Val d’Ega is a valley with unique charm, where small villages and postcard landscapes welcome you in a quiet and rejuvenating atmosphere between the Latemar and Catinaccio.
Val d’Ega, in the heart of South Tyrol, develops at the foot of the Latemar and Catinaccio, two of the most spectacular peaks of the UNESCO Dolomites. Just 20 km from Bolzano, it is an easily accessible destination and ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, outdoor sports and local traditions, all year round.
Val d’Ega, in the heart of South Tyrol, develops at the foot of the Latemar and Catinaccio, two of the most spectacular peaks of the UNESCO Dolomites. Just 20 km from Bolzano, it is an easily accessible destination and ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, outdoor sports and local traditions, all year round.
Access to the valley is easy: by car, you can take the SS241 towards Nova Levante or the SS620 for Obereggen. Those who prefer public transport can use the bus lines from Bolzano, while for a more comfortable journey private transfers and taxis are available.
When you arrive, the mountains of Val d’Ega offer extraordinary views. The Catinaccio, known for the Enrosadira, lights up with pink hues at sunset, while the Latemar enchants with its majestic rock formations. Both belong to the Natural Park Sciliar-Catinaccio, which offers routes for every level of difficulty. A place not to be missed is the Passo Oclini, perfect for those seeking peace, unspoiled landscapes and an authentic contact with nature.
Nova Ponente (Deutschnofen) is the main town of the Val d’Ega, at 1,350 meters above sea level. The village offers a privileged view of the Latemar, Catinaccio and Sciliar. Many trails start from the village, such as the path that leads to Passo Lavazè, ideal for trekking and mountain biking. Among the most popular events, “Desmontegada” stands out, the traditional livestock transhumance at the end of summer, and the summer evenings with concerts by local bands, which animate the squares of the village.
Obereggen is one of the most famous destinations in the Val d’Ega, especially for its ski area, which is part of the Dolomiti Superski circuit. With over 40 km of perfectly groomed slopes, it is a reference point for ski and snowboard lovers. In summer, the village becomes an excellent base for excursions to the Latemar, with routes that lead to scenic spots such as Lake Carezza. For those looking for adventure, the Obereggen adventure park offers tree-suspended trails, while the Alpine Coaster toboga offers an exciting experience in the woods.
Ega (Eggen) is a small and picturesque village, for those who seek tranquility and authenticity. The village is surrounded by lush meadows and woods, with numerous relaxing walking trails. Among the most interesting routes, the route to the Pampeago Pass offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. One of the cultural landmarks is the Church of San Nicolò, a fascinating building with Gothic elements. In autumn, the village hosts festivals dedicated to local products, with tastings of cheese, bacon and roasted chestnuts, while in winter it becomes a refuge for snow lovers, with possibilities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Monte San Pietro (Petersberg) is a place with a strong spiritual connotation, known for the Sanctuary of Pietralba, one of the most important places of pilgrimage in South Tyrol. The village also offers beautiful hiking trails, including those that lead to Passo Oclini, an ideal place for cross-country skiing in winter and scenic trekking in summer. Monte San Pietro is also home to a historic golf course, which with its 18 holes at 1,200 meters altitude is one of the highest in Europe.
Nova Levante (Welschnofen) is the main access point to the Catinaccio. The Catinaccio cable car starts right from here, allowing you to reach the Fronza Refuge and admire the phenomenon of Enrosadira, when the Dolomite rocks turn pink at sunset. For hiking enthusiasts, the path leading to Lake Carezza is one of the most picturesque in the valley. In winter, Nova Levante is an excellent starting point for the slopes of Carezza Dolomites, a ski area suitable for both beginners and experts. Among the most anticipated events, the Carezza Christmas market, organized between the snowy huts, gives a fairy-tale atmosphere with soft lights and local crafts.
Carezza (Karersee) is famous for its homonymous lake, the Carezza Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites, surrounded by the woods and the spires of the Latemar. The lake is the protagonist of fascinating legends and stories, which increase its charm. In summer, Carezza and its trails lead to the Latemar towers and the Passo di Costalunga. In winter, the ski area of Carezza Dolomites offers slopes suitable for the whole family, with a beautiful view of the mountains. In addition to the Christmas markets, the country hosts sporting events such as the King of Dolomites, a photography competition dedicated to winter sports.
