Racines between mountains, gorges and culture

Racines combines winter expanses, challenging mountain hikes, gorges and culture.

High-altitude cross-country skiing and mountains

The Platschjoch panoramic high-altitude cross-country ski trail runs for 14.9 kilometres through varied open terrain and dense spruce forests. This creates a clearly defined winter experience that combines altitude, open landscapes and forest. For planning purposes, both the altitude and the 14.9 kilometres are therefore important.

The Ridanna mountains can also be explored via distinctive destinations. The panoramic platform at Fuchssee offers a 360-degree panoramic view amid the Ridanna alpine landscape. The platform can be reached by bus route 312 from Sterzing to the “Gasse” stop. The specific connection via Sterzing and the “Gasse” stop is therefore part of planning this destination. A challenging alternative is the “Seven Lakes Tour” in the high mountains of Ridanna, which leads to glacial lakes. At Fuchssee, the focus is on a 360-degree panoramic view, while the “Seven Lakes Tour” is a challenging hike to glacial lakes in the high mountains of Ridanna.

Waterways and gorges

For the Gilfenklamm gorge, the current trail situation is particularly important for planning: Access is from the entrance at Jaufensteg via wooden walkways and bridges, only downhill and approximately halfway along the regular route towards the waterfall. Cascate di Stanghe, a waterfall, is also located in the vicinity of Racines. For a visit, both the starting point at Jaufensteg and the direction and length of the accessible section are therefore relevant. For your own day planning on site, you should therefore currently allow for a limited section of trail: it begins at Jaufensteg and leads downhill towards the waterfall.

Wolfsthurn Castle and regional culture

Since 1996, Wolfsthurn Castle has housed the South Tyrol Museum of Hunting and Fishing. The museum features authentically furnished ceremonial rooms and a cultural-historical collection on the history of hunting and fishing.

A themed trail leads to Wolfsthurn Castle; interactive stations and information panels provide insights into the habitats “Forest and Water”.

Other cultural points of reference include the Krampus parade, a tradition in Racines. Castel Strada, a castle, is also located in the vicinity of Racines. In the wider regional area are Schenna, a castle, as well as Brunnenburg and the Museo delle Donne, both museums.

Places for different travel interests

The landscape around Racines is also shaped by several mountain destinations: Monte Altacroce and Guardia Alta are mountains, while Penser Weißhorn is a peak. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore plan according to the focus of your trip: the high-altitude cross-country ski trail, a mountain hike to glacial lakes, the panoramic view at Fuchssee, or the cultural rooms and trails around Wolfsthurn Castle can take centre stage. This keeps Racines open as a destination for different interests, without requiring the individual experiences to be combined into one uniform excursion programme.

Discover more destinations

Freienfeld, Brenner, Franzensfeste, Mareit, Pfitsch, Sterzing and Mauls provide additional orientation for exploring other destinations.

For the overarching travel overview: Wipptal.