Almanac Summer 2020

I s s u e n o. 5 2 | S u m m e r 2 0 2 0

E

Almanac 3 Zinnen Dolomites

Available free of charge at tourism associations and member companies

Foto: Drei Zinnen Marketing Wisthaler - Greber

Your individual holidays in the Dolomites At the Apparthotel Germania you will book more than just a room – you book an exclusive world of well-being. Whether you choose a hotel room or a holiday apartment, be sure of one thing: in any case, your stay with us will remain unforgotten!

Via Dolomiti 44 Dobbiaco · Tel. +39 0474 972160 · info@apparthotel-germania.com www.apparthotel-germania.com

Foto: www.lichtundfokus.com

5th SEPTEMBER 2020

12th – 13th SEP. 2020 Farmers and crafts market

27th Nov – 06th Jan 2021 A Christmas market in the sign of tradition and naturalness

www.innichen.it

Highlights at San Candido

www.sancandido.info

©S. Achorner

Dear guests of the holiday region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites, Welcome to your dream vacation in the mountains!

Majestic peaks and lush green alpine pastures, shady forests and colourful meadows, easy hiking trails and challenging vie ferrate, spectacular views and secluded spots, refreshing spring water and fragrant flowers and herbs, rustic woodsheds and traditional alpine huts, dirndls and lederhosen ... all this and much more is what you can look forward to during your holidays in the mountains!

Too good to be true? Not with us! You will see that in the holiday region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites, this picture book idyll becomes a reality! Nestled in the unique Dolomites UNESCO world heritage site, on the threshold between living traditions and modern infrastructures, between Tyrolean down- to-earthness and Mediterranean influences, the holiday region offers a wide range of lodging establishments, culinary delights and leisure and sports opportunities of all kinds. Not to mention the incomparable countryside with its colourful potpourri of flora and fauna ...

Of course, with such a selection you are spoiled for choice, however, whatever you want from your perfect vacation in the mountains, you will surely find it here. With this in mind, enjoy your time with us in the holiday region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites, get to know the province and its people, experience exciting adventures and recharge your batteries.

As always, you can find inspiration for your stay in the current edition of our guest magazine "Almanac – 3 Zinnen Dolomites". In the following articles, we present some of our very personal favourite places, we take you on a journey through our fascinating, natural beauty and meander along the traces of our history with you. As a result of the worldwide Corona virus crisis, we are currently faced with an exceptional situation. We have therefore largely dispensed with providing specific information regarding scheduled events in this year’s summer edition, which were not yet precisely defined at the time of going to press. In this context we recommend you, dear guests, find out about the required information on the respective websites of the event organisers or tourist destinations. In addition, we as the tourism associations are at your disposal for further information and tips!

We wish you a wonderful and unforgettable vacation!

Your Tourism Associations in the holiday region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites 4

OUR HOUSE. YOUR HOTEL.

Sporthotel Tyrol **** | Via Drava 12 San Candido | Tel. +39 0474 913 198 | info@sporthoteltyrol.it | www.sporthoteltyrol.it

In this edition

Summer 2020

Great fun with the Gigante Baranci

The beeyard ain’t no place for a woman …

Hiking in autumn

The enchanting adventure park

but at the Three Peaks

��������������������������������������������������������������������� 41

����������������������������������������������������������������� 8–11

this is not the case!

Hiking program in autumn

������������������������������������������������������������� 26–27

Feeling the heights Climbing tours in the Dolomites ��������������������������������������������������������������� 12–15

������������������������������������������������������������� 42–43

Forest stories and herbal tales Impressive special

Mountain biking: for yourself and others

Get social!

exhibition at Dolomythos ������������������������������������������������������������� 28–29

MOUNTAIN BIKING: FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Mountain paradise �������������������������������������������������������������� 16–19

Where the music plays Cultural Centre

Forging a success story out of a Fistful of Bikes

in Dobbiaco/Toblach �������������������������������������������������������������� 30–33

In conversation with Karl Fritz Schmidhofer

Disturbing Odyssey

�������������������������������������������������������������� 20–21

The special and clan prisoners

16–19

�������������������������������������������������������������� 34–36

The beeyard ain’t no place for a woman …

Healing water in the forest Bad Altprags/Bagni di Braies

Burning mountains

Vecchia and Bad Neuprags/

Sacred Heart

Bagni di Braies Nuova

of Jesus fire

�������������������������������������������������������������� 23–25

������������������������������������������������������������� 38–40

but at the Three Peaks this is not the case!

26–27

»

Great fun with the Gigante Baranci

8–11

Where the music plays

Hiking in autumn 30–33

41

CREDITS Our partner:

Publication date: June & December (twice a year: summer & winter) Editor: Tourism Associations in the holiday region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites Editor in charge: Michael Wachtler Grafics and layout: Werbeagentur Rotwild (Brixen) – www.rotwild.it | Printing: Südtirol Druck Editorial office & coordination: Judith Steinmair Translations: “porta germanica” Cover: Manuel Kottersteger All information is subject to change

6

ŠM. Kottersteger

7

ŠM. Kottersteger

8

Great fun with the Gigante Baranci The Dolomites are a legendary mountainscape–in the truest sense of the word.

The protagonist of one of the most exciting stories is the Gigante Baranci, who has come back to life in a most charming manner.

The enchanting adventure park at Monte Baranci near San Candido/Innichen attracts guests of all ages.

Whilst it may not be the most spectacular or the highest mountain in the holiday region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites with only 1,739 metres, Monte Baranci is definitely the most entertaining.

Children love the Monte Baranci, San Candido’s landmark mountain, because this is where they can visit the mysterious giant. His unusual story started when, as a small child, he drank from a magic spring which gave him supernatural powers. He grew into a giant and developed unbelievable strength. The people in the valley were obviously very impressed and asked him to assist them with the construction of the Collegiate Church San Candidol. As a reward, he was given a decent ration of food and drink every day, which included a barrel of wine, a grilled calf and a large sack of potatoes.

9

©M. Kottersteger

©M. Kottersteger

©M. Kottersteger

In return, the visitors can look forward to excit-

mountain station there is a giant jumping castle,

ing adventures at the different stations along

followed by the ‘Dwarf Village’. The dwarfs used

the loop path following the giant’s tracks at

to be quite important to the giant, because they

Monte Baranci. With the 4-seater chairlift in

were his assistants and they served him well.

