the first houses of Ehrenburg. From there continue on the tarmac road for about 100 m as far as the turn-off for the “Straße am Römerstein” (road). Now proceed in a westerly direction, always following the No. 5 blue-and-white markers to the milestone. From there initially keep heading west and subsequently take the track which runs north until you reach the road which runs parallel to the railway lines. From there walk east back to the Rienz bridge and to the starting point. Total walking time: about 1 ½ hours Standard: easy Summary: This walk is especially interesting from a botanical point of view since the vegetation is rich and varied.

A dozen mighty sequoias, up to 40 metres high, which were planted in 1898 at the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the crowning of the Austrian Emperor Franz-Josef, decorate the small high plateau of Fennhals.

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 carved-wood monument in memory of the famous mountaineer is found under the "Parei de Ciampac" rock wall, in Vallunga, where Comici fell to his death in 1940. He made over 200 first ascents in the Dolomites, he was the director of the ski school in Selva and town mayor between 1938 and 1940.

A nature play in white marble! The Gilfenklamm is a gorge in pure white marble and stretches from the village Stange/Stanghe into the Ratschingstal/Val Racines to the hamlet of Jaufensteg/Ponte Giovo. Wooden bridges and runways lead through the canyon and give a spectacular sight to the waterfalls. The primordial power of the water is tangible with all senses. The gorge is protected as a natural monument and is known as one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Alpine region.

The runways through the gorge were built in 1896 and just after a few years the unfolded magic attracted numerous visitors. Beetween the great world wars the bridges were left to decay, but were restored in the early 1960s, and have since become a must see of the Sterzing-Ratschings area. The hike through the gorge lasts nearly one hour (1,5 hours with return) and is worthwhile for nature lovers, families and seniors.

The Gilfenklamm gorge is situated in the Eisacktal/Alta Val d’Isarco valley, close to Ratschings/Racines and the city of Sterzing/Vipiteno. On an established trail you can walk across this charming and breathtaking canyon with its waterfalls cascading into the depth. About 100 years ago the gorge was named after the Austrian emperor Franz Josef, but its name changed so that it is now known as the “Cascate di Stanghe” gorge. During its course, the initially small Rio di Ratschings river turns into a roaring river which has been carving its way through the marble walls for centuries. Experience the forces of nature and the uniqueness of this fabulous natural monument.

No reservation is necessary. However, it is recommended to avoid the main visiting hours (between 10.00 am and 12.30pm).

Idyllic hamlet on the lake

On the east bank of the turquoise reservoir, at the back of the Schnalstal Valley, are a handful of houses and a church which form the hamlet of Vernago/Vernagt.

The original village was destroyed to make way for the construction of the reservoir in the 1950s. Even today, the tower of the former chapel protrudes from the lake in early spring.

In the idyllic village of Vernago/Vernagt, numerous hiking paths begin, leading through light forests up to the glacier, and passing centuries-old farms. An archaeological hiking trail runs along ancient places of worship to Oetzi’s place of discovery.

During his first trip to Italy in 1494, the famous German painter Albrecht Dürer had to deviate from his route to Venice because of a flood on the Adige River. After possibly spending the night in the monastery "Klösterle" of St. Florian/San Floriano or in Neumarkt/Egna, he probably arrived at the Freedom Square in Laag/Laghetti and from there took the path over the Sauch Saddle into the Cembra Valley. This assumption is based on Dürer's watercolors of Segonzano Castle and a mill. Today it is possible to follow Dürer's footsteps on the Dürer path of the same name, which begins in St. Florian near Laag.

In November 1809 thousands of soldiers from Napoleon’s army advanced over the Jaufenpass and into the Passeiertal Valley. They were heading for Meran. At St. Leonhard, however, there was a violent confrontation with Passeier insurgents, 22 of whom were killed, while 200 soldiers and 30 officers were reported dead on the French side.

According to subsequent accounts, the dead Frenchmen were buried in an old cemetery – probably a plague cemetery – at the edge of St. Leonhard. In the anniversary year of 1959, 150 years after the rebellion, the local company of marksmen affixed a marble tablet there. The French Embassy to this day sends funds for the maintenance of the cemetery, with the French tricolore flying over the grass.

No trace was found of the dead Frenchmen during an archaeological excavation carried out in 2009. This seemed to confirm earlier doubts about any mass grave containing French soldiers. But in 2013 the French Ministry of Defence arranged for further excavations; these actually found a knife and the remains of bones and articles of clothing, which suggest such a grave.

