Discover Prettau: Mining History, Nature and Trails

Prettau between Mining and the High Mountains

Prettau brings together mining history and high-mountain landscapes. The first confirmed record of copper mining in Prettau dates back to 1426. Seventy percent of the municipality of Predoi lies within the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park. Predoi is surrounded by 14 peaks over 3,000 metres high, including the Dreiherrenspitze at 3,499 metres and the Rötzspitze at 3,495 metres. The village can therefore be discovered through both its history and its mountain scenery.

Waldner See lies at an altitude of 2,338 metres beneath the rock faces of the 3,252-metre-high Rauchkofel. Lake, rock faces and summit combine here to create a striking landscape.

History, Church and Local Crafts

At the mine, the “Abenteuer Stollen” tour takes you one kilometre through the St. Ignaz tunnel by mine train; afterwards, you walk 360 metres on two levels through the show mine. Bus route 450 from Bruneck stops directly at the Prettau mine, at the museum car park.

The parish church of San Valentino in Predoi was consecrated in 1489. Its main altarpiece was painted by Franz Unterberger and depicts Saint Valentine with a herd of cattle in a landscape. The Stegerhof was a centre of rural parlour theatre in Prettau; the present-day residential building was extended in 1618, while the original part is considerably older and probably dates back to the 12th century. In Predoi, lace-making and mask carving are part of the local cottage industries.

Hiking, Pilgrimage Routes and Nature Experiences

Behind the hamlet of Kasern, the Church of the Holy Spirit stands in the middle of the nature park. The Way of the Cross at Heilig Geist in the Kasern area consists of 15 covered wooden pillars with carved reliefs depicting the Passion of Christ. Above Kasern, at the Prettau Knappenberg, the Rötbach Waterfall features a breathing platform with a view and a refreshing microclimate. The Prettau Health Trail is approximately 4 km long and includes a natural bathing pond with a Kneipp trail.

Several trails offer different highlights. The hike to Waldner See starts at the church in Prettau and follows trails 16B, 17 and 15A. The Knappensteig follows the traces of historic mining and passes mine entrances as well as ruined mining buildings. The long-distance Hoch-Tirol Trail connects Prettau in South Tyrol with Prägraten in East Tyrol in three stages. In South Tyrol, it crosses the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park; in East Tyrol, it crosses the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Underground Microclimate

There is also a special attraction underground: The Prettau Climate Tunnel lies 1,100 metres deep inside the mountain and offers a two-hour stay in its underground microclimate under the supervision of specialists and physiotherapists. Entry must be reserved in advance by email or telephone. Plan this visit as a separate item on your itinerary.

More Destinations

Other destinations to consider for your trip include Sankt Martin In Thurn, Colfosco, Sand In Taufers, Luttach, Pfalzen, Bruneck, Vintl and Floronzo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Puster Valley.