The Valle Aurina
The Valle Aurina is the northernmost valley of South Tyrol. This area covers 630 km2 and is home to over 80 mountains. With peaks exceeding the 3,000-metre mark, this is the ideal place for hiking and climbing!
With its steep slopes, vast forests and lonely peaks, the nature park of the valley (Parco naturale Vedrette di Ries-Aurina) fascinates visitors from near and far. Among mountain lakes, quiet streams and impressive waterfalls, the true protagonist of the valley is the wild Aurino river, which flows through the valley from the farthest mountains to the villages.
But there is much more in this special place: nestled between woods and mountains, the medieval Taufers Castle rises above Campo Tures with all its majesty. This is one of the largest and most beautiful castle complexes in South Tyrol, drawing about 70,000 visitors per year attracted by the drawbridges, the charming garden and the 20 rooms open to public.
With its stunning 80 peaks higher than 3,000 metres, the park is both a summer and winter wonderland. In winter, the park boasts four skiing areas always covered with snow, with around 76 kilometres of ski slopes and 21 ultra-modern ski lifts. If skiing is not your thing, you can follow hiking trails or explore many woodland walking routes with snowshoes. For adventurers, the valley also offers four cross-country ski trails and several toboggan runs, one of which is the longest one in South Tyrol (10 km!).
In summer, a holiday in the Valle Aurina is an unforgettable experience. Those who wish to take a break from hot summer temperatures can enjoy the peaks glacier ice, whereas relax seekers can find their perfect spots in the green meadows, surrounded by the blue sky and the peaceful background of birds chirping. During slightly rainy weather, the Aurino river invites you to adventurous rafting and kayaking tours that get the adrenalin pumping.
Predoi (Prettau) – “La vetta d’Italia”
In the farthest section of the Valle Aurina, at almost 1,500 m above sea level, lies the smallest and northernmost municipality of South Tyrol. Due to its strategic location, Predoi (in German “Prettau”) was used over the centuries for border crossings from Italy to Austria: the so-called Sentieri dei Contrabbandieri (“smugglers’ trails”) are now hiking trails filled with history. Predoi counts 547 inhabitants only and 70% of its total land is a protected area, since is part of the valley’s nature park. Besides its spectacular nature, Predoi is also steeped in art history. Lace-making, for instance, has a long tradition in the village, although for many centuries, copper mining was the valley’s main source of income. To this day, the mine of Predoi is still open to public and provides insight into this branch of historical industry, which shaped the economy and everyday life of the high-mountain community from the Bronze Age until 1893. In 2001, a climate chamber was built at about 1,000 meters deep in the mountain, where the specific microclimatic conditions and pure air have healing effect on the respiratory system.
