ALPE Summer 2022

Summer 2022

ALPE Seiser Alm Magazine

KASTELRUTH · SEIS AM SCHLERN · VÖLS AM SCHLERN · SEISER ALM · TIERS AM ROSENGARTEN

Local speciality The treasure from the tap

Ignaz Friedman A piano virtuoso

A place of power The Puflatsch on the Seiser Alm

The biggest assortment of wine in South Tyrol and an amazing selection of gin, whisky, grappa and specialities!

Passo Brennero

Chiusa

Prato Isarco

Bolzano nord BOLZANO Trento/Verona

Castelrotto

Siusi allo Sciliar

Fiè allo Sciliar CARDANO Val d’Ega

TIRES

Passo Niger/Carezze

New showroom!

BOLZANO Zona Produttiva Cardano 5 39053 Cornedo all’Isarco (BZ) Tel. +39 0471 642 106 winestore.bz

Winestore srl Visit our online shop.

TIRES Via San Giorgio 9 39050 Tires (BZ) Tel. +39 0471 640 008 weindiele.com

Photo: Helmuth Rier

Foreword & Contents

Dear Guests!

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Poppies field Page 6

With months of constant blue skies over a sparkling winter’s countryside, the 2021/2022 winter season has been absolutely spectacular. Covid safety mea­ sures did not detract from the fun in the least, and we consider ourselves tremendously fortunate to have had so many guests who came to enjoy the vast array of leisure, sports and relaxation opportunities in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm once again.

Another fun-packed season awaits for all holidaymakers who want to treat themselves to a break in our holiday region from April to October. Fresh air, clear water, fabulous weather, breathtaking mountains and endless nature set the pace – and the rest is entirely up to you! Our Tourist Offices and accommodation establishments do everything in their power to ensure that our guests can find their way around easily and enjoy a wonderful vacation of hiking, cycling, climbing, running, sunbathing, spaing, shopping or, quite simply, doing nothing; when you’re sitting back in a welcoming guest garden or lying on a sun lounger, living the life of leisure comes with the greatest of ease.

The editors here at ALPE Seiser Alm magazine are delighted to accompany you on your holidays once again, and to provide you with the latest news from our Dolomites region, stories about people and places, and all imaginable handy tips to help you enjoy your relaxing break to the full. Our feature articles this issue cover a variety of topics ranging from the value of water to the traditional Heart of Jesus mountain bonfires and a sociable picnic at the Bergler Harass event on the Wuhnleger. Legends of the witches’ coven on the Puflatsch have been passed down from generation to generation. In Seis am Schlern, the Vistor Center Nature Park has opened up at long last, while in Tiers am Rosengarten a new open-top cable car is ready and waiting to whisk you up to the heights. Kastelruth entrepreneur Toni Silbernagl and his wife Monika tell us about their lives and their favourite places. Rounding off the edition as a sweet narrative dessert are the endless forest fruits that thrive so bountifully at the Partschillerhof organic farm in Völser Ried and a mouthwatering raspberry cake recipe.

Water: pure and high-quality product

We are delighted to welcome you as our guest, and wish you a restful, relaxing break in our beautiful Dolomites region Seiser Alm.

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Ignaz Friedman, a piano virtuoso Page 16

Where witches dance: The Puflatsch Page 20

Sacred Heart of Jesus Fires in South Tyrol Page 24

Anton Silbernagl: The King of buses Page 30

Visitor Center Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten Page 34

Only flying is more beautiful: the new cable car in Tiers Page 36

Picnicking with a view of the Rosengarten Heavenly berries at Partschillerhof farm Page 44

Raspberry cake Page 46

Highlights Summer 2022 Page 48

Helmut Mitterstieler President of Seiser Alm Marketing and the Tourist Offices of Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, Völs am Schlern, Seiser Alm and Tiers am Rosengarten

Preview Winter 2022/23 Page 50

Arount & about

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Papaveraceae The view from Peter Lageder’s field at the Hof zu Lafogl farm above Kastelruth is unique in this area. Cultivating poppies is a laborious task and harvesting and drying their seeds a considerable challenge. Although poppies only blossom into their stunning shades of red for the most fleeting of moments, the delicious taste of poppy seed specialities, including poppy-seed strudel and poppy-seed “Krapfen”, is an everlasting pleasure.

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Summer | ALPE 5 Photo: Helmuth Rier

Liquid gold South Tyrol boasts a variety of high-quality, regional products whose genuine flavour and taste contribute to the area’s high quality of life and excellent holiday offers.

Wine, Speck, cheese, and Schüttelbrot are just some of its prime products… and yet people often forget about another “local speciality”. This outstandingly pure and high-quality product is often taken for granted – and that’s the drinking water.

T

Text: Sabine Funk Photo: Helmuth Rier

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The water that gushes from taps and public fountains in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm can be defined, without exaggeration, as spring water straight from the tap. In days gone by, this priceless treasure was by no means easy to come by. Farmers living in the villages at the bottom of the valley obtained their water from deep wells, only a few farms had their own springs and wells and, even

system of wooden pipes leading from the Tuff Alm down to the village.

then, water wasn’t always available all year round.

It was in these times and circumstances that Leonhard von Völs showed considerable foresight when he outlined his project in the “Völser Wasserbrief/Brunnenbrief” (Völs Water letter/Fountain letter) more than 500 years ago: his intention was to channel the Schlern spring water along a

well associations evolved to become drinking water cooperatives at the beginning of the last century. Unlike in Germany, for example, where water and soil associations are only marginally involved in urban water management and municipalities are responsible for providing and managing drinking water, in South Tyrol it is the abovementioned co- »

Successively, farmers came together and set up “well associations” to guarantee their farms, villages, houses, and entire communities access to drinking water. The associations’ role was to maintain the pipe system; over the course of time, the

Modern horizontal filter wells in Tiosels (Wasserebene) above Kastelruth.

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President Arnold Rauch and Water Warden Markus Hofstätter from the Kastelruth Drinking Water Cooperative at work.

The Neptunia - Seis drinking water cooperative provides, on average, wholesalers and companies with around 106,000 m3 water every year, while smaller customers and households receive around 171,000 m3.

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operatives that cover this role. Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern and Völs am Schlern have drinking water cooperatives, as do some of the smaller communities, such as St. Konstantin, which have a partially independent water management system. Each cooperative is presided by a chairperson, convenes for regular meetings and, with scrupulous attention, carries out the maintenance and modernisation of infrastructure such as spring boxes, water reservoirs and the pipeline network, and oversees water levels and quality. Given the local area’s often inaccessible terrain and its unique geology, the task is demanding and complex in the extreme.

city is no stranger to the area and large, seasonal fluctuations in the “filling”, i.e. the volume of water which escapes from a spring, occur too. Especially before the snow melts and after longer, dry periods, the spring fills are significantly reduced – and that’s why Kastelruth has always had to source part of its water from surrounding communities, such as Ortisei or Seis am Schlern. In the past, intensive agriculture and the use of fertilisers on the Puflatsch meadows repeatedly had a negative impact on water quality. 20 years ago, in order to collect more and better drinking water, an ingenious under-

The spring-sourced drinking water is channelled from the basins into various elevated tanks or reservoirs. The most important person in every cooperative is the water warden, a role which is carried out with passion and, more often than not, for several decades. In the past, this task included the ongoing maintenance of all water reservoirs, the assessment of water levels, and ensuring all systems were clean. Every water warden still devotes countless hours themselves to on-site inspections and testing the storage basins, although the collection of water level recordings and water values is now digital, and continuously monitored by computer.

The Dolomites region Seiser Alm couldn’t have been what it is today without water playing a decisive role. The forests, alpine pastures, and villages were once nothing more than the seabed of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Coral and mussel deposits as well as rock-forming reefs gave rise to a diverse landscape, whose finishing touches were carried out by the Ice Age. The layers of the Schlern massif boast the presence of dolomite rock which, with its high pH values and excellent retention capacities, is similar to limestone. However, the mountain range does not share its treasure evenly with all the nearby villages. Tiers am Rosengarten and Völs am Schlern, for example, access more generous springs and, therefore, have a clear advantage when compared to Seis am Schlern and Kastelruth.

Kastelruth has always sourced its water from the Puflatsch. However, its permeable basalt rock is considered a rather poor water reservoir; water scar-

ground infrastructure was built: a deep reaching well with vertical inlet shafts, which serves the additional purpose of reducing the amount of murky surface water, the result of heavy rains.

The Fountain Letter.

Half a millennium has passed since Leonhard of Völs designed a system to channel water from the Tuff Alm down to the village of Völs.

Neptunia, the drinking water cooperative in Seis am Schlern, has spring boxes which mainly source their water from the Schlern, and are generally sufficient to cover the municipality’s water needs.

However, extreme weather events resulting from climate change are becoming more frequent and, therefore, more of a problem. In July 2021, a terrible thunderstorm in Seis am Schlern caused millions of euros in damage and put one of the five spring boxes below the Schlernbödele hut out of action.

The loss of water from this spring box, coupled with a very dry autumn and winter, had immediate con- »

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Outstanding quality and taste: It’s easy to avoid buying water in plastic bottles.

sequences. In January 2022, the fire brigade had to transport water from Seis to Kastelruth by tanker to maintain the municipality’s water supply.

This phenomenon - short-lived storms with heavy and extreme downpours and very dry winters seem to be becoming more frequent: 2021/22 was the driest winter in the last five years. At the same time, the water consumption of businesses and households has risen continuously over the last few decades, going as far as doubling over the last 20 years. Forecasts predict that the shortage of drinking water will increase dramatically by 2035.

