Val di Tures and Aurina: The Wildest and Most Authentic Heart of South Tyrol
The Val di Tures and Aurina (Tauferer Ahrntal) marks the northernmost area of Italy and of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. Located in South Tyrol, this extraordinary valley is a perfect mosaic of Alpine landscapes, centuries-old traditions, and genuine spirit.
Here, nature reigns supreme: lush forests, blooming meadows, and majestic rocky peaks form a fairytale landscape framed by the Zillertal Alps, which serve as a natural barrier against cold northern winds, ensuring a continental climate with warm summers and snowy winters.
A Truly Authentic Land
Val di Tures and Aurina stands out for its wild and unspoiled atmosphere. Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park, it is one of the few remaining areas in South Tyrol where the landscape has not been artificially altered.
Among the green slopes and conifer forests, you can find high-altitude alpine huts, water mills, barns, and stone ovens — living testimonies of an agricultural past that still thrives today. Despite tourism development, the local population has managed to preserve the valley’s original character.
The Valley Where Time Stands Still
A walk through the villages of the valley is a journey through history: here, traditions endure, such as that of bobbin lace making, passed down since 1893 after the closure of the Predoi copper mine. The mine, in fact, was once an economic engine of the area and also its first tourist attraction.
Today, you can visit the mine and experience the Climate Center, a natural environment used for speleotherapy. And if you love history, don’t miss Castel Tures, perfectly preserved and host to exhibitions and medieval reenactments.
Between Nature and Culture: A Valley for All Seasons
Val di Tures and Aurina is the ideal destination both in summer and in winter:
- In summer: hiking, via ferratas, mountain biking, paragliding, fishing, and mushroom picking.
- In winter: skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice climbing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
All surrounded by one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Alpine arc, dominated by the Vetta d’Italia, the northernmost point of the country.
Val di Tures and Aurina is a valley to experience, not just to visit — a destination where every season tells a different story of nature, memory, hospitality, and authentic beauty. Be amazed by its villages, views, and traditions: the rest… come and discover it for yourself!
