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Home , Gsies, Kronplatz, Messner Mountain Museum, Percha, Prags, Rienz

01. APRIL 2020 Summer in the Kronplatz region

Summer

Legendary and Fabulously Beautiful – The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the -Südtirol “Highly distinctive mountain landscapes that are of exceptional natural beauty with aesthetic appeal” are worthy of being declared a world heritage site. Anyone who views the “pale peaks” glowing in the last light of the evening above dark forests understands immediately why it was that in 2009, the South Tyrol-Südtirol Dolomites were inscribed in the list of world heritage sites because of their scenic uniqueness as well as because of their geological and geomorpological particularities. kronplatz.com/en/dolomites-unesco

Three Nature Parks One important aspect is also the botanical variety of more than 2,400 plant species which are especially protected in the extensive nature parks and national parks. A total of three out of South Tyrol-Südtirol’s seven nature parks lie within the territory of the Kronplatz region: the Fanes-Senes- Braies/Fanes-Sennes- and Puez/Odle-Geisler in the Dolomites and the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina/Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park in the area of the Central . The Visitor Centers inform visitors about dealing with nature attentively and about the special features of each region. kronplatz.com/en/nature-parks

Earth Pyramids One extraordinary natural phenomenon in South Tyrol-Südtirol is the earth pyramids. They can be marveled at, for example, in Plata-Platten near Perca- and in Terento-. Those in Terento came into existence most likely as a result of a violent storm in which giant masses of rubble were washed away by the Rio Terento-Terner Bach stream. A hiking trail that is also suitable for children leads from the village center of Terento directly to the earth pyramids.

Since the Kronplatz region includes parts of both the Dolomites and the Central Alps, it possesses great geological variety. For those who hike through the mountains with an open mind, they are like a geological textbook that tells of an infinitely long history: about a tropical sea in which corals built enormous reefs which today tower up into the sky, and about the colliding of the continental plates of Africa and Europe, which the upward folding of the mountains has to thank for its existence.

Myths and Legends Earlier generations found many fairy tale explanations for the bizarre peaks and ridges, for the mysterious places and phenomena, and these explanations have been handed down in the famous Dolomites sagas. The German name “Kronplatz” or the Ladin name “Plan de Corones” comes from this circle of legends, because it was supposedly on this mountain that Dolasilla, the invulnerable princess of the empire of the Fanes, was crowned.

Breathe Deeply, Sigh with Relief The majority of the area of the Val Pusteria is higher than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level, and a quarter of it is even above 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). From the valley floor, wooded slopes climb upward, and above them Alpine pastures, cliffs, and glacier areas rise up. The great amount of green is thanks to the good air and the pleasant high elevation climate.

And the Predoi- Climate Mineshaft in the Valle Aurina- is a relief for people who have problems with their breathing passages, especially for children with asthma. The results have been confirmed through scientific studies. Where miners used to dig for copper, today people sit on deck chairs 500 meters (1,600 feet) beneath the surface of the earth in the former mineshafts of Predoi. The high relative humidity of nearly one hundred percent binds with the few allergenic materials that may arrive at those depths. Once this cool and, at the same time, pure air is inhaled, it warms up and removes fluid from the swollen mucous membranes.

Even a stroll through the woods has positive effects, on both the body and the mind. One spruce tree that is 20 meters (66 feet) high produces as much oxygen in one day as 35 people breathe in daily. Around forty percent of the Val Pusteria is covered with forest which fulfills protective functions that are vital to life and is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Some 111 types of forest, around 2,000 species of fungi, 1,113 species of plants, 173 mosses, 49 species of trees, 23 shrubs, and 14,700 species of animals have been counted in the forests of South Tyrol-Südtirol.

Hiking in a Unique Natural and Cultural Landscape Delightful valleys between the steep pinnacles of the Dolomites or the three thousand meter (ten thousand foot) peaks of the main ridge of the Alps – just the variety of the landscape alone makes hiking in the Kronplatz region an adventure. And just as varied as the landscape are the options for hikes, from a family stroll to a high Alpine tour. Many paths provide access to life in the rural world of earlier generations, such as the Mill Paths in the Valle dei Mulini-Mühlental. In Terento-Terenten and Longiarü-Campill, hiking trails lead to a visit to old restored mills. In the Valle Aurina-Ahrntal, the Sentiero del sole-Sunnsatweg trail on the sunny side of the valley connects several villages and mountain farms higher than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level with each other. It guarantees not only lovely panoramas, but also insights into the life of a bygone era. Four thematic paths in the Valle di Selva dei Mulini-Mühlwaldertal show the power of water which cuts gorges into the rock, turns waterwheels, and generates electricity. kronplatz.com/en/summer/hiking

