One of the largest and most surprising valleys in South Tyrol, stretching from Naturno all the way to the Resia and Stelvio passes.
Val Venosta and Upper Val Venosta, located in the western part of South Tyrol, form a truly unique territory thanks to their diverse landscapes, alpine culture and deep-rooted traditions. The area stretches from the Resia Pass to Castelbello-Ciardes, nestled among some of the most spectacular peaks of the Eastern Alps. Dominating the skyline are the majestic mountains of the Ortles-Cevedale Group, including the Ortles (3,905 m), the highest peak in South Tyrol, along with the twin summits of Gran Zebrù and Monte Cevedale. Also towering over the landscape are the peaks of Trafoi, the rugged ridges of Cima Undici, Cima Vertana, Pizzo di Stelvio and the wild, untamed summits of Vallelunga and Val di Mazia.
Val Venosta and Upper Val Venosta, located in the western part of South Tyrol, form a truly unique territory thanks to their diverse landscapes, alpine culture and deep-rooted traditions. The area stretches from the Resia Pass to Castelbello-Ciardes, nestled among some of the most spectacular peaks of the Eastern Alps. Dominating the skyline are the majestic mountains of the Ortles-Cevedale Group, including the Ortles (3,905 m), the highest peak in South Tyrol, along with the twin summits of Gran Zebrù and Monte Cevedale. Also towering over the landscape are the peaks of Trafoi, the rugged ridges of Cima Undici, Cima Vertana, Pizzo di Stelvio and the wild, untamed summits of Vallelunga and Val di Mazia.
Reaching Val Venosta and Upper Val Venosta is easy and enjoyable, no matter what mode of transport you choose. If you’re traveling by car, you can comfortably get there from Bolzano by following the SS38, a scenic road that crosses the entire valley up to Malles and Resia, passing through villages, apple orchards and castles. From Trento, simply take the A22 motorway to Bolzano and then continue westward. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Switzerland or Austria, you can enter Upper Val Venosta directly via the Resia Pass or the Forno Pass (in summer also via the Stelvio Pass), enjoying spectacular Alpine landscapes along the way.
Traveling by public transport is also comfortable and relaxing. The Val Venosta railway runs from Merano all the way to Malles, stopping at the main towns along the valley — a perfect way to get around stress-free while enjoying the scenery. If you fly in, you can choose among the airports of Bolzano, Innsbruck or Verona, then continue your journey by train or bus. Val Venosta awaits you with its slow pace and authentic landscapes — getting there is already part of the experience.
Val Venosta and Upper Val Venosta wind through some of the most stunning landscapes in South Tyrol, dotted with villages that tell ancient stories, rural traditions and a deeply alive alpine culture. The valley’s towns are distinct: some overlook vast apple orchards and are perfect for leisurely walks and bike rides along the cycle path; others, higher up, offer genuine silence, wide-open views and direct access to trails, alpine huts and peaks.
In the lower and middle Val Venosta, towns like Castelbello-Ciardes, Laces, Silandro and Lasa gently accompany the hilly landscape with their orchards, trails along ancient irrigation channels and charming historic centers. Silandro, in particular, is the valley’s main town: a lively, well-served hub and the perfect starting point for cultural and nature excursions. Lasa, on the other hand, is famous for its white marble, exported worldwide, while Naturno, at the eastern edge, combines nature and wellness with Kneipp paths, wellness centers and bike trails winding through the apple orchards.
Heading up towards the Upper Val Venosta, the landscape becomes wilder and more austere and the villages seem frozen in a suspended time. Malles, with its seven Romanesque churches and its compact historic center, is a key reference point for the entire area, well connected by rail and rich in history. Not far away lies Sluderno, dominated by the imposing Castel Coira, one of the best-preserved castles in South Tyrol.
Glorenza is a medieval gem: a true walled town in miniature, perfectly preserved in its original layout, with arcades, shops and a timeless charm. Just above, Burgusio is dominated by the Abbey of Monte Maria, the highest Benedictine monastery in Europe—a place of silence, culture and spirituality.
Further north, Curon Venosta, Resia and San Valentino alla Muta offer postcard-perfect alpine scenery, dominated by the famous submerged bell tower of Lake Resia, the symbol of the valley. Here, you can enjoy water sports in summer and ice skating or snowkiting in winter. The villages of Slingia and the wild Vallelunga are ideal for those seeking untouched nature, less-traveled trails, and spectacular views, with alpine huts, small lakes and the ever-present mountains.
Summer in Val Venosta is a bright and energetic season. The valley’s trails offer routes for everyone: from easy walks along the ancient irrigation channels (waale), like the evocative Sentiero del Sole, to more challenging paths such as the Alta Via della Val Venosta, or spectacular high-altitude hikes in Vallelunga, where silence and unforgettable panoramas await.
