Racines: three valleys for a unique experience in South Tyrol

In beautiful South Tyrol, Racines (Ratschings) is a municipality comprising the picturesque valleys of Racines, Ridanna and Val Giovo.

In this landscape, surrounded by glaciers and mountains, unspoiled nature, and breathtaking scenery, many exciting experiences and activities for all seasons await you.

Ratschings is ideal for sportsmen seeking adventure, families who want an experience-filled trip, and those who enjoy learning about local culture and traditions.

In Ratschings, you will have the opportunity to explore 3 valleys, all beautiful and different from each other.

Between the mountain pastures and glaciers of Val Racines, the peaks and meadows of Val di Giovo, and the mix of nature and cultural attractions of Val Ridanna, you will experience a dynamic, relaxing, and eco-friendly vacation.

In this article, we take you on a journey of discovery through the wonderful area of Racines and its countless scenic and cultural attractions.

Ratschings, with its 3 valleys, offers a wide alternative of activities to satisfy the preferences of every visitor.

Outdoor activities are countless and suitable for everyone in every season. In warm weather, trekking enthusiasts have trails of all types and difficulty among forests, pastures, mountain huts, high peaks, and three 360° panoramic platforms. 

A naturalistic attraction not to be missed is the rushing Stanghe Falls and the rocky landscapes that surround them.

In winter, Ratschings becomes a favourite place for winter sports enthusiasts. The three valleys offer well-equipped ski areas, such as the Racines-Giovo ski area and the "Gasse" ski lift in Ridanna, with slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Families and ski mountaineers have dedicated and properly equipped areas.

However, nature, breathtaking views, and sports are not the only attractions in this beautiful area.

In Racines, you will find several cultural-historical attractions. Of particular interest are the Ridanna Mining Museum, which offers insights into the history of the former mining activity in this area, and the Hunting and Fishing Museum in Castel Wolfsthurn, which illustrates the local hunting and fishing tradition.

In addition, interesting cultural events take place in this extensive area, which is among the largest in South Tyrol. You can learn about local traditions and gastronomy in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

Highlights include the Sunday Festival or "Kirchtag" in the summer months, the South Tyrolean transhumance in September, and the gastronomic festival of "Törggelen" in the fall.

Ratschings is part of the Alpine Pearls circuit, a network of 27 resorts that promote eco-friendly, climate- and land-friendly vacations.

Relaxation, sports and cultural experiences: Racines is the ideal place to rest and enjoy the beauty of unspoiled nature without stress.

Two fascinating museums in Racines illustrate this area's history and local traditions.

A trip to the Provincial Mining Museum in Ridanna, will take you on a journey through South Tyrol's mining tradition. This Museum is one of the most important in Europe.

Returning to the days of the Industrial Revolution, you will learn about the production process of this ancient mine, which still has its original production facility partially intact.

An interesting educational tour and a permanent exhibition tell the story of one of the "highest" mines in Europe. Inside the complex, you can also choose from 4 routes of varying difficulty organized on different levels.

Some routes are also accessible to children and the disabled. The duration of the routes varies from 1 to 10 hours, and the longer routes include sections aboard the charming miners' train.

The Ridnaun Mining Museum is also accessible by bus from the Sterzing train station and is a must-see attraction for both young and old.

The other Museum in Racines, the Provincial Museum of Hunting and Fishing, is located in Mareta inside Wolfsthurn Castle, a magnificent Baroque building owned by the family von Sternbach, described by Tyrolean historian Johann N. Tinkhauser as the "most beautiful castle in Tyrol."

The Museum, opened in 1996, is located on the second floor of the building. It illustrates the theme of fishing and hunting in this area with captions and audio tracks.

Visitors can observe objects used for fishing and hunting and reproductions of natural environments and wild animals.

The second floor is devoted to the castle's history and the von Wolfsthurn family. Here, you can admire the noble rooms with original furnishings.

In the basement of the building are information materials dedicated to children who, in the form of a game, can learn animal noises and discover a bear's den.

The Museum's entrance is reached via the "Forest and Water" trail, an easy path about a kilometre long that strollers can walk.

During this short walk, you will pass the castle pond and discover various interactive stations. How far do the forest animals jump? How does the forest telephone work? How do you recognise the age of trees? An educational and entertaining walk for the whole family!