San Candido, Monte Baranci fans can comfort-

The ‘Dwarf Village’ is an exciting world in itself

ably glide up the mountain. Right next to the

with small tree houses, the dwarf huts, with

mountain station, the ‘Dwarf Parcours’ begins,

ladders over which one can scramble, and with

a high rope course where the kids can test their

the footprint lakes, where one can experience

dexterity and climbing skills. After this, the best

how gargantuan the giant was and where one

idea is to follow the family loop path leading

can walk through the water in his tracks.

past different giant stations. Right next to the

10

©M. Kottersteger

Such adventurous activities will soon cause

Funbob, goes downhill quickly, with rapid, sharp

everyone to get hungry and thirsty. So, it is just

bends over a distance of 1.7 km. For those who

as well that the ‘Dwarf Village’ is located right

are undecided whether they want to go downhill

next to the Rifugio Gigante Baranci mountain

so quickly, a zippy ride on the tubing track with

hut named after the giant. Here you can replen-

the tyres may be an alternative. Another tip at

ish yourself with South Tyrolean specialties. The

the end: After all, visiting the giant with other

Haunold burger is particularly popular with the

children is even more fun.

kids. The kids can continue to play in the giant’s realm while their parents relax on the terrace.

This way, everybody is well prepared for the next highlight: Italy’s first summer toboggan run, the

Georg Weindl (Author)

11

Feeling the They are the absolute classic

climbing tours in the Dolomites.

Alpine history was written around

the area of the Three Peaks (Drei Zinnen) mountain range. The holiday region

3 Zinnen in the Dolomites still offers excellent tours and unforgettable adventures with summit tours,

high rope parks and vie ferrate.

ŠE. Rainer

12

13

The path through the Rienztal valley in the foot-

renovated and improved. The Silvesterbach

steps of Paul Grohmann is a route steeped in

brook is of great importance for Dobbiaco/

history. This is what Franz Innerkofler, who first

Toblach, as its water delivers energy for many

ascended the Große Zinne mountain, and Franz

craft workshops and the nearby Toblacher Feld

Innerkofler, a legendary mountain guide and

field functions as an important watershed. You

first ascendant of the North face of the Kleine

can learn a lot about this history on the loop

Zinne mountain, called home. The great Emilio

trail. The little-known Cadini mountain range

Comici also achieved some spectacular first

right next door with its attractive routes and a

ascents here. Today, the Drei Zinnen mountains

very good rock quality serves as good prepara-

are among the most popular and sought-after

tion or a quieter alternative to the Three Peaks

destinations for Alpine climbers. The famous

mountain range.

peaks are of course only the figurehead of this high-calibre region for alpinists. The region

The selection of summit routes and vie

offers an unusually large and varied range of

ferrate is spectacular and varied here. Around

routes, vie ferrate and high rope parks.

the Three Peaks, the Paternkofel, Rotwand and nearby Dreischusterspitze mountains there are

You do not have to be an extreme mountaineer

many charming vie ferrate. A highlight is the

to experience the fascination of Three Peaks

‘Dolomites without borders project’, in which

and Sextner Dolomites mountain range up

twelve vie ferrate lead from the Three Peaks

close. There are a number of easy excursions

over the Cadoretal valley to the Gailtal valley in

to get you started, such as the Silvesterkreis

Tyrol, Austria. The mountain guides and Alpine

loop hiking trail in the Pfannbachtal valley or

schools in the region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites

the Wildbachsteig trail, which has recently been

are the perfect partners to advise which routes and vie ferrate are the best choice for your own tour. They have the best tips and professionally

©E. Rainer

accompany and assist the mountaineering fans.

©E. Rainer

14

The numerous attractive high rope parks underline that this region is a paradise for climbers. They offer a unique combination of sporty standards and scenic landscapes, such as the climbing crags at the Dürrensee lake, of Landro and Scheweg-Franchi in the Höhlensteintal valley between Dobbiaco and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Climbing for every taste and every level, that’s what the region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites stands for— and also in all weather conditions. Because with the two climbing halls in Sesto/Sexten and Dobbiaco/ Toblach there are first-class bad weather alterna-

Registration for the Pastry Workshop Discover, enjoy, shop!

INFO: www.loacker.com

Panzendorf 196 9919 Heinfels - Austria Registration

tives and training opportunities. The Dolomit Arena in Sesto has a climbing area of 1,800 m 2 and a 400 m 2 bouldering surface with a height of up to 16.5 m, plus levels of difficulties from 3 to 8b+. In the Dobbiaco Nordic Arena, there are climbing walls with a height of up to 23 m and difficulty levels from 4b to

Pure goodness!

9a, including a bouldering room available. The fact that the region around the Three Peaks is an absolute hotspot for alpinists is also underlined by the annual Dolorock Festival, where climbing fans and professionals from all over the world meet on the last weekend in May. Georg Weindl (Author)

Open daily!

©H. Wisthaler

MOUNTAIN BIKING: FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS

©Rocky Mountains

T H E H O C H P U S T E R TA L V A L L E Y I S A M O U N TA I N P A R A D I S E W H E R E M O U N TA I N B I K E R S C A N F I N D THE RIGHT ROUTES DEPENDING ON THEIR ABILITY AND FITNESS—FOR FUN, FOR SPORTING SUCCESS OR FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

16

» E I T H E R WAY , T H E B I K E R E G I O N 3 ZINNEN IN THE DOLOMITES WITH ITS INCOMPARABLE BACKDROP OF RUGGED ROCK PEAKS HAS LONG BEEN A H O T S P O T F O R M O U N TA I N B I K E R S .

There are many answers to some questions. For example, if you ask about the most beautiful mountain bike route in the Hochpustertal valley, you will get many answers—and they are all correct. Some mountain bikers love the seemingly endless gravel path to the Marchkinkele peak, others the routes on the Plätzwiese high plateau with an amazing view of the Monte Cristallo mountain. Anyone who appreciates trails can let off steam on the Giro Bike Tour over five mountains and almost 3,500 metres of difference in altitude—most of the strenuous uphill riding is done here by the cable ways—or on the legendary Stoneman Trail, which follows the Karnischer Kamm mountain range affording great views that true aficionados cannot help but rave about. Either way, the bike region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites with its incomparable

©Rocky Mountains

backdrop of rugged rock peaks has long been a hotspot for mountain bikers.

It is therefore no wonder that many mountain

In the multi-day stage race through the mag-

bikers like to stop in the Hochpustertal val-

nificent mountains of the Dolomites there is

ley as part of a multi-day tour—or start right

a ‘Classic’ as well as a much longer and more

here; for example as part of the TransTirol Bike

demanding ‘Challenge’ tour, but timekeeping

Rallye, which starts in the village of Villabassa/

is deliberately avoided. The perfectly planned

Niederdorf in the summer of 2020. This charm-

and prepared daily stages are signposted with

ing place knows a lot about bike events. The

small directional signs in the morning and are

‘Dolomiti Superbike’ race, with 623 starters at

run by trained MTB guides, who also collect the

its premiere in 1995, had long since become a

signs after the last participant has passed, so

mega event in which the number of participants

that the participants can fully engage in the fun

had to be limited to 4,500 starters. Time counts

of biking and the shared experience—this also

in the Dolomiti Superbike race—the fastest

includes amenities such as luggage transfer, a

mountain bikers can complete the 113 kilometres

bike service with a workshop trolley or invit-

with an impressive 3,357-metre difference in

ing alpine huts where bikers can regain their

altitude in around four and a half hours—while

strength.

the TransTirol BikeRallye focuses on pleasure.

