Bezienswaardigheden in Zuid-Tirol

The so-called "Vorbichl" extends for about 2 km on the eastern edge of the "Tisner Mittelgebirge" and forms with its steeply sloping rock wall a natural barrier to the back settlement area against the Adige Valley.

This large stone from the Bronze Age can be found along the Grauner Weg, but unfortunately, its original place of origin is not known. Its many engraved symbols are still a mystery today.

Stone of mica schist with 53 sunken bowls. They point to ancient sacrificial and cult ceremonies. Furthermore, two ships and a
Swastika can be seen (a sun). These type of stones ​​date back to the Bronze Age. The remaining symbols may have been engraved
later. The exact location where it was found in Graun is unknown.

From its source in Dobbiaco to the point where it joins the river Danube, the river Drava is 750 km long. There is a miniature replica of its dimensions on the way from the cycle path to the source of the Drava. Every 1 meter of path corresponds to 1.4 km of river. After 15 minutes walkers arrive at the source of the Drava.

Further information to the water treasures of Dobbiaco: http://www.drei-zinnen.info/en/dobbiaco/dobbiaco/experiencing-dobbiaco/lago-di-dobbiaco-lago-di-landro-and-dobbiaco-water-treasures.html?_ga=1.243384837.1489106145.1483110301

The Gustav Mahler statue is located directly in the village center of Dobbiaco and was made in the years 1976 - 1982 by the Slovenian Bojan Kunaver.

The famous composer Gustav Mahler delighted in his summer holidays in Dobbiaco: “It is wonderful to be here, it sets your soul and body at ease...”. From 1908 to 1910 Gustav Mahler spent the summer months at the Trenkerhof farm in Carbonin Vecchia. In the composing house there he created his Ninth Symphony, the unfinished Tenth Symphony and “Das Lied von der Erde.”

The museum of the 1st World War is situated on the top of the mountain of the Monte Piano. From the top there is a beatiful view of the surrounding mountains, with the Three Peaks.

Since the border between Italy and the Habsburg monarchy Austria-Hungary ran through the middle of Monte Piana, both sides wanted to hold this strategically important mountain. What followed was a bloody war of position that lasted two years and ultimately failed to bring about a decisive turning point.                 

Tappeiner was a doctor, scientist, and champion of tourism in Merano: there is commemorative statue along the promenade that bears his name.

In Andriano there is a beautiful wooded area characterized by a strong presence of yew trees, which has been designated as a landscape protection zone.
Yew trees are found in communities with pines, hornbeams and black hornbeams, but also in pure, dark and dense stands, and offer an optimal habitat for many species of animals.
The yew forest with its numerous paths invites you to walk and relax.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Over time, the stream Gaiderbach has cut deeply into the porphyry rock and formed a narrow, distinctive gorge with waterfalls. The gorge presents itself simply fascinating and breathtaking: the mossy rock faces, the power of the water, the species-rich vegetation (including ferns and various species of orchids) form an undisturbed interplay of nature.

"Eye-catchers" and wonderful views

Lana and its neighbouring villages benefit from a truly unique location as they are situated in the middle of the Adige Valley and at the same time nestled at the feet of high mountain ranges. Thus, the villages of Lana, Burgstall and Gargazon can enjoy the convenience of the mild valley basin and of the rough mountain climate alike. Winters in the valley are usually mild and visitors who prefer fresh mountain air instead of hot summer days will find relief when driving through the lower mountain range.

Another privilege of this geographical position is definitely the panoramic view. Within a 7-minute drive is the Mount Vigiljoch or the village of Völlan where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Adige Valley and the Rosengarten group of the Dolomites or further on to the city of Merano and the capital of Bolzano. Sometimes you will wish to know more about one or the other sight you might see from above.

This is why hikers more and more find so called "Eye-catchers" (German: "Hingucker") on strategic lookout points. These are permanently installed telescopes that provide good views but also information about the sights.

