Graun in Vinschgau at Lake Reschen: History, Landscapes and Special Experiences
Accommodation in Graun in Vinschgau
Graun in Vinschgau combines its immediate location on Lake Reschen with an unusually rich history. On the shore of Curon, the Romanesque bell tower stands in the water; at the same time, churches, museums and historic sites lead into the valley’s past. Your holiday destination thus becomes a place where landscapes, culture and special activities exist side by side.
Lake Reschen and its submerged bell tower
Curon lies directly on the shore of Lake Reschen. The Romanesque bell tower rising from the water dates back to 1357 and is the only visible remnant of the villages of Graun and Reschen. Both villages were completely submerged in 1950 when the lake was dammed. The tower is therefore not only a striking feature on the lake, but also a reminder of the vanished settlement landscape. Anyone visiting Graun in Vinschgau encounters a place where the present-day expanse of water is directly connected with the history of the former villages.
Churches, museum and regional history
The Chiesetta di Sant'Anna stands on a hill overlooking Lake Reschen. The small church was consecrated in 1521 in the Late Gothic style and preserves an exterior fresco depicting Saint George, created around 1600. For visitors interested in culture, this site offers a peaceful historical reference point without allowing the landscape to recede into the background.
At the Museo dell’Alta Val Venosta, 3D models of the old village, objects from Curon Vecchia, old artistic artefacts and photographic documentation preserve the history of the flooded village. The exhibition addresses both its disappearance and its reconstruction. In the wider area around Curon are also Altfinstermünz Castle and St. John’s Abbey. Together with the bell tower, the Chiesetta di Sant'Anna and the museum, they form a cultural focus that can be combined well with observing the landscape around Lake Reschen.
Lakescapes and peaks in the surrounding area
The immediate surroundings of Curon include several distinctive peaks: Cima Termine, Monte Cavallo, Klopaier Spitze and Cima Plaies. Cima Termine, Monte Cavallo, Klopaier Spitze and Cima Plaies are located in the immediate surroundings of Curon. Depending on your personal interests, you can therefore experience Graun in Vinschgau with a focus on history, the lakeshore or the mountains.
Cycling route and activities on the water
Curon lies directly on the Via Claudia Augusta cycling route. The village is therefore also connected to the context of a historic Alpine route, which serves as a thematic point of reference for cyclists planning their trip. Snowkiting takes place at the Curon kitesurfing spot. Stand-up paddleboarding is also offered around Curon’s historic bell tower. The two activities have different focuses: while snowkiting places winter sports at the centre, stand-up paddleboarding directs attention to the water and the village’s landmark.
Accommodation to suit your interests
When choosing your hotel or another type of accommodation in Graun in Vinschgau, you can therefore first determine the desired character of your stay. If Lake Reschen and the bell tower are the main focus, the emphasis is on landscapes and cultural memory. Those with a stronger interest in art, architecture and village history will find further specific themes in the Chiesetta di Sant'Anna and the Museo dell’Alta Val Venosta. For more active planning, the Via Claudia Augusta, snowkiting or stand-up paddleboarding offer different areas of interest. This allows you to structure your holiday in Graun in Vinschgau around the places and activities that actually define it, without reducing the destination to just one aspect.
Other destinations in the same surrounding area: Schnals, Latsch, St. Valentin a.d. Haide, Glurns, Schlanders, Martell, Laas, Kapron.
To the overarching travel overview: Vinschgau.