Respect the mountain. To anticipate the inevitable problem of drinking water shortages, each and every one of us is called upon to manage this valuable resource in moderation and by following common sense. This also applies to the hospitality industry, including spas, wellness centres and their visitors. Never one to rest on its laurels, the Dolomites regoin Seiser Alm has already been working to raise awareness on the matter and establish tangible measures. Its “Achtsam am Berg“ (Respect the Mountain) pilot project aims to raise awareness about drinking water and preventing waste.

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The project has produced a set of guidelines which provide guests and locals stakeholders with helpful information regarding sustainable, resource-sparing behaviour and actionable suggestions to adapt their habits. One core consideration is the appreciation of tap water, and the awareness that buying water in plastic bottles from the supermarket is simply unnecessary; bottled water scores lower in terms of quality, whereas tap water, in addition to its superior quality, also has a considerably lower C02 footprint as it doesn’t have to be driven around in trucks, nor be further processed like plastic bottles do once they’ve been discarded. A variety of public wells and drinking fountains have been signposted to highlight the outstanding quality of the spring water and encourage the shift towards drinking tap water. Many restaurants serve the very same local tap water – which tastes good and looks the part, as it’s served in beautifully made glass carafes produced specifically for this purpose.

Once you’ve experienced the taste and quality of spring water straight from the tap, treating this precious commodity with care and respect becomes second nature. «

Respect the Dolomites Sustainability and a mindful approach to our natural landscape are very important to us. The Dolomites region Seiser Alm is part of the Schlern-Rosengarten nature park. It is a protected area and a part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage.

The project aims to raise awareness of environmentally friendly conduct among visitors, locals and tourism professionals.

It seeks to encourage everyone to act respectfully and responsibly in the mountains as well as in everyday life.

Its key topics are potable water and waste prevention.

South Tyrolean tap water in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm Pure. Natural. Fresh. Precious.

Did you know… ... that tap water in our Dolomites region is drinkable and of a high quality?

Water, including our drinking water, is a rare and precious commodity. Marked refill spots in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm are available for visitors to refill their own water bottles. A careful and respectful use prevent unnecessary wastage.

Less waste – more nature Less is more.

Our mountain scenery is a delicate ecosystem. It is extremely important not to leave any rubbish behind: the climate conditions at this altitude slow down decomposition processes. Some waste, such as plastic, does not degrade at all.

The best kind of waste is waste that is not produced in the first place.

DECOMPOSITION TIMES

CAN

600 years

PLASTIC BAG 200 years

PLASTIC BOTTLE 500 years

CIGARETTE FILTER 7 years

FAECES 1 years

BANANA PEEL 3 years

PAPER TISSUE 5 years

You can find all project information and measures at: www.seiseralm.it/respectthemountain

Villa Friedman, a listed building, was owned by Friedman‘s granddaughter until she sold it in 2003.

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Ignaz Friedman – a piano virtuoso forgotten by history Pianist Ignaz Friedman was celebrated all over the world at the start of the last century. For many years, the musician and composer found inspiration for his powerful performances at the foot of the Schlern.

T There’s no way you can miss the Music School in Seis am Schlern: A simple, functional, and modern building located right opposite the bus terminal, it cannot fail to catch the eye as you wait for a connection or sit at the nearby playground. The music school opened in 2009 and was dedicated to the memory of Ignaz Friedman, whose name can be read below stylised piano keys on the building.

But who was Friedman?

During their lifetime, some artists’ talent was never truly recognised, or they were unjustly relegated to the remotest corner of our memories. Pianist and composer Ignaz Friedman suffered precisely such a fate, despite being one of the most important virtuosos of the golden era spanning the years between the two World Wars in the last century. You don’t necessarily have to be a cultural philistine to never have heard of him. In fact, even bona fide piano enthusiasts know little to nothing about him – and yet he significantly contributed to the history of piano interpretation of his time.

Ignaz Friedman was born in 1882 in Podgórze, just south of Krakow. His father was a violinist and clarinettist in one of the city’s theatre orchestras, and his mother was a seamstress. He was christened Solomon Isaac but at a later stage took on the Pol-

ish name of Ignacy. He studied piano and philosophy in Krakow and started performing at the tender age of 14. His debut in the vast hall of the Vienna Music Association took place in 1904, and this marked the start of an ascending international career. He performed at more than 2,800 concerts across all continents, and soon gained the reputation of being one of the leading Chopin interpreters of his generation. We come across statements from virtuoso pianists who shower Friedman’s performances with outstanding praise; even the stubborn Vladimir Horowitz considered him one of his very few role models and mentioned him when talking about Rachmaninov’s overly critical attitude towards other pianists. Rachmaninov, he said, was “smitten with the way Friedman played the piano, and its singing quality,” and considered him “a huge, elegant virtuoso.” The great Sviatoslav Richter praised Friedman in a 1993 interview: “The most beautiful [interpretation] of Chopin came from Friedman. It has such a wonderful tone – I’ve never heard Chopin played so beautifully ever again.” Countless euphoric testaments of this nature can be found in the statements of his contemporaries. During World War I, Friedman moved to Copenhagen, and then to Berlin before the end of the war. His fame secured him invitations to concerts across many European royal courts. He per- »

Ignaz Friedman (1882-1948), one of the most important virtuosos of his time.

Text: Sabine Funk Photo: Helmuth Rier, Privat

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Friedman enjoyed the summers in Seis. He had a good night’s sleep, spent time with his daughter and, later, with his grandchildren.

He took his time reading the morning paper, before sitting at the piano and preparing for new concert programmes.

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formed for Tsar Nicholas II in the Saint Petersburg Winter Palace and for Emperor Franz Joseph in the Vienna Hofburg.

Between 1930 and 1939, Ignaz Friedmann lived in Seis am Schlern. Due to his Jewish origins, he was forced to live in exile in Australia for the rest of his life after having travelled there to give a concert tour. His wife, Marie von Shidlowsky, whom he’d married in 1909, was Leo Tolstoy’s great-grandchild.

She had visited South Tyrol as a child, and so it stands to reason that it was her influence which led the couple to choose Seis am Schlern over Como.

Their spacious home nestled in a canopy of trees seemed to be the ideal spot to find peace and quiet in between the demanding concert tours.

Friedman enjoyed the summers in Seis. He had a good night’s sleep, spent time with his daughter and, later, with his grandchildren. He took his time reading the morning paper, before sitting at the piano and playing his obligatory Godowsky étude and preparing for new concert programmes. Although the villa belonging to Henrik Ibsen’s son Sigurd could be seen from the Friedman’s residence in Trotz, their stays never coincided as Sigurd died in 1930. The Friedmans did, however, cultivate contacts with Ibsen’s family and the son of Norwegian poet Björn Björnson, who also lived nearby.

Seis am Schlern is one of the most traditional holiday destinations in South Tyrol, so much so that many famous people from all over the world have sought respite from the torrid summers in this location since the 19th century.

Friedman tended the garden and chopped wood during his holidays in Seis – but he often travelled to Bolzano to perform at recitals. This South Tyrolean idyll was not destined to last, as could be in-

ferred from a 1933 letter to his daughter, Lydia. “A beautiful spring has blessed us in the last 14 days, and I’ve been working in the garden. The Björnsons and Ibsens will arrive in the next days [...]. My concerts in Germany, planned for the end of March, were cancelled because the higher ups wished so.

I didn’t make a scene about it, to avoid exacerbating anti-foreigner sentiment in Germany […]” In the 1930s, Friedman performed concerts in the US, South America, and Asia as well as in Europe. His situation, however, became untenable when, in September 1938, the “Gran Consiglio del Fascismo” (Great Council of Fascism) decided to deport all Jews living in Italy. In 1938, Friedman addressed a letter to the Italian Home Office, mentioning his right to stay in the country due to the “Aryan” origins of his aristocratic wife and to the fact he only lived in Seis a couple of months a year to recover from his hectic profession. But even so, the situation only felt more threatening and, after performing in Poland, Hungary, and Scandinavia, the family left by boat for Sydney from Marseille, avoiding the occupation of France by Germany.

Unlike other exiled people, Ignaz Friedman managed to secure sufficient means to live through teaching and performing – and yet he still keenly felt the nostalgia for Europe, which he would never see again. Friedman died in Australia in 1948. His spacious villa in Seis had been confiscated by the Fascist police immediately after he fled Europe and was only returned to his family after the war. His grandchild owned the villa, a listed building, until 2003. She then sold the villa and donated the inventory, including Friedman’s Blüthner grand piano, to the “Sammlung Preußischer Kulturbesitz” (Prussian Cultural Heritage) collection in Berlin.

One noteworthy relationship between Friedman and his contemporaries was his connection with Ferruccio Busoni, and he attended one of his masterclasses in the summer of 1908. These two exemplary artists embody the change in piano interpretation which could already be seen on the horizon.

However, while Friedman was a Romantic at heart, Busoni was a radical, wading in the opposite direction, towards a more modern school of thought.

Their destinies give us cause for reflection as, a bare ten years after Friedman was forced into exile, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition was set up by the Bolzano Conservatory,

just a few kilometres away from Seis. An homage to the great pianist and composer who had died 25 years earlier, the competition was conceived as a peace project with the aim of building bridges in a culturally torn post-war Europe.

