Farm Holiday in Prad am Stilfserjoch: holidays in a Nature Park

On a Farm Holiday in Prad am Stilfserjoch, you'll discover unspoilt nature, villages buzzing with life and authentic tradition.

The name of Prad am Stilfserjoch can be a little misleading at first, but don't worry, you won't be spending your Farm Holiday on the second-highest pass in the Alps at 2,757 metres above sea level, but at the start of the road to the pass at around 880 metres in altitude. Prad am Stilfserjoch lies in the upper Vinschgau valley and a large part of it is in Stilfserjoch National Park. Suldenbach stream, which leads to the Etsch a little further north, flows through the village. The villages of Agums and Lichtenberg belong to the municipality, with the latter being well known for its castle ruins, which are visible from far off.

Farm Holidays in Prad am Stilferjoch: the change in the agricultural landscape
Traditionally, livestock farming is carried out in Prad am Stilfserjoch. However, like in lots of other villages in Vinschgau valley, increasing number of farmers switched to fruit farming in the second half of the 20th century. So you can choose between being surrounded by the clanging of cow bells or orchards on your Farm Holiday in Prad am Stilfserjoch. Besides apricots, apples, raspberries and pears, vegetables are grown in Prad: potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots and beetroot really thrive here.

Stilfserjoch Nature Park: prescribed for the good of nature
Take the chance to set out from your holiday flat in Prad am Stilfserjoch on a tour of discovery in Stilfserjoch National Park. A guided tour will give you a good insight into the second-largest nature conservation area in the Alpine area, covering over 130,000 hectares in total. The Ortler mountain, which stretches 3,905 metres up into the sky, is the highest point in the park and in the whole of South Tyrol. The visitors' centre to the Nature Park, 'aquaprad', lies right in the village centre. The museum is dedicated to the theme of water and leads visitors into the world of local fish in an impressive manner. Children will especially enjoy the experience!

'Prader Sand' – local recreation area and protected zone
Prader Sand is a river delta where the Suldenbach stream branches out to leave a flat valley floor before leading to the Etsch river. This area, with its large number of plants and animals, is one of the last examples of unspoilt meadow landscape in South Tyrol and is protected thanks to its biotope status. It does not just offer lots of endangered species a safe haven, but also serves as a recreation area for people. Several paths lead right through the landscape up to the fishing lakes. A visit to this area of unspoilt countryside is especially worthwhile for families with children spending their Farm Holiday in Prad am Stilfserjoch.

Experience traditional customs up close
A holiday flat in Prad am Stilfserjoch is ideal for experiencing the wide variety of traditions that set the rhythm to the seasons of the year. One highlight for the whole municipality during carnival time is 'Zusslrennen'. A carnival parade processes through the village on 'Unsinnigen Donnerstag' having roots in pre-Christian fertility rituals and said to 'wake up' the corn to bring a good harvest. The 'Zussln'characters hang cow bells around their necks and try to drag visitors off into the nearest inn to foot the bill. Anyone refusing to do so is challenged to a race and, if they lose, they still have to go to the inn and treat the rascally 'Zussl'.

What is special about a Farm Holiday in Prad am Stilfserjoch?

• Living tradition: 'Zusslrennen' carnival pranks, 'Klosn' bell ringing, 'Scheibenschlagen' flaming discs
• Once a year, the entire Stilfserjoch road is reserved for cyclists
• Lots of churches are interesting from an art-historical point of view