Attractions and Places To See in Naturpark Rieserferner-Ahrn - Parco Naturale Vedrette Di Ries-Aurina - Top 20

This rock was once used as a so-called "sleeping stone"; according to legend, one could wash away one's sins by squeezing under it. Since we last did this four years ago, it's time to repeat the process. It's not that easy, as it involves some climbing, and it's also quite narrow.

The Holy Spirit Church (or Holy Spirit Pilgrimage Church) is located at the end of the Ahrntal Valley in the Kasern district of the Prettau municipality (not directly in St. Peter, which is further down the valley), and is a significant building in South Tyrol. It is located in the farthest reaches of the Ahrntal Valley in Kasern, at an elevation of 1619 meters above sea level, and is considered the northernmost church in Italy. The church was probably founded as early as the 8th century, but it was first documented and consecrated (church and cemetery) in 1455 by Bishop Nicholas Cusanus. It took on its present form in the 16th century. It was originally a miners' church for the miners of the nearby Prettau copper mine and served as a shelter for travelers trekking across the Krimml Tauern to Salzburg. Today it is a popular place of pilgrimage. The church is set in a narrow high mountain valley and is protected from avalanches by a rocky outcrop behind it.

The first waterfall of the Reinbach Cascade is reachable after about a 20-minute hike from the parking lot. The path there is wide, easy to walk, and runs along the Francis Contemplation Trail, which has several stations inviting you to reflect. At the waterfall itself, there is a viewing point from which you can enjoy the cascading water and the surrounding nature. Particularly noteworthy is the "Sister Water" contemplation point, a modern representation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that reminds us of the spiritual significance of water. This section of the hike is easy, also suitable for families, and offers a first impressive glimpse of the power of the Reinbach Waterfalls.

The Church of the Holy Spirit, one of the most evocative pilgrimage destinations in South Tyrol, is the oldest church in the valley, built for the miners who worked in the copper mine of Predoi and the travellers who used the Tauern Pass to reach Pinzgau or Salzburg. The exact date of its construction is unknown. According to a legend, in this place the sound of a bell coming from the earth could be heard repeatedly. While digging, a portrait of the Holy Spirit came to light. After being taken away, the portrait was found again behind the rock that stands next to the church. For this reason, the decision was made to build the chapel. The first documents regarding the church date back to 1455, when it was consecrated by Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa, Prince Bishop of Bressanone. In 1500 the church was enlarged and during this work it was stripped of the works of art present, which were brought back here only in 1981. Other works of art are a representation of the Holy Trinity as well as wooden statues of St. Oswald, St. Kilian and St. Ursula, St. Francis and St. Andrew. Various tapestries and paintings give the church a particular artistic and architectural richness. The Church of the Holy Spirit is however above all known for the crucifix perforated by bullet holes. According to another legend, this crucifix was located near the Prastmann Farm and a shooter traveling for a competition decided to test his accuracy by piercing the cross three times. He won the competition and returned with a bull that, passing by the cross, became enraged and killed the man. The church, located at 1,620 m above sea level, seems to lean on a rock. And right there, between the building and nature, is the "Schliefstein", the sin-freer: whoever passes between the narrow walls of the rock is freed from his sins. Today a Via Crucis leads to the Church of the Holy Spirit from Casere and the individual stations were created by youth associations and students of the wood carving school of San Giacomo.

The Riva waterfalls (or Campo Tures waterfalls) are located in Cantuccio, between the Aurina Valley and the Riva Valley. There are three waterfalls (high, medium and low) and they are even more spectacular the more the snow has melted on the Vedrette di Ries.

There is a beautiful hiking trail around Lake Antholz with lovely views

The Antholzer See is located at the end of the Antholzer valley, at the foot of the Staller Sattel, at an altitude of 1642m. With an area of 43 hectares and a depth of 43 m, it is the third largest lake in South Tyrol. You can walk around the lake on a path that is about 3.5 km long, with a difference in altitude of about 90 m.

The Antholzer See is located at the end of the Antholzer valley, at the foot of the Staller Sattel, at an altitude of 1642m. With an area of 43 hectares and a depth of 43 m, it is the third largest lake in South Tyrol. You can walk around the lake on a path that is about 3.5 km long, with a difference in altitude of about 90 m.