VAL VENOSTA VARIETY
Nature and culture come together
A sunken village, a journey back in time to the Middle Ages and the world-famous marble: The Val Venosta Valley has many facets. There are exciting places to discover all the way to the Passo Resia and in the rustic side valleys. As the southernmost municipality in the valley, Castelbello is also the gateway to the Meran region. Embark on your very own voyage of discovery and get to know the country and its people.
CASTLES AND FORTRESSES
Ancient walls
There are around 40 castles and fortresses in the Vinschgau Valley. From the AMARIL you can enjoy a panoramic view over Castelbello Castle, which towers above the village. Just a few minutes' drive or a Waalweg hike away is Juval Castle, a site of the Messner Mountain Museum and summer residence of mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner.
PASSO STELVIO NATIONAL PARK
One of the largest nature reserves in Europe
Glaciers, rushing torrents, lush forests and pristine mountain meadows form the landscape in which rare plants and wild animals live in harmony. Five visitor centres provide information about the rich flora and fauna. The panoramic road to the Paao Stelvio is also the highest pass road in Italy and, with its 48 hairpin bends, one of the most impressive roads in the world.
SCHNALSTALER GLACIER
On the trail of Ötzi
High above Kurzras rises the icy giant of the Val Senales glacier. The glacier cable car takes you up to an altitude of 3,212 metres. From the "Iceman Ötzi Peak" viewing platform, you can gaze across 126 three-thousand-metre peaks in three countries and, with a bit of luck, even as far as the blue of the Adriatic Sea.
GLORENZA
The smallest town in the Alps
A visit to Glorenza is like a journey back in time. The town has preserved its medieval flair to this day: massive town walls, fortified towers, magnificent town houses and picturesque alleys at every turn. With just under 900 inhabitants, Glorenza is one of the smallest towns in the world.
LAKE RESIA
Val Venosta's distinctive landmark
Lake Resia in Upper Val Venosta is a Mecca for water sports enthusiasts and is known for the sunken church tower. The most popular photo motif of Val Venosta is the visible remains of the village of Alt-Graun, which was flooded in 1950 when the reservoir was created.
SPA TOWN OF MERANO
Where palm trees meet mountain peaks
Merano, where the Austrian Empress Sissi once went for a cure, is only a few minutes' drive away. Strolling through the historic arcades, listening to a concert in the Kurhaus or marvelling at the splendour of the flowers in the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle - this town on the river Passirio could not be more diverse.
THE VINSCHGAUCARD
Upon arrival you will receive the VinschgauCard. In addition to free use of the Vinschger Bahn railway and all other public transport in South Tyrol, it also offers discounts at museums and cable cars.