Magical mountains &
idyllic alpine pastures
Lace up your hiking boots and don your backpack. The valley is still asleep, because it is early in the morning when you set off on your hike. The air is cool, but you soon warm up as you get going. And then, finally, you spy the cross on the summit. You meet other hiking enthusiasts along the way - locals, in the main, who speak the regional dialect.
You make yourself comfortable on a rock, and watch the sunrise. Peace reigns as you take in this natural spectacle: the clouds turn pink, and then gradually become a more intense red - the sky seems to set itself on fire. The sun slowly appears from behind the rocky peaks and bathes everything in a warm glow. The world is awakening. It is dawn in the mountains.
It is an experience that will live on in your mind...
Our "Active" services for your MTB holiday in Val Pusteria
- Hikes in Gais and in the surrounding area offer much all to be discovered. Explore the landscape of contrasts on your own, or take part in one of the weekly guided excursions offered by your hosts Karin and Michi.
- Give your car a break: we will treat you to a Premium HOLIDAYPASS, enabling you to make free use of all public transport (buses and trains) in Alto Adige. With the Premium HOLIDAYPASS you can also take part, for free, in the "KRON AKTIV" programme of gentle walks, cycle rides and hikes in the mountains. The bus stop is opposite the hotel.
- For your outdoor experiences we will gladly provide maps and trekking poles, useful tips and other information, and prepare picnic lunches (on request).
Casanova Castle culture trail
The cultural path of Gais is dedicated to the writers, artists and celebrities who have spent part of their lives in Gais. These include, most notably, Oswald von Wolkenstein, Ezra Pound and Mary de Rachewiltz, but also many others. The path, which is both educational and picturesque, starts directly at Hotel Sonne and skirts the large animal enclosure (also well worth a visit!).
Church of the Holy Spirit, Casere
On the floor of the Aurina Valley is a hiking trail and the Via Crucis leading to the door of the Church of the Holy Spirit, a well-known place of pilgrimage. Many legends surround not only the birth and construction of this church, but also the mysterious crucifix pierced by bullets... Definitely worth a visit - for the cultural interest as well as for the landscape all around!
Malga dei Dossi (Knuttenalm) in Riva di Tures
A wide and undemanding forest road leads along the rushing Rio dei Dossi and through large and pleasant meadows to Malga dei Dossi. The lovingly tended refreshment stop is a popular meeting place for many locals and visitors. Here you can savour both good food and beautiful views. This outing is suitable for all the family.