Sightseeing
South Tyrol, Showcase of culture
The landscape of South Tyrol has been cultivated and shaped by its people for millennia. The area was settled as far back as the Stone Age: Ötzi, the famous ice-man (South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Bozen) is testimony to these times. In the centuries following, South Tyrol and the Pustertal valley were been home to many diverse cultures whose traces can still be found to this day. Bruneck castle on the motte of Bruneck, the Roman milestones of St. Lorenz in the holiday region of the Kronplatz or the “Villes”, ancient settlements in the Dolomites bear living witness to these bygone days.
The city of sights at the foot of the Kronplatz
The picturesque city of Bruneck is just 12 km away from the Almhotel Lenz in Olang. This small city is the heart and soul of the Pustertal valley, and not only because of its central position. Towards the south, the Gadertal in the mountains of the Dolomites, to the north, the Ahrntal in glacier world of the Zillertal valley. First mentioned in records in the year 1256, Bruneck was soon to become the economic hub of the Pustertal valley. Today, this town with its myriad attractions, offers all that one could wish for in a variety-packed visit. That includes stylish cafes and restaurants, hidden alleys, one of South Tyrol’s best shopping streets, regular concerts, several markets and theatre performances and, in summer, traditional festivals in the central squares of the city.
Lake Antholz, a prized destination in the holiday region of the Kronplatz
Just a 10 minute drive from the Almhotel Lenz, the road branches off to the Antholz valley. Here, hidden away at the valley’s end, lies one of South Tyrol’s most stunning Alpine lakes. Set in the dark green of the spruce forest at the foot of the Rieserferner-Group, South Tyrol’s third largest mountain lake with a maximum depth of 38 metres and a surface area of 44 hectares attracts numerous nature lovers, every season of the year. The iridescent green of the lake, the relaxing still and the pure mountain air all play their part in making this lake, at 1642 m a.s.l., an exceptionally popular destination for the many walkers who pay it a call after a tour of the Rieserferner-Ahrn National Park. Ice skaters race across its frozen waters in winter, with cross-country skiers and snow shoe walkers being other regular winter visitors.
On the trail of nature – Adventure trail on Lake Antholz
Lake Antholz is always well worth a visit for walkers and ramblers, families and nature lovers. Skirting its shores is an adventure trail with 16 stations where visitors can learn a host of fun facts and interesting information about South Tyrol’s third largest lake and the eccentricities of nature.
The saga of the origins of Lake Antholz is related at the very start of the circuit. Upon reaching the small swamp nearby, visitors are startled to learn of the presence of flesh eating plants in this part of the world. Moving on, you will come to the stone hopping challenge, a test of balance, appeals greatly to younger visitors. The two amplifiers intrigue as to the inhabitants of the wood, always at their loudest in spring, who fill the air with their calls. And on to the fish, tree roots and rocks of the area, such as the Rieserferner-Tonalite, which, at just 30 million years old, is the youngest stone in the Antholz valley.
The many different trees are so well described on the south side of the lake that the visitor really learns to recognise them. Old names of streams are committed to posterity while, with a panorama picture as escort, you can learn the names of all the mountain peaks from Hochgall to Ohrenspitze.
The circuit is around 3 km and takes about an hour and a half.
The saga of the origins of Lake Antholz is related at the very start of the circuit. Upon reaching the small swamp nearby, visitors are startled to learn of the presence of flesh eating plants in this part of the world. Moving on, you will come to the stone hopping challenge, a test of balance, appeals greatly to younger visitors. The two amplifiers intrigue as to the inhabitants of the wood, always at their loudest in spring, who fill the air with their calls. And on to the fish, tree roots and rocks of the area, such as the Rieserferner-Tonalite, which, at just 30 million years old, is the youngest stone in the Antholz valley.
The many different trees are so well described on the south side of the lake that the visitor really learns to recognise them. Old names of streams are committed to posterity while, with a panorama picture as escort, you can learn the names of all the mountain peaks from Hochgall to Ohrenspitze.
The circuit is around 3 km and takes about an hour and a half.
Lake Pragser
Lake Pragser (1469 m) with its deep blue waters and fairytale mountain backdrop is a magnet for nature lovers during the summer months. Just a few kilometres from Olang in one of the side valleys of the Kronplatz holiday region, it can be easily reached by car. Walks round its banks are eminently doable, as are rowing boat excursions.
Living nature at first hand in the Dolomites
Three of the seven National Parks of South Tyrol are found in the
holiday region of South Tyrol in the holiday region of the Kronplatz:
The Fanes-Sennes-Prags park with its dream-woven wonderland, the
Rieserferner-Ahrn with its stunning three thousand metre mountains and
the Puez-Geisler park. In this ecologically intact area, conservation of
nature and the countryside are of the essence. On a long walk around
the park you will come across unique flora and meet with exotic fauna –
at all times of the year. Interested parties can join in a nature tour
with an expert guide, who will enlighten you to many of nature’s
mysteries along the path. Walking will be twice the fun! Find out more
about guided walks in the National Parks at reception in the Almhotel
Lenz.
Cultural history museum Dietenheim
Germany’s ADAC-touring atlas nominates the museum in Dietenheim as one of Europe’s most beautiful open-air museums. It stretches over 4 hectares around the stately residence of Mair am Hof, the core of the museum, and is home to a number of religion and art collections as well as a pipe, a belt and a zither collection. A number of old farmhouses and workshops remain intact, testimony to the variety of building styles and traditions of days gone by and to the social history of the farming economy.
The provincial museum “Ciastel de Tor”
“Vi cun me tl museum” - “Come to the museum with me”: a Ladin turn of phrase in honour of this Ladin museum. Open since 2001, it takes and entertaining look into Ladin life and centres around the linguistic identity of the five Ladin valley communities in the Southern Alps. Its 12th century tower architecture lends yet further appeal: intimate and homely. A museum with oodles of spirited character and didactic dexterity!
Wander through the history and legend in the heart of, and encompassed by, the multiplicity of the Dolomites.
