Breathing deeply in Prettau
Prettau is the most northern commune in Italy and also the smallest in Tauferer Ahrntal. The commune comprises the center, the hamlet Kasern and the alpine settlements Prastmann with Trinkstein and the place of pilgrimage Heiliggeist. Hiking paths lead from here all the way to the Austrian border, where the mountain lodge Birnlücke provides a resting place and great view.
During winter Lake Thara in Kasern gives way to a natural ice-skating-rink, and the nature to a winter wonderland full of possibilities such as snowshoe walking and skitouring, after which visitors can relax in the exclusive hotels in Prettau.
Unique in Prettau is the Climatic Gallery: The microclimate in the shutdown mining gallery is especially beneficial for people with allergies and respiratory problems. The humid climate is free of allergens, calms the respiratory system and has a healing effect on neurodermatitis. Those who wish to try the effects of the Gallery first-hand - and are looking for a special pastime besides the usual activities of reading, listening to music or meditating - find with a bit of luck bobbin courses in the village.
From copper mining to bobbin
In Prettau copper was mined since the late Middle Ages. Today the mine is shut down and a show-mine is open to the public from March to October, testifying of the mining tradition in the valley. When the mine closed in 1893, 40 families lost their jobs and thus their main source of income. Eventually mining owners and the village priest summoned their resources to send a few local women abroad to learn about bobbin.
Rosa Kofler Mittermair was the first one to visit art and bobbin courses abroad. After her return, she taught at a newly founded school of bobbin and passed on her knowledge to the other women. For many years this craft contributed considerably to the livelihood of the villagers, who passed the precious knowledge on to their children and children’s children. Courses in this craft are held annually in the months of June and July.
Those who would like to learn about the surroundings of Ahrntal instead, find in the neighboring village St. Jakob a variety of skillful woodcarvers, in Steinhaus the hiking- and ski-resort Klausberg, and in Sand in Taufers the beautiful Castle Taufers and a unique walking path leading to the waterfalls of Reinbach. Find here the most beautiful hotels in Prettau in the South Tyrolean Ahrntal.
FAYN garden retreat hotel