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 Weiberbödele is a site dating back to the Bronze Age (approx. 2000-1800 a. C) where votive pyres were consumed. Nearby, numerous metal slags and a bronze axe were found, which suggests the existence of a forge. The mineral should not have made a defect if you think that Stelvio - which is accessed after 15 minutes of ascent respecting the marker 9 (h. 1302 )- was built and inhabited by miners working in the mines of the area.

Ancient domestic grapevine in Magrè In the Vicolo dei Conti in Margreid, a house grape which was planted in 1601 covers the entire facade of the Feichter residence and still proudly produces 80 kg of grapes for harvest every year.

On the "Missensteinjoch" on Meran 2000 a cross reminds on the killed people during the 2nd world war.

The Titschenbach stream ends in a 68 high thunderous waterfall, which makes the village so unique. This is where the prehistoric inhabitants used to fetch water from the stream and channel it into canals for a variety of everyday uses. This place, the oldest in the history of the village, was mentioned in documents as "Tütsche" (Tyrolean Urbar from 1288). This name could have been derived in the course of a millennium from the Latin term "ductia", which, like the ancient "sala", referred to a water pipe. Salurn, the "village on the Tütsche", was created thanks to such watercourses. This dependence is symbolized, among other things, in the coat of  arms and name of one of the oldest families of the village, the family "An der Lahn". It is interesting to note that until the end of the 15th century, the stream crossed the Gries district in the south of the village and was only later diverted to the north on the mountain side of the settlement. The wooden bridge was first built around 1500.

The Kratzberger See Lake (2,116 m) is situated on the eastern side of the western ridge of the Sarentino Alps, along the E5 European long-distance footpath.

The clear mountain lake is known for its luminous shore and for being one of what are called brüllenden Seen or ‘roaring lakes’. According to lore, the brüllenden Seen emit audible sounds when inclement weather is looming. Above and beyond mythology, though, the lake is one of the most popular hiking destinations at Merano 2000.

It's accessible from the Missenstein Joch. From there, you can reach the lake along a somewhat narrow section of the European long distance footpath.

Movement of sheep
Every summer thousands of sheep cross the border

The transhumance in Schnalstal Valley, which is still practiced and deeply rooted in local tradition, dates back 600 years. This ancient tradition in Schnalstal Valley is now part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The annual migration in Schnalstal Valley is the only cross-border and trans-glacial transhumance in existence.
Every June, the shepherds lead flocks of 3,000 – 4,000 sheep on a mass migration from Vernago/Vernagt and Maso Corto/Kurzras across two mountain passes to the fertile pastures of Vent in neighboring Austria. The transhumance in the Schnalstal Valley covers more than 40 km, across gullies and snow-covered fields.

In mid-September, the sheep and shepherds with the help of sheep dogs guide the flocks back to the Schnalstal Valley on the much safer return trip. At the end of the transhumance, the successful termination of the migration is celebrated.

The Vallunga is part of the Dolomites - UNESCO World Natural Heritage and is located in the heart of the natural park Puez Geisler, which now covers an area of ​​about 10,722 ha. The natural park extends in the north to the Passo Erbe and in the south to the Passo Gardena; In the east it reaches the Val Badia (Kampill, Untermoj), in the west the Val di Funes and Val Gardena.

The valley is bedded in between rocky walls that fascinate tourists in summer as in winter. It offers countless opportunities for sports enthusiasts and real nature lovers, as it is part of the Europe-wide protected area network Natura 2000, which primarily aims to protect the habitats and wild fauna and flora.

WINTER: The valley, which extends over several kilometers, is great in winter for snowshoeing and hiking and is a dream come true for cross-country skiers. It enchants both children and adults with fantastic panoramas immersed in unique mountain peaks. SUMMER: Fresh springs and pure mountain air bewitch us on all our hikes in this unique holiday paradise. Both cyclists and climbers will get their money's worth. With its numerous hiking trails, the Vallunga is the ideal starting point for hikers of all ages.

The Wandelhalle, Merano’s iconic covered promenade, was built between 1864 and 1866 – even before the heyday of the Belle Époque. Today, it ranks among the city’s most culturally and historically significant landmarks. As one of the earliest examples of representative spa architecture in the Habsburg Monarchy, it also marks an important architectural transition: bridging the refined classicism of late Biedermeier with the emerging Jugendstil, distinguished by ornamental motifs and vivid wall paintings.

