Culture & excursion destinations
Experience history
in Vinschgau/Val Venosta
Around Mals/Malles in South Tyrol an exceptionally rich cultural landscape, which brings history to life, awaits you. Centuries-old churches, the mighty Churburg Castle and Marienberg Monastery tell of Obervinschgau/Alta Val Venosta’s eventful past. In the smallest town in South Tyrol, Glurns/Glorenza, you can stroll through fully preserved town walls and medieval alleyways. Archaeological sites, museums and living customs in the villages complement the cultural offerings. This way you can combine your stay at Bio Hotel Panorama with inspiring insights into art, history and regional identity in a completely relaxed manner.
The world’s largest private armoury
Churburg Castle
Churburg Castle sits enthroned on a hill above Schluderns/Sluderno, just 10 minutes away by car from Mals/Malles. It is considered one of the best-preserved castles in South Tyrol and is home to the largest private armoury in the world – with over 50 complete suits of armour from the 15th to 17th centuries as well as countless tournament equipment and weapons – all to be admired up close. A must for history and medieval enthusiasts!
Castle tours
The castle is only accessible as part of guided tours (March to October). You’ll hear stories about the Counts of Trapp, who lived at Churburg Castle for centuries.
Castle Chapel
It’s a small, magnificent chapel featuring Gothic frescoes and ornate carvings.
Arcade walkway
The family tree of the Trapp family has been artistically immortalised here.
View
From the castle, you can look out over the entire Vinschgau/Val Venosta – a panorama that knights enjoyed 800 years ago.
Italy’s smallest city with complete city walls
Glurns/Glorenza
Glurns/Glorenza is a medieval gem. With just 900 inhabitants, it is the smallest town in Italy – and one of the best-preserved. The completely walkable city walls from the 16th century are completely preserved, and in the winding alleyways, colourful houses and small arcades, you can find traces of the past everywhere.
Cafés & restaurants
Cosy cafés and traditional inns are tucked away in the narrow streets.
Our tip: try the Kulturcafé Salina right on Laubengasse. Operated by our partner, the Obervinschgau/Alta Val Venosta Citizens’ Cooperative, you can sample organic and regional delicacies there and also taste our Steiner Schnapps.
Shopping
Small shops offer regional products, handicrafts and South Tyrolean specialities. Perfect for souvenirs.
Festivals & markets
Markets and festivals are held regularly in summer, and the annual Venosta Festival brings international stars to this small town. Particularly exquisite: the Glurns/Glorenza Christmas Market in December.
The highest-altitude Benedictine monastery in Europe
Marienberg Monastery
Marienberg Monastery is located at an altitude of 1,340 metres, just 5 kilometres above Mals/Malles. It is the highest Benedictine monastery in Europe and has been inhabited for over 900 years – by monks who live according to the Rule of St Benedict.
Crypt passage, monastery museum and library
The Romanesque crypt from the 12th century is decorated with unique frescoes – one of the most important sights in South Tyrol when it comes to art history.
The monastery museum showcases the history of the monastery, liturgical vestments, medieval manuscripts and sacred art treasures.
Our tip: take a guided tour with a visit to the library. This is where modern architecture meets historical knowledge.
Monastery garden and monastery shop
The monastery garden is a place of silence and contemplation. Herbs, vegetables and medicinal plants grow here – lovingly tended to by the monks according to centuries-old tradition.
In the monastery shop you will find homemade products, such as herbal teas, liqueurs, jams and honey – all made by the monks.
Silence & contemplation
The monastery offers guest rooms for anyone wishing to spend a few days in silence. A special experience!
The church with a view
St. Veit
The small church of St. Veit sits majestically on the Tartscher Bichl, a hill between Mals/Malles and Tartsch/Tarces. It is not only valuable in terms of art history thanks to its Gothic frescoes from the 14th century, but also a place of personal significance for the Steiner family: Georg and Julia got married here.
Fantastic location
The church sits elevated on a hill with views over the entire Vinschgau/Val Venosta. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Ortler.
From Mals/Malles, you can reach the church in 30 minutes on foot, making for a lovely walk through the village of Tartsch/Tarces.
Frescoes
Inside, Gothic wall paintings have been preserved, featuring colourful depictions of biblical scenes from the 14th century.
Wedding church
Many couples from the region get married here, including Georg and Julia Steiner. The atmosphere is intimate, and the view spectacular.
The landmark of South Tyrol in Lake Reschensee
Sunken church tower
Lake Reschensee is famous for its sunken church tower – a surreal image that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The story behind it? In 1950, the old village of Graun/Curon was flooded to create a reservoir. Only the church tower still rises from the water.
Circular walk
A 15-kilometre lakeside path leads around the lake – perfect for walking or cycling .
In winter you can walk on foot across the frozen ice to the tower, which is an unforgettable experience.