17

©H. Wisthaler

However, there are also events where sporting fun has a social background. Around 300 participants will take part in ‘Dolomiti X Duchenne’ in Villabassa for the third time. You will be taken into the fascinating world of the Dolomites over three days during which the selected mountain bike trails are quite demanding. But time is irrelevant, because the event organized by Roberto Zoffoli in cooperation with the Villabassa Tourism Association is intended as a relaxing holiday for the families of children affected by the insidious Duchenne disease—so

AND SO THERE ARE MANY ANSWERS TO THE QUESTION OF WHY BIKERS COME TO T H E H O C H P U S T E R TA L V A L L E Y .

BUT THERE IS ONE C O M M O N D E N O M I N AT O R : THE POSSIBILITIES AND THE LANDSCAPE AROUND THE THREE PEAKS OFFER A UNIQUE SETTING FOR MAKING BIKE TOURS A N U N F O R G E T TA B L E E X P E R I E N C E .

sharing this experience is all that counts. The event is also a small thank you to the volunteers and sponsors who put in a lot of effort and financial donations to support the Duchenne Parent Project every year.

18

Stefan Herbke (Author)

» T R A N S T I R O L B I K E R A L LY E

» DOLOMITI FOR DUCHENNE

The operator FunActive Tours will travel twice

Collectively mountain bikers ride on a 3-day

from Villabassa through the Dolomites in the

mountain bike trip to the Dolomites, whilst

summer of 2020:

side events in Villabassa and the surrounding area are organised daily for the accompanying

at the end of June (from 28 of June to 4 July

persons and the young people affected by the

2020) the route leads via Cortina d'Ampezzo

disease. Joint dinners are served in the gym.

and Levico Terme to the Lago di Caldonazzo

Date: 17 th to 21 st June 2020.

th

th

lake and in September (from 13 to 19 of Septh

th

tember 2020) the destination is the Kalterer See lake. In addition to the guided tours, the price includes the overnight stays, a starter package, luggage transfers, return transport to Villabassa and detailed tour information.

Registration at www.transtirol-bikerallye.com

©T.A. Villabassa/Niederdorf

Due to the current situation resulting from the Corona crisis, event dates have not yet been confirmed at the time of going to press. Changes are therefore reserved and possibly also postponements to the coming year 2021. For more information please go to the corresponding websites or contact the Villabassa/Niederdorf tourist office.

©H. Wisthaler

19

Forging a success story out of a Fistful of Bikes in the holiday region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites In conversation with Karl Fritz Schmidhofer Karl Fritz Schmidhofer, the head of Papin Sport, is considered a pioneer in cycle tourism. When he opened his sports retailer in the centre of San Candido/Innichen in 1979, even the resourceful locals of the Hochpustertal valley had no idea to which extent the ‘bike’ business model—originally carved out of necessity— would actually go through the roof one day. Cycling is undoubtedly THE trend, and now Papin Sport is also THE European market leader in the field of bicycle services. Among other things, the company from the holiday region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites now has around 15,000 bikes in its range and Papin Sport also runs countless rental and service points along a wide variety of cycling paths, even beyond national borders. From a ©Papin Sport

©Papin Sport

small idea to a real bike empire ...

Selling, repairing and lending bicycles—did you suspect back then that you would be so successful?

Of course, I somehow believed in the potential of the bike business, but basically it was just about giving my employees a permanent job. At that time, I already had a ski rental and therefore also needed employment for my people during the summer months. Consequently, bicycles were the obvious choice. So we started selling and repairing bikes. And we also launched the rental business, with a proud seven bikes back then ...

20

So was the bike rental not necessarily a successful model in the beginning?

Keyword E-Bike: how much has cycling changed as a result?

The rental business has gradually developed

E-bikes are a strong trend that is only in its

into what it is today. We started out very small

infancy and will surely increase in the next few

and then simply grew continuously over the

years. The main advantage of e-bikes is that

years, following the upswing in the trendy

older people can now ride their bikes without

sport of cycling. Every year, another stretch of

fear and strain. All the studies also prove that

a bike path was added and therefore, of course,

e-bike riding is better for the body than ex-

a few bikes. We did not do traditional adver-

treme MTB tours.

tising as such, but word-of-mouth advertising helped us; and, above all, the fact that we have always placed great emphasis on our services.

A well-functioning, professional service for our customers is still the be-all and end-all in our family business.

Can you sit back and relax now that you have achieved everything in the bike services area, or do you still have more plans up your sleeve?

The whole country is cycling today. However, is it true that only a few years ago bike paths were still wishful thinking?

Our company is very well positioned, we have a

That's true. The bike paths were by no means all

represented with our bike rental in almost all

built at once, but have been expanded bit by bit,

the train stations in South Tyrol, from Malles/

and even today, not all of the routes have been

Mals in the Vinschgau valley to here in San Can-

signed and sealed. I can confidently say that

dido we cover almost everything. And our hotel

our success in this sector was certainly also

bike division is still on an expansion course. We

decisive for the expansion of the bike routes in

are currently active in Seefeld, Upper Bavaria

the Pustertal valley. Nowadays, around 120,000

and also in Northern Italy.

total of around 15,000 bikes distributed across Austria, Northern Italy and Upper Bavaria, of which around 5,000 are e-bikes. This year we are

cyclists a season enjoy the route between San Candido and the Austrian town of Lienz, such

But to rest on our laurels would be disastrous

numbers have never been reached before on a

for our company, as it would be doomed to fail.

bike route across Europe.

We always want to stay on the ball and are always interested in new projects. For example, we are currently planning to organise a project

In the meantime, we are experiencing a real cycling boom.

What has encouraged this in your opinion?

in Lower Austria which will be similar to the one

The growing popularity of more exercise, the

ments in this area.

established in Carinthia. We will also continue to expand in Bavaria. And since e-bikes are on the rise, we will, of course, make further invest-

realisation that one should keep fit and that sport or physical activity is beneficial for all

Judith Steinmair (Author)

ages have certainly contributed to the fact that cycling has become more and more popular.

21

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©T.A. Braies/Prags

“

In the green meadows of the

Hirschbrunnen rest spa guests enjoying the shade

under a pine canopy

surrounded by white hawthorn

while up there, on the balustrade

with its colourful carnations, a repeat guest of Bagni di Braies Vecchia blows a horn.”

