The famous Alpe di Siusi- a wonderful place

Exploring a natural paradise in the heart of an UNESCO world heritage…

Since 2009 the Dolomites are a part of the UNESCO world heritage and offer a singular landscape and mountain world, the Alpe di Siusi South Tyrol is situated in the heart of this famous mountain treasure. It represents the highest alpine plateau of Europe and it’s surface measures 57 km², it’s a wonderful place and a real hiking paradise. In every season of the year the area offers a large assortment of leisure activities as for example hiking, climbing, Nordic Walking, Horseback- riding, mountain biking or skiing and cross- country skiing in winter. The Alpe di Siusi village is composed by three small hamlets called Saltiria, Compaccia and Piz, they are characterized by old an traditional farms embedded in the picturesque alpin landscape. In Compaccia you can find also the modern Alpe Siusi funicular, as the Alpe is connected to the near Val Gardena, another mountain paradise belonging to the Italian Dolomites. 

The western part of the Alpe di Siusi belongs to the famous Sciliar – Catinaccio Nature park which was established in 1975, the Catinaccio area became part of it in 2003. The Catinaccio area is also a real hiking eldorado, it is called the “kingdom of king Laurin”, a legend says that a dwarf king governed the area and that the red rock bankes- becoming red only in the dust- are his accursed rose garden. The Alpe di Siusi has some famous peaks as for example the Sciliar, which is the most popular and one of South Tyrols emblems. The Alpe is situated on a hight of 1800 to 2950 and afford more than 300 alpine huts and rest stops during a wonderful hiking tour,  the Alpe belongs to the minicipial area of Castelrotto, there are two other picturesque townships in the area: Siusi and Fié allo Sciliar. 

In summer the Alpe di Siusi offers countless trails and hiking tours, a rich and multitude flora and fauna is waiting in the area. In winter guests can explore the area on skiers and also on cross – country skiers, there are 60 km of cross- country ski trails and modern lift facilities, perfect for a skiing holiday in the Dolomites. Here you can experience nature up to close and discover a wonderful nature protection area in South Tyrol…

The mountain area Catinaccio Latemar and its legends

The legend about Catinaccio and king Laurin

The famous Catinaccio mountain massif is also called the “Rosengarten” or the Rose Garden, this because the rock faces in the sunset often appear in a wonderful red coloring and represent a popular photo motif. There exists a fascinating legend about this mountain group also named “the kingdom of king Laurin”, the legend tells about king Laurin, who was a powerful dwarf living inside the Catinaccio. He lived inside the mountains where he conserved a great treasure, he also possessed a magic hood, which permitted him to become invisible.

The dwarf also possessed a wonderful rose garden, which was protected by a silk golden wire, the roses bloomed throughout the whole year.His rose garden was his most precious treasure and nobody should enter in it. In the neighboured castle there lived a beautiful princess, princess Simhild, king Laurin felt in love with her and used his magic cap to abduct her and to bring her in his kingdom, so Simhild had to live in the midst of King Laurin’s unmeasurable treasures together with him, she was very sad and full of homesickness.

So her brother Dietleib called the king of the Goths Dietrich of Bern, who came to help him, together with some knights they broke the silk wire and trampled king Laurin’s precious rose garden. King Laurin came on his small white steed and fighted with him, at the end Dietrich won the fight and enchained the dwarf, he delivered the princess and brought her back to her brother. After that king Laurin spoke out a spell, which implied that the Rose Garden should never blossom again, nor at day nor at night, but he forgot the twilight. And so the palid mountain walls glows red only in the sunset.

A fascinating Natural monument: the „Three Peaks“ in Alta Pusteria

Visiting one of the most popular photo motifs of the Dolomites…

The “Three Peaks” are a characteristic landmark of the famous and popular Dolomites in Italy. They belong to the Sesto Dolomites, which represent a real hiking- and climbing paradise in the holiday- area Alta Pusteria. Since 2009 the Dolomites belong to the “UNESCO World Natural Heritage”, because of their singular natural beauty. The “Three Peaks” incorporate three imposing mountain obelisks and belong to the popular “Sesto Dolomite” nature park in South Tyrol. 

2,999 metres is the hight of the “Grand Peak”, the others- the “Western and the Small Peak” adapt theirselves to its flanks. The Hotels in the Dolomites offer the perfect atmosphere four your holidays in Italy. These are surly a world- famous natural monument and a great destination especially for hikers and expert climbers, for seeing the “Three Peaks” up close you can choose for example the toll road via Misurina until reaching the Auronzo hut, after about an hour walk you’ll reach the fascinating mountain formation in the heart of the Dolomites, they belong to the municipial area of Dobbiaco. They represent a breathtaking photo motif during your hiking holidays in the South Tyrolean mountain- world. 