Water sports
In summer, Lake Reschensee is a paradise for kitesurfing and sailing, as the wind blows here almost constantly. In winter, you can also go snowkiting here – and international competitions also take place.
MS Hubertus
A sightseeing boat operates on the lake from June to September. Thea’s tip: “Taking a boat trip at sunset is magical. When the sun sinks behind the mountains and bathes the church tower in warm light, you forget everything around you.”
Culture around Mals/Malles
More cultural treasures
If you can’t get enough of the cultural treasures in Obervinschgau/Alta Val Venosta, there are plenty more exciting highlights to discover. An excursion to Bolzano takes you to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology housing the famous Ötzi the Iceman. At the Fürstenburg Castle in Burgeis/Burgusio or the Messner Mountain Museums in Sulden/Solda and Juval, you can discover history, mountain culture and extraordinary perspectives. This way, every discovery becomes a little journey through time and space.
Cultural highlights in South Tyrol
Goldrain Castle – Baroque Splendour
Goldrain Castle near Latsch/Laces is a Baroque gem with a magnificent garden. Today, the castle houses a museum and is open to visitors from May to October. Particularly worth seeing: the Baroque stucco ceilings and the historic library. Goldrain Castle
The bunkers of the Alpine Wall in Vinschgau/Val Venosta
The Alpine Wall at Reschen Pass is a historic border fortification from the late 1930s, built to protect Italy from a possible German invasion. Today, the Etschquelle bunker, the Plamort anti-tank barrier and the installations leading deep underground in Obervinschgau/Alta Val Venosta are among the most fascinating relics from this period. Many of them can be visited as part of guided walks, exploring an impressive piece of history set amidst unique landscapes.
Lasa marble from South Tyrol
Lasa marble, one of the purest marble stones in the world, has been quarried on the north-eastern flank of the Ortler Alps since ancient times and is used today all over the world – from churches to prestigious buildings, such as the Ground Zero subway station in New York. The village of Laas is still shaped by its rich tradition of marble working, from the historic marble railway to the renowned technical school for stone processing. At the annual “Marble & Apricots” festival, art, crafts and cuisine come together to celebrate this special cultural heritage.
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology – Ötzi the Iceman & Co.
At the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano/Bozen, which is around 70 km from Mals/Malles, Ötzi is on display – the famous iceman from the Neolithic period. A must-see for all history enthusiasts!
Fürstenburg Burgeis/Burgusio – Romanesque church featuring frescoes
The Fürstenburg in Burgeis/Burgusio is a medieval castle complex from the 13th century and is located approximately 5 km from Mals/Malles. Today, the Fürstenburg Castle houses a technical college specialising in agriculture and forestry.
Churches and towers in Mals/Malles
In the historic centre of Mals/Malles, seven towers still rise into the sky today. The St. Benedict Church is one of the oldest surviving churches in Europe, dating from the 8th century AD, and houses Carolingian wall paintings within its interior.
Alpine Road of Romanesque Art
In Romanesque churches you’ll encounter mythical creatures, mermaids, centaurs and column-devouring figures. But what are they doing in churches? On the “Alpine Road of Romanesque Art – Stairway to Heaven” in South Tyrol and Graubünden, you can explore the traces of this fabulous era.
Culture all year round
Seasonal highlights
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Easter markets & spring awakening
In spring, the castles and museums open their doors again. The market takes place in Glurns/Glorenza, offering regional products, handicrafts and South Tyrolean specialities.
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Castle festivals & concerts
In summer, castles and squares are transformed into open-air stages. In mid-August, the South Tyrolean Knights’ Games take place at the foot of Churburg Castle, whilst Glurns/Glorenza features theatre performances and music festivals. Around the summer solstice, traditional Sacred Heart fires light up the night sky.
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Törggelen & harvest festivals
Autumn is Törggelen time – a South Tyrolean custom where you can enjoy new wines, chestnuts and bacon. Many inns around Mals/Malles offer Törggelen menus. Harvest festivals and farmers’ markets also take place.
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Christmas markets & customs
In winter, Christmas markets provide the perfect places to have a stroll around. Particularly exquisite: Glurns/Glorenza Christmas Market in the medieval town. Around 5 December, the “Tuifl” (devil-like figures) get up to their mischief during traditional Krampus runs. In February, on “Nonsensical Thursday”, winter is driven out at the Zusslrennen carnival procession in Prad am Stilfserjoch/Prato allo Stelvio.
Practical information
for culture enthusiasts
Arrival & parking
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Most attractions can be reached by car within 10–30 minutes
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Parking available on-site
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Public buses run from Mals/Malles to all main destinations
Guided tours & excursions
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Guided cultural tours are available to book from Mals/Malles
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Private guides for individual tours
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Audio guides are often available in several languages
Best time to visit
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Spring & autumn: fewer tourists, pleasant temperatures
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Summer: all attractions open, festivals & concerts
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Winter: Christmas markets, fewer museums open