Sunrise and Inn Refreshments on the Mountain Anyone who wants to experience sunrise on a mountain peak has to get up early. Just for those hikers, the ski lifts on the Speikboden start operation at 6:00 A.M., and starting in September, guided sunrise hikes are offered. A proper trip to an inn or an Alpine refuge is the culmination of every hike, especially when the innkeeper brings Val Pusteria specialties to the table. With the influence of South Tyrol-Südtirol, Ladin, and Italian cuisines, some excellent enjoyment is in store. The Malga Moarhof-Moarhofalm above the village of Chienes-/Masi-Hofern, for example, is a lovely destination for a family hike. For children, the petting zoo and the playground are the main attraction, while the grownups will enjoy a Puschtra Speckbrettl (cutting board of Val Pusteria Speck farmer’s bacon) and a good glass of red wine. kronplatz.com/en/speikboden/summer/hiking

Leisure Biking on the Val Pusteria Bike Path Among the hundreds of miles of bicycle routes, the Val Pusteria bike path is one of the tourist high points in the Kronplatz region. It leads between the Alps and the Dolomites, constantly accompanied by the Rienza- or -Drau rivers, through a green high valley. It starts near the city of Bressanone- and ends on the other side of the border of South Tyrol-Südtirol in – some 65 km (40 miles) among potato fields, farmhouses, forests, and mountains. The bicycle paths, some of which are paved, are easy to reach for everyone. The railway line, which traverses the valley from Bressanone to San Candido-, allows passengers to take bicycles on board, thus offering tremendous flexibility. Anyone for whom the route is too strenuous can rent an electric bicycle or make use of the bike shuttle. kronplatz.com/en/summer/mtb

The Val Pusteria distinguishes itself through many traditions, customs, and a blossoming rural culture. Along the bicycle route are interesting points at which cyclists can make a rest stop and experience the various special features of this valley. From the production of wine and grappa to a sheep’s wool museum to a cheesemaking dairy open to the public, there is a huge amount to see, and taste, here. For cheese lovers, a detour to the Gatscher cheesemaking farm in Chienes-Kiens is recommended. This is a perfect place to taste delicious raw milk cheese varieties, such as an outstanding juniper berry cheese. kronplatz.com/en/summer/biking/pustertal-valley-bike-route

Starting in 2015, the long-distance Munich to Venice bicycle route leads through the Val Pusteria, which is certainly one of the most beautiful sections of the 560 km (348 mile) route from Bavaria to the Adriatic Sea. muenchen-venezia.info/en/

Italy’s Most Livable City Right on the bicycle path, at the foot of the Plan de Corones-Kronplatz, lies the pearl of the region: the city of Brunico-. The main city in the Val Pusteria is famous for its enchanting historic city center, and in 2014 and also in 2015, it was honored as the most livable city in . The historical via Centrale-Stadtgasse is among the loveliest shopping streets in all of South Tyrol-Südtirol, while the entire heart of the city is an inviting place for strolling, gazing, and shopping in many very particular specialty shops. From the trendy to the traditional, there are extraordinary things to be found, including high-quality products from local handicraft suppliers. bit.ly/2bkAjqi

A Variety of Routes for Mountain Bikers Tall, steep mountains promise exciting challenges for mountain bikers. One of them is the Sentiero dei Signori-Herrnsteig freeride trail from the peak of the Plan de Corones-Kronplatz, which runs from 2,225 meters (7,300 feet) above sea level down into the valley, representing a change in elevation of over 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). With numerous chicanes, the demanding route is a thrill for every biking fan. Anyone who would like to save their energy can carry out the trip up to the summit by cable car. kronplatz.com/en/summer/downhill-freeride Experienced bicycle guides such as Bruno Lechner are familiar with the beauty and the key points of the many mountain bike tours in the Kronplatz region, and they also know what kind of conditioning, stamina, and energy each one requires. So they are in the best position to provide the perfect advice to their protégés and recommend the suitable route for a tour together. One date that is not to be missed by mountain bike fans in South Tyrol- Südtirol is the Kronplatz King Mountain Bike Race, which will be held on July 22, 2018. kronplatzbike.it/?lang=en

