The South Tyrolean Mountains
World Heritage of Nature
The natural beauty of South Tyrol comes particularly to light during the hot summer months. The panorama plateau in Maranza allows a unique view over the soft green fields and snow peaked mountains in and around the Pusteria Valley. The impressive Gitschberg, the picturesque lakes and waterfalls allow for a holiday feeling which will let even your soul breathe out with content.
They lie like silent giants in the landscape, indestructible and massive: The Dolomites of South Tyrol are among the most attractive buildings of Mother Nature. The pale mountains owe their characteristic appearance of magnesium-bearing limestone, which manifested in the course of evolution of fossilized coral and algae reefs.
The majestic structures can be found on postcards in all parts of the world, many myths circulate around the rugged mountains. The Dolomites were included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Winter sports, mountaineering, mountain biking and hiking - the mountains offer tourists and locals many sporting employment opportunities and an incomparable panorama. Although the charm of the Dolomites is in its entirety, there are some particularly notable massifs.
Ski resort Gitschberg Jochtal
Varied slopes, long hiking trails and comfortable cable cars - the winter sports resort Gitschberg Jochtal creates the ideal conditions for your unique ski holiday. Also the winter and summer hikes on our local mountain are an experience!
The Gitschberg Jochtal is flanked by the Gitsch, a 2510 meter high mountain. This is located - above Meransen and the Hotel Kristall - in the Puster Valley. In the winter skiing is on the Gitsch: 22 kilometers of run length challenge athletes of every class. In addition to the classic runs, there is also a trail for cross-country skiers. Even sledders get their money.
Rose Garden Group
The Rosengarten group, popularly known as the rose garden, is a mountain massif located in South Tyrol and Trentino. Geographically, the mountain chain embeds itself between the Tierser valley and the Fassa valley. The rose garden extends for about eight kilometers. It runs north-south from the Schlern group to the Karer Pass in the south.
The Kesselkogel is the highest representative of its kind: At an altitude of 3004 meters, it towers above its stone brothers. The first ascent to the summit took place in 1873. Due to its free-standing location, it is one of the most rewarding viewing platforms in South Tyrol.
The Rosengartenspitze represents the next highest representative - the summit amounts to 2981 meters, which were first climbed in 1874. For the ascent, the west flank and the north ridge are recommended.
Vajolet peak, Laurinswand, Fensterlturm, Masarégrat as well as the Teufels- and Rotwand represent other well-known mountains that complete the overall picture of the Rosengarten group
Sassolungo
The Sassolungo owes its popularity to its reputation as an ideal climbing mountain. He presents himself - with his towering 3181 meters - as the head of the Sassolungo group. The mountain settles in the Val Gardena Dolomites and stretches for over a kilometer.
The ascent is usually on the southwest wall and is more suitable for enduring hikers and climbers. In case of emergency, a bivouac box was erected as an emergency shelter.
The alleged strains of the ascent are rewarded by an incomparable view: From the summit you can look at Sella, Alpe di Siusi and Marmolada.
Peitlerkofel
A giant of its guild: the Peitlerkofel, which is 2875 meters high, towers over the other mountains of the Peitlerkofelgruppe. It is based in the area of the municipality of St. Martin in Thurn and the nature park Puez-Geisler. Due to its spatial location, it is also titled as the northwestern cornerstone of the Dolomites.
A possible ascent is recommended only sure-footed and vertigo-free hikers. Safety ropes are installed on the Peitlerkofel - from the gorge of the smaller neighboring mountain.
Racines-Giovo
High alpine, dazzling and varied - the landscape of Ratschings-Jaufen impresses with its natural components. In summer, the lush mountain meadows, which are accompanied by high moor lakes, invite you to long hikes. In winter the area shines in fabulous white. Slopes, toboggan runs and cross-country trails encourage an extended sports holiday.
Geographically, the area - at 2150 meters altitude - located in the southeast of the Stubai Alps. In the immediate vicinity are the Starntaler Alps and Sterzing.
The ski resort in Ratschings-Jaufen was opened in 1973 - the area has since been continuously expanded and modernized. In total there are eight lifts in the South Tyrolean Ratschingstal.
South Tyrolean lakes and waterfalls
Refreshment for body and soul
Clear and calm lakes, rushing waterfalls and unobtrusively flowing mountain streams - the picturesque landscape of South Tyrol is accentuated by many waters. The cool water is recommended for long and relaxing walks along the shore.