An inscription refers to the first consecration of the church in 1199. The nave has a flat ceiling and is equipped with oylets. The choir has a semi-circular, vaulted apse with a Majestas representation and two well-preserved Evangelist symbols. There are traces of frescoes dating back to the 13th century. To the south of the triumphal arch appear the victims of Cain and the upper body of a fish-tailed siren. The head with long hair, the thoughtful expression and the gestures of the arms give the depiction a uniquely melancholic appearance, which contrasts significantly with the image of the demonic element in the other wall paintings.

The Church of S. Nicolaus is open from 03.05.2024 - 18.10.2024 every friday at 2 pm for the guided tours in german and italian language.

One of the biggest larches in the area is located in Valdaora di Sotto, near by the “Lexen” farm At the site there is a rest area and a wall chart with all the dates about the tree.
These are: age: 170 years, height: 37 m, diameter: 1,06 m

Emma Hellensteiner (23 April 1818 - 9 March 1904)

Emma Hellenstainer was a charismatic host, an excellent cook and a pioneer for tourism in the Alpine region. The “Schwarzer Adler” (Black Eagle), as the Hotel Emma was known then, became known far beyond the country’s borders. Her charm captivated guests from all over the world. Visitors from Germany, Great Britain, Italy - they all came to Villabassa because of the beautiful local landscape, but mainly because of Emma and her engaging personality.

The summer residence (1908 - 1910) of the famous Bohemian Composer Gustav Mahler. The small house of Musical creation is located in Carbonin Vecchia/Altschluderbach.

During the sommermonth between 1908-1910 Gustav Mahler composed some of his most famous works in this simple wooden cabin in the heart of the Dolomites: the 9th and 10th symphonies and the "Lied von der Erde".

“How can people forever think,” cried Mahler “that Nature lies on the surface! Of course it does, in its most superficial aspect. But those who, in the face of Nature, are not overwhelmed with awe at its infinite mystery, its divinity (we can only sense it, not comprehend or penetrate it) -- these people have not come close to it. […] And in every work of art, which should be a reflection of Nature, there must be a trace of this infinity.”

The protected hanging spruce is a very rare and botanically interesting natural monument and stands at the foot of an embankment next to the road between Hofern/Corti and Issing/Issengo near Mühlen/Molini, below the bridge over the Grünbach/rio verde.

There, a unique post spruce, also called a garland spruce, rises from the young growth. While the terminal shoot grows upright, the approx. 30 cm long side branches hang vertically and are slightly twisted downward. The tree, which is about 115 years old (in 2021), reaches a height of 25 m (1991) and has a circumference of 34 cm (1991). The hanging spruce is difficult to classify in the many columnar and hanging forms known so far. In any case, it is the narrowest spruce form ever found in South Tyrol and far beyond.

Montan/Montagna is located at the border of the Trudner Horn/Monte Corno Nature Park and surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Paved alleys and colorful buildings characterize the historic center of Montan. The parish church was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. The Schloss Enn/Castel d'Enna is located high above the village and was built in 1172 by the Lords of Enn. The small hamlets of Pinzon/Pinzano, Gschnon/Casignano, Kaltenbrunn/Fontanefredde, Glen/Gleno, and Kalditsch/Doladizza also belong to Montan. The plateau is characterized by the typical vineyards, where the best Pinot Noir wines of South Tyrol thrive. Montan is a popular starting point for numerous hikes and mountain bike tours.

 

During its 750 km long journey to the Danube the Drava flows through 5 European countries. It has its beginning in Dobbiaco. sily reached on foot or by bike. Starting point, especially for families is the forest WoodWonderland.