For Climbing Fans The region on the border of the Dolomites and the Central Alps includes some of the most beautiful climbing territories in the world, with natural climbing areas and boulder areas. Climbing halls offer numerous opportunities for training. Natural climbing areas are located, for example, in Villa S. Caterina-Aufhofen near Brunico, and three areas close to San Vigilio-St. Vigil attract climbers: the Burgkofel natural climbing area near S. Lorenzo-St Lorenzen and the Plata-Platten and Neugais natural climbing areas in the Valli di Tures and Aurina-.

You can also fill your lungs with clean mountain air on the tight rope courses. The “Kronaction” tight rope garden at the Laghetto d’Issengo-Issinger Weiher swimming lake near Falzes- in the Val Pusteria offers more than a hundred different stages on ten courses with varying degrees of difficulty. And there are three tight rope courses in the Valle Aurina-Ahrntal that will provide plenty of thrills: the Adventure Park Enzwaldile in Cadipietra-Steinhaus and the Schwarzbachalm and Campo Tures- tight rope courses. kronplatz.com/en/summer/high-rope-course

Right Up the Mountain Certified mountain guides like Simon Gietl or Mathias Larcher are pleased to share their enthusiasm for the mountains of South Tyrol-Südtirol with other friends of the mountains, experiencing along with them unique moments between rock and sky. Simon Gietl from Lutago-Luttach in the Valle Aurina-Ahrntal wrote Alpine history with his winter crossing of the Tre Cime-Drei Zinnen. Out of the climbing routes that have become more and more popular, there are some particularly lovely tours that may be found in the Kronplatz region. One of the half-day tours that is filled with variety is the route through the Pursteinwand in the Valle Aurina, which can also be nicely combined with a rafting excursion. An easy route with steel cables leads up the Sass de Putia-Peitlerkofel, the northernmost corner pillar of the Dolomites in South Tyrol-Südtirol. Once they have arrived on top, climbers are rewarded with a beautiful panorama view. For the Cima Nove-Neunerspitze in the Fanes chain, two days have to be planned, along with spending the night in a refuge, but the unique mountain landscape makes the long ascent and the short but difficult steel cable passage worthwhile every time. The climbing route on the Cima Nove ranges between climbing grades 4 and 5 on the UIAA scale.

Adventure and Adrenaline Rush on Land, on Water, and in the Air On the zip line in San Vigilio-St. Vigil, the pulse rises with the elevation, as you speed down from the mountain along a three kilometer (two mile) steel cable on rollers at up to 100 meters (33 stories) above the valley floor. A difference in elevation of 400 meters (1,300 feet) is left behind you in minutes – a comfortable way to arrive in the valley. kronplatz.com/en/summer/zip-line

With the Skyscraper, the giant swing on the peak of the Plan de Corones, people are basically divided into two groups: one of them gets motion sickness just at the sight of the gigantic swing with which they would be hurled 15 meters (50 feet) into the air. The other can’t get enough of the adrenaline rush, between the feeling of weightlessness and the increased g forces as they quickly sweep back and forth. kronplatz.com/en/kronplatz

Above the Clouds With its 360° panorama view, the Plan de Corones is an attractive flying area at which people can realize their dreams of flight even without a pilot’s license. With a paraglider, it is possible to take off with an experienced tandem pilot in order to float over the Val Pusteria and enjoy a wonderful flying experience. kronplatz.com/en/summer/paragliding-tandem-flying

In Wild Waters Rafting, canyoning, and kayaking under the leadership of whitewater pros are not for those with a fear of water. After suitable instruction by the guide, then it’s into the rivers and streams in a rubber dinghy, kayak, or miniboat. One ideal kayaking area, for example, is the Valli di Tures and Aurina-Tauferer Ahrntal, where both beginners and advanced paddlers are carefully prepared for a wet adventure before they set off on the great voyage. kronplatz.com/en/summer/rafting-canyoning