The Museum can also be reached by bus line 312 (Vipiteno <> Ridanna) to Mareta, or by bicycle via the Josef Larch bicycle path connecting Vipiteno to Mareta.

The Stanghe waterfalls are an unmissable natural spectacle created by the Rio Racines.

Between suspension bridges and stairways, you go deep into the Stanghe Gorge, where the waters of the Rio Racines have created Europe's only marble gorge.

A beautiful tree-lined path leads from the village of Stanghe to the waterfalls. Following the course of the stream and the marked route, you will arrive at a little house that marks the entrance to the Gorge and where you can buy your ticket.

Amid stairways, suspension bridges and small viewing terraces, you will enter the Gorge, where the waters of the Rio Racines forcefully crash through the marble, creating a spectacle of colour and sound. The trail is easy and safe, even for children.

The best time to visit the falls is from May to October, and waterproof shoes and clothing are recommended.

If desired, a visit to the falls can also be combined with a visit to the ruins of Reifenegg Castle. The fortress, which dates back to the 11th century, stands on a wooded knoll and is among the most impressive in the Tyrol.

Racines is a paradise for lovers of nature and outdoor activities. Here, you will find trails for all "tastes", from the easiest, which can be hiked even by children, to the most challenging ones that lead to the peaks of the beautiful South Tyrolean mountains.

To begin with, we mention the trail leading to the Biasi al Bicchiere Hut, the highest hut in South Tyrol, located on the southern slope of the Stubai Alps, at 3,195 m above sea level.

Built-in 1894 by the German and Austrian Alpine Association, the hut has been renovated several times and offers climbers running water, hot meals, and about 100 beds. It is open from mid-June to mid-September, but the opening period may vary depending on the weather.

Since 1911, the hut has housed the small chapel "St. Mary of the Snow," the highest in Europe.

The hut can be reached via several trails from the valley floor of Val Ridanna. All of them are suitable for experienced hikers/mountaineers with good strides and appropriate equipment.

The first trail passes through the Vedretta Piana and Vedretta Pendente huts and crosses rock formations, sections well secured by ropes and steps. It leads to the hut at Bicchiere in about 9 hours. The other routes wind along the glacier and are suitable only for mountaineers with adequate experience and equipment.

The views from the hut and the beauty of nature undoubtedly repay the effort of the walk!

Another striking and certainly easier trail is the one that leads to Burkhard Falls.

Trail 9, along the Ferner River, starts from the Mining Museum in Masseria and leads to the Gorge and Burkhard Falls.

The trail is full of viewpoints and bridges from which you can admire the peaks of the Breonie Alps. This route ends at the Aglsboden alpine hut. You can return to Masseria or continue to the Vedretta Piana, Vedretta Pendente and Gino Biasi mountain huts at Bicchiere.

Families, too, have routes to enjoy and explore the area safely and without too much effort.

Racines Mountain Adventure World is a loop trail that starts at the top station of the Racines-Giovo gondola lift and is suitable for prams or strollers. With an elevation gain of 50 meters, it can be hiked by families with children of all ages in about 45 minutes.

Along the trail, you will encounter numerous attractions such as the world of ants and marmots, farm animals, climbing structures, water features, information panels on the local flora and fauna, and huts for refreshments.

These are just some trails you will find in the Racines area. Follow the signs and arrows and discover more!

In winter, Racines is covered in white, becoming the perfect destination for snow and winter sports enthusiasts.

Skiers and snowboarders will have fun in the Racines-Giovo ski area, with slopes for all levels.

Those who love cross-country skiing will find more than 40 km of slopes of various characteristics, surrounded by spectacular winter landscapes, between the panoramic Monte Piatto track and the slopes in the valleys of Ridanna and Racines.

Ski mountaineers will have 15 premium tours, marked parking lots, information boards with all the technical details of the trails, and avalanche detection checkpoints for safer excursions.

Families and those new to skiing will enjoy the "Gasse" ski lift in Ridanna, which is perfect for beginners and children.

Racines offers various slopes suitable for everyone and even certified ski schools.

Those who prefer alternative activities to skiing will enjoy leisurely snow hikes, snowshoeing, and merry sledging. At the end of the hike, we recommend a "tasty stop" at the area's many mountain huts and refuges!