Collepietra (Steinegg) is a village that combines history and astronomy. Here you will find the First Astronomical Observatory of South Tyrol, which organizes evenings of sky observation and educational routes for adults and children. The town is also known for the Fossil Museum, which tells the geological history of the region and the evolution of the Dolomites. Excursions in the surroundings allow you to discover ancient rock formations and unique landscapes, while in winter it is possible to practice snowshoeing and ski mountaineering. Among the most important events, Collepietra hosts the Festa delle Stelle, a festival dedicated to astronomy with meetings and activities for the whole family.
The summer in Val d’Ega is an immersive experience between unspoilt nature, outdoor sports and authentic traditions. The hiking trails are more beautiful than the others, such as the one around Lake Carezza or the Giro del Catinaccio, which can be reached by cable car from Nova Levante. For those looking for more relaxing landscapes, the Passo di Oclini is perfect for walks through green pastures and views of the Dolomite peaks. There is no lack of activities for mountain bikers, with exciting routes such as the Latemar Ronda or the Trail Carezza, which offers technical descents and adrenaline trails.
The Obereggen Adventure Park allows you to tackle trails suspended in the trees, while the Toboga Alpine Coaster is a lunapark in the woods. For climbing enthusiasts, the via ferratas of the Catinaccio, such as the Santner and the Masaré, give that thrill over the Dolomites. After a day of activities, mountain huts and alpine huts such as the Fronza Hut or the Laab Alm offer a taste break with South Tyrolean specialties such as dumplings, speck and alpine cheeses to be enjoyed in an authentic mountain atmosphere.
In autumn, the Val d’Ega lights up with warm colours and offers relaxing walks through golden forests and enchanted landscapes. The Tour of King Laurin, from Nova Levante to Lake Carezza, is one of the most suggestive routes to admire the foliage in the Radura di Mezzo. For a more immersive experience, you can participate in an excursion to find mushrooms with expert mycologists or practice the forest bathing in the woods of Collepietra and Monte San Pietro, enjoying the silence of nature.
Autumn is also the perfect time to discover the Törggelen, the South Tyrolean tradition that celebrates the end of the harvest with roasted chestnuts, new wine and typical dishes in the historic farmhouses. The Gfinkerhof in Collepietra and the Unteregger Hof near Nova Ponente are the places where you can taste real speck, dumplings and the famous ravioli schlutzkrapfen, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Winter in Val d’Ega is a true paradise for snow sports enthusiasts. The ski areas of Obereggen and Carezza Dolomites, part of the Dolomiti Superski circuit, boast over 90 km of slopes suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers. In Obereggen, the illuminated slopes allow you to experience the thrill of night skiing, while snowboarders can test themselves in a snow park among the best in the Dolomites.
For those looking for activities other than skiing, the Oclini Pass lends itself to family sledding, while the Sciliar-Catinaccio Natural Park boasts enchanting snowshoe trails, such as the path from Lake Carezza leads to the Costalunga Pass, a suggestive route through snowy woods and spectacular views.
Winter in the Eggental Valley is also synonymous with alpine traditions and moments of relaxation. During the Christmas period, the markets of Carezza and Nova Levante surround visitors in a fairy-tale atmosphere, with illuminated wooden houses, the perfume of mulled wine and local handicrafts. History and geology enthusiasts can visit the Collepietra Fossil Museum, a place that tells about the evolution of the Dolomites through unique finds.
During your winter days in the open air, nothing is better than taking refuge in one of the cozy huts of the valley, where you can taste the flavors of South Tyrol. Baita Messnerjoch above Welschnofen is the perfect place to enjoy local specialities such as kaiserschmarren in a rustic and cosy atmosphere. Those looking for a more refined experience can opt for the Oberholz Hut, accessible by the chairlift of the same name, where gourmet cuisine meets the view of the snowy peaks.
Spring in Val d’Ega is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the reborn nature, between scenic hikes and outdoor activities. Trails such as the Trail of Legends in Nova Levante or the Latemar Labyrinth are evocative walks between enchanting landscapes and ancient Dolomite stories. With milder temperatures, you can explore the valley in an alternative way, with horseback riding among the pastures or sport fishing in the alpine lakes, enjoying the tranquility of the mountain. For those looking for a more intense emotion, the paragliding from the Catinaccio offers a spectacular view of the Dolomites still sprinkled with snow.
The panoramic terraces of the mountain huts, such as the Häusler Sam Hut, are perfect for an outdoor lunch with a view over the valley. There is no shortage of opportunities to discover the authentic flavors of the area with a visit to local farms: at Malga Liegalm, above Nova Ponente, you can taste alpine cheeses, homemade butter and speck, while the Gfinkerhof farm, near Collepietra, Offers fresh yoghurt, mountain honey and fruit juices produced with local ingredients.
