The Sarn Valley: an earthy challenge

At 303 square kilometres, the Sarn Valley is, in terms of area, the largest community in South Tyrol. The valley, which runs from north to south as far as Bozen, contains ten villages at altitudes from 970 to 1500 metres above sea level. From Bozen, the Sarn Valley can be reached by car in less than 30 minutes, on a ruggedly romantic road with panoramic views and 18 tunnels. The valley is 50km long, the river Talfer flows through it, and it is surrounded by mountains.

The Sarntal Alps Horseshoe

The Sarntal Alps, with their 140 mountain peaks, form a horseshoe shape around the thriving pastures, gentle valley side slopes and idyllic villages. The panoramic views of the Dolomites and the entire South Tyrolean alpine arc are breathtaking, and are also accessible to the motorist driving over the Penserjoch, the northern entrance to the Sarn Valley.

The Sarn Valley locals: like no one else!

Natural and down to earth: that’s the inhabitants of the Sarn Valley. Their quick-wittedness and humour is known throughout the country. In 1600 Marx Sittich von Wolkenstein wrote of Sarn that, “it is the merriest and most beautiful of places in the land.” Anyone who spends any time in the valley will grow to like the disposition of its people, and their traditional costume will appeal at first glance. People still wear the genuine traditional loden costume of the Sarn Valley to go to church of a Sunday or on a trip to the village, with wooden shoes (Kospen), pinfeather embroidered belt (Fatsch) and a hat, with green braid for the married men and red for those who are still single. And so it’s possible to tell who is still available at a glance – but watch out for the musicians! Apparently some are not all that careful about the colour they wear in their hats...

Tradition and Handicrafts

Even more than by their traditional costume, the down to earth nature of the people is demonstrated by their craftworks. Those crafts that have almost died out elsewhere – basket making, weaving, “Reggele” or pipe carving - are all alive and well in the Sarn Valley. The Sarn Valley natives have also been well known for many years for their wood working skills. This tradition is witnessed by the magnificently carved and painted rustic furniture as well as the more simple implements produced for everyday use: turned and carved objects such as bowls, small boxes, lamps and so on. The artistry of the inlay work of the traditional locally produced cutlery with wooden handles is exquisite. The pinfeather embroidery is done by expert hands and anyone who leaves the Sarn Valley without buying a hand-knitted woollen Sarn jacket might regret it later: they last a lifetime!

Holidaying in the Sarn Valley – for a sense of “Heimat”

A holiday in the Sarn Valley is not for dedicated hedonists. This is a place for people who love everything related to the soil. The craggy slopes are a challenge for good walkers and sporty mountain bikers. And whilst there are plenty of easier strolls through the valley, those of you who want to scale the peaks, or withstand the famed – perhaps infamous – Sarntal Horseshoe route, a trek lasting several days from hut to hut, and enjoy a unique panorama of the entire South Tyrolean mountain world, have every opportunity to work up a sweat!
The Sarner Scharte mountain peak is a popular destination for climbing tours. And it is possible to scale our 2846m high local mountain by a number of different – all very difficult - routes. If you’re lucky you might see chamois leaping wildly from crag to crag, but in any case you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the Dolomites.

Winter – wildly romantic and enchanting

The Sarner Alps are not just there to be enjoyed in the summer. The valley – always sure of snow – has a small but excellent skiing area in Reinswald with a 6-cabin cable car, three ski lifts and well-tended pistes. The 5.2 km-long toboggan run is also very popular. Real lovers of the narrow boards are already familiar with the 24 km of the Penser Valley cross-country run in Weißenbach, Pens and Asten.
It’s also a delight to skate around Lake Durnholz.
The Sarn Valley has been a ski tourer’s top-secret tip for quite some time. The strenuous climbs are rewarded by seemingly endless descents.
After skiing, you can, of course, treat yourself here. The people of Sarn Valley extract a naturally pure oil from the mountain pines, whose use is best explored on a visit to the Latschenkieferbad (mountain pine bath).