Translation of the ballad written

by Hermann von Gilm

Healing water in the forest People suffering from ailments hoped that the healing mineral springs

in the Pragser valley would alleviate their suffering. Others, who were looking for tranquillity, enjoyed recuperative wellness holidays in

the idyllic thermal spas. Find out more about the rise and decline of

Bad Altprags/Bagni di Braies Vecchia and Bad Neuprags/Bagni di Braies Nuova.

Since ancient times, people have attributed

simple bath houses and pilgrimage church-

healing properties to water. Folk medicine, in

es were built in addition to the use of healing

particular, used the healing powers of water:

sources. It did not take long before the first

whether it was stomach problems, joint aches

summer holidaymakers arrived to alleviate their

or skin irritations, the local population visited

pain or to simply relax in the picturesque forest

some of the water sources to combat physical

swimming pools in the midst of nature—today

ailments. Back in the 16 th century, this resulted

we would most likely call this a wellness holiday.

in the foundation of the first ‘Bauernbadln’, or

In the Pustertal valley alone, 30 health baths

farmers baths, in the area of Tyrol and thermal

were created, including Bagni di Braies Vecchia

baths in more remote areas. At the beginning,

and Bagni di Braies Nuova in the Pragser valley.

23

©T.A. Braies/Prags

©T.A. Braies/Prags

The legend and the rise of Bagni di Braies Vecchia There are legends surrounding many of the

there were an average of 1,500 visitors per

healing springs, which explain or confirm the

year, including celebrities such as the Archduke

miraculous healing powers of the water. The

Heinrich Anton of Austria. During the summer

same holds true for the main spring in Bagni

months, the town was even equipped with its

di Braies Vecchia: the hunters shot a deer three

own postal service and telegraph office.

times, but the animal survived each of these shots. On the fourth occasion, the hunters they killed it. This is when they saw the three

The ‘Cold Gastein’

previous bullet wounds, which had been healed

In addition to the legendary ‘Hirschenbrunnen’,

by the water. Therefore, the spring is called

Bagni di Braies Vecchia featured the springs

‘Hirschenbrunnen’ or deer’s fountain.

‘Augenquelle’ (Eye Spring) and ‘Trinkwasser-

spotted the deer bathing in the spring and

quelle’ (Drinking Water Spring). The water temAround the year 1490, a skilled lumberjack

perature reached 8–9°C, which awarded Bagni

asked the Count of Görz, also known as Count of

di Braies Vecchia the nickname ‘Cold Gastein’

Gorizia, for permission to erect the first bathing

or ‘Tyrolean Gastein’ referring to the Austrian

house at the Hirschenbrunnen in order to cater

health resort of Bad Gastein. The baths and

for the sick. His request was granted. Paula von

cures were supposed to alleviate many ail-

Gonzaga, the second wife of Count Leonard of

ments, from rheumatic pains to gynaecological

Gorizia, assisted with the rise of what was then

problems. Obviously with success: numerous

a simple spa. After her visit to Bagni di Braies

votive tablets hang in the chapel in Bagni di

Vecchia she was healed from her severe body

Braies Vecchia, as thanks for healing, and be-

aches. As a sign of her gratitude, she donated

hind a grate there are crutches which were left

the funds for the foundation of the little church

behind by people who healed miraculously.

of St. Magdalena in Moso/Moos near Villabassa/ Niederdorf. Of course, word about the fact that

Towards the end of the 19 th century, howev-

she healed spread quickly, even beyond the

er, Bagni di Braies Vecchia gradually lost its

borders. The scenic location of Bagni di Braies

significance. Rumour has it that due to the

Vecchia with its magnificent view of the moun-

quick changes in ownership, the guests’ expec-

tainscape added to the charm. Many ailing peo-

tations could no longer be met. Newer struc-

ple arrived in the forest spa with the hope of re-

tures such as the bath in Bagni di Braies Nuova

covery in their luggage. What started as a simple

and the hotel Pragser Wildsee took over from

bathing house, was expanded step by step into

the 400-year-old spa: In the year 1950, the bath

a hotel. During its heyday in the 19 th century,

in Bagni di Braies Vecchia finally closed doors

Bagni di Braies Vecchia offered 200 guest beds.

entirely, and since then, the building has been

During peak season, from May to mid-October,

in constant decay.

24

©T.A. Braies/Prags

©T.A. Braies/Prags

The rise of the thermal spa of Bagni di Braies Nuova Bagni di Braies Nuova, situated in the right

suffered from gall, typhus or intermittent fevers

branch of the Pragser valley, became the new

to recover,” explained Dr. Johann Jakob Staffler

hotspot. Approximately 400 guests, mostly from

in the year 1844.

the noble society, spent their summers here enjoying the thermal baths and cures, some-

Bagni di Braies Nuova, however, shared the

times over a period of several weeks. For the

same fate with many other healing spa towns in

so-called spa societies, cures with healing water

the Alps: after their heyday in the 19 th century,

were not always paramount. Apparently, Bagni

their importance decreased and the Great War

di Braies Nuova offered excellent cuisine and,

brought about the final collapse for Bagni di

occasionally, it was relatively entertaining—an

Braies Nuova. The owners had to hand over the

element that is known to increase the over-

thermal baths to the new fascist potentates in

all well-being. With growing visitor numbers,

the country. After the war, the catholic church

the acclaimed thermal spa was expanded:

took charge of the spa for a few years, using it

additional buildings with new rooms (some with

as a summer residence. Today the buildings are

a stove and balcony), changing rooms, a tennis

empty.

court and a bowling alley were built.

Doris Brunner (Author) The healing springs of Bagni di Braies Nuova arise at the foot of the mountain on the opposite side. It is not known, when its effect was first discovered. The first written entry dates back to the year 1690. From 1830, the ‘Theresia’ and ‘Jenny’ sources were named ‘Erlachbad’,

©T.A. Braies/Prags

later the name changed to ‘Möselbad’ and Bagni di Braies Nuova. In these thermal spas, the water is also supposed to have allegedly alleviated or even healed many minor and major ailments. The farmers went to the springs if they suffered from eye disorders and the spa guests were recommended to do thermal water cures for various ailments: “The healing power of this stimulating, strengthening and also softening and dissolving water shows its effect in cases of paralyses, muscle weakness, a tendency to suffer from rheumatic, gouty and podagrarelated ailments, different types of skin rashes, menstrual issues or to help convalescents who 25

The beeyard ain’t no place for a woman …

©F. Oberhammer

but at the Three Peaks this is not the case!

