Holiday · Val Venosta · South Tyrol · 75 minutes from Bolzano Airport
The driest valley in the Alps, a church tower rising from the middle of a reservoir, and above it all the Ortles at 3,905 metres. The Val Venosta is South Tyrol's most distinctive corner.
Departure airport
Destination
Travel period
Travellers
Direct flight on the SkyAlps network to Bolzano (1–2 hours) + hotel in the Val Venosta + 75-minute transfer. South Tyrol's westernmost valley runs from Merano to the Resia Pass, is the driest region in the Alps and contains the Stelvio National Park with the Ortles (Ortler) — the highest mountain in South Tyrol.
- Direct flight to Bolzano
- Best price guarantee
- EU-protected package holiday
- Just 75 minutes' transfer from Bolzano
Why the Val Venosta?
What defines the Val Venosta?
The Val Venosta is South Tyrol's westernmost and driest valley, home to the Stelvio National Park, Lake Resia and the Ortles as the region's highest peak.
The Val Venosta stretches from Merano to the Resia Pass on the borders with Austria and Switzerland. It is the driest region in the Alps — hence the centuries-old irrigation channels, the Waalwege, which still bring water from mountain streams down to orchards and vineyards. The main crop of the valley is apples: Val Venosta apples carry the IGP designation and are exported all over Europe.
To the south lies the Stelvio National Park, with the Ortles (Ortler) — at 3,905 metres, the highest mountain in South Tyrol. In its side valleys sit Solda (Sulden) and Trafoi — in winter ski areas with the longest season in the province, in summer starting points for high-alpine tours. The Stelvio Pass road, on the Italian side, is one of the highest and most spectacular passes in the Alps — closed in winter, but a legend for cyclists and motorcyclists in summer.
The region's most famous image stands in the water: the church tower of Alt-Graun rises from Lake Resia, ever since the village was flooded for the reservoir in 1950. Add Glorenza (Glurns), with its completely preserved medieval town walls; Marienberg Abbey, the highest Benedictine monastery in Europe; and the Val Venosta cycle path from the Resia Pass to Merano — mostly downhill, and one of the most popular cycling routes in the Alps.
3,905 m
Ortles, highest peak in South Tyrol
driest
region in the Alps
National Park
Stelvio
What is there to do in the Val Venosta?
The Val Venosta is broad and best explored by bike or car. Down on the valley floor lie orchards, the cycle path and the villages; on the slopes run the Waalwege irrigation trails; and in the side valleys stretches the high-altitude world of the National Park. In winter the ski area of Solda operates from late October to early May, one of the highest and most snow-guaranteed in the Alps. Culture happens in Glorenza, in Marienberg Abbey and at Lake Resia — three sites that leave lasting impressions.
Valley floor and Lake Resia
Location500 – 1,500 m
ScopeVal Venosta Cycle Path, Waalwege, Glorenza
LevelFlat to easy
Suited toCyclists, families, culture lovers
Church tower in Lake Resia, Marienberg Abbey at around 1,340 m
Stelvio National Park
Location1,900 – 3,905 m
ScopeSolda, Trafoi, high-alpine tours
LevelDemanding
Suited toMountaineers, ski-tourers
Ortles at 3,905 m, ski season from late October to early May
Which flights are available to South Tyrol (Bolzano)?
SkyAlps flies direct to Bolzano from Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Copenhagen, Warsaw and London — flight time 1h 15min – 2h. All prices are per person and include return flights plus nights at the booked hotel.
When is the best time to visit the Val Venosta?
The valley floor is accessible early in the year thanks to the dry climate — the orchard bloom in April is a reason in itself to come, and the cycle path is rideable from spring to autumn. The high-altitude areas in the National Park are reliably snow-free from July to September, September brings clear views and the apple harvest. Solda skis from late October to early May — one of the longest seasons in the Alps. In November much stands still, but the valley floor remains accessible.
May
Valley green, Waalwege
Jun
Warm, cycling season
Jul
Hot in the valley, high tours
Aug
Peak season
Sep
Clear, apple harvest
Oct
Autumn colours, Solda opens
Nov
Early ski start
Dec
Christmas, snow
Jan
Best snow
Feb
Best snow
Mar
Sun and snow
Apr
Orchard bloom, long ski season
Peak season
Recommended
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
In 1950, several villages were flooded for a reservoir project — among them Alt-Graun.
Residents were resettled and the buildings blown up — except the Romanesque church tower from the 14th century, which was under monument protection and remained standing. The result is one of the most photographed views in South Tyrol: a lone church tower rising out of a reservoir. In winter, when the lake freezes over, you can walk out to it on the ice. The event is documented in the visitor centre in Graun.
Ready for your Val Venosta holiday?
Direct flight to Bolzano, a hotel in the Val Venosta and the transfer – all in one booking. Book online now, securely, flexibly and at the best price.