Val di Fleres in summer

Among the most enchanting and unspoilt valleys of South Tyrol, one cannot fail to mention the Val di Fleres: it is between the summit of Montarso, part of the Breonie Alps, and Colle Isarco in Alta Isarco Valley.

The Val di Fleres extends from an altitude of 1050 meters, for a length of about 16 km and is crossed by the course of the Rio Fleres: in summer this little South Tyrolean jewel turns out to be a real surprise for tourists who come to visit it for the first time vault, among luxuriant nature, lakes, waterfalls and ancient traditions full of history and folklore.

What to do and what to see

The Val di Fleres was once called silver valley, i.e. Valle d'Argento and the reason was linked to the mining activity which for centuries has affected the valley, especially in reference to lead and silver.

If in winter it is a destination for ski lovers thanks to its 15 km of slopes, in summer visitors will be able to discover its natural beauty through walks and excursions in the open air, suitable for the fittest but also for families: you find yourself in an environment less touristy than the other Alpine valleys, but no less spectacular, maintaining a perhaps more authentic atmosphere linked to the peasant life that still characterizes the valley today.

The more sporty ones, on the other hand, can devote themselves, for example, to climbing on the mountains that surround the Val di Fleres, from the Tribulaun massif to the spectacular Parete Bianca, whose walls are among the steepest and most scenic of all the Alps of the Stubai. Those who love more relaxing outdoor activities, on the other hand, can devote themselves to fishery of the trout in the lake located near the Malga Edelweiss.

Advantageous offers in Val Gardena

Discover the best offers to spend an unforgettable summer holiday in the Dolomites of Val Gardena, with holiday packages at advantageous prices in hotels and apartments in Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena

Discover best offers

adv

The main inhabited centers where to stay and then leave to discover the valley are Colle Isarco e St. Anthony: the first has fascinated characters of the caliber of the Austrian emperor Franz Joseph, Goethe and the playwright Henrik Ibsen, who loved to spend their holidays in Colle Isarco.

Equally beautiful is the mountain village of Sant'Antonio, truly picturesque with typical alpine houses, lace curtains on the windows, colorful flowers on the balconies and the characteristic stube present in practically every house and building in Sant'Antonio.

In the Val di Fleres you can go on many excursions, from the easiest ones that can be practiced even by the little ones to the most demanding ones. Among the most spectacular there is without a doubt the Alta Via di Fleres, part of the Alta Via del Tyrol which leads directly to Merano. This route crosses the Santicolo pass and reaches the Calciati al Tribulan refuge via path no. 32A. Continuing along path no. 7, you then arrive at the Cremona della Stua refuge at an altitude of 2425 metres. Walking on path no. 6, between stony ground and pastures, you pass a demanding exposed ledge until you reach the 3016m high Wall, descend towards Sasso-Stua and pass by the Inferno waterfalls.

The Alta Via di Fleres allows hikers to visit some of the most beautiful places in the Val di Fleres, such as the Hell waterfall, in Fleres di Dentro. This natural wonder, perhaps the most beautiful of the Val di Fleres waterfalls, rises right at the foot of the Calciati al Tribulan refuge and, thanks to the natural vaporization of the water, the air is ionized and helps to relax physically and mentally.

To reach the waterfall you have to start from Sant'Antonio and take path no. 6 first and then no. 8, then crossing a shady forest to then reach the waterfall. Continuing further along path no. 8 you can reach a panoramic point, complete with a wooden bench, with a view of Colle Isarco, the Val di Fleres and, if it is not shrouded in fog as often happens, also the Tribuluan.

Among the other things to do in the summer in the Val di Fleres is to walk the Dolomieu path which allows adults and children to discover the typical fauna and flora of the area: it starts from Colle Isarco and, passing by the Ladurner Hut, among woods, pastures and meadows, reaches the Vipiteno Hut on top of Monte Cavallo, with a view of the Pflerscher Glacier, from the Valle Isarco and on the Tribulaun.

If you wish, you can take the cable car down to Vipiteno and visit this splendid town located about 7 km from the Val di Fleres. a walk in its historic center is not to be missed, among wrought iron signs, buildings embellished by the characteristic bay window and the iconic Torre dei Dodici which, since 1472, has dominated the entire town7.

It is also recommended to visit the Malga Edelweiss, picturesque with the nearby wooden crucifix and the lake, in whose crystalline waters the imposing profile of the omnipresent Tribolaun is reflected. To reach the Malga Edelweiss you have to reach Ladurns in a couple of hours by cable car or by following path no. 34.

Among the most famous excursions to do in the Val di Fleres is the Tour of the Three Malghe which allows tourists to enjoy an alpine landscape while pausing at the Allriss Malga, the Pfaffenberghütte Malga, the Toffringalm Malga and finally at the Stella Alpina Refuge at an altitude of 1970 metres.

There is no better occasion than taking this route to taste the typical dishes of the area and recharge your batteries for the next walk.

Another spectacular excursion to do in Val di Fleres is the one to the vault of the side valley Toffring Tal, surrounded by peaks such as the Cima del Tempo and above all the Cime Bianche di Telves, which divide it from the adjacent Val Ridanna.

In fact, this excursion turns out to be a fascinating circular route that starts from Colle Isarco and goes up through the Val di Fleres for about 5 km: once you arrive at the station of the ski lifts going to the Ladurns hiking and skiing area, you find yourself in 1724 meters high to go around the crest of the Wastenegg.

Passing areas dotted with conifers, you arrive at a picturesque lake located at an altitude of 1870 meters, near which there is a bench complete with a sign indicating the characteristics of the Laken: visiting this lake in summer means finding yourself in the company of nice dragonflies , which contribute to making the landscape even more bucolic than it already is.

Continuing further, you first come across Malga Toffring at an altitude of 1686m and then that of Allriss at an altitude of 1534m.

Holidays

The Val di Fleres is small but it is full of places to visit, especially naturalistic ones, and it would take at least a week to visit them: with all the necessary time, you have the possibility of going on excursions and contemplating the landscape without haste and without limiting yourself to a frugal meal for fear of not having the necessary time to complete the day's sightseeing programme.

Having a week or even ten days available, however, you can experience the traditions of the place, the festivals and discover the local gastronomic heritage, perhaps at the many huts that dot the Valle di Fleres, tasting the typical cuisine made of cold cuts, canederli , polenta, aromatic herbs and yoghurt.

The accommodation offer in the Val di Fleres is also excellent, as there are solutions for every type of need: hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes and farmhouses all have in common their respect for tradition and the authenticity of the surrounding environment.