“The beeyard ain’t no place for a woman” the

rational beehives that are still used today,

Canadian professional magazine Ontario Bee

while Marie Aimée Lulline and Miss Jurine are

Journal wrote in March 2016. In the 80s, this

merited with having developed the knowledge

statement was directed at the author of the

of the production of valuable beeswax.

article, Kelly Rogers, who provocatively placed the focus on it to talk about her own experience

Another fundamental advance was made in

as a beekeeper and as a woman.

the late 19 th century by the Scottish beekeeper Miss Clementine Stirling Graham. She was the

Famous beekeepers have always been in abun-

first to promote the extraction of honey with-

dance: Aristotle, George Washington and Leo

out simultaneously destroying the honeycombs.

Tolstoy, author of War and Peace; however,

A truly important discovery!

there seems to be no trace of female beekeepers. And yet, a number of women have stood out

This immediately raises the question:

in this sector, including the author Sylvia Plath,

Is beekeeping reserved for men only?

Maria von Trapp, the real Maria, who served as the source of inspiration for the world-famous

“Not at all,” replies Peter Senfter from San

movie The Sound of Music, Susanna Tamaro,

Candido/Innichen, who has been the chairman

the famous author of Và dove ti porta il cuo-

of the South Tyrolean Beekeepers Association

re (Follow your Heart) and Eva Crane, a British

of the Alta Pusteria/Oberpustertal valley region

physicist, biologist and author, who introduced

for 18 years and has been dedicating himself to

revolutionary apicultural changes.

his 30 beehives since 1960. He confirms that, in the meantime, there are even numerous woman

They are all women, or rather beekeepers and

beekeepers in the beekeepers’ association.

women, but somehow this still seems to be a Frida Oberhammer from Santa Maria/Aufkirchen

rare phenomenon.

negates this question even more categorically, century, the Swiss

she is after all living proof of it. Beekeeping may

scientist and aristocrat Catherine Elisabeth

be primarily a male domain, but she has made

Vicat was both a veritable institution in this

great and considerable contributions in this

field and a strong advocate for the use of

field.

In the middle of the 18

26

th

Frida started working as a beekeeper approximately twenty years

©F. Oberhammer

ago, however she had been involved with bees even prior to this.

As a child she first helped her grandfather and later her mother with the bees. In short, her love of beekeeping was born to her.

Today, Frida is the chairwomen for Dobbiaco/Toblach and deputy chairwoman for the district of the Alta Pusteria/Oberpustertal valley. She has a lot of experience, and her passion has anything but decreased over time.

Together with her husband Hubert she keeps approximately

She answered our—relatively provocative—

27 bee colonies in three different locations—Santa Maria and

question about whether, according to her, a

Carbonin/Schluderbach as well as on the Silvesteralm meadow

beekeeper or a beekeeperess does the better

in the summer. It is remarkable that she calls them “families” in

job, with the same sensitivity that she showed

conversation. Each bee colony consists of approx. 20,000 bees in

throughout our conversation. “Beekeeping is a

the winter and up to 60,000 in the summer.

hobby, which is both fun and pure enjoyment. It makes no difference if the beekeeper is a man

She talks about their beehives with enthusiasm and dedication.

or a woman, as long as he or she is passionate

Each bee family delivers an average of 15 kg of honey, whereby

and dedicated. However, I don’t think that men

the yield also depends, above all, on the climatic conditions in

are better or worse than women, although, in

the high mountains, on the air temperature, the flowering period

general, women are more suited to a lifestyle

and the natural conditions.

close to nature. A hobby should entail both passion and joy. Women may be characterised

In the past, there was only one type of honey, referred to

by a higher degree of passion than many men.”

nowadays as blossom honey. In the 1920s, the term ‘variety honey’ began to spread und currently more than 300 types of

“Each bee has the mechanism of the universe

honey are classified. The individual variety honey always gets its

within it: each one contains the secret of the

name from the flowering plant, which is exploited by the bees.

world,” as the French philosopher Michel Onfray wrote. It is therefore unimportant

In the Dolomites, honey is still considered to be a precious

whether the secret is guarded by a woman or

product and is therefore marked with a protected designation

a man.

of origin (u.G.) on a label with the Three Peaks mountain range.

Frida harvests primarily dandelion, honeydew, forest and alpine

Martina Merola (Author)

meadow honey. There is also alpine rose honey, which is rarely offered as a pure variety honey, but mostly as an alpine blossom

©O. Seehauser

honey.

Honey—also known as the nectar of gods—is still a basic ingredient in cooking and baking, however Mrs. Oberhammer also uses it in an innovative und rather unexpected way, namely for massages. This tradition from Russia or—presumably from Tibet— is based on the cleansing properties of honey, be it when it is consumed or when it is absorbed into the skin. It is, in every respect, a very versatile, high-quality product.

27

©Dolomythos Museum

©Dolomythos Museum

©Dolomythos Museum

IMPRESSIVE SPECIAL EXHIBITION AT DOLOMYTHOS, SAN CANDIDO/INNICHEN, THE LARGEST DOLOMITE MUSEUM COVERING THE LEGENDARY WORLD OF THE DOLOMITES

Forest stories and herbal tales After all, the population of the Dolomites has

ries. Men can only destroy this symbiosis with

what is probably the best-known saga collec-

violence. When women then unite with men

tion: its preservation forms the core of the

it almost always ends in tragedy. In this case,

Dolomite folk tales, which Karl Felix Wolff

women only have to retreat back to nature, as

collected and published for the first time in

part of which they were created and where they

1905 ("The Pale Mountains"). A key theme in

are happy again. Nature provides security again

the folk tales is the matriarchy. Above all, it is

as soon as the female legendary figures return

women who make decisions and influence the

to it.

course of events. It is Dolasilla the strong and infallible warrior. Moltina, Tanna, Samblana,

And yet some of the Dolomite folk tales about

Soreghina and Lujanta—everywhere, women

herbs and plants are still fascinating today.

play the protagonist in various distinct sto-

28

The wedding of Merisàna or the larch queen

Moltina, the queen of marmots

Queen Merisàna had everything her heart could

Moltina grew up with the marmots on the Plätzwiese high

wish for; and yet she was troubled by how many

plateau and even learned to take their shape. One day she fell

living things were unhappy or suffered from

in love with the Prince of the Landrins and followed him to his

pain. One day the "Réy de Ràyes", the King of

castle. When asked about her origin, Moltina was embarrassed.