Throughout the year, Racines offers interesting cultural events that will take you on a journey of discovering local traditions and tasty gastronomy.

In the summer, you can participate in the "Kirchtag" or "Church Day", which occurs on Sundays in various Racines localities, such as Val Giovo, Mareta, and Casateia.

This is a typical village festival with an extensive program that includes music, children's entertainment, traditional cuisine, and historical costumes. Locals parade in traditional costumes, carrying peasant tools used several centuries ago.

During "Kirchtag," traditional South Tyrolean dishes such as dumplings and typical desserts such as strudel, will be plentiful.

"Kirchtag" is a fun event for adults and children alike!

In September, a not-to-be-missed event takes place, a living testimony to Alpine tradition: the transhumance of the animals. At the end of summer, farmers fetch cows, calves and sheep that have spent the summer on the lush meadows of the alpine pastures and bring them back to the valley.

The animals are festively decorated for the occasion and are awaited by numerous spectators. There is no shortage of traditional music, good food and fun!

In autumn, between September and November, Törggelen takes place, a tradition that originated in the South Tyrolean countryside. Initially, with Törggelen, the fruits of the annual harvest and the products of the fall season were celebrated.

Today, Törggelen is an experience that celebrates and promotes local culture, food and wine. In Racines, you can participate in this unique experience and taste the region's delicacies.

You have several options to reach Racines and its valleys: car, bus, train and plane. Racines is an eco-friendly destination and can be conveniently reached by public transportation.

By train:

The long-distance trains of Trenitalia, Italo, and DB/ ÖBB ( Austrian transport companies) can reach Racines.

Throughout the year, fast trains from Rome, Milan, Venice, Sibari, and Lecce connect Bolzano directly.

From Bolzano, you can continue to inland locations via regional railways and buses.

You can also use the South Tyrol Guest Pass, which is free for guests staying in Racines.

By bus:

If you like to travel by bus, fully equipped tour buses can take you to South Tyrol from many Italian cities.

Long-distance coaches from FlixBus and MarinoBus connect Bolzano with major cities in Italy.

In South Tyrol, FlixBus buses stop in Bolzano, Bressanone, Chiusa, Vipiteno, Merano, Lana, and Marlengo.

Flixbus also has bus connections from all European countries year-round.

By car:

Car travellers can reach Racines via the A22 highway connected to the A1 (Milan-Naples) and A4 (Turin-Trieste).

By taking 1 of the A22's 6 exits, you can explore the valleys and mountains of South Tyrol.

To reach Racines and its valleys, take the Vipiteno exit.

By plane:

The most convenient airport for plane travel is Bolzano, which has connections to other Italian regions. The nearest international airports are Verona and Milan.

The surroundings of Racines are also full of beautiful places to explore.

First and foremost, don't miss Vipiteno (Sterzing), one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Colourful little houses, medieval squares, fine religious and cultural buildings, and a stunning mountain landscape make Vipiteno a charming Alpine town.

Not far from Sterzing, you will find Castel Tasso, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in South Tyrol.

This castle, located on a small hill 2 km southwest of Vipiteno, can be reached by a short and pleasant walk.

The castle has an ancient history. It was first mentioned in written documents in 1100 and is today owned by the Thurn and Taxis families.

The building is in excellent condition and can be visited. Inside, you can admire the smoke room, the soldiers' and servants' dormitories, the green room with beautiful frescoes, an underground dungeon, and the nearby church of San Zeno.

For fans of local culture and traditions, the Museum of Customs and Traditions, the oldest of South Tyrol's Provincial Museums, is in Teodone, near Brunico.

The Mair am Hof estate is the Museum's main attraction. This Baroque residence, built by the von Sternbach family between 1690 and 1700, houses collections on South Tyrolean religiosity and folk art.

The Museum also includes a building with numerous agricultural tools and vehicles and more than 20 historic farmsteads from different South Tyrolean valleys.

These farmsteads are a clear testimony to the daily life of the rural population of the past. The homesteads also include various farm and domestic animals in the wild.

Finally, the cities of Brunico, Bressanone, Bolzano, and Merano are not far away and are excellent destinations for interesting day trips to explore South Tyrol!