This light-filled colonnade follows the curve of the Winter Promenade along the Passer river – offering a shady retreat on warm summer days and a sun-drenched path for winter strolls. Initially met with public resistance, the project was championed by Merano’s visionary mayor, Valentin Haller, who saw in it the potential to redefine the town as a modern spa destination. He persisted – and prevailed. By 1891, the Wandelhalle had evolved into an open-air gallery, adorned with busts, commemorative plaques, and sweeping landscape paintings by local artists such as Lenhart, Complojer, and Demetz – celebrating South Tyrol’s natural beauty in painterly form.

Architecturally, the structure is a gem of 19th-century ironwork: its delicate cast-iron framework was produced by the acclaimed Viennese foundry Griedel, echoing the design language of Otto Wagner’s urban rail stations and the early Paris Métro. The arcade stretches nearly 100 metres, inviting passers-by to linger, promenade, or enjoy a concert beneath its sheltering arches.

Today, the Wandelhalle is a beloved public space in Merano: mornings begin with espresso at the adjacent café overlooking the Passer, while Saturdays bring a bustling flea market that attracts artists, collectors, and curious strollers. The venue also plays host to regular open-air concerts and cultural events, continuing the tradition of spa music that once defined Merano’s elegant leisure culture.

For younger visitors, the Wandelhalle offers a uniquely atmospheric encounter with history, nature, and art – a place where riverside flair and artistic expression come together in the open air. It also marks the start of several scenic routes: from here, the Kurpromenade leads past Art Nouveau villas, the Kurhaus, and on to the Tappeiner Promenade or the Steinerner Steg.

The Wandelhalle is also rich in anecdote: in the 19th century, it was a favourite gathering place for so-called “whey cure guests”, who would stroll here in the early morning light – fasting, breathing the fresh air, and accompanied by gentle music known as Molkenkonzerte.

At its centre stands the Hall of Honour, still bearing busts of historical figures – among them Duke Karl Theodor, brother of Empress Elisabeth and a practising ophthalmologist in Merano. The Wandelhalle thus offers not only aesthetic pleasure, but also quiet traces of the town’s storied past – captured in cast iron, paint, and sunlight. 

The "Giant Stone" is an impressive dolomite boulder located along the trail from the Kids’ World towards the Brunstalm. According to an old legend, the giant Haunold dropped it here when it became too heavy to carry. At the site, visitors can read the fascinating tale of the Giant Stone – a magical spot for family hikes and lovers of legends.

You can find the legend here: cultural life | Olang-Valdaora

The Chapel was built in the Selva's graveyard to commemorate all mountaineers who die in the Dolomites in Val Gardena. Their names are engraved in a large coper book.

An anti-aircraft gun (Flak) is a weapon originally developed during the First World War to defend against aircraft. One such gun was stationed in Glaning at the time to protect Bolzano from bomber attacks. The remains of the soldiers' barracks can still be seen today. 
The view from there is breathtaking. A table with benches invites you to have a picnic.

Altitude training canoeing & kayaking on the Vernago lake

The lake in the midst of the three thousand metre peaks is characterised by its unique turquoise-green colour, especially in summer, which is caused by the glacier cut in tzhe water. It is not for nothing that national teams have been training on the Vernago lake for years.

A welcome guest for example is Antonio Rossi, three-time Olympic Champion and multiple Canoe World Champion.

With its location at 1,700 metres above sea level and marked rowing routes of various lengths, the lake offers ideal conditions for optimal altitude training

 

The reason for the perfonmance-enhancing effect of altitude training is easy to explain: The lack of oxygen at high altitudes forces the human organism to adapt. This affects primarily the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system and the blood.

The St. Valentin church surrounded by meadows and fields, with the Schlern massif in the background, the small church of St. Valentin offers a real idyllic scene. The construction is of great historical and artistic value with precious frescos from the 14th and the 15th century. A peculiarity (among others): the painter has tried to include the local landscape as background in its representation of the three Kings.

The Ilsterner Au biotope extends along a 1.3-kilometer stretch of the River Rienz/Rienza  and is located in the municipalities of Kiens/Chienes and Vintl/Vandoies. It consists of four hectares of water area and eight hectares of biotope area.
Floodplain forests are rich in water and plant nutrients, which provide an ideal setting for a colorful range of vegetation. While grey alders are the most common trees to be found in the Ilsterner Au floodplain forest, parts of it are also densely populated by spruces and pine trees. 
Ash trees are the predominant plants in the eastern part of this biotope, which is a bustling home to many different animals. Countless fascinating insects and birds live here all year round, and many migratory birds can be observed on their way north or south.
The ecological function of a floodplain forest, however, is not limited to merely protecting its native wildlife; biotopes also play a key role in maintaining the hydrological balance of their surroundings, since they act as a large water reservoir.  Moreover, in terms of landscape, it is an enriching counterpart to the intensively used landscape areas.
In the course of the sustainable revitalization project, large parts of the terrain were lowered, the river bed widened, and several groundwater ponds were created. The upper area with the theme board is also considered a nature-oriented recreation zone for the local population in general and families and schools in particular.

