Predoi / Prettau

At the northernmost point of South Tyrol, the nearly 560 inhabitants of the municipality of Predoi / Prettau have settled. The main town of Predoi / Prettau, called Predoi in Italian, is located at an altitude of about 1300 meters at the end of the beautiful Tauferer Ahrntal near Bruneck. Every year, a manageable number of tourists come to the small village. Far from mass tourism, you can enjoy the relaxing silence and the warm hospitality of the locals here. In Predoi / Prettau and the small hamlet of Kasern, nature is literally within reach. 70% of the municipal area is already located in the well-known Riesenferner-Ahrn Nature Park. The extensive natural area covers a total of 31,320 hectares and has unique water resources. The cool water, an elixir of life, plays the main role here. In the park, you can find the largest glacier areas in South Tyrol and numerous waterfalls, crystal-clear mountain lakes, babbling brooks, and refreshing springs. The beautiful landscape is best explored on one of the numerous themed and adventure hiking trails.

For those who want to deepen their knowledge a little, a visit to the Kasern Nature Park House is recommended. Reliefs, graphics, large pictures, and interactive stations provide an impression of the enormous nature park area and provide valuable data and facts.

Tipp: In the village of Kasern, located at an altitude of 1582 meters, stands the well-known Holy Spirit Church, around which many myths revolve. A walk there provides variety, not least because of the stories surrounding this church.

Since time immemorial, the history of the municipality of Predoi / Prettau has been closely linked to mining. In 1400, mining for copper began at an altitude of 2100 meters at today's Rettenbach and was then further processed. Each year, about 56 to 84 tons were produced; copper ore extraction quickly developed into the driving economic force of the hinter Ahrntal. Many valley residents found a secure, albeit very strenuous, job here.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the history of mining and experience the hustle and bustle inside the mine up close, a visit to the St. Ignaz Heritage Gallery is recommended. Here, a show mine was built, which is equally popular with young and old. Visitors can ride in former mine wagons on the revitalized mine railway and will be welcomed by an experienced mountain guide. The tour of the show mine includes 2 tours, one of which leads into the interior of the mine.

Special highlight: a cement copper plant that is still in operation. The plant is used to extract cement copper from the mine waters.

In an unusual environment, you can take a deep breath and do something for your health at the Prettau Climate Gallery. Here, in the middle of the Prettau mine, the healing gallery has been specially equipped for visitors with seating, lounges, and sleeping bags. As part of the so-called cave therapy, chronic diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or inflammation of the mucous membranes can be relieved. This is due to the relatively high humidity found in the gallery. At a temperature of 8-10 degrees Celsius, you breathe absolutely pure air, which leads to more well-being and health. Entries into the gallery should be made after consulting a doctor, and a session lasts about 2 hours.