Tauferer Ahrntal Valley: A Brief Overview
The Tauferer Ahrntal Valley, homeland of the famous mountaineer, Hans Kammerlander, is unsurprisingly a terrain filled with scenery of the more dramatic kind; soaring alpine peaks, endless green meadows, glaciers and forests. It’s a landscape that is sure to appeal to the adventurous at heart, and keen hikers will no doubt be delighted by the sheer range of walking trails in the area.
Bordering Austria, the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley in South Tyrol offers an interesting blend of Germanic charm and laid-back Mediterranean ambiance, which is evident in many of the villages and towns in the area. After an energetic day spent exploring the spectacular scenery, travellers will be pleased to know that there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy a drink and some classic South Tyrolean cuisine.
Exploring Tauferer Ahrntal Valley on Foot
Given that one of the world’s most celebrated mountaineers, Hans Kammerlander, chose to make this area his home, it is unsurprising that it should have some of the finest mountain trails in the country. In particular, the Alta Via de Neves (High Altitude Trail) is a remarkable route, reaching an altitude difference of 1,045m (3,428ft) and taking 7 hours to complete. Keen mountaineers will also be eager to take on Mount Hochgall, which, at 3,436 metres (11,276 feet), is one of the country’s highest peaks.
However, there are also plenty of gentler routes to undertake during your stay, exploring waterfalls, pretty hillside villages and towns and meadows filled with alpine flowers.
Things to Do in Tauferer Ahrntal Valley on a Rainy Day / Rest Day
You’ll be delighted by the 13th century castle at Sand in Taufers village. This ancient medieval castle is open to visitors, and kids and adults alike will thrill at the chance to explore the armoury, the dungeon and the rather spookily named ‘Haunted Room’!
The Museum of Mining is also an excellent sight to visit. The region has a background in mining, and this fascinating museum provides insight into the industry and the history of mining. Alternatively, head to the Cascade Pool Complex, where you can relax and unwind in the pools whilst avoiding the rain outside.
The Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park
The neighbouring Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park is a glorious natural haven, perfect for those wanting to experience some of the finest natural scenery that the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley has to offer. It boasts the highest percentage of glaciers in South Tyrol, and also has several beautiful lakes, waterfalls and of course, a suitably awe-inspiring mountainous backdrop. If you’re lucky, you may even see one of the nature park’s more famous residents, the Golden Eagle, circling around the mountain peaks.
Climate in Tauferer Ahrntal Valley
The Tauferer Ahrntal Valley benefits from a pleasant Mediterranean climate; with temperatures in summer reaching as high as 30˚C on a fairly regular basis. In Spring and Autumn, temperatures remain at a more comfortable 15˚ to 25˚C, depending on the time of year.
However, it’s important to note that temperatures are considerably cooler in the mountains, and to take appropriate clothing depending on the time of year that you visit.
How to Get to Tauferer Ahrntal Valley
The nearest international airport is located at Innsbruck, which is 140km (89mi) away, and from here, the easiest way to access Tauferer Ahrntal Valley is by car, as the area is well served by motorway routes and well signposted roads.