Rays, met the graceful maiden and immediately

At that moment the Rotwand mountain lit up. Meanwhile Moltina

fell in love with her. She however had one

turned into a marmot unnoticed. However, the prince searched

condition: “Before I get married, all living things

for it, discovered it and stayed with her.

must be happy. Nobody should suffer any more, not a single tree may be felled and no animal killed.” The King of Rays became very concerned and asked the wise councillors whether this was

The rose garden

possible. They said no. Merisàna gave in and

In ancient times, the dwarf king Laurin ruled in the Dolomites.

asked that all living things should at least be

He had immense treasures, but the largest of them was a stealth

happy on the day of the wedding. Even this con-

cap that made him invisible. Laurin's pride was a beautiful rose

dition turned out to be unattainable. This made

garden encircled by a golden silk thread. One day Laurin met

Merisàna sad: “Not even a single day!” She

the beautiful Princess Simhild. He fell in love and captured her

sighed. “I thought that this was the minimum

with the help of his stealth cap. But Simhild remained sad. One

we could do.” Finally, she agreed that at least

day the Gothic King Theodoric, also known as Dietrich von Bern,

at the hour of their wedding everyone would be

and his knights ended up in this area. They were amazed at the

happy: the people and animals, the trees and

splendour of the gold-thread-enclosed roses, but his compan-

flowers. The King of Rays hoped to meet this

ions tore the thread and trampled the roses. Laurin stormed out

condition, and in fact all living beings were told

angrily. There was a one-sided fight. At first Laurin could pro-

to remove any pain and discomfort at midday on

tect himself with his stealth cap, but it was snatched from him

the wedding day. Everyone praised the girl for

and soon he was lying helpless on the floor and begging for his

her kindness, and in gratitude they brought the

life. Princess Simhild has now been released. But with a spell

most beautiful bouquets and bundles that could

cast by the fettered king the rose garden was destroyed forever:

be imagined. Merisàna decided to do something

neither the bright day nor the dark night should ever see the

useful with it and said that a new tree should be

roses’ splendour again. Only bare, pale rocks should remain in

made from it. This is how the larch was created.

their place. But Laurin had forgotten to include twilight between

However, since it was not yet viable in this

day and night in his spell. And so it happens that at sunset the

form, it wrapped Merisàna with its bridal veil

pale mountains of the Dolomites shine and glow in the most

made of fine, light green fabric. The tree imme-

beautiful shades of red.

diately began to sprout. Everyone was amazed at the properties of the tree. In fact, the larch

Michael Wachtler (Author)

is the strangest of all trees. At first it appears as a conifer, but the needles turn yellow in autumn and fall off like the leaves of the deciduous trees. But when the larch wakes up again in spring, it looks like a delicate green muslin, and the tips of the branches clearly show the fabric of the bridal veil.

DOLOMYTHOS

PEDESTRIAN ZONE SAN CANDIDO/INNICHEN Opening hours: Open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. without a day off

INFO@DOLOMYTHOS.COM WWW.DOLOMYTHOS.COM

29

Âť Where the music plays Beethoven, Mahler and a large new orchestra: the Cultural Centre in Dobbiaco/Toblach will continue to be the Val Pusteria/Pustertal valley rendezvous for music lovers in the future

ŠM. Verdoes

30

©M. Verdoes

“ It's

wonderful here.”

Gustav Mahler was inspired by the landscape

On that occasion, music lovers in Dobbiaco

and the people during his summer retreat in

will also experience the first performance of

Dobbiaco. In his composing hut in Carbonin

the newly founded Grandhôtel Orchestra of

Vecchia/Altschluderbach

he

Dobbiaco. The orchestra, conducted by Philipp

wrote the ‘Ninth Symphony’, the unfinished

von Steinaecker, is supported by the ‘Euregio

‘Tenth Symphony’ and ‘The Song of the Earth’.

Cultural Center Gustav Mahler Dobbiaco Dolo-

Dobbiaco was a special place for the Bohemian

mites’ foundation. In addition, the foundation

composer—a fact which is greatly appreciat-

is building a unique collection of instruments

ed in Dobbiaco: Every year, the Gustav Mahl-

for this project, which brings together musi-

er Music Weeks take place in memory of the

cians from a wide variety of orchestras from

late romantic. It would have been a special

around the world. This is the first time that the

anniversary this year: 40 years of celebrating

historical instruments of the Vienna Court

Gustav Mahler in Dobbiaco! The master class

Opera Orchestra used during Mahler’s direction

with Thomas Hampson and his recital would

have been reunited in one place. This Septem-

have been the highlight. But in these times of

ber, the newly founded Grandhôtel Orchestra

the corona pandemic, nothing is the way it used

should have played Gustav Mahler's Ninth Sym-

to be, not even in the world of music (for the

phony as part of the original Mahler Revisited

time being)... This also affects the Festspiele

sound festival, for the first time since the first

Südtirol (South Tyrol Festival) in the Dobbiaco

performance in 1912 on original instruments.

Cultural Centre. They were both planned for

Now this will happen a year later. This much

August in honour of Ludwig van Beethoven.

is certain, the musicians will have immersed

near

Dobbiaco

themselves into the world of Gustav Mahler The composer was born 250 years ago in Bonn.

much more by then.

His music is considered the highest development of Viennese classical music and oozes

©M. Verdoes

strength and originality, which the organisers also wanted to convey to the festival visitors.

Now, the Romanian youth orchestra under Cristian Mandeal and a huge contingent of the ‘Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes’ (German Academic Scholarship Foundation) under Martin Wettges will probably only show their skills in Dobbiaco next year. One thing will not change: the festival has been dedicated to the youth for years and this will continue in 2021.

31

In a short interview, the conductor Philipp von Steinaecker explains what the Grandhôtel Orchestra is all about: ©A. Taake

You have been involved in the Grandhôtel Orchestra project from the beginning.

How are the musicians selected?

The core contingency of the musicians are South Tyroleans, after all the orchestra is located here. There are such wonderful South Tyrolean musicians who are successful abroad and whom we absolutely want to give a platform to in order for them to make music together in South Tyrol. Then there are musicians from the Mahler cities of Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Ljubljana, New York and also finally, fantastic students. We regularly exchange views with a group of musicians from the orchestra and with advisors, such as the conductor Daniel Harding, about who is eligible for which position. From our shared networks of musicians around the world, we then choose the ones that we admire the most and that we can imagine would be a good match. So we look at which

You played in the Gustav Mahler

great musicians are available and then whether

Youth Orchestra as a teenager.

they, let's say, are inclined to play on the old

Is this where your enthusiasm for

instruments. Because, that's not everyone’s cup

the composer and conductor comes from?

of tea.

At the age of 17, I was allowed to play Mahler’s Fifth Symphony under Claudio Abbado and had the feeling back then that these were the first really important concerts that I could take part in. That was my initiation as a musician, but also as a Mahlerian. That is why Gustav Mahler has always had a special meaning for me. And then I feel like many others who have discovered his music for themselves: you have the feeling that he wrote this music just for you, that’s how closely it touches you. Sometimes you want to watch over it jealously, but experiencing and sharing it together is always the deepest experience.