After a short hike through the mixed forest up to Hocheppan Castle, visitors are greeted with a unique panorama: towering above the provincial capital of Bolzano is one of South Tyrol’s most famous mountain groups, the Sciliar massif and the legendary Rosengarten. Looking further across the landscape, one can see the Ötztal Alps to the north and the Lagorai range in Trentino to the south.

History:

The castle was built by Count Ulrich II around 1130 and was already one of the most powerful fortresses in the region at that time. In 1158, it was destroyed but soon rebuilt. In 1315, it was handed over to the territorial princes of Tyrol and has since changed ownership several times. Since 2019, Hocheppan Castle has been owned by the municipality of Eppan. Among the many well-preserved castles in South Tyrol, Hocheppan Castle is undoubtedly one of the most impressive due to its unique location.

Architectural Style and Features:

Hocheppan Castle combines the beauty of the surrounding landscape with the romantic charm of a medieval fortress. Particularly striking is the keep, with its pentagonal shape, parts of which date back to the 16th century. The highlight from an art-historical perspective is the castle chapel, featuring a remarkable fresco cycle.

Art-Historical Guided Tours:

Hocheppan Castle and its chapel can be visited as part of guided tours, available every 30 minutes from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the following days:

• April – July: Thursday to Sunday
• August: Thursday to Monday
• September – November: Thursday to Tuesday

For more information about guided tours, please contact the Tourist Association of Appiano at info@eppan.com or by phone at +39 0471 662206.

Archery Course at Hocheppan Castle:

The archery course next to Hocheppan Castle is open daily except Wednesdays and offers visitors an exciting and medieval-like experience during the "hunt" with bow and arrow. Completing the entire course takes approximately 3 hours.

Hiking Options:

The hike to Hocheppan Castle is one of the highlights of the "Three Castles Hike," which also includes the ruins of Boymont Castle and Schloss Hotel Korb.

The Völser Weiher Lake is located at the foot of the Schlern mountain in the middle of the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, a little way from the village of Völs am Schlern. It covers an area of 1 hectare and is located at an altitude of 1,036 m above sea level with a maximum depth of 3.5 meters. The reflection of the Schlern on the water's surface and the dense coniferous forests that reach to the shores give this natural spectacle a powerful aura. The public bathing jetty and the sunbathing lawn invite you to a relaxing break in both winter and summer.

Völser Weiher Lake was originally created in the 16th century by Leonhard von Völs for carp breeding. Today, fishing in the lake is forbidden, and a part of the lake is designated as a biotope. The remaining part of the lake is used for swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Völser Weiher Lake is considered one of the most beautiful bathing lakes in South Tyrol.

The Town Hall of Sterzing is considered a true gem in the entire Tyrolean region. It was built in the years 1468 - 1473, and the distinctive bay window was added in 1524 during a renovation. The Gothic council chamber, with simple paneling and beamed ceiling, is considered the most beautiful in all of Tyrol. The rooms of the Town Hall have been repeatedly used for historical meetings: in 1525, the emergency council met in the council chamber during the peasant uprising (whose famous leader, Michael Gaismair, is a native of Tschöfs near Vipiteno), and from the 15th to the 17th century, several sessions of the Tyrolean Landtag were held there. Additionally, members of the imperial family were received there (Emperor Maximilian, King Philip of Spain, Archduke Ferdinand, Maria Theresa, Joseph II, and many others).

In the courtyard, flooded with light by flat arch windows on the south wall, various museum objects related to the city's history are exhibited. The Town Hall is connected to a citizens' hall, named after Vigil Raber, born in Sterzing and the first theater publisher in the German-speaking world.

In the courtyard at the end of the ground-level gallery, finds from the history of Roman settlement are displayed. A copy of the "Mithras stone" found in Mauls in Freienfeld bears witness to the well-known mystery cult practiced by many Roman soldiers. The adjacent Roman milestone (circa 200 AD) confirms the expansion of the Roman road along the Brenner Route under Septimius Severus.

The courtyard and the historic council chamber are open to visitors during the Town Hall's opening hours.

The Tschaufer Weiher was once an artificially created fish pond. Today, this natural oasis is a protected biotope that invites visitors to linger and relax.