Further information to the water treasures of Dobbiaco: http://www.drei-zinnen.info/en/dobbiaco/dobbiaco/experiencing-dobbiaco/lago-di-dobbiaco-lago-di-landro-and-dobbiaco-water-treasures.html?_ga=1.243384837.1489106145.1483110301

North of Wolfsthurn Castle, on the hiking trail from Andriano to the Bittner farm, on a flat slope called Schlosspichl you will find a magnificent chestnut grove.
Chestnut trees of different ages stand on the green meadow and have a special aura due to their fresh, light green foliage. One large oak tree dominates the chestnut grove majestically, which thanks to its position is much warmer than the surrounding forest and radiates vitality through its radiant colours.

A place to fall in love! A place that allows hikers to rest and that is a natural playground for children.   From the chestnut grove a short path leads to a small hill with a cross and several benches, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Andriano and the Adige valley.

The unusual phenomenon of the ice caves between the two villages of Kaltern (Oberplanitzing/Pianizza di Sopra) and Eppan/Appiano can be explained with a simple physical principle: air streams down through cracks in the porphyry stone, creating a system of windpipes that becomes cooler as it descends. This heavier, cold air mass collects in a 5 meter high pool in the depression. This climate is ideal for plants that would normally thrive in higher alpine regions. We do recommend to make this excursion during warm summer months.

Position:
The big Montiggl Lake is located in the middle of the nature reserve Montiggl with its stunning mixed forest in the community of Eppan on 492 meters above sea level. It can be reached by car or by the numerous walking paths nearby.

Topography:
The big Montiggl Lake has a shoreline of 2 kilometres and its surface is around 18 hectares wide. At its deepest spot it has a depth of 11.5 meters. In the north-east it is surrounded by rock, whereat the opposite site it changes to a swamp.

Utilization:
According to analyses the lake has very good data regarding the water quality and is therefore one of South Tyroles most popular swimming lake. In the west of the lake there are hotels, restaurants and a swimming pool with a pier located.

The View of the Three Peaks is located in the Landro Valley. From there you have an amazing view to the Three Peaks. The Dolomite, with the Three Peaks, takes part ot the UNESCO World Heritage. The platform also serves as a starting point for hikes in summer. Around the platform there are several information boards that explain the special features and characteristics of the Three Peaks region.

In 1916 the imperial and royal military administrations began building the railway. At that time it served as an important supply route for the Dolomite front. During the 2-year construction period of the 51 km long route with its characteristic viaducts, bridges and tunnels, mainly 6,000 Russian and Serbian prisoners of war were used for the work. In 1917 the first supply transports for the front were carried out and from January 1918 the train could be used for passenger transport with a journey time of 4 hours from Auer to Predazzo. In 1930 therailway, originally pulled by a steam locomotive, was electrified. This reduced the travel time to 2 hours. Due to the constantly growing mobilization and the introduction of a bus connection to the Fiemme Valley, the railway became less and less important. In 1963 the company was closed. Today the railway line is a popular route for hikers and cyclists.

biotope with a special animals and plants - descriptions during the walk

The Carnic mountain ridge appears almost insignificant compared to the stately Dolomite rock towers on the opposite side of the Sesto valley. But this impression is deceiving! From Sesto, you can not only reach the Tre Cime Dolomiti, a popular and panoramic hiking and skiing area, but also the western foothills of a mountain range that stretches for over 100 km, almost to Villach in Carinthia. Interesting detail: The Carnic Alps were formed long before the Dolomites. Numerous fossil finds indicate a turbulent, geological past. However, the mountain range also has great historical importance, as it forms part of the Italian-Austrian border. Those who want to experience a border passing on high tracks can walk from the Monte Elmo peak (2,434 m) past the Helmhaus and along the ridge - with their left foot in Austria and the right one in Italy. This is also the starting point of the popular Carnic high route, also called the "peace route", which leads in eight to eleven days of walking to Arnoldstein in Carinthia.

Do not miss out! The 3 Zinnen Dolomites mountain cable cars organise spectacular sunrise walks to the Elmo peak during the summer months. Celebrate the dawn of the day with a mountain experience to satisfy all your senses!