In harmony with nature you can take a break from everyday life and let your mind wander. A refreshing bath invigorates body and mind. For this you have many opportunities - in touched and untouched nature. In the middle of this idyll, directly in Maranza, lies the Hotel Kristall.
The most popular waters of South Tyrol for you at a glance:
Lake Vahrn
In the terrain furrowed by the Eisacktal, Lake Vahrner rests like a mirror in the landscape. Although surrounded by mountains, the flat walks are comfortable and child-friendly.
The lake, which has been a conservation site since 1977, is a lush habitat for wildlife and flora. However, Lake Vahrner has a bathing beach, where you can venture a wet trip into the lake. A beautiful lawn invites you to rest.
Afterwards you reach the starting point on a friendly forest path, the walking time is three quarters of an hour.
Issinger pond
Natural and peaceful, the Issinger Weiher presents itself in the dreamlike ambience of the South Tyrolean Pustertal. As a refreshing oasis he offers himself for excursions. On hot midsummer days, you can refresh yourself in the bathing pond.
Even the little ones enjoy the excursion to the fullest: A playground and a water slide sweeten the young bathers the day.
A pizzeria open all year round at Lake Issinger provides for your physical well-being. Here you can also borrow shaded umbrellas and comfortable loungers, if you prefer a break from the sunny days of South Tyrol.
Kalterer lake
Imposing, picturesque and functional - Lake Kalterersee is one of the largest lakes in South Tyrol. It is located in Überetsch and is considered the warmest bathing lake in the holistic Alps. Thus, the water temperature peaks of up to 28 degrees Celsius, which invite you to a cozy bath.
Variety offers the rental of pedal boats and rowing boats. If you want to be more sporty, you have the option of sailing and windsurfing.
Montiggler lake
In the heart of the nature reserve Montiggl open the shores of the lake, which is surrounded by a lush forest. The journey can be made easily by car or on a hike through the surrounding nature.
The water quality of Lake Montiggl is considered excellent - not least because of this it is considered one of the most popular bathing resorts in South Tyrol. For your physical strength, there are several restaurants that offer traditional and international food.
Interesting highlight: Within easy reach is the Seeschlössl, which stands like a charmed fairytale castle in the reeds.
Waterfall of Vintl
A natural spectacle is the waterfall of Vintl, which lies in the lower Pustertal. The rushing, breaking from the mountain wet animates to refreshing cooling and kneippschen Giessen.
In the silence of untouched nature, which is broken only by the roar of the Vintler waterfall, you can take a rest and enjoy your day.
Waterfalls in the Ahrntal
Whether to wintry or summery temperatures - a trip to the waterfalls in the Tauferer Ahrntal is always worthwhile. A beautiful path leads you right at the beginning of the extraordinary hike to the gates of the waterfall bar. This invites you to a precautionary strengthening before you continue the stage.
After the culinary catering, the hiking trail leads you to the first Rheinbach waterfall. This turns out to be a real eye-catcher - if you have not had enough, you can take the journey to the second and third waterfall.
After passing these, you will reach a high bridge leading to the Toblhof. As a reward for your hike beckons the visit to the magnificent Taufers castle.
Altfasstal
Trip to the countryside
Green meadows, a babbling mountain stream and huts that invite you to linger. The Altfass Valley, a stone's throw from the Hotel Kristall, offers generous walking and hiking trails that take you through the nature of Maranza.
A signage points to the Großberghütte, where you are provided with a hearty snack and refreshing drinks. This is located at 1,638 meters altitude. The on-site sun terrace offers panoramic views of lush greenery and the colorful sea of flowers.
The path winds its way into the valley, accompanied by the Großbergbach, which, with its generous shore, encourages fun and games. In particular children come here at their expense.
After an hour-and-a-half hike you will reach the end of the valley where the Wieser and Pranterstadelhütte are located. Both are recommended for a relaxed stop. The little hikers, who are still not tired, romp around on the multi-faceted playground.
The big hikers, who still have reserves, continue their walk behind the Pranterstadel hut. The journey leads directly to the clear Seefeldsee, which rests at 2,275 meters. On the subsequent return you can choose an alternative path signposted.
Enjoy an extensive hiking day in the beautiful and sunny Altfasstal with your loved ones!
