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Camping Tisens

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Luxury Camping Schlosshof Resort

LANA D'ADIGE

Val Passiria

Val Passiria opens up north of Merano and climbs all the way to the Austrian border, where it is closed off by two passes: Passo Giovo, open all year round, and Passo del Rombo, open only during the summer months. It is a still-authentic valley, far from the crowds, and for this very reason perfect for those seeking peace, nature and living traditions. The landscape changes as you climb: in the Lower Val Passiria, from Merano up to San Leonardo, the climate is mild, among orchards and apple groves; in the Upper Val Passiria it becomes more alpine and wild, with side valleys, mountain huts and high peaks. The valley is also the birthplace of Andreas Hofer, the most famous of the Tyrolean patriots.

Discover the campsites in Val Passiria.

To see

Val Passiria offers many points of interest, between history and nature. You can reach them on foot, by bicycle along the trails connecting the valley to Merano, or by car. Here are our recommendations:

  • MuseoPassiria in San Leonardo: set in the Sandhof farmhouse, the birthplace of Andreas Hofer, it tells the story of the anti-Napoleonic hero and his battles for the freedom of Tyrol.
  • Castel Giovo (Jaufenburg) near San Leonardo: built between the 13th and 14th centuries by the Lords of Passiria to guard the old route to Passo Giovo, it preserves fine Renaissance frescoes and offers a unique view over the valley.
  • The waterfalls: at Moso, the spectacular Stieber Waterfall plunges into the gorge in two leaps of 19 and 18 metres, admired from wooden footbridges; near San Martino, the Passiria Waterfall drops from a height of 48 metres along a trail suitable for the whole family.

Summer activities

In summer Val Passiria is a true paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Fresh air, clear waters and trails for every level make the valley ideal for outdoor holidays. In the summer we recommend:

  • The Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park (Texel Group): the largest nature park in South Tyrol, stretching between Val Passiria and Val Senales and home to the region’s largest group of high-altitude lakes, the Sopranes Lakes. It is crossed by the Alta Via di Merano (Merano High Mountain Trail), one of the most popular panoramic treks in the province.
  • The Rogge Paths (Waalwege): traditional trails that follow the old irrigation canals, comfortably walkable almost all year round. In Val Passiria you will find four of them, along the canals of Caines, Rifiano, Maia and Ulfas.
  • The Passo del Rombo panoramic road: one of the most striking alpine roads, “decorated” with five architectural stations of the Timmelsjoch Experience project which, together with the Pass Museum, tell the nature, history and culture of this border between South Tyrol and the Austrian Tyrol.

Winter activities

In winter Val Passiria offers a family-friendly holiday on the snow, set in the silence of the Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park. The heart of winter sports is the Plan (Pfelders) ski area, part of the Ortler Skiarena. Plan is a characteristic, traffic-restricted village, just a few minutes from the slopes. Here you will find:

  • slopes for every level served by the Grünboden-Express cable car and the Gampen ski lift, with the chance to ski at night on the floodlit run;
  • two toboggan runs, from Plan and from the Grünboden hut;
  • cross-country ski trails set within the nature park, plus an ice-skating rink;
  • special offers for families and a ski school with rental on site.