Peter Paul Kainrath is the current Artistic Director of the Busoni Competition – which has been running for more than 70 years – and is a great admirer of Ignaz Friedman. “He was a legend, a behemoth belonging to a world which was disappearing. We should count our blessings we have so many of his authoritative recordings, not the least those where he performed Chopin. It’s as though Chopin had returned to the world of the living and were speaking directly to us. I always like to picture hearing Chopin wafting in the air above the small forest surrounding the Friedman villa in Seis.”

“ The most beautiful Chopin came from Friedman. It has such a wonderful tone – I’ve never heard Chopin played so beautifully ever again.”

(Svjatoslav Richter)

Ignaz Friedman wasn’t the obvious choice, despite his history, when it came to naming the new Music School in Seis. Astrid Amico, the school’s director and piano teacher was involved in the process. “The legendary Oswald von Wolkenstein was one option. You can look out from his castle ruins and see Seis as well as the Music School. So why did we go for Friedman in the end? Well, there were many reasons. We wanted to rescue the pianist, who’d lived for a while in Seis, from oblivion, and to shine the spotlight on him. We also wanted to take a clear stance, and declare that antisemitism isn’t welcome in our school. And then, we wanted to give classical music a chance to shine in an area where traditional music prevails without, however, wanting to take away from the importance of the latter.” Ignaz Friedman was celebrated as a pianist all over the world. His name honours the school and brings his history and life in Seis am Schlern to light – ensuring he won’t be forgotten, here, or elsewhere. «

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Freedom unbound: The Puflatsch boasts a 360° panoramic view of over 50 “three-thousanders”.

Witches would gather at the Witches Benches (below) to celebrate.

Where

witches dance

At 56 square kilometres, the Seiser Alm is the largest mountain pasture in Europe. Its north-western reaches are bordered by the Puflatsch, a mountain steeped in myth and lore and a beloved spot for the witches of local legend.

E Europe’s largest mountain pasture stretches out from the western reaches of the Dolomites at an altitude of 1,630 to 2,350 metres, high above the Eisack Valley. With its promise of variety-packed mountain experiences ranging from easy hikes to challenging climbing tours, the Seiser Alm is a popular summer day-trip destination for families and nature lovers.

Text: Barbara Pichler Photo: Helmuth Rier

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On the north-west border of the Seiser Alm, above the villages of Kastelruth and Ortisei, the imposing high-mountain plateau of the Puflatsch towers up to a height of 2,174 metres. If you’re looking for utter peace and relaxation on the Seiser Alm, so bustling with activity in some areas, this is the place for you: The landscape of gentle hills, little lakes, authentic mountain huts and a magnificent pano-

ramic view is an inspiring destination for locals and tourists alike.

Loop route. The steep trail no. 14 leads from Compatsch to the Puflatsch, passing the mountain station of the Seiser Alm Aerial cableway along the way. If you’re game for a challenge and fancy hiking up the Seiser Alm from the village, more challenging trails begin in Kastelruth (no. 8) and Pufels (no. 24). Once you reach the heady heights, you can take the 8-km long loop route on the stunning Puflatsch mountain plateau in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. If the initial ascent of around 300 metres is too daunting a prospect and you’d prefer to begin the hike on the Seiser Alm, the Puflatsch cable car will take care of the first stretch. When you reach the top, the Engelrast »

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The vast, untouched countryside of the Puflatsch mountain plateau emanates a very special energy.

viewing platform in the immediate vicinity of the mountain station boasts fabulous views of the Seiser Alm and the Dolomites. In good visibility, mountain enthusiasts can look forward to the impressive sight of over 50 “three-thousander” mountains. The anti-clockwise trail continues on towards the Fillner Kreuz, where the Schnürlsteig trail leads in a steep ascent from Pufels. From here, the views over to the Grödner Valley and the mighty Sella massif, an astoundingly impressive Dolomite mountain, are spectacular.

Genuss: Auf der Alm verarbeitet Emma die Milch zu Käse, Butter oder Yoghurt

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Anecdotes of antiquity. In local lore, they are known as the “Hexenbänke” - the Witches’ Benches, a series of volcanic rock formations on the western escarpment of the Puflatsch. These tightly packed hexagonal basalt columns, resemble benches replete with backrests, and are many millions of years old. Countless myths and legends

The Puflatsch pastures, most of which are used for grazing, are a popular hiking destination.

tell of this mystical spot, where witches and demons would gather to carouse and make mischief.

Brooms, chairs or anything made of wood sufficed as transport as they flew to the Hexenboden clearing on the Puflatsch or to the Schlern, where they are said to have bewitched the weather, cast curses and forged pacts with the devil. Stories also tell, however, of wise women who were skilled in the art of herbal healing. Whatever the case may be, they were special women who were ahead of their times – and this, to many people, was frightening. In eons gone by, tales of witchcraft on the Puflatsch were passed down from generation to generation. Although the ostensible intention was to entertain, they also served as a cautionary lesson, and a reminder to take heed. “They are a window to the past,” says Josef Fulterer in his book “Sagen vom Schlern” (Fables from the Schlern).

The scent of vanilla. The Austrian vanilla orchid is a species of orchid native to Europe. Generally dark brown in colour with a marked vanilla scent, they are also commonly known as “chocolate flowers.” An unusual genetic variant of the vanilla orchid has made its home on the Puflatsch, where it blossoms in a variety of shades and hues: The small flowers glow in resplendent red, red-white, white and a soft yellow on species-rich matgrass meadows of the Puflatsch.

The trail back to the set-off point in Compatsch leads through small woods and meadows. With a little luck, you will catch a sight of chamois displaying their breathtaking climbing skills at the foot of the rocky mountain faces before you take a last look at the Schlern, the most famous silhouette in all of South Tyrol. «

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Sacred Heart of Jesus Fires in South Tyrol Every year on the third Sunday after Pentecost, a blaze of flames lights up the mountains of South Tyrol.

In 1796, under threat of French invasion, South Tyroleans entrusted their lands to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Every year since, they have renewed their pledge and commemorated the event with mountain bonfires.

T The lighting of mountain bonfires on summer solstice, or St. John’s day, is a tradition that dates back to antiquity. This custom, however, was to take on a different meaning over two hundred years ago when Napoleonic troops were advancing from Italy towards South Tyrol. At that time, South Tyrol, Welschtirol/Trentino (Italian-speaking Tyrol) and North and East Tyrol were part of the Habsburg Empire. The country was ill prepared for war and, acutely aware of their plight, the country estates of Tyrol embraced the suggestion put forth by an abbot: To entrust Tyrol to the “Sacred Heart of Je-

sus” in an appeal for divine intervention. Tyrolean troops succeeded in defeating the French army and, to offer their gratitude, the Tyroleans held a high mass and sermon before the Sacred Heart festival.

Events were to repeat themselves in 1809, when Napoleonic troops returned once again. With legendary freedom fighter Andreas Hofer at their helm the Tyroleans defeated the French once more, this time on the Berg Isel mountain near Innsbruck. In gratitude, the fortunate victors re- »

Text: Rosa Maria Erlacher Photo: Helmuth Rier

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newed their oath and held a festival to celebrate, succeeding in convincing the Viennese authorities to declare the third Sunday after Pentecost a permanent public holiday.

Solemn oath. The Heart of Jesus vow is renewed

The lighting of mountain fires was originally a medieval tradition. During the era of Christianisation midsummer bonfires were lit to honour Saints; in South Tyrol, this tradition evolved to become the Sacred Heart bonfires.

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during the High Mass, after which ceremonial processions march through the parishes singing “Auf zum Schwur, Tiroler Land,” (To the oath, Land of Tyrol) in an expess reaffirmation of their pledge.

Although the tradition of mountain fires got off to a gradual start, they have occupied a central role in the Sacred Heart festivities since the middle of the 19th century. Every year since then, fires have been lit on the mountains in “blazing testimony” to the indissoluble nature of the pledge, often in the shape of hearts, crosses or other religious symbols. As dusk falls, the bands play triumphal marches and the Sacred Heart of Jesus fires begin to blaze all around, near and far. And the atmosphere goes straight to one’s own heart.

Fire on the Schlern. Every year, the villagers below the Schlern wonder the same thing: “Will they manage to do it again?” They are thinking of the men of the Seis am Schlern mountain rescue team who climb to the Santner peak at dusk and set a blazing fire atop the steep Dolomite summit, visible for many miles around. It is not a sight that’s seen every year, as bad weather, fog or sudden storms can all too easily put paid to the best of intentions. The same goes for the “Schützen” rifle guild, who spend the day setting everything up on the “Weißlahn” scree slope at the foot of the rocky face of the Schlern and, when night falls, light an immense heart and cross that can be seen far off into the distance.

This is a wonderful tradition that leaves no heart untouched, and a testament to the faith once placed in the providence of God. “Auf zum Schwur, Tiroler Land!” «

Komma Graphik - Foto: Helmuth Rier

AFFORDABLY AND CONVENIENTLY TO THE TREKKING WONDERLAND with the Combi Card or the Seiser Alm Card Gold

Seiser Alm Card Gold*

Combi Card

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Combi Card 7*

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Valid for 7 days (after first use)

Valid for 14 days (after first use)

> 3 times to the Seiser Alm and back, with the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway OR the Seiser Alm Express (route 10) > unrestricted use of the Shuttle Bus Service (routes 2, 3, 3A, 5, 13, 15) and the Almbus (route 11)

> unrestricted use of the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway and the Seiser Alm Express (route 10) > unrestricted use of the Shuttle Bus Service (routes 2, 3, 3A, 5, 13, 15) and the Almbus (route 11)

> unrestricted use of the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway and the Seiser Alm Express (route 10) > unrestricted use of the Shuttle Bus Service (routes 2, 3, 3A, 5, 13, 15) and the Almbus (route 11)

> The Combi Card and the Seiser Alm Card Gold are not transferable and are available at all cash desks of the Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway, at the Tourist Offices of Völs am Schlern and Seis am Schlern and at your accommodation. > Children (born after 21/05/2014) and persons in wheelchairs ride free of charge. Juniors (born after 21/05/2006) pay only half fare. > Bicycle transport is included in the Combi Card, but not in the Seiser Alm Card Gold. *The Guest Card “Südtirol Alto Adige Guest Pass” from Dolomites region Seiser Alm, which is not available for purchase and is issued free of charge to the guests by the accomodation, includes a price reduction for the Combi Card and for the Seiser Alm Card Gold.

Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway 39040 Seis am Schlern · Schlernstr. 39 Tel. +39 0471 704 270 · www.seiseralmbahn.it · info@seiseralmbahn.it

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The King of Buses – and yet it all started with one rental bus ...

Anton Silbernagl proved to be a visionary entrepreneur when he laid the foundations for his family-run business in 1978. Today, the company counts as one of the most successful in South Tyrol.

During the years of the economic boom, the demand for mobility increased in like proportion with the number of guest beds.

Anton Silbernagl, with his wife Monika by his side, recognised the signs of the times.

B Born in 1948, together with his four sisters Anton grew up on a farm in the heart of Kastelruth. He went to school and then, being the family’s designated heir, completed a two-year long specialist apprenticeship to become a farmer. His father was still working on the farm and Anton, being the enterprising young man he was, wanted to make his own money while contributing to the family farm.

He worked several side jobs, including driving buses for a small bus company in Seis am Schlern, which covered the Klausen-Kastelruth-Seis-Seiser Alm route. In addition, the young man worked

regularly for a taxi and bus service provider which also offered round trips of the Dolomites. He still recalls those jobs being the reason he discovered the Dolomites’ summits and their diverse, stunning beauty. All of these experiences provided the spark for what would later become his entrepreneurial endeavours and successes.

Anton Silbernagl, known by the nickname Toni, inherited the farm and married Monika, a young primary school teacher from the Sarntal valley. They didn’t have to wait too long until their two sons ar- »

Text: Rosa Maria Erlacher Photo: Helmuth Rier

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Toni Silbernagl is not only a successful businessman, but also a passionate farmer.

rived. With his wife’s support, Toni could dedicate himself completely to following his entrepreneurial ideas and political ambitions. He stood – and was elected – for the town council, applied for a license to provide rental cars, and bought a minibus.

The following year he took over the local public bus company he’d worked for as a driver in the past and, in doing so, laid the foundation for his next success story. Today, we’d talk about a successful start-up – the right idea at the right time.

At the right time? Yes, because Europe was experiencing an economic boom, and every year more and more people booked their holidays in South Tyrol to marvel at its unique mountains paired with a certain Mediterranean je ne sais quoi. Resourceful locals acted swiftly to ride this wave, and hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses sprung up from the ground like mushrooms. This represented the start of South Tyrol’s booming and successful tourism industry. Visitors and locals alike wanted to go on day trips, and schools rented buses for school trips.

Toni saw his chance, and he bought a coach, and then another one, and another one. He applied to

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the local government for a licence to provide school and commuter transportation as well as public bus rights, and before you could say “fasten your seatbelts,” he had more buses than he could park.

Monika always stood bravely at the side of her innovative husband. When the business had just started, she was still able to manage the business operations, teach, and look after her family. She planned and organised the routes, took bookings, and managed the buses’ cleaning, too. Monika recalls the start, and how not everything was simple: “Our boys grew up on the buses with me, they played in them, and later started to help out. Incidentally, they only helped because they wanted to – nobody forced them to do anything.” Her childhood dream was to be a teacher but, eventually, she reluctantly handed in her notice, and started working full time as a dispatcher in the company.

In other words, she was responsible for organising and planning the routes and itineraries. She recalls how, “It was a 24/7 job. I had to be ready day and night. Winter caused me quite a few concerns when I had to deal with emergencies, reschedule trips

or replace sick drivers.” Her sons were her rock – besides studying, they were willing to work at the company from an early age. The very first bus drivers they hired were equally trusty companions, who gave their all no matter the hour or situation, right up until they retired.

to the village for themselves, and the old farm, where Monika once took care of the beautiful garden beside the farmhouse, is where Günther, their younger son, now lives and manages the remaining flats as holiday apartments for tourists.

good luck charm, for want of a better word. Her dedication and hard work ensured he could follow his other ambitions. For five years he served on the Town Council, after which he took on the role of Deputy Mayor of Kastelruth for fifteen years and, until very recently, was the Chair of the Raiffeisenkasse Kastelruth-Ortisei bank. He is still the Deputy Chair on the Board of Directors of the Seiser Alm Aerial cableway and was the President of LIBUS (Consortium of Public Buses of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano) for fifteen years, just to mention a few of his roles over the years.

Count your blessings. Monika underscores how “We were also incredibly lucky that we were healthy, our family was very united, and that our sons liked to work in the company and chose their tasks on their own accord.” Toni was overjoyed when Markus joined the company in 2002 after completing his studies and starting a family; “Without him, the company wouldn’t have been able to grow as it has,” he says with conviction. Today, Markus oversees a small empire of about 180 buses and shuttle buses as well as 200 employees in South Tyrol and Austria. Günther also works in the company and heads the allocation of the routes and itineraries.

The family moved the farm and built a farmstead and a residential building on the outskirts of Kastelruth where Markus, their eldest, lives with his family. Toni still works on the farm and, with the help of an employee, oversees the breeding and rearing of heifers – and still gets his hands dirty in the barn, when the employee has his day off or is on holiday. He’s joined by the entire family when the time to harvest the hay arrives. Monika and Toni built a stately residential building at the entrance

But there’s more – Silbernagl GmbH is involved with numerous travel agencies in South Tyrol and Kastelruth’s “village garage.” The company owns significant shares in the Seiser Alm Aerial cableway and other lifts. It also has a modern office near the valley station of the Seiser Alm Aerial cableway.

Remember when they didn’t have enough parking spaces for all their buses? That problem has now been solved thanks to underground car parks in Bolzano, Kastelruth, and Seis. »

A family business. Monika proved to be Toni’s

The Silbernagl bus fleet stationed in Seis am Schlern provides the public transport service in the Dolomite region Seiser Alm.

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They’ve been together through thick and thin.

Toni and Monika Silbernagl have now handed over the management of their company to their son and can enjoy spending time together.

Toni owes a great boost in his career as an entrepreneur to the construction of the Seiser Alm Aerial cableway. He recalls how “The traffic to the Seiser Alm and even on the Seiser Alm itself had boomed in the 1990s – which meant the parking spaces were often packed. We used ‘guest buses’ – our legendary Buxi – which ran every 10 minutes but still everyone felt the need for a solution, and fast. That solution came in the form of the Seiser Alm Aerial cableway – guests can easily hop on and be taken from Seis to the Seiser Alm in a matter of moments.”

Silbernagl and the Seiser Alm Aerial cableway.

The cableway was built and Silbernagl took over the shuttle service for the entire catchment area – from Gröden in the east to Tiers am Rosengarten in the west. Toni explains that “The shuttle service was a basic prerequisite for the cable car company to avoid parking spaces and traffic.” Since then, guests have been able to leave their cars in the hotel garage and take the shuttle bus from the hotel or guest house to the cable way. That doesn’t mean the Silbernagl buses are nowhere to be seen on the Seiser Alm roads – which, incidentally, have been closed to regular, private vehicles ever since the cable way opened. “The law states that an alternative must be in place should someone require different means of transportation because they don’t or can’t take the cable way for, let’s say, health reasons, for example,” says Toni. In addition to the

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shuttle buses, regular services have been set up in remote villages. Monika says this was done “so that also the elderly can get to the main towns easily, as well as the guests and hikers who happily make use of this service.”

The change of the guard. In 2008, Monika passed the baton over to the younger generation. When asked about stepping down, Monika explains, “I was happy to do it. To be honest, the company was never really mine in the first place, so I felt free. I was always worried about whether the drivers and passengers would reach their destinations safely – especially at night! I’m happy I have time for myself now. I can read, hike, spend time on our alpine pasture and travel now and again, mostly with my grandchildren, who are all grown up now. That’s nice, because we hardly ever had anything like a holiday in the past.”

What about Toni? Well, there’s no stopping him. He helps out where and when needed – driving buses or in other areas. Monika adds, “We no longer interfere in the company – it’s all up to the young generations to sort it out now.” And “Toni can now indulge in his passion for machines and tractors on the farm, especially during haymaking on the alpine pasture,” she adds, smiling. Their mountain hut is a sight to behold, and both feel at peace with the world and their lives as they admire the sun setting after a hard day’s work. «

Silbernagl’s favourite places

The Seiser Alm

Kastelruth

Ruins of Hauenstein

Laranz forest

They both particularly love the view from their mountain hut over the mighty Dolomite mountains of the Langkofel and Plattkofel and the Rosszähne mountain chain stretching out all the way to the Schlern. Between them lie the soft hillocks of the largest mountain pasture in Europe, with its endless array of hikes.

Kastelruth is home to Toni and Monika and, as born-and-bred Kastelruthers, they participate enthusiastically in the social life of the village. The historic centre of the village of Kastelruth is a striking blend beautifully maintained alleyways and frescoed houses. In the Krausplatz square in front of the parish church, locals meet up to celebrate festivals and share the latest news.