Biathlon for Everyone Those who are spurred on by the exciting biathlon competitions in the wintertime and also wish to give Nordic skiing and shooting a try also have the opportunity in the summertime at the cross country skiing and biathlon school in Anterselva-Antholz. In addition to different course programs, guest biathlon shooting with original biathlon rifles and summer fun biathlon races are organized from June to October. Vacation Adventures All Together for the Whole Family Alpine pastures, forests, clear streams, lots of animals, and endless space to romp around – for children, the mountains are the absolute best adventure playground. But in the Kronplatz region, there is even more to discover. For example, families can go stalking with bows and arrows in the “Kron Arc Adventure” 3D archery course in the forests of Valdaora-. A variety of plastic animal figures are distributed over the ten hectares (twenty-five acres) of terrain which, at the same time, is also an interesting instructional path on animals. On top of that, the Kinderwelt (“Kid’s World”) in Valdaora invites families to have fun together in the wood, play with water and test their own abilities in the climibing area. A safe and fun play and relaxation area is also offered in Terento-Terenten where, in addition to exciting playground equipment, there is also a Kneipp hydrotherapy facility. kronplatz.com/en/experience/family-children

Young Nature Researchers as Dolomiti Rangers In the Fanes-Senes-Braies/Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, parents and children from seven to twelve years of age are busily tracking wild animals. Under expert guidance, they get to know the habitat of deer, chamois, and more and follow their tracks. From July to September 2018, different subjects/modules are handled two days a week: “Wild Animals and Their Habitat in the Dolomites” and “Wildlife watching at dawn”. As a reward for especially keen nature researchers, there is a “Dolomiti Rangers” diploma.

The Alpine Coaster and Dinosaurs In the Valle Aurina-Ahrntal, the Klausberg Flitzer is the absolute family hit. Small leaps, a 360-degree loop, and “jump bends” await passengers on Italy’s longest Alpine roller coaster, which is located right next to the mountain terminal of the Klausberg ski and hiking area in Cadipietra-Steinhaus. It is in operation in both summer and winter. Children ages four and above can ride along, and they are free until they turn six. Being able to see a life- sized Tyrannosaurus rex or a Stegosaurus might perhaps lure the kids away from the speed and fun of the Alpine Coaster. In the Dinoland in the Adventure World on the Klausberg, lifelike reproductions of these ancient giants can be admired. kronplatz.com/en/klausberg

The Farmhouse Gang is the name of an adventure and children’s program which leads young guests on journeys of discovery through the Valli di Tures and Aurina-Tauferer Ahrntal. For example, children dive into the world of knights and damsels of the castle, they can help out at a farm, they can go hunting for forest spirits, and spend endless hours climbing, rafting, or looking for treasures in a mine.

Water Fun in Lakes and Indoor or Outdoor Swimming Pools For children, swimming and water games are the number one summer vacation amusement, and it is at its loveliest in natural swimming lakes such as the Gais swimming lake. The San Vigilio stream is home to the “Spiaggetta Ciamaor”, a water park with a river beach, children’s playground, and sunbathing lawn.

In addition to the outdoor pools in Brunico, Valdaora di Sotto-Niederolang, and Monguelfo-Welsberg, there are also two swimming centers with both indoor and outdoor pools. At the Cron 4 adventure pool in Riscone-Reischach, the sports and fun areas are divided over a total of five pools. The highlight for children is the 75 m (250 ft.) long tunnel slide. An outdoor swimming pool and the six-pearl world sauna with a program including water over hot coals that changes every day are also a part of the facilities.

The Cascade Swimming and Entertainment Landscape in the Valli di Tures and Aurina receives bathing guests with a spaciously outfitted swimming and sauna landscape. It includes a natural swimming pond with a variety of water attractions as well as a total of five outdoor and indoor pools. The facilities were honored with an architecture award and can be used without obstacles. kronplatz.com/en/summer/swimming

The Cascate di Riva Natural Drama The inspiration for the name and the staging of the water originates from the nearby Rio di Riva-Reinbachfälle waterfalls, which can be reached by an easy hiking trail. The fabulously beautiful natural drama makes the path a unique experience, with the mighty stream of water crashing down the rock walls in three cascades. All three waterfalls can be admired from one hiking trail.

The Language and Culture in the Kronplatz region The Kronplatz region is home not only to native speakers of German and Italian, but also to a very special linguistic group: the Ladins. Their areas of settlement at the beginning of the -Gadertal valley in the communities of Al Plan de -San Vigilio di Marebbe-St. Vigil in Enneberg and -S. Martino in Badia-St. Martin in Thurn are a part of the linguistic and cultural region of , which is composed of the Val Badia-Gadertal and Val Gardena-Grödnertal valleys as well as parts of the Val di Fassa in Trentino and Livinallongo in .

