Val Venosta: A Journey into the Soul of South Tyrol
Every land has a hidden heart — a place where cultures, languages, and landscapes intertwine in a special way. In South Tyrol, that place is Val Venosta: a true mosaic of biodiversity, stories, and contrasts, nestled between Switzerland, Austria, Trentino, and Lombardy.
Here, four languages coexist (German, Italian, Ladin, and Romansh), and this cultural diversity is reflected in every corner of the landscape. From the peaks of the Ortles to Lake Resia, from the apple orchards of the valley floor to the villages frozen in time, Val Venosta invites you to discover, breathe, and experience.
Upper and Lower Val Venosta: Two Souls, One Valley
The valley is divided into Upper Val Venosta, with Malles as its main town, and Lower Val Venosta, whose capital is Silandro. In total, 13 municipalities make up this varied territory, including Curon, Glorenza (the smallest walled city in Italy), and Senales.
Both areas offer perfect holidays all year round, combining hiking, winter sports, culture, and relaxation.
Nature and Adventure
The Stelvio National Park
Val Venosta is home to part of the Stelvio National Park, one of Italy’s oldest and most spectacular parks. Here live fascinating species such as the red deer, ibex, and marmot, along with a rich alpine flora that includes the Edelweiss and other botanical rarities.
The landscapes range from valley floors at 400 meters to peaks reaching almost 4,000 meters: a unique ecosystem for hiking, extreme trekking, snowshoeing, and exploring glaciers such as those of the Ortles-Cevedale group, with high-mountain villages like Trafoi and Solda.
Exploring the Vinschgau:
Hiking through History and Water
For hiking enthusiasts, Val Venosta is paradise: the famous Waalwege, or Water Trails, follow ancient irrigation channels carved into the rock, still walkable today and officially recognized as UNESCO cultural heritage. From gentle family walks to challenging alpine trails, every hike is accompanied by the sound of running water and the authentic beauty of South Tyrolean nature.
Winter Sports:
Skiing and Snow Adventures
Winter in Val Venosta offers excitement at every altitude. The ski areas of Solda and Trafoi feature slopes for all levels, postcard-perfect scenery, and modern facilities. Other resorts, like Belpiano - Malga San Valentino, invite visitors to experience snow in every form: skiing, snowboarding, freeriding, ski touring, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowkiting, ice climbing, and much more.
For beginners and families, there are also excellent ski schools and training areas.
Castles and Spirituality: A Noble and Sacred Heritage
With over 40 castles and fortresses, Val Venosta is an open book of stone telling stories of the past. From Churburg Castle to Juval Castle, and Castelbello, each fortress tells of borders, battles, and rebirths. Many now host museums, exhibitions, and cultural events.
The symbol of local spirituality is the Abbey of Monte Maria, the highest Benedictine monastery in Europe, open to visitors through guided tours featuring frescoes, thousand-year-old architecture, and eloquent silence.
Flavours and Traditions:
Between Marble and Apricots
The valley’s biodiversity is also reflected in its flavours. In addition to the famous apples, Val Venosta is known for its sweet apricots, used in jams, pastries, and gourmet dishes.
Another treasure lies underground: the white marble of Lasa and Silandro, exported all over the world and used in landmarks such as the Abu Dhabi Mosque and the world’s largest subway station at Ground Zero in New York. You can learn about its history and craftsmanship through marble tours.
By Bike or by Train:
The Valley’s Green Soul
The Val Venosta Cycle Path is one of Europe’s most scenic routes: 80 km from Resia Pass to Merano, passing through orchards, historic villages, and vineyards, with the option to combine the ride with the comfortable and panoramic Vinschgerbahn, the train that runs along the entire valley.
A slow and romantic journey, perfect in every season.
The Submerged Bell Tower:
Between Myth and Memory
The bell tower in Lake Resia is the valley’s most iconic sight and one of South Tyrol’s most photographed places. Yet behind its fairytale beauty lies the tragic story of more than 150 families forced to leave their homes when the hydroelectric basin was built in the 1950s. The only tower left standing today is a symbol of resilience and remembrance.
Rainy Day?
Two Museums Not to Miss
Even when the sun (rarely) hides, Val Venosta offers plenty to explore:
- Typewriter Museum in Parcines, featuring the historic Enigma machine
- Mondotreno, Italy’s largest model railway, with over 1,000 m² of miniature tracks
Val Venosta is a valley to experience both vertically and horizontally — between wild nature and warm hospitality, between adventure and spirituality. A journey that crosses borders, yet stays within you.