True indulgence

Notwithstanding the strong links to tradition and authenticity, the local cuisine being no exception, there are several renowned restaurants in the Sarn Valley offering top quality gastronomic fare, and which may be found in the guides, such as Espresso, Veronelli, Gambero Rosso and Gault-Milleau. These highly rated restaurants hold fish weeks, harvest thanksgiving weeks, game weeks and offer either French or Umbrian dishes throughout the year, and proffer the best wines from South Tyrol and Italy as well as international vintages from wine producing regions the world over.
Of course these restaurants use locally grown vegetables, herbs and products. Farming is something that has been carried out by generations and the Sarn Valley producers run their farms with great conviction and love, supplying local markets with their produce. That’s why the cuisine here is so varied, ranging from traditional “Fleischsupp mit Stierzl” a nourishing consommé with yeast dough bread, to the unparalleled gourmet experiences provided by renowned chefs. The Sarn Valley is definitely to be recommended to gourmets.

Four good reasons to visit the Sarn Valley

The Sarn people themselves
The people are proud and independent and hold on tight to their traditions. Every Sunday they wear their festive Tracht (costume) to go to church.

The Mountains
140 peaks surround the Sarn Valley. Enthusiastic walkers, climbers and skiers will find that they are in a paradise well away from mass tourism.

Sarn Valley Handicrafts
Pinfeather embroiderers, basket makers, marqueters and pipe carvers. In the Sarn Valley you can look over the shoulders of craftsmen plying skills that were thought to have died out long ago.
Experience handicrafts at close quarters at the “Sarn Virwitzmitte”, an evening cultural event in the centre of Sarnthein (every Wednesday from 8pm to 11pm).

The culinary treats
A culinary excursion in the Sarn Valley is always worthwhile! The cuisine here is very varied: ranging from traditional farmer’s fare to unique gourmet experiences provided by renowned chefs.

Horse-Drawn Sled Rides and Winter Riding

Horse-drawn sled rides through the snowy winter landscape with the sweet natured and blonde-maned Haflingers are especially popular. You can try these by torchlight in the evenings too! For lovers of all things equestrian, we recommend riding in powder snow for an unforgettable experience.

Information and reservations:

- Auener Hof Riding Stables, Auen - Tel. +39 0471 623055 www.auenerhof.it
Riding school with 20 Haflinger horses, in a sunny location. Horse-drawn sled rides through a wonderful winter landscape at 1600 metres above sea level.
- Rabensteinerhof Riding Stables, Muls 6 – Tel. +39 0471 627147 Tel. +39 0471 627147 www.rabensteinerhof.com
Riding school with a beautiful wintry backdrop.
- Adamhof Riding Stables – Jakob Gross Carriage Rides, Nordheim - Tel. +39 335 8243667 or Tel. +39 0471/623656
Unforgettable horse drawn sled and coach rides – by torchlight too.
- Bergerhof Reinswald Riding Stables – Tel. +39 0471 625109 or Tel. +39 0471 625116 www.residence-bergerhof.it
Horse-drawn sled and carriage rides on their own farm and at Lake Durnholz.
140 mountain peaks for ski touring in beautiful scenery with our mountain guide
Richard Oberkalmsteiner
Tel. 348 7933549
richardo@dnet.it

Snowshoe walks in close contact with nature.
Alone, in couples or with the family. Back to nature is the new holiday experience. Discover the Sarn Valley mountain world and the draw of nature on a snowshoe walk to one of the many beautiful vantage points. The feeling you will have both during and after a snowshoe walk through deep and untouched snow-covered landscapes is indescribable.

Snowshoe hire: Sarn Valley Tourist Information – Tel. +39 0471 623091
Organised Snowshoe walks: Every Tuesday – reservations in the tourist information office – Tel. +39 0471 623091

Nordic Walking Opportunities
Let Nature help to top up your energy levels and take a walk through soft meadows, along marked tracks on the mountain pastures, and on assorted circular routes, through fairy-tale woods – away from the artificial pathways – simply follow nature.

Nordic Walking Trainer
Sarn Valley Ski School Office
Nordic Walking Master Instructor
Robert Oberhöller
Mobile: +39 348 765615
39058 SARNTHEIN (BZ)
Tel. +39 0471 625353
Fax. +39 0471 625353
skischule@reinswald.com
www.reinswald.com

Cross-country skiing instructor
Rudi Mair – Tel. 328 8687887
Albert Rungger – Tel. 0471 622302
Further information from
Sarn Valley Tourist Information
I - 39058 Sarnthein (BZ) South Tyrol
Tel: +39 0471 623091 | Fax: +39 0473 622350
www.sarntal.com