Tires al Catinaccio: Authentic Nature and Dolomitic Magic
Nestled at an altitude of 1,028 metres, Tires al Catinaccio is a small gem set in the most authentic part of South Tyrol. Located between the Val d’Ega and the Val Gardena, at the foot of the Sciliar and Catinaccio mountain groups, this village is the perfect starting point for those dreaming of a holiday surrounded by nature, both in summer and in winter.
Surrounded by woods, hills, and peaks rising up to 3,000 metres, Tires is crisscrossed by a network of trails, ancient mule tracks, postcard-like landscapes, and places that tell stories, legends, and spirituality.
A Valley to Experience in Every Season
Winter: The Realm of Snowshoes
When snow blankets the landscape, Tires becomes the snowshoe capital of South Tyrol. Organised hikes, well-marked routes, and sporting events attract visitors from near and far. A convenient ski bus service connects the village to the Carezza and Latemar ski areas, making it ideal even for alpine skiing enthusiasts.
Summer: Trekking, Views, and Adventure
With long sunny days and clear skies, Tires turns into a paradise for mountaineers and hikers. You can:
- Join guided tours in the Sciliar–Catinaccio Nature Park
- Tackle the Catinaccio circuit in 14 hours with Hans Kammerlander, one of the world’s most famous mountaineers
- Explore the Farmstead Trail, among alpine huts, woods, and traditional dishes served in rustic Buschenschank taverns
Hamlets Not to Be Missed
Briè: The Silence That Renews
At 665 m a.s.l., Briè is a tiny hamlet on the border with Cornedo and Fiè allo Sciliar. Perfect for those seeking total tranquillity, it’s surrounded by gentle meadows and painted forests — an ideal place to relax and reconnect with nature.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Catherine (1283), built in Gothic style, with well-preserved frescoes depicting the life of the saint.
San Cipriano: The Gateway to the Dolomites
Just 3 km from Tires, San Cipriano stands at 1,071 metres and is a privileged starting point for exploring the Catinaccio and its trails.
Here you’ll find the Church of Saint Cyprian, built in the 13th century in late Romanesque style, featuring a touching legend about the “miraculous rescue of the Platzliner meadow,” painted on its walls. Today, it remains one of the spiritual symbols of the valley.
The Proa: Enrosadira at Its Finest
Just above San Cipriano lies the Proa, a vast panoramic meadow where you can witness one of the Dolomites’ most moving natural spectacles: the enrosadira, when the Catinaccio massif glows pink at sunset — an unforgettable sight.
Wuhnleger: The Enchanted Pasture
At 1,402 m a.s.l., reachable in about 45 minutes from San Cipriano or 1 hour from Tires, the Wuhnleger is one of the most magical spots in the area.
Besides offering a perfect panoramic view of the Catinaccio, it features a small alpine lake that mirrors the mountain at sunset, making the enrosadira phenomenon even more captivating.
This small ecosystem is home to dragonflies, frogs, salamanders, and other species. But its natural beauty also carries history: during World War II, a plane in distress dropped bombs on this meadow, leaving craters still visible today.
Tires al Catinaccio is more than a destination — it’s a different way to experience the Dolomites: slower, deeper, and more authentic.