For families, fun is guaranteed: you can walk around Lake Resia, admire the famous submerged bell tower of Curon, visit the fascinating Resia bunker, or experience the adrenaline rush at the Sluderno adventure park and enjoy summer activities on Watles, including summer tobogganing, ziplining and nature games.
Summer is also the time for the valley’s signature events: the Stelvio Bike Day, a day dedicated to cyclists who challenge the legendary hairpin bends of the Stelvio Pass, closed to traffic, all the way up to the Cima Coppi; and the South Tyrol Medieval Games, which transform Sluderno into a large historic village with parades, battles, markets, falconers and costume performances.
Alpine huts and mountain refuges dot the trails, offering genuine gastronomic experiences. For example, at Malga Moar, the oldest in the Tyrolean region, you can savor simple and wholesome dishes like bread soup, alpine cheeses and strudel, all accompanied by the famous local apples and apricots. The entire Val Venosta also surprises with its wine and artisanal production: elegant Rieslings, traditionally distilled grappas, alpine whisky and hearty dishes based on barley, game and local spices that tell the most authentic soul of this alpine land.
Autumn in Val Venosta and Upper Val Venosta is a season that offers genuine emotions, with the warm tones of nature and atmospheres rich in tradition. The forests, wrapped in silence and dotted with vibrant colors, become the perfect setting for those who love walking among golden leaves, photographing striking landscapes, or gathering mushrooms along peaceful trails.
Among the most captivating experiences of the season, the Plima Gorge in Val Martello deserves a visit: an exciting trail featuring suspended walkways, waterfalls and sudden rocky viewpoints opening onto the valley.
In autumn, the villages celebrate the harvest with events full of local identity: from wine and apple festivals to traditional rural fairs. In Castelbello-Ciardes, the Törggelen season is celebrated with walks through the vineyards, chestnuts, new wine and rustic dishes to enjoy in local taverns; in Prato allo Stelvio, the Festival of Tradition and Taste honors typical cuisine with autumn menus, folk music and demonstrations of ancient crafts in the town square.
Autumn is also the time of transhumance: between late September and early October, in Vallelunga, you can witness the return of sheep and goats from the alpine pastures, an authentic and spectacular event that involves the entire community.
It is the ideal season to discover the most authentic face of the valley, with visits to the Abbey of Monte Maria, the panoramic castles, the Val Martello museum, or along the ancient irrigation channels, which still tell the agricultural and water history of the valley today.
Winter in Val Venosta and Upper Val Venosta is the perfect time to experience the mountain in all its authenticity, with snow, sports and timeless traditions. The ski areas of Belpiano–Malga San Valentino, Watles, Solda and Trafoi offer well-groomed and panoramic slopes, ski schools suitable even for the youngest, and spectacular views of Ortles, the highest peak in South Tyrol. Thanks to affordable ski passes and modern lifts, the valley is an ideal destination for skiers of all levels.
Those who love the mountains in a slow, relaxed way will find endless opportunities for adventure and rest. Snowshoeing through the snowy woods is a must, from the easy route to Rifugio Forcola to the adventurous glacier hike to the ice cave at Giogo Alto in Val Senales. Cross-country skiing through the pristine landscapes of Val Martello or along the Slingia loop, as well as sledding descents, complete the winter experience.
Winter in Val Venosta is also the season of popular traditions and magical atmosphere: the Christmas markets in Silandro, the lights in the villages and the untouched elegance of Glorenza with its medieval walls turn the valley into a living nativity scene. The arrival of the Krampus—demonic figures dressed in fur and horns—brings excitement to the early December nights.
And in Prato allo Stelvio, during Carnival, the Ballo delle Maschere dell’Ortles culminates in the spectacular race of the Zussl, where men dressed in white, adorned with bells and colorful ribbons, perform a ritual to welcome the awakening of the earth.
Spring in Val Venosta and Upper Val Venosta is a season of rebirth, when the valley awakens with the delicate scents of apple blossoms and the days grow longer. It’s the perfect time to return to walking along panoramic trails, following the ancient irrigation canals that border the orchards, to hike up to the lower-altitude alpine huts, or to visit iconic places such as Castel Juval, the residence of Reinhold Messner and home to one of his museums.
Those seeking a rejuvenating break can combine activity and wellness by following the Kneipp trails, enjoying a day at the thermal baths and spas in Naturno, Laces, and Malles, or exploring the valley at a slow pace—perhaps riding an e-bike along the Venosta cycle path, one of the most enjoyable routes in Europe.
Among the most beautiful excursions of the season is the Tour of Lake San Valentino alla Muta, which in spring reflects the colors of the pastures and the still snow-capped peaks. Special events are not lacking, such as the grand historical parade celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Stelvio Pass road, which tells the story of one of the most spectacular Alpine routes.
And for those who love to combine nature and archaeology, a visit to the Val Senales ArcheoParc offers the chance to discover how people lived during the Copper Age, in an immersive and fascinating environment, perfect also for families.
