Corvara in Val Passiria: Hiking, traditions and ancient mines

Located at an altitude of 1,419 metres, Corvara is one of the most charming villages in Upper Val Passiria, ideal for those seeking genuine experiences in contact with nature. Immersed in pristine surroundings, the village lies near the Tessa Group Nature Park, offering access to numerous hiking trails through alpine landscapes, protected flora and mountain wildlife.

Lake Kummersee: A walk through nature and memory

One of the most fascinating places near Corvara is the former Kummersee Lake, located at 1,340 metres above sea level. Once a true mountain basin, it has now become a themed educational trail combining culture and nature.

Fun fact: the name Kummersee means “Lake of Worries”, as between 1401 and 1774 it overflowed several times, causing major problems for the surrounding settlements.

The Kummersee Trail is a circular hike of about 2.5 hours, enriched by eight educational stations illustrating the lake’s history, its impact on the area and the transformations of the alpine landscape over time.

Monteneve: Mines between sky and rock

Above Corvara lies one of the highest mining sites in Europe: the Monteneve mines, located between the Val Passiria and Val Ridanna. It’s a place of great historical and cultural value, where mineral extraction profoundly shaped the life of local communities.

Today, these mines can be visited and offer guided tours through the tunnels — the perfect way to discover how people once lived and worked in extreme mountain conditions.

Corvara in Val Passiria is a perfect destination for hikers, families and lovers of alpine history. With its nature trails, cultural routes such as the Kummersee path, and access to the Monteneve mines, the village offers an authentic and revitalising holiday, far from mass tourism.