Ratschings in summer

Ratschings is really three valleys in one – Ridnaun, the Jaufental and the valley floor around Sterzing – which is exactly why nobody here needs to search long for something to do. Almost every destination is just 15 to 20 minutes away by car – and anyone who drives through the valley with open eyes quickly notices: real quiet still exists here, even at the height of summer. Look a little closer over the summer, and you'll find local events – farmers' markets, alpine hut festivals, music evenings – small, genuine encounters you don't book, you find.

One day you're up before sunrise, heading for the Becherhaus hut at 3,195 metres – a summit day that stays with you for days afterwards. And that's just one of the many peaks this valley has to offer: if you'd rather go with a guide, join a sunrise hike or a herb walk before the day has properly begun. On another day, you slow right down: rafting on the Eisack in the morning, and once the rush of the rapids has faded, an evening for two at a mountain hut, a glass of South Tyrolean wine in hand, up where nobody's watching the clock anymore

With a baby, a whole range of pushchair-friendly panoramic paths and shaded walking trails awaits – none of them demanding, all of them simply inviting you to discover the area together. For first steps taken alone, there are countless easy family hikes, many of them guided, so nobody has to worry about the route. Those wanting to go higher take the cable car straight to the mountain station and continue from there without detours – on foot into the hiking area, or on a bike for the first independent metres. 

Children aged three to ten discover the mountain adventure world right at the mountain station, build a raft at the water playground, or watch in the marmot world as the mountain's smallest residents peek out from their burrows. Well worth a trip of its own is the Gilfenklamm gorge down in the valley – the only marble gorge in the world, with spectacular wooden walkways above roaring waterfalls. 

And for the teenagers in the family, real excitement awaits: a mine tour through genuine tunnels at the Ridnaun mining world, an adrenaline rush at the adventure ropes course – and, best of all, a night under the stars with an overnight stay at a mountain hut and a campfire.

The modern panoramic cable car does away with the climb and takes you up into the hiking area in minutes – from there, easy, scenic paths await, along with rustic mountain huts with shaded seating and, for those who prefer culture, Wolfsthurn Castle with its sprawling park, the 46-metre Zwölferturm tower, or a stroll through the arcaded streets of Sterzing. No crowds, no rush – just good air and time to watch the grandchildren play. 

Handy for the whole family: the free ActiveCard, offered by many hosts, is valid on all of South Tyrol's public transport and for selected regional leisure activities – at no extra cost.

From Alpura, the day doesn't begin with a drive – it begins with the first step: on foot, by bike, or with the dog on a lead, straight out into nature. The Ratschings-Jaufen ski area is just 100 metres away, the Gilfenklamm gorge 2 kilometres, and the newly opened Pfeifer-Huisile gorge even passes directly by the hotel. The Almabtrieb cattle drive in Maiern/Ridnaun is 8 kilometres away, the Aglsboden alpine hut 9, Sterzing with the Zwölferturm tower and the summer toboggan run on the Rosskopf each 12, Reifenstein Castle 13 – almost everything the valley has to offer lies within a 20-kilometre radius.

A place that adapts to every generation, not the other way round: Alpiclub for children – but only for those who want it. Guided adventure hikes and e-mountain bike tours with your own Family Adventure Guide, with no need for separate bookings through an outside provider. An Adults-only Sky Pool for moments as a couple. All-inclusive full board with long opening hours, so nobody has to eat by the clock. Ratschings sets the pace of summer. Alpura turns it into the perfect holiday.