Val di Casies / Gsies

The Val di Casies is a side valley of the Puster Valley between the foothills of the Rieserferner Group and the Defereggen Alps on the border with East Tyrol. In the wide and sunny valley are the villages of Pichl (at 1,260 m above sea level), St. Martin and St. Magdalena (1,400 m); the last farms in the rear part of the valley are located at around 1,530 m. Val di Casies / Gsies is one of the last regions in the Alpine region that still largely relies on agriculture. Away from mass tourism, guests can find peace, relaxation, and wellness in this tranquil holiday area, as well as a rich variety of sports activities. First-class hotels and gastronomy make the holiday experience perfect.

One of the most famous sons of the Val di Casies / Gsies is probably the Capuchin Father Joachim Haspinger (1776 – 1858), a comrade-in-arms of Andreas Hofer in the Tyrolean freedom fights. In St. Martin, his birthplace and the Pater Haspinger monument can be found. Other attractions include the St. George's Church in Taisten, the oldest architectural monument in the Upper Puster Valley, and the Mountain Farm Museum in the "Voadohiubn House," a lovingly restored historic farmhouse where visitors can gain insights into peasant life and work in earlier times. At the entrance to the Val di Casies / Gsies stands Welsperg Castle with its distinctive, unusually high keep. Opposite in Taisten is the Thurn Ruin; both castles can be explored on a beautiful circular hike.

The holiday region is a unique hiking paradise. From idyllic valley walks to scenic alpine hikes and summit tours in the Defereggen Alps, there is something suitable for every mountain lover. Mountain bikers also get their money's worth in the extensive terrain. Horseback riding, tennis, and Nordic walking are also available for summer vacations. For targeted running training during the holidays, the Runningcenter Welsberg offers six different racing tracks with the best conditions.

In the winter, the family-friendly holiday area is a paradise for tobogganing with several beautiful toboggan runs for endless tobogganing fun. Val di Casies / Gsies was also the venue for the Natural Track Luge World Championships in 1990 and 1994! There are great conditions for cross-country skiers in the wide, sunny valley: the Gsies Valley cross-country ski trail alone is 40 km long, and with good snow conditions, there is also a connection to the Pustertal Marathon cross-country ski trail via Taisten and Welsberg. Additionally, every February, a major popular cross-country ski race, the Gsies Valley Run, takes place. The holiday region is also ideal for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and ski touring.

With the large selection of comfortable accommodations and hotels, finding a suitable hotel for your vacation will not be difficult. Trendy sports hotels, cozy family hotels, romantic hotels, or modern wellness hotels pamper guests with elegant facilities, first-class service, and wellness offerings. The typical South Tyrolean hospitality ensures a relaxed atmosphere and makes your holiday in Gsies a very special and unforgettable experience.