Ladin is a separate and distinct Romance language which developed from the vulgar Latin that was spoken in the Alps toward the end of the Roman Empire. The language of the Rhaetians, who had settled here before the Romans, also left its mark. Incidentally, related languages are spoken in Friuli and in the Swiss canton of Grisons-Graubünden. A strong bond ties the Ladins to their homeland. Language, culture, and tradition are cared for with pride and passed on to future generations. In the Provincial Museum for Ladin Culture in Thurn Castle in San Martino in Badia-St. Martin in Thurn, the history, language. archaeology. economy, and handicrafts of Ladinia are documented. kronplatz.com/en/san-vigilio

Tradition and Everyday Culture Where three linguistic groups peacefully get along with each other, there is bound to be great cultural variety. Mediterranean temperament combined with German punctuality and precision yields a happy combination, and an effervescent joie de vivre unites everyone together at many traditional festivals. The participation of village bands in them is an indispensable component: they accompany processions, give concerts, and play at village and church festivals. Nearly every large and small village has its own music group. There are fifty-four of them just in the district of Brunico alone. One of the most popular games with convivial company is Wattn, a card game for four players in which the pairs sitting across from each other form teams. The pair that is the first to get three tricks (rounds of cards) wins the game. The rules of the game may vary, however, from one location to another. Wattn has a very long tradition and is a typical example of the sociability of South Tyroleans-Südtiroler.

Costumes and Customs Whenever there is a reason to celebrate, the fabulously beautiful, original traditional costumes are put on. Often, the women’s costumes are decorated with precious handmade lace borders. In Predoi-Prettau and Casere-Kasern, this old handicraft has been practiced since the nineteenth century. Originally, women earned an income with it after the mine was shut down. And today, a lace making association in Predoi passes on the knowledge to the next generations.

Fiery Signs Every year, on the second Sunday after the feast of Corpus Christi, the Sacred Heart fires erupt on the slopes of the Tyrolean mountains. They are a reminder of 1796, when the Tyroleans decided to resist the soldiers of Napoleon and, with a solemn vow, they prayed for God’s assistance. Starting from the end of the nineteenth century, the fires have been set as a sign of the renewal of the vow with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Farmhouse Holiday Anyone who takes a farmhouse holiday has the opportunity to get to know the working world of the farmer firsthand. The Valle di Casies- side valley offers the greatest density of farmhouse holidays in all of South Tyrol-Südtirol. At quite a number of farms, guests can lend a hand with the work that never lets up in an agricultural operation. For example, at the Mudlerhof, where the volunteer forces are gladly welcomed on the meadow, at the Alpine pasture, and in the barn. Above all else for children, the farm is a school of life experience when they are allowed to milk animals or make butter and cheese or else experience step by step how bread is made from grain. kronplatz.com/en/planning-booking/book-a-vacation

Excellent Products from the Val Pusteria Meadows and pastures, fields and gardens bring forth an abundance of special local products that can be tasted and purchased at farmers’ markets. First and foremost are Val Pusteria-Pustertal valley potatoes, which flourish particularly well here and are known in the local dialect as Erdäpfel (“apples of the earth”). In order for them to be allowed to carry the South Tyrol-Südtirol seal of quality, strict guidelines have to followed with their cultivation. For every dish – Nocken gnocchi, Blattlan fried potatoes, soup, Tyrolean Knödel dumplings, and many more – there is the right variety, ranging from mealy to waxy. At the Puschtra Erdepflfest (the Val Pusteria Potato Festival) on September 15, 2018 in Brunico, which kicks off weeks of potato feasting, all manner of delicacies made from this humble tuber can be tasted. kronplatz.com/en/experience/local-products

It’s All about Cheese Another specialty is Graukäse, aged Tyrolean gray cheese, which is characterized by a flavor filled with character and is produced at many farms. The greatest density of farm cheesemaking dairies is found in the Valle di Selva dei Mulini-Mühlwaldertal. It is traditionally eaten with whole grain bread and butter or else it is processed into Pressknödel fried dumplings, Graukäse gnocchi, or Graukäse soup. The 13th Cheese Festival took place in 2018 in Campo Tures-Sand in Taufers. kaesefestival.com/en/home/

A Visit to the Herb Fairy Herbs that grow at high elevations are especially spicy and nourishing. The Bergila family farm in Falzes-Pfalzen includes a mountain pine oil distillery and an herb garden. They produce essential oils, salves, grappas, teas, cosmetics, and much more from a base of herbs from their own certified organic cultivation. The Hauser herb farm is located in Perca-Percha. Its specialties include, among other things, herb and spice salts, smoked herbs, herb pillows, skin creams, and alcoholic extracts.