The Merano Thermal baths- a temple of recreation

The Merano Thermal baths are a popular destination for people who search recreation and relax in the heart of the mountains at the sunny side of the Alps.

The famous health resort Merano provides a long story as a destination for wellness and recreation, this especially because of the mild temperatures and the wonderful landscape, which surrounds the city. Merano in the past was already visited by famous guests like the Austrian Empress Sissi, who passed here her health resort. The Merano Thermal baths are situated in the center of the city at the famous Cure Promenade, at the bank of the river Passirio. At the opposite side of the river you can find the antique Kurhaus, which was the center of health resort during the last centuries. 

The city is characterized by a Mediterranean landscape mixed with the high mountain peaks which adorn the whole valley. Merano is situated in a basin from which several picturesque valleys start into the mountainous landscapes, valleys as for example the famous Hotels Val Venosta, the Val Passiria or the small Val d’Ultimo.  The Merano Thermal baths in the heart of the city invite into a modern and relaxing atmosphere, providing a mix of stylish architecture and wellbeing. Guests can enjoy a great and versatile offer of wellness and recreation as for example the  1,400 m² Spa & Vital space which provides exclusive beauty products made of pure Natural resources from South Tyrol such as apples, grapes or hey. 

Another example for the great offer at the Merano Thermal baths are the several treatments which include massages, beauty treatments, hydrotherapy, fango- treatments, solarium, special packages and so on. The center of the Thermal baths is formed by the modern cube made of glass which shelters the several pools, connected to the spacious park equipped with 12 outdoor pools. The interior design of the glass cube was created by the famous star architect Matteo Thun and invites into a singular atmosphere surrounded by the fascinating landscape of the mountains. Several saunas and a relaxation room complete the multifaceted offer at the Terme Merano. Enjoy exclusive wellness at a stay at Merano and surroundings. 

Nordic Trail Kasern

The popular Cross Country Trail Kasern is situated directly at the beautiful and car- free valley end of the Tauferer Ahrntal on a height of 1600 metres. Here guests can find a real winter paradise surrounded by a picturesque snow landscape and high mountains massifs belonging to the Rieserferner- Ahrn Nature Park. 

The trail conducts along several huts, perfect for a break and a hot tea in a traditional and friendly atmosphere. The trail is very sunny and is a perfect slope for people who love nature and calmness in the heart of the mountains. Nordic skiing in the Tauferer Ahrntal is a special experience in a special atmosphere, because of the singular landscape and the high snow guarantee. Moreover the valley provides two modern skiing areas, the skiing areas Klausberg and Speikboden…

Skiing area Alpe di Siusi

The Skiing area Alpe de Siusi belongs to the famous skiing region Dolomiti Superski and offers a wonderful landscape as well as 60 km of excellent ski runs, perfect for a skiing vacation with the whole family. Europe’s biggest high plateau represents a sunny region with a fascinating sight on the famous mountain massifs of the Dolomites. 


The skiing area is situated at the Schlern- Rosengarten Nature Park in the heart of the mountains. The area is a perfect destination for those who love nature and calmness, thanks to the wonderful landscape. The skiing area provides perfect conditions for families and children, thanks to several fun parks and skiing schools for kids. The ski runs are of different levels, there are 30 km of simple runs, 29 km of medium and 1 km of difficult runs, in order that everybody can find his perfect slope for an unforgettable winter holiday at South Tyrol. 

Moreover the popular King Laurin Snowpark is a perfect destination for skilled snowboarders, finally the modern ascending systems complete the variegated offer of the skiing area Alpe de Siusi. But also those who love Nordic skiing will find beautiful trails embedded in a picturesque mountain landscape flooded by the pleasant sunlight; with more than 300 sunny days per year South Tyrol represents an inviting and friendly region.

12. Tour of the Resia Lake

On July 30th 2011 one of the most important track events in Northern Italy will take place in South, Tyrol, precisely around the Resia lake. The 12^th Tour of the Resia Lake takes place directly on the lake shores and it’s divided into three disciplines: running, biking and Nordic Walking. The path is 15,3km long. A track event for children will also take place!

This track event is international and many athletes coming from more than 20 nations will take place in this event. The race is organized by the “Rennerclub Val Venosta”, to which belong more than 500 voluntaries.

The Resia lake is symbolized by the bell tower coming out of the water. Every participant will receive a T-shirt and a present; after the track event, a great tent party will take place!