Discover Italy: Great Travel Tips - Scenic Drives - Motorcycle Tours - Art Cities - Food & Wine

Valle Aurina (generally known in English as Ahrntal from its German name) is located in the extreme north of Italy, in the province of Bolzano and near the Italian border with Austria. The valley is surrounded by a beautiful environment between the National Park of Vedrette Ries Aurina and the Zillertal Alps, in one of the most impressive areas of the Dolomites. Here, the towering peaks of the Dolomites, some of which are even higher than 3000 meters a.s.l., offer unforgettable views!

The valley extends from Campo Tures to the Austrian border in one of the most pristine natural environments in South Tyrol. Because of being surrounded by high mountains and because of its isolated position, the valley has been able to preserve its own ancient folklore and traditions over the years. It is a perfect destination to learn about the people living here, in an unspoiled environment, where 98% of the inhabitants speak German and not Italian, although the area politically belongs to Italy.

Also, in Valle Aurina (Ahrntal) it is impossible to get bored, as you will get the chance to choose from a multitude of activities, such as all-level trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, let alone mountaineering, free climbing, rafting, skiing, biathlon, ice climbing, sledding, and downhill skiing.

Some not-to-be-missed activities are a visit to the National Park of Vedrette di Ries-Aurina, where you can admire the wonderful waterfalls of Riva di Turies, and a long walk at the foot of the impressive mountains that surround the valley.

Sport and nature are not the only attractions of this region, as it is also a good culture-oriented destination. Speaking of that, we suggest visiting:

- the South Tyrol Museum of Mining in Predoi (Prettau). It is an interesting exhibition mine, located 15 kilometers from Cadipietra (Kornkasten) with over twenty mining tunnels. A visit of 45 minutes includes a ride on the mining rail. A not-to-be-missed attraction!

- the Museum of Nativity of Maranatha Lutago. It is the largest museum in Europe dedicated to displaying Nativity scenes.;

- the Mineral Museum Artur Kirchler in S. Giovanni, with minerals of the Zillertal Alps and the Hohe Tauern. It displays one of the most comprehensive collections of minerals, even rare rock crystals, of the Eastern Alps.

The small villages that scatter all over the valley are beautiful and peaceful spots full of charm with their picturesque alleys and mountain-style houses.