Stilfs between views of the Ortler, alpine pastures and living traditions

A historic compact village

Stilfs is a typical Romanesque compact village in the upper Vinschgau valley. Its terraced settlement was built in the 15th century by miners who mined iron ore on the Ortler. This origin gives the village a historical context that extends beyond individual buildings: the location and development of the settlement are connected with earlier work in the high mountains.

Views of the Ortler Alps

The Archaikweg follows sections of a historic Alpine crossing route, passes the prehistoric settlement of “Gaschlin” and extends as far as the mountain village of Stilfs. Historically valuable points along the route are marked with information boards.

The Archaikweg also offers views of the Ortler Alps. It therefore appeals to visitors who do not want to experience movement and landscape separately from cultural history. The route passes through themes that stand closely alongside one another in Stilfs: prehistoric traces, the history of the miners and views of the alpine surroundings.

Alpine pasture paths and the Stilfs Goldseen

The Upper Stilfs Alpine Pasture lies at an elevation of 2,077 metres above the mountain village of Stilfs. It is the starting point for numerous hikes, including the popular route to Piz Chavalatsch. Those who want to spend their days at altitude and on longer stretches of trail will find a clear landscape focus here.

The Upper Stilfs Alpine Pasture can be reached in two hours via Trail No. 2 from the Fragges wildlife enclosure or via Trail No. 4 from the Trafoi chairlift. These two described approaches provide a specific time frame for your planning without having to combine the routes into one fixed circular tour.

The Stilfs Goldseen are located in the alpine pasture area above the village of Stilfs and form a network of small streams and lakes. A circular trail leads to them near the Upper Stilfs Alpine Pasture. In addition to the striking cotton grass tussocks, the small alpine lakes offer unobstructed views of the Ortler region. Here, a manageable landscape setting combines with a characteristic view of the mountain world.

Traditions and the history of copper

During Klosn in Stilfs, young men portray the Schellern, donkeys and Tuifeln in frightening masks and colourful costumes, ringing heavy bells. The tradition expresses a striking, noisy aspect of local cultural life.

Pfluagziachn in Stilfs is an ancient carnival tradition that takes place every two years on the Saturday after Unsinniger Thursday. If you want to plan your trip around such a date, this set event rhythm is one of the special features you can take into account when planning.

The “Der Einstieg” exhibition presents finds and images relating to the prehistoric extraction and processing of copper, as well as the development of settlements in the region.

Choose your accommodation according to your interests

When choosing your accommodation in Stilfs, your own daily rhythm is the main consideration. If you want to combine trails, altitude and landscape, you can make the Archaikweg, Upper Stilfs Alpine Pasture and Stilfs Goldseen the focus of your planning. If you are more interested in the development of the village, the compact village, the history of copper and local traditions provide a different focus.

Discover more destinations: Ravina, Fiavè, Civezzano, Castello Tesino, Rovereto, Vigolo Vattaro, Mezzano, Piazzola.

To the overarching travel overview: Trentino.