For keen explorers
Side valley
Farm Holidays in Ridnaun
Ridnauntal valley belongs to the municipality of Ratschings. Surrounded by mountains, this wide valley lies in Wipptal valley, in the north of South Tyrol.
The picturesque Alpine world that is Ridnaun is worth visiting on holiday both in summer and in winter: cross-country skiers will find a modern, well-equipped ski centre in the valley, while the mountain landscape will entice ski tourers in winter and hikers in summer. Guests getting to enjoy a holiday on a farm or staying in a room can spend all day outdoors – there’s no shortage of possibilities.
Ridnauntal valley belongs to the municipality of Ratschings. Surrounded by mountains, this wide valley lies in Wipptal valley, in the north of South Tyrol.
The picturesque Alpine world that is Ridnaun is worth visiting on holiday both in summer and in winter: cross-country skiers will find a modern, well-equipped ski centre in the valley, while the mountain landscape will entice ski tourers in winter and hikers in summer. Guests getting to enjoy a holiday on a farm or staying in a room can spend all day outdoors – there’s no shortage of possibilities.
In summer, anyone with a bit of stamina can undertake a seven-hour tour to Becherhaus refuge, which, at 3,195 metres above sea level, is the highest-lying refuge in South Tyrol. Those looking to experience a bit of culture rather than sport will also find themselves in the right spot. You can find out about the place’s ever-present mountain mining history during a holiday on a farm or in a flat in Ridnaun. Mining was carried out here for over 800 years. At Schneeberg between Ridnaun and the Passeiertal valley you can find one of the highest-altitude mountain mines in Europe, where silver, lead and zinc were once dug for. The mine may now be viewed by visitors in Maiern in Ridnauntal. The old machines used for ore processing, which bear interesting witness to industrial history and formed part of one of the most modern technical exemplars in the Alpine area, are well worth seeing. The miners also left traces further out of the valley, where they built the miners' chapel of St. Magdalena, which was fitted with a precious winged altar around 1480.
Fascinating for old and young
Mining history is everywhere in Ridnaun. For over 800 years, miners were based here, digging for silver and lead on Schneeberg and the ore processing plant has been converted into an adventure mine open to visitors. The guided tours in the adventure mine also make an unforgettable experience for children. On the hands-on tour, children go on an exciting ore hunt together with their parents. With sledgehammer and iron, pick, shovel and sieve, the little ones can seek out ore in the tunnels, on the ore heap and in the pond. The expert guides provide information about the hidden treasures inside the mountain and what they are used for. Visitors can also look forward to an adventurous tour of the show gallery in real miner's gear. Anyone who has caught the mining bug can delve even deeper into mining history and discover more galleries by means of the mine railway into Poschhaus gallery located at 2,000 metres above sea level. The ore processing plant, preserved in its original state, as well as the ruins of the so-called Bremsberge railway, which transported ore into the valley, may also be seen.
Culinary highlights
After taking part in the variety of activities on offer in Ridnaun, a culinary reward is in order, best found in the shape of typical dishes from South Tyrol. Ridnaun’s farming tradition lives on in its dishes, which are not just served up in mountain huts and eateries, but also at Ridnaun village fete, held every year in August in the centre of the village. ‘Krapfen’ pastries, cheese and lots more are served up at these characteristic village festivities. Traditional music provides entertainment for your ears.
In summer, anyone with a bit of stamina can undertake a seven-hour tour to Becherhaus refuge, which, at 3,195 metres above sea level, is the highest-lying refuge in South Tyrol. Those looking to experience a bit of culture rather than sport will also find themselves in the right spot. You can find out about the place’s ever-present mountain mining history during a holiday on a farm or in a flat in Ridnaun. Mining was carried out here for over 800 years. At Schneeberg between Ridnaun and the Passeiertal valley you can find one of the highest-altitude mountain mines in Europe, where silver, lead and zinc were once dug for. The mine may now be viewed by visitors in Maiern in Ridnauntal. The old machines used for ore processing, which bear interesting witness to industrial history and formed part of one of the most modern technical exemplars in the Alpine area, are well worth seeing. The miners also left traces further out of the valley, where they built the miners' chapel of St. Magdalena, which was fitted with a precious winged altar around 1480.
Fascinating for old and young
Mining history is everywhere in Ridnaun. For over 800 years, miners were based here, digging for silver and lead on Schneeberg and the ore processing plant has been converted into an adventure mine open to visitors. The guided tours in the adventure mine also make an unforgettable experience for children. On the hands-on tour, children go on an exciting ore hunt together with their parents. With sledgehammer and iron, pick, shovel and sieve, the little ones can seek out ore in the tunnels, on the ore heap and in the pond. The expert guides provide information about the hidden treasures inside the mountain and what they are used for. Visitors can also look forward to an adventurous tour of the show gallery in real miner's gear. Anyone who has caught the mining bug can delve even deeper into mining history and discover more galleries by means of the mine railway into Poschhaus gallery located at 2,000 metres above sea level. The ore processing plant, preserved in its original state, as well as the ruins of the so-called Bremsberge railway, which transported ore into the valley, may also be seen.
Culinary highlights
After taking part in the variety of activities on offer in Ridnaun, a culinary reward is in order, best found in the shape of typical dishes from South Tyrol. Ridnaun’s farming tradition lives on in its dishes, which are not just served up in mountain huts and eateries, but also at Ridnaun village fete, held every year in August in the centre of the village. ‘Krapfen’ pastries, cheese and lots more are served up at these characteristic village festivities. Traditional music provides entertainment for your ears.
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Holiday farms in Ridnaun
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A holiday in Ridnaun
Museums and tours of discovery
Mountain farming has always gone on in Ridnaun, and attempts are made to protect nature as best as possible. The South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing may also be found here at Wolfsthurn Castle, where interesting insights into local hunting and fishing history may be had.
Mountain farming has always gone on in Ridnaun, and attempts are made to protect nature as best as possible. The South Tyrolean Museum of Hunting and Fishing may also be found here at Wolfsthurn Castle, where interesting insights into local hunting and fishing history may be had.
The fortress site that houses the museum belongs to the few baroque secular buildings in South Tyrol. The parish church of St. Pancras, which lies below the fortress, may also be visited while at the museum.
Ridnauntal valley has plenty of family walks and activity options in store: whether in snowy winter landscape or on sun-drenched summer days. For example, the wild and romantic Burkhardklamm ravine, where you can see roaring cascades of water rushing down the rock, is worth a trip. The ravine may be reached by means of a path featuring fantastic views of the Stubai Alps.
