Reflecting in Abtei
Abtei is an enchanting peaceful commune in the wonderfully traditional Alta Badia at the entrance of the nature parks Puez-Geisler and Fanes-Sennes-Prags. Abtei comprises the villages Pedratsches, St. Leonhard, Stern and St. Kassian and is reachable via St. Lorenzen near Bruneck, or - in the snow-free season – over the pass Valpalora or the saddle of Val Gardena. Here visitors are given the chance to draw strength from nature and to find tune in to its rhythm. The environment presents here wonderful walks and extraordinary mountain and climbing tours, in between: the exquisite hotels in Abtei. Historical insights into some darker times are gained on Lagazuoi, where tunnels and trenches from the First World War are still visible today.
Pilgrimage to Heiligkreuz
Above St. Leonhard at 2.045 meters at the foot of Kreuzkofel lies the Church Heiligkreuz. The church was sanctified at the end of the 15th century and presents a popular place of pilgrimage today. The adjacent building was constructed during the 18th century serving as hostel for the pilgrims. Another popular destination is the birth house of China-missionary Father Joseph Freinademetz in Oies in St. Leonhard. The South Tyrolean missionary was sainted in 2003 by Pope John Paul II.
During winter the landscape in Abtei vanishes under a white coat, which provides perfect conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoe-walking. Well-worth a visit are the alpine pastures of Armentarola close-by St. Kassian. Above Pedratsches a beautiful mountain lake invites for ice-skating in the winter. Fans of winter sports and all other mountain-friends find a chairlift in the village, connecting Abtei with the ski-resort Alta Badia and the Dolomite-group Sella and the Sellaronda. If you would like to spend your next vacation in this fountain of positive energies, find here the most beautiful hotels in Abtei in the South Tyrolean Dolomites.