The Valle Aurina (Ahrntal), in South Tyrol, is the northernmost tip of Italy, a true alpine paradise nestled between the majestic peaks of the Zillertal Alps and the Rieserferner Group summits. Famous for its glaciers and pristine side valleys, Valle Aurina offers an authentic and luxury alpine holiday experience, away from mass tourism, with high-level accommodations and a special focus on wellness and sustainability. It is the ideal place for lovers of hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, with over 80 peaks exceeding 3000 meters.

What our Travel Designers Recommend to See: Peaks, Art, and Trekking

• Riva Waterfalls (Reinbachfälle) – An imposing natural spectacle, reachable via a beautiful trail, where the magical Christmas 'Enchanted Forest' is set up in winter.
• Taufers Castle (Castel Taufers) – One of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in South Tyrol, fully furnished, unmissable in Campo Tures (at the valley entrance).
• Church of the Holy Spirit in Casere (Chiesa di Santo Spirito) – The oldest church in Valle Aurina, a pilgrimage site standing on a large erratic boulder, known for its positive energy.
• Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park Visitor Center – Offers an overview of the Nature Park, essential for understanding the valley's flora, fauna, and glaciers.

Gastronomy and Typical Products to Savor

Valle Aurina's cuisine is a harmonious fusion of Tyrolean and Alpine flavors, rich and comforting, to be enjoyed in the mountain huts (Malga) and typical restaurants.

• Schlutzkrapfen – Half-moon pasta pockets filled with spinach and ricotta, served with melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
• Tyrolean Gröstl (Gröstl Tirolese) – A hearty dish based on potatoes, meat (typically beef or pork), and onion, cooked in a pan.
• Graukäse Cheese (Formaggio Grigio) – Lean and tangy cheese, a Slow Food Presidium specialty.
• Bauerntorte – Grandmother's cake, usually with cranberry jam, perfect with a coffee.

Real Experience: The High Route and Alpine Wellness

For expert mountaineers and hikers, our experts suggest the Neves High Route (Alta Via di Neves), a path connecting high-altitude refuges with breathtaking glacier views. For everyone, the essential experience is the combination of excursion and alpine wellness in the hotel: after a demanding day outdoors, returning to a luxury establishment to enjoy a sauna with an alpine view or a dip in a heated outdoor pool is the pinnacle of the South Tyrolean holiday culture. We particularly recommend a stop at Lake Neves (Lago di Neves), a jewel at 1800 meters.

Institutional Links

• Official Valle Aurina - Ahrntal Tourism Website
• Official South Tyrol/Südtirol Website

Top 3 Luxury and Boutique Hotels Recommended by our Travel Designers

• Alpenpalace Luxury Hideaway & Spa Retreat – An icon of luxury with an award-winning Spa.
• Wellnessresort Mirabell Dolomiten Arlberg – Excellent for wellness services and its panoramic location.
• Hotel Anabel – Recommended in Cadipietra for its luxury family atmosphere and amenities like the outdoor pool.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Ristorante Ahrner Wirt – Traditional Tyrolean and South Tyrolean cuisine with a special focus on local products.
• Stube at Taufers Castle (Stube di Castel Taufers) – For lunch or dinner in a historic and evocative setting (in Campo Tures, at the valley entrance).
• Ristorante Schonberg – Known for its modern interpretation of alpine cuisine.