At Hochhueben Hof farm in Partschins/Parcines, a feudal holding of the Salzburg Bishops dating to the 14th century, a Roman gravestone has been built into the front wall of the house on the right side next to the entrance. The officer Marcus Ulpius Primigenius of the customs station in Töll/Tell did this to immortalize his firstborn son Quintus Caecililus Eutropius, who died only 21 years and 11 months old.

The letters D.M. on the seal (Dis manibus– the gods of death) and the manner of execution of the lettering appear to date to the first half of the 2nd century AD.

Roman tombs and coins have also been found across the courtyard.

Standing at the summit cross and enjoying the breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain world as well as the Iceman did 5,300 years ago - this is now possible on the new viewing platform „Iceman Ötzi Peak. “

The route up to the viewing platform at 3,251 meters above sea level begins in Maso Corto. The Glacier Cable Car takes you up to 3,212 meters, to the mountain station and the Glacier Hotel Grawand, the highest hotel in Europe.

The steel construction, designed and built by South Tyrolean technicians and companies, can be reached safely and comfortably via a staircase with handrail in 10 minutes from the mountain station.

Once at the top, you will discover the snowfield of the Similaun (3,606 m), where the oldest and most famous glacier mummy in the world was found.

You can also catch a glimpse of the Alto Giogo Glacier and the watershed that forms the national border between Austria and Italy, as it were:  Up here, the water flows once into the Black Sea and once into the Adriatic.

The path of Transhumance can also be seen from the platform. This centuries-old tradition was recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Three Peaks are the landmark of the Dolomites and the nature highlight of the Holiday Region 3 Peaks in the Dolomites. The Three Peaks are situated in the Three Peaks nature park and in 2009 they were declared UNESCO World Heritage, as were all other peaks of the Dolomites.

The three battlement-like peaks consist mainly of dolomite:

• The Cima Grande measures a proud 2,999 metres
• The Cima Occidentale 2,973 metres
• And the Cima Piccola 2,857 metres

Among climbers the Three Peaks are one of the most popular destinations in the Alps, offering numerous climbing routes of various levels of difficulty.
Alpine climbers began to conquer these most important peaks in the Dolomites from 1860. Paul Grohmann from Vienna was the first climber of many of the summits of the eastern Dolomites. In 1869 Grohmann started from Landro and, together with Franz Innerkofler and Peter Salcher, conquered the Cima Grande di Lavaredo. With the construction of the Val Pusteria railway line in 1871 the number of alpine climbers increased steadily. 

Andreas Hofer hid for one and a half months with his family at the Pfandler Alm mountain hut, above St. Martin/S. Martino. On January 28, 1810, he was captured and taken to Bozen/Bolzano and Mantova.

The Pfandler Alm is only accessible on foot.

Small alpine chapel on the alpine pasture of Rodengo and Luson and a nice place for a short rest.

In the area of the station you can already see the marble blocks weighing several tons, which are processed in the marble factory of the company Lasa Marmo.

In the world of marble and in the whole place one finds the white stone: sculptures, buildings and even marble sidewalks - at sculptor workshops and at the technical school for stone-treatment.

Lasa marble is not only popular in South Tyrol, as in the Silandro Hospital and Bolzano Concert Hall, but worldwide - to marvel at the World Trade Center Transportation Hub.

The world of marble can be discovered during guided tours and hikes.
www.marmorplus.it

The castle of Salorno stands imposingly on the rocks above the village and is the symbol of the village. Its position makes it one of the most impressive ruins in the Alps. It was built in the Middle Age and during the time it was constantly enlarged. It was in possession of different nobel families and since the 17th century it belongs to the descendants of Earl Zenobio-Albrizzi from Venice. Thank to their help the castle was restored. Since 2003 it can be visited during summer. Nowadays there take place many cultural events during the warm season.

There is a path called "Way of visions" which leads to the hill of the castle in 20 minutes (by foot).