The ULTEN VALLEY stretches in a south-westerly direction for 50 km from Lana near Meran to the Ortler Group of mountains. Starting at 300 m above sea level, a newly built road climbs steeply up to the main villages of St. Pankraz (790 m) and St. Walburg (1,200 m). From the altitudinal boundary at St. Walburg, the valley runs almost flat for 13 km as far as St. Gertraud (1,500m).

The ULTEN Valley is an agricultural valley...

... and one for gentle tourism. Almost half of the population earns a living from agriculture. Bunt black by the sun, the typical Ultner Paarhöfe (paired, double-storey farm buildings) cling to the steeply sloping valley sides, a picturesque scene for the rambler, who can stride from farm to farm through the entire valley half way up the valley. In spite of the laborious and unprofitable work, the people cling on tenaciously to their farms.
On the whole, not much has changed since the early days in the ULTEN VALLEY. And there is a reason for this. Up until 30 years ago, a chain of reservoirs was built in the valley on the orders of the Italian government. For many years, because of the works traffic, tourism had to take a back seat. On top of this, the few rooms available for accommodation were occupied by construction workers. And so during the years of the tourist gold rush, when the most beautiful alpine valleys were opening up, nothing happened here at all. However, what then was seen as misfortune and a missed chance, is seen as a blessing today. The valley, with its unspoilt rural landscape, harmonious and natural, and with only relatively few guest beds in relation to the number of inhabitants, is now able to meet the demands of the oft-cited “low-impact” tourism. High alpine entertainment for lager louts will not be on offer here for the foreseeable future!
The walks, mentioned elsewhere, to the alpine pastures to see what life is like for the farming community here, are one facet of this low-impact tourism. Or a stop at the inn, where the locals still set the tone.

The upper ULTEN VALLEY is part of the Stilfserjoch National Park, which protects the valley’s upper reaches from being opened up to mass tourism. Instead of lift cables and pistes and the odd hunting lodge or little holiday homes, here there are only earthy alpine huts and ancient tracks used by both people and beasts. The large high alpine pasture areas with 36 farmed pastures and the beautiful larch woods are part of the wealth of the valley. Many of the 60 km of hiking trails pass through the alpine fields and meadows and mean that it is possible for the leisure walker, who perhaps doesn’t want to tackle a 3000 metre plus mountain, to enjoy a quick wander.

The Deutschnonsberg – remote and pristine

The Deutschnonsberg is a small German speaking area that extends into the PROVINCE of TRENTO. This community has maintained its originality and traditions in complete isolation from the currents of modern times and mass tourism.
The four villages, UNSERE LIEBE FRAU IM WALDE; ST. FELIX; LAUREIN and PROVEIS were until recently only accessible with difficulty via the GAMPEN PASS or the MENDEL PASS and over TRENTINO territory. However, for a few years now, there has also been a road from the ULTEN VALLEY to the two far-flung villages of LAUREIN and PROVEIS. The people here make a living from agriculture and handicrafts.

Snowshoe walking – experience winter at its purest

A special snow experience...Guided snowshoe walks and parties in the mountain huts, from January.
Nordic Walking opportunities.
Every Tuesday from 13th June 2006 to 26th September 2006:
Nordic walking – the healthy way of walking. Switch off from everyday life and learn the Nordic walking technique against a beautiful scenic backdrop.
Where: at the leisure park in Kuppelwies from 3.30 to 5.00pm
Reservations in the Tourist Information Office

The draw of the winter ramble

... experience winter in all its splendour – whether skiing or on a snowshoe trek, snowshoe walking for the whole family or enjoying a thrilling moonlit tour – Ambros Santer will be pleased to accompany you!

Information:

Ambros Santer

Mountain, Hiking and Trekking guide

state approved climbing instructor

santer.ambros@rolmail.net
Tel.: +39 347 5873051

Winter hiking routes

Ultner Höfeweg (Ulten Valley Way)
This track runs from Kuppelwies along the steep sunny slopes of the valley to St. Nikolaus. It leads to numerous old farms (wooden houses with shingle roofs) and then past the Ultner Valley museum in St. Nikolaus.
Route: Kuppelwies to St. Nikolaus
Ascent: 112 m
Level of difficulty: easy
Walking time: 1 hour

Zur Steinrast
Route: Schwemmalm Valley Station, along the “Moscha” tobogganing track to the Steinrast refreshment station. Closed: Mondays.
Ascent: 200 m
Level of difficulty: easy
Walking time: 40 minutes
Riding
Theistadl Riding Stables
Kuppelwies 381
39016 St. Walburg / Ulten
Tel. +39 0473 799011
Mobile: +39 333 4698949
info@freizeitreiten.it
www.freizeitreiten.it

Further information available from

Ulten Valley-Deutschnonsberg Tourist Information
I - 39016 St. Walburg (BZ) South Tyrol
Tel: +39 0473 795387 | Fax: +39 0473 795049
www.ultental-deutschnonsberg.info

info@ultental-deutschnonsberg.info