The ruins of Hauenstein are another one of Toni and Monika’s favourite spots. The remains of this ancient castle are situated in the heart of a thick forest, around an hour’s walk from the company headquarters at the valley station of the Seiser Alm cable car. The couple loves its sweeping views over the countryside beneath the Schlern (Oswald von Wolkenstein trail no. 3).

This easy hike is the perfect excursion on hot summer days. The set-off point is the small hamlet of Telfen, between Kastelruth and Seis am Schlern. The highest point of the hike is the “Königswarte” (King’s View), named for King Friedrich August III of Saxony who, it is said, loved to come here and admire the views.

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A multi-purpose motivation and information centre is located in Seis am Schlern village centre.

The lower floor is dedicated to the Nature Park.

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Visitor Center Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten The new Visitor Center in the village centre of Seis am Schlern provides visitors with a wealth of information on the Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten, UNESCO World Heritage and the Dolomites region Seiser Alm.

G Good things come to those who wait: Inaugurated at the beginning of 2022 after many years of planning, the Visitor Centre Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten houses an astoundingly wide range of installations and interactive exhibitions, both temporary and permanent. Numerous visitors have already appreciated the interesting, insightful information for themselves, and gained a deeper understanding of the many geological, floral, faunal and human facets of this unusual habitat.

Founded in 1974, the Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten is the oldest nature park in South Tyrol. It covers an area of over 7,000 metres around the Schlern, with its majestic peaks and the Rosengarten massif. Dolomite sagas are famed far beyond regional borders, particularly the tale of King Laurin and his cloak of invisibility, who turns “his” Rosengarten red at sunset.

which, in turn, evolved to become the supra-municipal Visitor Centre. With its fascinating exhibits, it is always worth a visit, even for guests who are already familiar with the Nature Park.

The upper floor of the building, located in the Oswald von Wolkenstein- Square in the centre of Seis am Schlern, houses the Tourist Office, the town library and the foyer of the Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten. “This interconnection allows us to provide a full-day service point for visitors who would like to explore the area and are looking for information on hikes, events, bus connections etc., and perhaps read a newspaper in peace in the library at the same time,” explains Christine Gasslitter Egger, President of the Tourist Office Seis am Schlern. It is an important supplementary service and encourages visitors to get out and about and experience the natural landscape first hand.

In the village centre, near the Nature Park.

The borders of the Nature Park are just a stone’s throw from Seis am Schlern and, as such, the village was the obvious choice as a location for an information centre. A joint project of the Tourist Office Seis am Schlern and the Provincial Department for Nature developed a shared concept

Motivation and information: A multi-purpose centre. A trip to the Visitor Centre Nature Park on the lower floor is most definitely worth your while.

Even as you walk down the stairs the rock exhibition, featuring a morphological cross-section illustrating the unique geology of this area, is an »

Text: Rosa Maria Erlacher Photo: Helmuth Rier

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Opening hours in summer 2022 Monday – Friday: 8 am – 6 pm Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm Sunday (July and August): 9 am – 12 noon GUIDED TOURS (25.05.–28.10.2022): Wednesday 3 pm (German) 4 pm (Italian) CHILDREN’S AFTERNOON in German and Italian (mid-June to mid-September) Friday 3 – 5 pm (prior booking required) ADDRESS AND CONTACT Visitor Center Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten O. v. Wolkenstein square 6 Seis am Schlern Tel. +39 0471 708 110 info.sr@provinz.bz.it GETTING THERE By public transport: Bus stop at the bus station in Seis By car: Car park at Seis bus station (Entrance behind the Esso petrol station) On foot: Follow the signposts to the village centre of Seis am Schlern

Geology, flora, fauna – the Nature Park themes cover a wide spectrum.

The Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park was South Tyrol’s first nature park.

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astounding sight to behold. The two large exhibition rooms are located on the lower ground floor; one of these rooms is reserved for temporary exhibitions, the current of which is entitled “Red Deer – a long-distance runner with finely-honed senses.” “By providing special temporary exhibitions, we want to ensure that the centre is always exciting, and to encourage both guests and locals to visit again,” says the supervisor, who runs the centre and conducts regular tours. The permanent exhibition in the second room features an eyewatering array of interactive installations themed around geography, biodiversity, naturopathy, flora and fauna, alpine farming, Mediaeval history and the influence of humanity on the development of

the natural and cultural landscape. To round off the trip, a film room offers a deeper insight into these topics through a variety of films (screened alternately in German and Italian).

Information, awareness and motivation.

“Our interest goes beyond merely providing information on the special features of this area; we want to inspire visitors, and promote awareness of the beauty and sustainable value of nature,” says Christine Gasslitter Egger as she describes the role of the multi-purpose centre. And for this reason, it also houses a fully-equipped classroom for schools on the lower ground floor – because, as she points out, “it makes sense to promote awareness when

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Open-top cable car to the Frommeralm The valley station of the new Frommeralm/Carezza cable car is located in the small hamlet of St. Zyprian in Tiers am Rosengarten. With space to seat up to 60 passengers, it soars to the mountain heights in just seven minutes, traversing a 3.8 km stretch with an altitude difference of 644 metres - and provides stunning views of the Alpine mountains along the way. The cable car also features an absolute first for Italy: A viewing deck above the cabin, offering passengers a spectacular open-air journey and a truly unique experience in South Tyrol.

A further highlight feature comes in the form of the underground valley and mountain stations, designed by famed South Tyrolean architect Werner Tscholl to represent the theme of “Less is more – none is better.”

In keeping with this philosophy, the stations are hidden from view beneath the meadows, and only the entrance and exit points are visible.

This feature is one of the cornerstones of the sustainability concept behind the new cable car. “The cable car will reduce traffic towards the Niger and Karer passes,” explains Florian Eisath, Managing Director of the cable car company. “Our vision is to transform the mountain plateau beneath the Rosengarten into a car-free experience.” In the future, passengers will be able to embark on an environmentally friendly journey from Tiers am Rosengarten to the Karer Lake and back on foot, by bike or by cable car.”

Text: Simone Treibenreif Photo: Helmuth Rier

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South Tyrolean specialities from a wooden crate: This annual event takes place at the Wuhnleger meadow in Tiers am Rosengarten.

Picnicking with a view of the Rosengarten Once a year, the Wuhnleger is the scenic venue for a special event: the “Bergler Harass.” This sociable get-together is the perfect blend of live music, superb cuisine and spectacular views.

T This special day on the first weekend of June begins with a short hike. The Wuhnleger is located at 1,400 m above sea level and is an easy walk away from the village centre of Tiers am Rosengarten or from the Weisslahnbad car park. The Wuhnleger is the lower mountain pasture of Tiers, where the cattle spend the first two to three weeks en route up to the mountains in spring, and the final two or three weeks after they are brought down again in autumn; between times, they graze on the high pastures around the Haniger Schwaige. The Wuhnleger is an exceptionally idyllic, peaceful spot, frequented by hikers only as they make their way to and from the nearby Tschafon.

Cuisine and nature are the order of the day: the

Text: Katja Sanin Photo: Helmuth Rier

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“Bergler Harass” is a gourmet picnic with only the very best of hand-produced foods which, on the day of the event, are available for purchase at the Wuhnleger itself. The “Bergler,” members of the Tiers association of hoteliers and restaurateurs, await their guests at beautifully stocked stands,

the very sight of which sets one’s mouth a-watering. As the name suggests - a “Harass” is a wooden crate in South Tyrolean dialect - guests are supplied with the requisite boxes which they fill with the delicacies of their choice, ranging from Kaminwurzen smoked, dried sausages to cheese, spreads, bread, eggs, wine and juice, all produced by local farmers. Here on the alpine pasture surrounded by century-old larch trees, the picnickers then hunt out their preferred spot with a view of the Rosengarten, tuck into the delicious local fare and enjoy the musical accompaniment of a live band. There is endless space for kids to run around or to find a quiet spot and enjoy an afternoon nap in the sun.

To round off the event, the mountain picnickers enjoy a final round of schnapps and end the day in companionable cheer or, as the custom goes in South Tyrol, a game of cards.

Popular with the Greeks and Romans, outdoor dining was also common practice amongst the travellers and hunters of the Middle Ages and, »

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since time immemorial, when working in the fields.

From the 17th century onwards, picnicking (from the French “pique” meaning pick up and “nique,” meaning small things) also became a fashionable pastime amongst the aristocracy; prompted by Queen Victoria’s love of al fresco dining, which gave rise to a veritable cult of picnic hampers, it reached its peak of popularity in the Victorian era towards the end of the 19th century. The English, it goes without saying, could not forego their cuppa, and the thermos flask was invented for the express purpose of keeping tea hot.

The tradition of picnic hampers is not so common here in our own lands, as South Tyroleans are mountain folk who like to hike the narrow mountain trails and generally carry their provisions in backpacks, as you will see when you make your way to the Wuhnleger on the first weekend in June. If you are not already familiar with this spot, you will be absolutely entranced: the little alpine meadow with its small lake reflecting the stunning Rosengarten mountain is of a splendour beyond compare, framed to beautiful perfection by larch trees.

Tragically, countless of these trees fell victim to the devastating “Vaia” storm of autumn 2018, which caused wind damage in 86 of the 116 municipalities of South Tyrol. The Latemar area was particularly affected, and the municipality of Tiers am Rosengarten also suffered considerable damage. It will take decades for these forests to recover fully.