The nature and herb restaurant Arcana in Campo Tures uses wild herbs from the immediate vicinity for fine culinary creations. With every dish, a short description is included of the plants that are used. In the affiliated shop, products made from wild herbs and flowers may be purchased, such as honey, chutneys, jams, or syrup.

Artistic and Cultural Treasures in the Val Pusteria As an ancient settlement area, the Kronplatz region is rich in timeless ruins, in stories, and in history. The museums of the Val Pusteria-Pustertal valley reflect the culture and tradition of the region, displaying art treasures and testimonies of the world around us. kronplatz.com/en/experience/museums

The Messner Mountain Museum RIPA in Brunico Castle is devoted to the life of mountain peoples. Through the use of exhibits from everyday living, the ways of life of the most important mountain cultures are presented here. In summer 2015, the sixth and final Messner Mountain Museum CORONES opened its gates. It illustrates the subject of rock with objects from ’s collections. messner-mountain-museum.it/en/

Another one-of-a-kind museum at the top of Mount Kronplatz: Lumen - The House of Mountain Photography. With its extraordinary selection dedicated entirely to mountain photography, the museum balances and intertwines historical images and digital innovation. The House of Mountain Photography includes event and meeting rooms, as well as the restaurant AlpiNN, where starred chef Norbert Niederkofler guarantees his guests extraordinary alpine culinary delights. https://www.lumenmuseum.it/

The Brunico Municipal Museum displays treasures of Gothic art as well as contemporary prints and regular special exhibitions. stadtmuseum-bruneck.it/index.php/home-63.html The Teodone-Dietenheim Folklore Museum near Brunico is an outdoor museum with original buildings surrounded by flowering farmers’ gardens. volkskundemuseum.it/en/default.asp

The Ladin Museum - Ciastel de Tor is housed in Thurn Castle in San Martino in Badia-St. Martin in Thurn and documents the history, language, archaeology, economy, and handicrafts of Ladinia. museumladin.it/en/default.asp

The Museum Mansio Sebatum in S. Lorenzo-St. Lorenzen takes visitors in the footsteps of the Romans. This archaeological museum, which is completely dedicated to the Roman times in the area of the Southern Alps, tells the settlement history of the Mansio Sebatum road station, drawing a living picture of the life and everyday activities of the people.

The Granary Mining Museum in Cadipietra-Steinhaus in the Valle Aurina-Ahrntal is housed in the former food warehouse of the mine. Through the use of mining carts, paintings, documents, and archaeological finds, it depicts the history of mining in this region. Also telling the tale of the life of miners is the Predoi-Prettau Exhibition Mine. With the mining rail, visitors reach the St. Ignaz shaft, from which copper was mined for more than five hundred years.

Specialized collections are presented in the Firefighter’s Helmet Museum in Gais, in the Maranatha Crèche and Folk Art Museum in Lutago-Luttach, and in the Mineral Museums in S. Giovanni-St. Johann and Campo Tures-Sand in Taufers. How sheep’s wool is processed can also be learned by reservation in Campo Tures.

Sustainably Dealing with Resources In order for something to also be left for later generations to live off of, things have to be handled responsibly today. In the Kronplatz region, a variety of initiatives have been implemented in that regard. Environmentally-friendly mobility concepts, such as the new HOLIDAYPASS, motivate the shift from private cars to economically priced or even free public transportation. Climate-neutral biomass is an important component of heating. Two large heating plants in Brunico and Dobbiaco- supply around five thousand households with cozy heat, and the fuel that is used is biomass consisting to a large extent of wood chips and bark.

And by the way, the happiest citizens of Italy live in Brunico. At least, those are the results of a study by the “Centro Studi Sintesi” of Italy’s small communities having the highest quality of life. Areas that were studied included educational and cultural offerings, environmental protection, economy, affluence, and reduction in bureaucracy.

Dolomites - UNESCO World Naturale Heritage ©