The summer in Venosta Valley smells like freshly mowed grass and warm soil. It tastes like ripe apricots and sparkling wine. The 3000-metre mountains invite you up to lofty heights while sunny patios will tempt you with the prospect of sweet idleness. At the hotel Weisses Kreuz, we are celebrating something that has almost been forgotten these days: Summer retreats. It means time out from everyday life – a wonderful opportunity to catch your breath and re-energize. On the mountain and in the valley. Per pedes and per pedales. For body and soul.
It’s a celebration for the senses
Hiking and mountain climbing
Aim for lofty heights. Explore the wide open world. You can do both here in Upper Venosta Valley. Ambitious mountain climbers will be delighted by the 3000-metre mountains. The nearly hundred glaciers in the Ortler group promise a summer retreat in permanent ice. Hikers who prefer comfortable and pleasurable routes will find their way on the countless trails, paths and routes in the valley. For example along centuries-old water channels, the so-called “Waale”. Lots of the trails can be started directly from the hotel, or they are reachable very easy by citybus which stops directly in front of the house.
A personal tour recommendation from your hostess Marlene Theiner: “The rear peak of the Schöntauf Mountain – the easiest 3000-metre mountain in the area. You can hike to the top with an elevation of 3,325 metres in only 2.5 hours. The view is breathtakingly beautiful. The Ortler, Königsspitze and Cevedale seem close enough to touch. Summer in Venosta Valley will literally make you feel on top of the world!”
Biking
In the three-country region of Italy, Austria and Switzerland, you will cross some borders. Especially if you really step on the pedals. Because bike riders also have lots to choose from on their summer holiday in Venosta Valley: Etsch bike trail is a paradise for all bikers. Malser Haide, with its many trails and routes, is a delightful playing field for mountain and downhill bikers. E-Bikes are now very popular to. Especially tempting are tours that you otherwise might not be able to do or that you can combine with a great hike. The best: Mountain bikes, e-bikes with helmets and water bottles are available directly at the Weisses Kreuz for hire.
Your hostess Marlene recommends: “My favourite route is the Lake Pfaffensee tour, for which you should plan about three hours. Directly from Burgeis you go towards Lake Haidersee and from there to Fischgader – an idyllic hamlet. The path then leads past Platzer Alm to the old ruin of the Schafberg lodge. After a short stretch of pushing your bike, you will be at 2,200 metres at the crystal-clear Lake Pfaffensee with a fantastic view. You return via the Plantapatsch lodge and old Karrenweg to Burgeis.”
Indulgence
A summer retreat in Burgeis is one thing above all: A restful indulgence. Sometimes our 800-resident village seems as if time had passed it by. Original, authentic, genuine. How we live is also how we enjoy ourselves. With regional culinary delicacies and creations from southern realms. With a truly good glass of wine or an invigorating massage. Or maybe you feel like exploring the favourite places of your hosts?
The VenostaCard
As we are a partner of VenostaCard you will receive it upon your arrival. The card is valid throughout your whole stay and offers you following advantages:
- Free access to the Venosta Valley Train as well as all public transport throughout the South Tyrol region.
- Cardholders also enjoy discounts at least of 10% for cable cars, museums, and various sporting and recreational facilities.
- Exclusive access to auxiliary services at ten selected locations, including museums, castles, etc., across the entire Venosta Valley
360° of Obervinschgau
Since June 2018, the new 360° of Obervinschgau circular walk has been attracting mountaineers to go on a fascinating journey of discovery of nine stages. Embedded in the unspoilt nature of the Vinschgau mountains, the path unites the beauty of the country and its alpine villages with interactive installations made of local larch wood. Enjoy the experience with all your senses: listen to the melodious ringing of cowbells reverberating through the silence of the forest, let yourself be taken in by the view from the four metre high swing, and take a break on the oversized hammock. Each stage of the route is ideally suited for a day trip. If you prefer a bit of a sporting challenge, you may also combine several stages to be mastered in one day.
Alpine pastures and mountain huts
The traditional lifestyle of bygone days is still alive in the Obervinschgau today. Experience it with all your heart, see it with your own eyes, and enjoy its unique taste. In the Obervinschgau mountains, more than 80 rustic mountain huts and shelters await. Some of them are waiting to be discovered at heights of over 2,000 metres above sea level. They all reward you with spectacular views and hearty Alpine cuisine. Learn more about the art of traditional farming and indulge in local produce, ranging from traditionally made cheeses to homemade butter, juices, and much more. The Alpine farmers will also have many interesting stories to tell. Experience authentic hospitality, the quiet and peace of nature, and stunning panoramas.
Our weekly activities
Stroll around the weekly Mals market or witness Reinhold Messner driving his yaks up to the Madritsch pasture. Taste the original Vinschgau apricot chocolate in Laas, if you fancy a typical Obervinschgau sweet treat. We have gathered all information about the most exciting activities and special events in the region in our weekly programme: it provides culinary discovery tours, combines cultural activity with sporting challenges, and makes your vacation an extraordinary experience. Look forward to wine and cheese tasting, whiskey testing, guided hiking tours, exciting excursions to ancient bunkers, monasteries, and Romanesque churches.
Interactive hiking map
Explore the vast network of well-signposted and marked hiking trails of Obervinschgau, ranging from easy waal paths to challenging climbs beyond the treeline. Enjoy scenic outposts, explore special places of mystical powers, and marvel at the beauty of Alpine pastures. The Obervinschgau offers not only interesting themed walks and enjoyable hikes, but also challenging ascents to the top of the mountain. For an overview of all routes available, view our interactive hiking map – it also includes many options for mountain bikers and e-bikers. Explore the many hiking opportunities and let yourself be inspired for your next tour. The bar at the top of the map provides you with several options to choose from, facilitating the planning of your next hiking or biking tour in South Tyrol.