The Wuhnleger larch woods have been replanted to ensure that future generations will once again feel the enchantment of this wonderful spot with its unique character and special energy, where animals love to graze, and people enjoy nature and peace.

And at the “Bergler Harass”, with a mouthwatering open-air meal and music, where old acquaintances meet up and new friendships are forged against the magnificent backdrop of the Rosengarten, for a little while the tranquillity gives way to a healthy dose of fun. «

A traditional farmer’s snack of speck, Schüttelbrot rye flatbread, eggs, cheese, Krapfen and other delicacies always tastes best when you’re out in the countryside and in good company.

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Heavenly berries The Partschillerhof in Völser Ried, where sun-kissed, organic-certified enjoyment abounds.

A Andreas points proudly towards the handled pot on the stove, just like any other you see in a family kitchen. This is where the “red gold” simmers and bubbles before it takes its place at the breakfast table. The gold in question is neither saffron nor tomatoes, but the raspberries from the Partschillerhof farm, a glistening red gold with a taste to match. Organically grown and cooked with loving care, they bring all the sweet tastes of the orchards to a slice of bread as if by magic.

Text: Elisabeth Augustin Photo: Helmuth Rier

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We are sitting on the south-western slopes of the Partschillerhof beneath Völs am Schlern at an al-

titude of 650 metres and are basking in the last warming rays of the evening sun, on the verge of vanishing behind the mountains at the foot of the Eisack Valley. Melanie, radiating cheer and warmth, is bidding farewell to a family from northern Germany who are setting off homewards after a week’s holiday on the farm, while Andreas and his four harvest hands are going over the list of tasks awaiting them the following day. Now that the holidaymakers and their children have left, Toni can get back to teasing his little sister Eva once again, and Tilla the dog will take her leave and disappear off behind the house with serene indifference.

The first written reference to the “hof zu Pärschyl” appeared in the 1421-1427 records of the guilds of Wolkenstein, while the “Gut zu Partschill” was mentioned in the Schenkenberger feudal register of 1449. According to the Völs “Häuser- und Höfegeschichte” (History of Houses and Farms), the vineyard initially belonged to the Lords of Schenkenberg and, in 1501, passed into the hands of the lords of Völs. The impoverished farmers who worked the farms at the time had no choice but to hand over their wines and ciders to their overlords.

History tells of a certain Gamrecht Partschiller who was a member of the jury in the Völlan witch trials in 1510, of forebears who “let the farm go to rack and ruin,” of “vineyards in a deplorable state of repair,” and of regular changes in ownership and tenancies. The last proprietor of this long line was Pius Rungger who, having taken over the Partschillerhof in 1978, brings us almost to the present day.

Farmer Pius Rungger was a pioneer and, as such, was the subject of much ridicule. At the beginning of the 1990s, the locals of Völs would shake their heads in dismay at the sight of his shrivelled apples in hessian bags. “But Pius was always a step ahead,” says his son Andreas. “Organic farming seemed like the obvious choice to him. He researched the matter and threw himself into the task, and, despite a

few setbacks and hostilities, never stopped persevering.” The Partschillers began cultivating berries in the early 1980s, initially selling them to hotels and private customers. In the years that followed, Pius made the shift to organic farming. “Although the berries are not particularly sensitive, too much rain makes them susceptible to botrytis and mould,” explains young farmer Andreas. For this reason, his father sought out a company in the neighbouring Trentino area which could process the fruit, often picked in all haste, into syrups. Over time the herd of cattle at the Partschillerhof gave way to berry cultivation, and the Rungger family began to make their syrups and fruit spreads themselves. In 2009 Andreas, the son of the family, gave up his beloved job at the White Cross provincial ambulance service to run the farm, which he has been doing ever since. Today, he continues to devote a great deal of his time to the White Cross as a volunteer and head of the local section.

Pioneering work: The berries from the Partschillerhof in Völs am Schlern have carried the “Bio” seal of quality since 1993.

As we return to the subject of fruit, Andreas tells us about his arch nemesis: the spotted-wing drosophila which have been plaguing his three hectares of berries on the steep, sunny slopes of Völser Ried for over ten years now. The spotted-wing drosophila are capable of wreaking absolute havoc, as their larvae grow within the fruit and feed on its flesh; fruit »

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Andreas and Melanie Rungger are a winning team.

The joy they take in cultivating and cooking their berries mirrors their cheerful outlook on life.

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thus afflicted turns rapidly to a soft mush. Andreas has to be much faster than his uninvited guest.

“That means picking the berries every day, and either cooking them immediately or freezing them to cook at a later stage,” he clarifies. “At the beginning, we had no idea how to deal with the problem.

One year our entire crop was ruined, and we had to send the harvest workers home,” he recalls. His farm went on to become a test farm for the Laimburg Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, which now monitors the berries constantly. “A natural enemy, which has already been approved by the authorities, gives us reason for hope.” Whether or not this beneficial insect can banish the spotted-wing drosophila for once and for all remains to be seen.

Since the very beginning of the Partschillers’ berry career, raspberries have occupied the number one spot. Over time, they added black and redcurrants, blueberries, strawberries, chokeberries and elder to their repertoire. The harvesting period lasts from mid-May to October and begins with the elderflowers; in the warm spring sun, strawberries also ripen early on. These are followed by the blackcurrants and redcurrants, and, in July, the first raspberries.

The fruits are cooked up into syrups or jams on the farm the moment they have been picked. “And yes,” says a smiling Andreas, “I only use 5-litre pans for the job. They heat up to the perfect temperature quickly, and the red berries retain both their aromas and their beautiful colour.” It goes without saying that the other ingredients of sugar, lemon juice and gelling agents are also organic, he adds.

“Our white Bioland beet sugar comes from Germany or, if it isn’t available, we use organic sugar from the EU.”

Berry farmer Andreas Rungger produces 15,000 jars of jam and 20,000 bottles of syrup per year.

“That’s if everything goes well,” he emphasises. “We live with nature,” adds Melanie, going on to tell us that deer have developed a taste for her strawberries in recent years, and polish off the lot with unrelenting appetite. Even their hastily erected fence has made no difference. “If you add a few days of rain to that, things can get critical,” says Andreas.

“But luckily we have diversified widely,” adds Melanie. The farm’s two holiday apartments provide an important source of income that guarantees the profitability of the farm. Most of the holiday guests at the Partschillerhof come from Germany and It-

aly but, thanks to global booking platforms, guests from as far afield as China and Australia have found their way up the steep, narrow trail to Melanie and Andreas’ farm. “At the end of their stay, everybody has always left happy,” they say. Being able to live in the beautiful Völs am Schlern, which has so much to offer in both summer and winter, is luxury at its best.

Melanie does most of the guest-related work, while Andreas takes care of the farming side of operations and the preparation, labelling and marketing of the berries. “This job is great fun, but the paperwork is a mammoth challenge,” says the qualified agronomist. “And the marketing takes a lot of time and effort.” The Partschillerhof jams and syrups are mainly sold to a select group of retailers and directly to restaurants who value top-quality organic

“ To be able to live in such a beautiful place is pure bliss.” products. Partschiller jars also occupy a prime position at a number of farmers’ markets and festivals. Online retail is one aspect that Andreas and Melanie still have to get to grips with, but which is essential if one wants to keep up with the market trends or deliver to loyal customers who live far away.

The farming couple have made a conscious decision to adopt sustainable growth policies, and take a cautious approach towards ongoing investments.

“Times are uncertain, and we want to pass on a sustainably-run business to our children,” Melanie and Andreas agree. “And it will still be a source of joy.”

Five years ago, at the age of 29, Melanie, a former kindergarten teacher, had a stroke; the fact that she suffered no long-term damage is due solely to the fact that her husband is a paramedic and was capable of providing first aid treatment. Both Melanie and Andreas are aware of the truly important things in life and, for themselves and for their children, have set just one goal in life: “To live healthily and happily.” And if a little window of time appears between their numerous responsibilities, the young family pack the essentials into their camper and head south for a spur of the moment break: from the groundedness of the mountains to the leisurely ease of the sea. «

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Photo: Helmuth Rier

Raspberry cake Raspberries have been renowned for their healing properties for centuries on end. This health-giving fruit boosts the immune system and, in times gone by, was mainly cultivated in monasteries.

The delectable raspberry is particularly well suited to making jams, syrups and desserts.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

3 eggs 120 g sugar 1 pinch salt 90 g flour 2 tsps. baking powder A little butter to grease the tin

Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy and doubled in volume (the consistency will thicken up as you beat). Combine the flour with the salt and baking powder and sift to remove lumps. Add to the batter gradually, folding gently to keep the air in. Grease the bottom of a spring form cake tin (26 cm), pour in the batter and bake in a preheated oven for approx. 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the tin to loosen the cake, turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool. Spread with raspberry jam and top with fresh raspberries.

Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-assist: 160°C)

Rezept: Barbara Pichler Photo: Helmuth Rier

44 ALPE | Summer

Photo: SAM/Werner Dejori

Photo: TV Völs/Martina Jaider

Photo: Schloss Prösels/Helmuth Rier

Highlights Summer 2022

9 May – 2 July 2022

02 - 19 June 2022

Summer 2022

17 and 18 June 2022

SEISER ALM BALANCE

GOURMET WEEKS

Fancy a break? When the countryside awakens in spring, the urge to get outside into the open air gets ever stronger and draws us out into the great outdoors and the spring air. A variety of events and workshops themed around healthy exercise, balance, Culinary pleasures and relaxation tick every possible box for the start of the warm season. Recharge your batteries in the countryside and explore the unique spots and highlight activities together with our experts: Plenty good reasons to escape from everyday life for a brief moment. www.seiseralm.it/balance

In the theme of “100% Dolomites Region Seiser Alm,” lovers of regional cuisine can look forward to a season-opening gourmet experience of a very special kind; over these two weeks, the star of the show is cuisine that is year-round available, healthy and 100% locally sourced. The event showcases all that is 100% local, and forges the bond between farmers, direct marketers and the local network. The kick-off event “Bergler Harass - Picnicking at the foot of the Rosengarten mountain” on 02 June 22 will give the starting signal for the Gourmet Weeks. www.seiseralm.it/genusswochen

PRÖSELS CASTLE IN SUMMER

BIG OPEN-AIR OF THE KASTELRUTHER SPATZEN

From 1 May to 31 October, Prösels Castle, dating back to the days of Maximilian and arguably Tyrol’s most emblematic castle, is open to the public. Guided tours will offer visitors a fascinating insight into the history of the castle and the infamous Lords of Völs, so closely interwoven in the threads of time. “Martha the Witch” will also be guiding special children tours where children can delve into a realm of fable and fairytales and discover the secrets of the healing arts in days gone by, while children embarking on tours led by Knight Friedrich von Hauenstein will step into a bygone world of knights, knaves and damsels. A series of concerts, readings and seminars round off this castle’s cultural events programme. Prösels Castle has South Tyrol’s first ever escape room in a castle. During the “Hunt for the Dragon Ruby,” children (9 years old and upwards) accompanied by their parents, young people and adults in groups of up to 5 people can put their skills to the test in intuition, creativity, team spirit, logic, maths and, above all, their ability to learn and have fun. And while the kids are having fun in the all-new play park, their parents can savour the delights of local cuisine in the castle gardens. www.schloss-proesels.it

In 2022 the famous folk music group from Kastelruth, the “Kastelruther Spatzen”, invites to an Open-Air concert on home soil. Even after all these years, the fascination of the concert is unbroken: many thousands of fans will arrive in Seis am Schlern this weekend in June to enjoy the breath-taking landscape and to experience the „Spatzen“ live.

A special experience for all big fans.

19 – 22 May 2022

SCHLERN MUSIC At the end of May, the Schlern Music Festival will be bringing ten up-and-coming young stars of the international chamber music scene to Völs am Schlern: The Simply Quartet from Vienna and the Leonkoro Quartet from Berlin will be taking their place in the line up alongside Tuscan accordionist Samuele Telari and Spanish clarinettist Pablo Barragán. One particularly unusual feature of this festival is the diversity of its beautiful venues, so different to that of traditional concert halls, which include the Caroma coffee roastery, Castle Prösels and the Prackfol vineyard. By teaming up with the winemakers of Völs and direct mar-keters, the event also guarantees a fabulous culinary landscape. www.schlernmusic.it

46 ALPE | Summer

11 and 12 June 2022

39TH OSWALD VON WOLKENSTEIN RIDING TOURNAMENT 3 days, 4 locations and 36 teams: In tribute to knight and minstrel Oswald von Wolkenstein, the three villages of Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern and Völs am Schlern organise a historical riding tournament at its very finest. From 11 to 12 June 2022, visitors of the Oswald von Wolkenstein Riding Tournament can leap back in time to the 14th century and experience life in the Middle Ages, admire the masterly horsemanship and feel the hospitality in South Tyrol. No other riding tournament has the good fortune to be able to offer this kind of culture, tradition, history, sport and folklore all rolled into one single event. This year, the opening ceremony and festive parade take place in the village Völs am Schlern. www.ovwritt.com

27 June – 12 September 2022

SUMMER CLASSICS IN SEIS AM SCHLERN Seis offers an extraordinary series of concerts for lovers of classical music. The artists, mainly from Italy and with a wealth of international experience behind them, will be performing the works of great composers. The concerts will be held on Mondays at 9 pm.

DATES > 27 June 2022 > 4, 11 and 18 July 2022 > 22 and 29 August 2022 > 5 and 12 September 2022

Photo: Helmuth Rier

Photo: TV Kastelruth/Helmuth Rier Photo: IDM/Marion Lafogler

Photo: SAM/Armin Indio Mayr

28 and 30 June 2022

3 July 2022

Summer 2022

1 – 31 October 2022

SÜDTIROL JAZZ FESTIVAL

9 SEISER ALM HALF MARATHON

OPEN-AIR GOURMET EXPERIENCES

45TH VÖLSER KUCHLKASTL KITCHEN PANTRY

21 kilometres, 601 metres of elevation difference and 700 participants: These are the key statistics of the Seiser Alm Half Marathon on 3 July 2022, which will start and finish in Compatsch. Surrounded by the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, the Seiser Alm Half Marathon is a unique experience and sporting challenge for both professional and amateur athletes. The route leads past the majestic Schlern and Plattkofel, as it weaves up to its highest point at 2,050 metres under the Goldknopf and, from here, back to Compatsch. running.seiseralm.it

Two very unusual open-air gourmet events make for an incredible culinary experience in the Seiser Alm summer: The first event will be the Bergler Harass in Tiers am Rosengarten on June 2, followed by the Berglertafel on July 21 which is also famed for its breath-taking views to the legendary Rosengarten.

The Völser “Kuchlkastl” Kitchen pantry event has been a culinary high point of autumn in the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm for 45 years and counting. Foodies and lovers of down-home cuisine can feast to their hearts’ content from 1 to 31 October, when the restaurateurs of Völs warmly welcome guests to enjoy a “Gastronomical October.”

The chefs of Völs will be cooking up traditional recipes with a sophisticated twist: Time honoured recipes reinterpreted and served with love. www.voelserkuchlkastl.com

Once again, the internationally renowned South Tyrol Jazz Festival will be hosting two concerts in the area. After an exciting collaboration between Sanem Kalfa from Turkey and Fuensanta Méndez from Mexico, the second appointment will be a concert by the Helsinki-based duo of Anni Elif and Seppo Kantonen. The two concerts will take place at the Stanglerhof, St. Konstantin, Völs am Schlern.

7 July – 24 August 2022

SILENZI D’ALPE The cultural event of Silenzi d’Alpe - The Silence of the Alps - will take place in magical landscapes and breathtaking locations. Participants will have the oppor-tunity to listen together to the sound of silence and follow the trails, traditions and tales of nature, which weave their spell around the Seiser Alm. Alongside hiking events, the Silenzi d’Alpe programme also features a number of concerts and talks. www.silenzidalpe.it

TH

9 July 2022

5TH ROSENGARTEN SCHLERN SKY MARATHON Right in the very heart of the unique Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, a 45-kilometre Alpine Mountain Marathon with around 3,000 m of elevation differ-ence will be setting off from Tiers am Rosengarten.

The Rosengarten Schlern Sky Marathon. The challenging mountain race will begin in Tiers, lead round the Rosengarten Massif, over the Schlern, past the Tschafon Hut and back to Tiers am Rosengarten. The highest point of the Sky Marathon is the Grasleiten Pass at 2,630 m. www.skymarathontiers.it

7 – 9 Oktober 2022

KASTELRUTHER SPATZEN MUSIC FESTIVAL Three days of celebrating, spending pleasant evenings together, experiencing the “Kastelruther Spatzen” live: the Spatzen-Festival in Kastelruth is a must for every fan. Surrounded by the unique scenery of the Dolomites the seven “Spatzen” enchant all the friends of traditional music.

5 September - 4 November 2022

AUTUMN PLEASURES IN THE DOLOMITES REGION SEISER ALM The mountain autumn brings together outdoor experiences with a magnificent landscape and an outstanding cuisine. Guided sunrise hikes with breakfast in a mountain refuge, culinary hikes with tasting sessions, and “Törggelen” hikes are just a few of them. www.seiseralm.it/bergherbst

Summer | ALPE 47

Photo: IDM

Photo: IDM/Marion Lafogler

Photo: Schloss Prösels/Helmuth Rier

Preview Winter 2022/23

December 2022

Winter 2022/23

Winter 2022/23

CHRISTMAS MAGIC IN THE DOLOMITES REGION SEISER ALM

CASTLE PRÖSELS IN THE WINTER

WINTER-ADVENTURES OFF THE SLOPES

Prösels Castle is also open to visitors in winter. Winter castle tours are offering visitors a variety-packed alternative to skiing. Every Thursday from 12 January to 31 March 2023, Prösels Castle will be awakening from its winter slum-ber and open its doors at 3 pm. During a one-hour tour, visitors will learn a wealth of fascinating infor-mation about the castle and its former residents and, at the same time, can visit three art exhibitions and a vast weaponry collection. On three days this winter (Thursday 29.12.2022, Thursday 05.01.2023 and Thursday 23.02.2023) at 3 pm, the “Winter Cuisine & Culture” event will be held once more at Prösels Castle: After the castle tour, guests will have the opportunity to sample traditional local products free of charge in the castle grounds, where local producers will be hosting an array of stands.

Prior booking is essential for winter guided tours, can be reserved at the Castle: info@schloss-proesels.it www.schloss-proesels.it

Discover the diversity of nature with all senses. As part of the Nature Experience programme, we will take a full-moon hike in Kastelruth themed around the sagas and legends of the Schlern area, while in Seis am Schlern we will be discovering the magic of dusk and learn the age-old secrets of traditional recipes. We learn how to make traditional breads and discover the strength of spring herbs. In Völs am Schlern, on the other hand, families can take part in an evening hike with torches and taste local products, while in Tiers, we will be exploring the rustic Tschamin valley on a snowshoe expedition through the untouched winter countryside.