32

This is the next special feature of

©M. Verdoes

this orchestra: it will play on original Viennese instruments from the 1900’s It's really great and incredibly exciting! This orchestra creates something unique and, we also hope, makes an important contribution to the worldwide Mahler reception. The idea behind it is that when Mahler was sitting and composing in his composing hut in Dobbiaco, he would naturally have had the orchestral sound that he

©M. Verdoes

knew from Vienna, and was used to, in his ear. In those days, the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra played on different instruments and with a different technique than we do today. That means that his sound concept was naturally different from ours today. We want to reconstruct this sound of the Mahler period in Dobbiaco. In the end, we will play his Ninth Symphony again, for the first time since then, on the instruments for which he wrote it. We started a

©M. Verdoes

collection in Dobbiaco and put together the instruments that the Vienna Philharmonic used at the time. The first instruments are slowly coming back from being restored and have been given to the musicians. There are simply wonderful pieces. The old Viennese horns sound sensational. Then we found a pair of timpani that was used in the Viennese opera by Mahler.

A beautiful harp, an old bass clarinet, wonderfully preserved wooden flutes by Louis Lot and Karl Rittershausen, Heckel bassoons from 1902

At the time of the editorial

and 1903 and, of course, all the strings played

deadline, it was not yet known

on gut strings ... I could go on raving forever.

when the concert activity in the

For me, this feels like Christmas: I simply can't

Euregio Cultural Center could be

wait!

resumed. All current information can be found on their website: www.kulturzentrum-toblach.eu

Verena Duregger (Author)

33

ŠHistorical Archive Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee

Disturbing Odyssey 139 prisoners from 17 nations were abducted by the SS from the Dachau concentration camp to Villabassa/Niederdorf shortly before the end of the war. These included various heads of state, well-known personalities and family members of resistance fighters. Here’s how the special and clan prisoners were freed under dramatic circumstances.

34

In the spring of 1945, immediately before the

prisoners, such as the former Austrian Chan-

end of World War II, so-called special and clan

cellor Kurt von Schuschnigg, the former French

prisoners from several Nazi concentration

Prime Minister LĂŠon Blum, the business mag-

camps were all taken to the concentration

nate Fritz Thyssen as well as family members

camp in Dachau. Amongst these prisoners

of Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg and Carl

were officers of the Wehrmacht who had fallen

Friedrich Goerdeler, who had been arrested

from grace, resistance fighters and their fami-

after the assassination attempt on Hitler on the

lies, foreign military personnel and prominent

20 th July 1944.

To Villabassa as SS hostages

Liberation by the Wehrmacht

On the 26 th of April 1945, a special command

Wichard von Alvensleben, Captain of the Ger-

led by SS Obersturmführer Edgar Stiller and

man Wehrmacht, who was stationed in nearby

SS Untersturmführer Ernst Bader transported

Moso/Moos near Sesto/Sexten, learnt of the

the prisoners from Dachau to the Reichenau

hostage transport and that the assignment was

camp in Innsbruck. The prominent hostages

only completed “once the prisoners had died”.

were supposedly meant to be taken to the

Von Alvensleben immediately sent a group of

‘Alpine Fortress’, where they would be handed

stormtroopers consisting of 15 NCOs of the

over to the Chief of the Reich’s Main Security

Wehrmacht to Villabassa. Shortly afterwards,

Office, Ernst Kaltenbrunner, as a bargaining

a reinforcement of 150 grenadiers arrived and

chip for the negotiations with the Allied Forces.

surrounded the square in front of the town

The next day, the journey over the Brenner

hall. The highest-ranking SS leader in Italy, Karl

pass followed and on the morning of the 28 of

Wolff, decided that the SS guards had to pull out

April the convoy with the SS hostages arrived

and move to Bolzano/Bozen. The Wehrmacht

in Villabassa. But their original destination, the

took over the protection of the SS prisoners.

Hotel Pragser Wildsee, was occupied contrary

On the evening of April 30 th, they were accom-

to expectations. There was a big confusion. The

modated at the Pragser Wildsee Hotel, which

bus stopped outside of Villabassa for hours

had become available in the meantime. Under

and the prisoners feared the worst. In the end,

the management of the dauntless hotel own-

they could be accommodated in emergency

er, Emma Heiss-Hellensteiner, the essentials

quarters: in guesthouses, in the rectory and on

were organised. On the 4 th of May, two days

provisionally heaped-up straw in the municipal

after the official surrender of the Wehrmacht in

office. The population of Villabassa showed

Italy, the U.S. Army arrived at the Pragser Wild-

great courage and helpfully provided the pris-

see lake. They disarmed the Wehrmacht soldiers

oners with food and drink.

and took over the prisoners. All ‘unencumbered’

th

prisoners were transported to the Island of Capri, which some regarded as further internment. Only after a number of interrogations they were given permission to return home.

Some special prisoners, however, remained in U.S. captivity.

>>

©Historical Archive Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee ©Historical Archive Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee

35

The SS soldiers involved in the hostage transport were not held accountable for their actions: the case against SS Obersturmführer Stiller was terminated, SS Untersturmführer Bader was able to go into hiding and their subordinates also remained unpunished. Some of the former SS hostages recorded their memories and partly published them in biographies, including Isa Vermehren, Kurt von Schuschnigg, Fabian von Schlabrendorff, Sigismund Payne Best, Bertram Arthur “Jimmy” James and Josef Müller.

©Historical Archive Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee

Doris Brunner (Author)

©Historical Archive Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee

From the Pragser Wildsee archive of contemporary history In 2005, the Dachau journalist and contemporary historian Hans-Günther Richardi and the hotel owner Caroline M. Heiss founded the Zeitgeschichtsarchiv Pragser Wildsee archive of contemporary history (ZaPW in the Pragser Wildsee hotel). It recorded, amongst other events, the memories of these occurrences. All available prisoner records, SS documents, witness statements, books, reports and essays about the hostage transport are collected here. In the book “SS hostages in the Alpine Fortress”, Hans-Günter Richardi documented the abduction of the SS hostages. The book also served as a basis for the TV documentary “We, the hostages of the SS.” (“Wir, Geiseln der SS.”). www.archivpragserwildsee.com

36

Fam. Ortner Via al Ponte dei Corrieri, 1 I - 39038 San Candido Tel. +39 0474 913 588 www.villastefania.com info@villastefania.com

37

Burning

mountains The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus fires blaze on the mountains every year in June. Here’s how this custom came about and what promises it is based on.