Winter hiking, snowshoeing, culinary delights and evening events - in these guided adventures you will experience your winter vacation in the Dolomites with all your senses. www.seiseralm.it/winteradventure

When the air is thick with the scent of gingerbread, cinnamon and mulled wine, you know it’s advent time here at the foot of the Schlern.

The run-up to Christmas is a meaningful time here in the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm; the Christmas markets in the villages of Kastelruth, Völs and Tiers are small but incredibly beautiful, and are guaranteed to get guests and locals alike into the Christmas spirit, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. With their traditional handcrafts, specialties of South Tyrolean cuisine and Christ-massy melodies, they warmly invite you to join them for a sociable Advent of companionship.

16th Kastelruth Mountain Christmas > 3/4 December 2022 > 7 -11 December 2022 (9/10 December: Christmas concert of the Kastelruther Spatzen) > 16/17/18 December 2022 > 23/24 December 2022 > 26 December 2022 Waiting for Baby Jesus in Völs am Schlern > 3-4 December 2022 > 8 December 2022 > 10-11 December 2022 > 17-18 December 2022 > 21 December 2022 > 28 December 2022 > 4 January 2023 Mountaineer’s Advent in Tiers am Rosengarten > 3 December 2022 > 17 December 2022

48 ALPE | Summer

Photo: Annemarie Obexer

Photo: Armin „Indio“ Mayr

Photo: Helmuth Rier

15 January 2023

3 February 2023

March 2023

15 – 19 March 2023

THE KASTELRUTH FARMER’S WEDDING

SOUTH TYROL MOONLIGHT CLASSIC SEISER ALM

EARLY BIRD SKIING WITH ALPINE BREAKFAST

15. SWING ON SNOW WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Exclusive skiing experience for early risers followed by breakfast on the Seiser Alm. Weekly in March, one ski lift will take turns to start running at 7 am. Early risers will have the unique opportunity to cross the freshly groomed and deserted slopes and enjoy the special morning atmosphere on Europe’s largest mountain plateau, accompanied by a ski instructor who will provide a wealth of handy tips. At 9 am, we’ll be heading to a mountain hut to enjoy a sociable Alpine breakfast. www.seiseralm.it/earlybirdskiing

Jazz in the mountain huts, soul on the slopes and traditional tunes in the restaurants in the evenings: From 15 to 19 March 2023, musicians from all over the Alpine region will be bringing musical cheer to the Do-lomites Region Seiser Alm at the Swing on Snow festival from morning to night. Bands and singers will be getting old and young, winter sports visitors and music lovers alike, into the party mood. The modern interpretation of traditional folk music with jazz, soul and pop reflects the musical culture of the Alps; listeners can swerve in time to the beats and rhythms, and weave their way downhill to the sounds of the tuba, bass, dulcimer and accordion.

Concerts will be played at the valley station of the cable way Seiser Alm and the slopes of the Seiser Alm in the mornings and afternoons in the huts and evenings in the villages of Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, Völs am Schlern and Tiers am Rosengarten. www.swingonsnow.com

Over the years, it has grown to become an established tradition: The Kastelruth Farmer’s Wedding.

It is an authentic reproduction of an old-fashioned farmer’s wedding as celebrated since time immemorial here at the foot of the Seiser Alm. The high point of the event is the wedding parade from St. Valentin to Kastelruth. The wedding party, dressed in traditional attire, drive to the centre of Kastelruth in a magnificently decorated horse-drawn sleigh, bringing their guests along with them on a trip back in time to the 19th century.

A sporting event illuminated by the glow of flickering torchlight, the chance to put your skills to the test at international level, and the magical winter backdrop of Europe’s largest mountain plateau: In 2022, the Moonlight Classic will once again be offering numerous athletes and cross-country fans the chance to spend a sensational evening on the Seiser Alm by night. Participants can opt to take part in either the 30 km or the 15 km variant of the loop route. Both variants begin and end in Compatsch and are raced exclu-sively in classic diagonal style. The starting pistol for this cross-country spectacle will be fired at 8pm.

Registration required: www.moonlightclassic.info

8 March 2023

DOLOMITES DIRNDL SKI DAY A fun new event for women will premiere this year on March 8, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. A parallel slalom with dice game is planned in the finish area on the Sanon slope, only women in teams of two (girlfriends, sisters, mothers/daughters) aged between 18 and 99 can register. Participants compete wearing a „Dirndl”, the race begins at 9:30 am. A Dirndl fashion show is planned for the early afternoon, and musical entertainment will also be provided.

Summer | ALPE 49

Around & about

A new roof for mountain enthusiasts on the Santner Pass. The Santnerpass mountain hut on the Santner Pass at the Rosengarten has been partially renovated. On 1 July, the revamped wooden building, with space to accommodate up to 20 people, will be opening its doors once more. Resembling a roof in shape, the hut is clad in galvanised sheet-metal designed to adopt the colours of its surroundings and merge into the spectacular natural landscape, while its form is reminiscent of a mountain peak. The mountain hut is situated in a unique location at 2,374 metres and is managed with the greatest of enthusiasm by Romina and Michel Perathoner.

Quelle: Facebook/Instagram

The Seiser Alm: Olympic medal factor High-altitude training made a decisive difference during the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games, where all events held at the Kuyangshu Nordic Centre took place at an altitude of 1,700 metres or more. During the run up to the Olympics, a dream-team of cross-country athletes met up to train on the trails of the Seiser Alm and the Instagram profiles of the cross-country elite were overflowing with the famed panoramic views from the Joch trail towards the Schlern. From Norwegian multi-medallist Therese Johaug (three golds) and her teammate Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (two golds, one silver, one bronze) through to Finnish siblings Kerttu and Iivo Niskanen (together one gold, two silvers, two bronzes), they all trained on the sunny slopes of the Seiser Alm. PreOlympic training camps on the Seiser Alm played a decisive role in 24 of the 36 Nordic events held.

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During a tasting session organised by the South Tyrol Dairy Federation and the Salern vocational college, 80 cheese dairies presented over 130 dairy products, the best of which were declared award winners. Cheese experts from South Tyrol, northern Italy, Austria and Germany lavished glowing praise on the quality and variety of the cheeses presented. In the “Soft Cheese” category, the “Seiser Alm Camembert” from the Hof zu Fall farm in St. Valentin took the first place.

For Joachim Rier, who left his career as a surveyor ten years ago and has been running his small cheese dairy farm ever since, this award means as much as “an Olympic medal.” We are delighted for Joachim Rier and congratulate him on his outstanding achievement.

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IMPRINT. ALPE: Reg. Court Bolzano / Bolzano, n. 9/2002 R.St. Published by: Seiser Alm Marketing, 39050 Völs am Schlern, Dorfstraße 15, Tel. +39 0471 709 600, Fax +39 0471 704 199, info@alpedisiusi.info, www.seiseralm.it. Legally responsible for the editorial content: Elisabeth Augustin Editorial Team: Elisabeth Augustin, Rosa Maria Erlacher, Sabine Funk, Annemarie Obexer, Barbara Pichler Rier, Helmuth Rier, Katja Sanin, Simone Treibenreif; Translations: Studio Bonetti & Peroni. Advertising: Sabine Demetz, Christoph Trocker. Graphic: Komma Graphik. Printing: Litopat, Verona.

50 ALPE | Summer

Foto: IDM/Finn Beales

The fascinating mountain scenery of the Dolomites: the Rosszähne / Denti di Terrarossa

The myth of the Dolomites In South Tyrolean extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner’s words, they are “the most beautiful mountains in the world“. The incomparable beauty of the Dolomites is widely renowned and for many they are synonymous with excellence in summer holidays.

The mountains of the Dolomites can be thought of as a fossilised coral reef arching up into the sky in spectacular fashion. Thanks to their monumental beauty as well as their geological and geomorphologic significance, the so-called Pale Mountains were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009. Divided into nine areas and forming part of the Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten,

Euringer peaks, stands out as one of the signature landmarks of South Tyrol. The Rosengarten massif, with its numerous peaks, is also known far beyond the country’s borders. The most striking part of the massif is the Kesselkogel peak, which stands at a height of 3,002 metres. The natural park also includes the mountain forests around Seis, Völs and Tiers, and the Tschamin Valley . «

the Dolomites are considered one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.

Nature Park Schlern-Rosengarten: South Tyrol’s oldest natural reserve, a 7,291-hectare park, is situated in the western Dolomites and was founded in 1974. The Schlern is an impressive mountain range whose emblematic outline, that includes the Santner and

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Werbemitteilung / Messaggio pubblicitario

Viel mehr als eine Bank, Molto più di una banca, … weil meine Raiffeisenkasse eine Genossenschaft ist. Und bleibt.

Als Genossenschaftsbanken sind wir seit jeher mit den Bürgern und Betrieben aus unseren Gemeinden eng verbunden. Wir wissen, wem wir täglich verpflichtet sind, unser Bestes zu geben. Als finanzieller Weggefährte – ein Leben lang.

… perché la mia Cassa Raiffeisen è una società cooperativa, oggi come in futuro.

In quanto banca cooperativa, da sempre vantiamo uno stretto legame con i cittadini e le aziende del territorio, ai quali ci impegniamo quotidianamente a dare il meglio.

E, in veste di esperti finanziari, vogliamo essere al loro fianco per tutta la vita.