It was in the year 1796. France, under the rule of

June 1796, this promise was fulfilled for the first

Napoleon I, was waging war against the Euro-

time in the holy mass in the Bolzano cathedral.

pean powers opposing his French Revolution. In

Before the second Battle of Bergisel in the year

Tyrol, they received the terrifying message that

1809, the Tyrolean troops, led by Andreas Hofer,

the Napoleonic troops were marching towards

renewed their Most Sacred Heart of Jesus vow,

them from Milan. The Tyrolean ‘Landesstände’

the ‘holy covenant’, and surprisingly defeated

(territorial estates) formed a council of war and

the French and the Bavarians, whereupon the

met in Bolzano/Bozen to discuss the next steps.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Sunday was elevat-

Good advice seemed in short supply. What to

ed to a high holiday. It was Pope Pius IX who

do in this desperate situation? The abbot of

introduced the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Stams, Sebastian von Stöckl, proposed to the

holiday as an official fixed date in the Catholic

council to seek divine assistance and to entrust

church calendar in 1856.

the country of Tyrol to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The representatives of the territorial

However, the veneration of the Most Sacred

estates agreed and made a pledge to celebrate

Heart of Jesus as a symbol of the goodness and

the festival of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

philanthropy of God goes back further: Saint

every year. Only a few days later, on the 3 of

Peter Canisius, who worked in Tyrol for a long

rd

time, had a Sacred Heart vision in 1549 one day before his vows. Sainte Margareta Maria Alacoque had the same experience 100 years later in France. In 1705 the first Brothers of the Sacred Heart congregation was founded at the Ursulines order in Innsbruck. Shortly thereafter, the Jesuits started to promote the worship of ©G. Kamelger

38

the Heart of Jesus.

»

Song of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus “To the oath, country of Tyrol, Raise heart and hand to heaven!

What our ancestors once promised, whilst in the midst of a raging war, Is an oath we want to renew: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we promise you eternal allegiance!”

Lyrics: Josef Seeber, 1896 Melody: Ignaz Mitterer, 1896

©Shutterstock

©Shutterstock

Blazing mountain fires The Sunday of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

forming an atmospheric chain of lights along

the third Sunday after Whitsun, is still celebrated

the mountaintop. A very special sight!

throughout Tyrol as a high church holiday.

Solemn services and processions take place

Young and old members of various associa-

in many parishes. The white and red Tyrolean

tions, such as riflemen, farmers’ youth or Alpine

flag is hoisted on church towers and private

clubs carry wood, brushwood, torches and oth-

homes and firecrackers bang loudly to com-

er flammable materials up the heights for the

memorate the holiday. In the evening, as soon

mountain fires. This way, the lighting of the

as the darkness falls over the country, the

Sacred Heart fires becomes a convivial festivity

Sacred Heart fires blaze on many mountain

amongst friends. In some places the Tyrolean

peaks, clearings and alpine meadows. They

national anthem ‘Zu Mantua in Banden’ (also

are intended to demonstrate Tyrol’s solidarity,

known as the Andreas-Hofer-Lied) is sung as

renew the pledge given in 1769 and commemo-

well as the song ‘Auf zum Schwur, Tiroler Land’

rate the country’s eventful history. In the Alta

(Song of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus), which

Pusteria/Hochpustertal valley there are also

was composed by priest Josef Seeber for the

plenty of Sacred Heart fires shining down into

100th anniversary of the Most Sacred Heart of

the valley—not only as large bonfires, but also

Jesus celebrations.

in the form of a heart or cross with an inscription of Christ (‘INRI’ or ‘IHS’) or a Tyrolean eagle, on the Eggerberg of Villabassa/Niederdorf installed from the rifel-company Johann-Jaeger.

On the ‘Flodigen Sattel’ mountain near Dobbiaco/Toblach, one fire is lined up with the other,

©G. Kamelger

39

Origins of the mountain fires

Illuminated Dobbiaco Vecchia/Alttoblach

The mountain fires themselves have a long

In Dobbiaco Vecchia, the historic heart of the

tradition. They are derived from the custom of

village surrounding the parish church, the

lighting a fire as a symbol for the sun at the

residents also have another custom: on the

summer solstices around the 20 of June, thus

eve of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Sunday,

honouring the longest day of the year. In the

they light up the windows of the buildings with

course of Christianisation, the midsummer fires

beautiful

changed to the Saint John's Fires. These were

religious motives and place candles on the win-

lit in honour of the feast of Saint John the Bap-

dowsills. In combination with the glistening

June. In

fires on the mountains, this is a truly atmos-

th

tist, which is celebrated on the 24

th

the past, however, the glowing fires in clearly

window

pictures

that

represent

pheric experience.

visible places had an entirely different function.

In the mountain regions, they were one of the

Doris Brunner (Author)

few ways of communicating with faraway compatriots. For example, the ‘Kreidfeuer’, literally translated ‘screaming fires’, heralded the threat of war for centuries or were the visible sign of the attack. As such the attack of the Tyrolean

©T.A. Dobbiaco/Toblach

militia was also initiated by a signal fire on the mountain summits.

©Shutterstock

©T.A. Dobbiaco/Toblach

©T.A. Dobbiaco/Toblach

40

©M. Kottersteger

Hiking in autumn In the holiday region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a varied hiking program in autumn, which also includes a trial course as a hut host.

Here is a selection of other interesting topics that are offered weekly: Every Tuesday:

Climbing tour >Dolomiti senza confini<

A breathtaking tour in the middle of the Dolomites, that makes every climber's heart beat faster!

Every Wednesday:

A history of frontiers

War zone in the region 3 Zinnen in the Dolomites—a hike with memorable historical background Every Thursday:

You as a landlord

The guests in the role of Hebs, the landlord—a quaint experience at the Rossalm alpine hut in the Braies Valley!

Every Thursday:

In the footsteps of smugglers

Along the legendary footsteps of smugglers on the border trail between Austria and Italy Every Friday:

Three Peaks sunrise

The Dolomite landmark in early sunshine—a unique autumnal colour spectacle!

Those interested can find further information on the following homepage: www.dreizinnen.com/autumn 41

Get social! #3zinnendolomites #discover3zinnen ©M. Kottersteger

©M. Kottersteger

©M. Kottersteger

©M. Kottersteger

©M. Kottersteger

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ŠM. Kottersteger

ŠM. Kottersteger

ŠM. Kottersteger

drei-zinnen.info

Facebook.com/3zinnenholidayregion

Instagram.com/3zinnendolomites

Yo u t u b e . c o m / a l t a p u s t e r i a

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… Pure emotion Romantik Hotel & Restaurant

Alemagnastraße 4 | I-39034 Toblach Südtirol | Italien T +39 0474 972 142 info@hotel-santer.com | www.hotel-santer.com

Trachten Stüberl

Ihr Trachten- & Lodenfachgeschäft im Pustertal St.-Johannes-Str. 69 :: I-39034 TO B L A C H Tel. +39 0474 972 350