Farm Holidays in Villnöss - holiday flats and rooms in South Tyrol

to the farms ▼A Farm Holiday in the valley of the pale mountains. Villnöß once lived entirely off farming. Nowadays, the valley also attracts an environmentally-friendly form of tourism.

The munipality of Villnöß in the side valley of the same name between Klausen and Brixen in the Eisacktal valley can count around 2,600 inhabitants. The main village is St. Peter, while the hamlets of St. Magdalena, St. Valentin, St. Jakob, Teis and Nafen as well as Coll are also part of the parish. The district of Teis lies above the gorge-like start of the valley, where gentle medium-high terraces dominate the landscape and vineyards and sweet chestnuts thrive on the slopes. The valley itself is characterised by idyllic villages and well-kept farmsteads, lush meadows and the imposing Dolomite mountains provide the backdrop. The symbol of Villnöß, the striking Geisler mountain peaks, are mainly situated in Puez-Geisler Nature Park.

Urlaub auf dem Bauernhof in Villnöß: the jewel of the Alps
The municipality of Villnöß seeks to attract an environmentally-friendly form of tourism amidst one of the seven nature parks in South Tyrol. Puez-Geisler Nature Park, founded in 1978, comprises 10,722 hectares and every intervention involving the countryside is subject to strict regulations. St. Magdalena visitors' centre informs visitors about the park, the variety of species present, as well as the geology of the Dolomites. It also involves children in its concept, for example, in the 'Dolomite Ranger Adventure Weeks', when children and parents can explore interesting issues concerning the plant or animal world of the Dolomites. Villnöß comes under the 'Alpine Pearls' umbrella brand and in 2016 was chosen as the most child-friendly municipality in South Tyrol by the Association for Childrens' Playgrounds and Recreation.

Churches, chapels and Teiser Balls
No matter which village you choose for your Farm Holiday in Villnöß, your walks will always take you past interesting spots, such as the 'Helig Grab Hügel' hill in Teis, which is steeped in history. This Calvary mount is not just a great viewpoint, but also has religious and historical significance. Near the 17th-century chapel, there are trenches and a bunker set in rock from the First World War. Each of the numerous historical churches and chapels in the 24-kilometre-long valley is a small gem in art-historical terms. The late-Gothic church to St. Magdalena with the Geisler peaks in the background, as well as St. John of Nepomuk church near historical Ranuihof house, are some of the favourite subjects for snapshots. The Baroque church is a popular place to hold wedding ceremonies. The Mineral Museum in Teis, which houses a collection of geodes and agata nodules, is worth a trip. These so-called 'Teiser Balls' contain up to seven different minerals and the only ones of their kind in the world.

Villnöß valley of culinary treats
A relaxing holiday in Villnöß goes through the stomach. The array of local products and dishes produced and served on the farms, mountain pastures and in the restaurants of Villnöß will see to this. Bon vivants will appreciate famous South Tyrolean fare such as 'Bauernspeck' cured ham or 'Knödel' dumplings along with Villnöß cheese, honey or white wine. The meat from the Villnöß 'Brillenschaf', or 'spectacled sheep' is a speciality. The oldest sheep breed in South Tyrol may be recognised by its black-ringed eyes. Dishes based on this top-quality lamb may be tried during the 'Lammwochen vom Villnösser Brillenschaf' weeks. The uncontaminated meat of the grey Geisler cow, from a native mountain cattle breed that, until recently, was at risk of dying out, is particularly tasty.

Active in Villnöß
Strength does not just lie in silence, but in the views, too. Staying at a holiday flat in Villnöß does not just offer unique views of the Geisler and Peitlerkofel mountains, but lots of chances to explore the area in an active manner, too. The pastures of Villnöß and the whole Puez-Geisler Nature Park are a paradise for hikers in summer. Those wishing to head up higher might first do some training in Würzjoch and Zanseralm climbing gardens before trying a 'via ferrata' and choosing one of the variety of routes on the vertical rock faces of the Dolomites. St. Magdalena features a high rope garden that provides rather airy, but safe, climbing for the whole family. Villnößtal valley can also be explored by mountain bike or e-bike. Circular paths with informative boards, such as the mountain farm path in St. Peter, or riding across the extensive meadows of the valley come highly recommended. Villnößtal valley is popular with ski tourers, cross-country skiers and snow shoe walkers in winter. Skiers who are not bothered about personal bests in terms of kilometres and time will appreciate family-friendly Filler ski slopes. The Plose mountain, which is a famous ski resort above Brixen, is easily reached for a day's winter sports fun. Traditional festivals such as the South Tyrol 'Speckfest', the 'Bauernfestl' in Teis or 'in Berge' St. Magdalena village fete will provide entertainment and insights into rural life.

Why take a holiday in Villnöß?

• Ideal base for hikes in Puez-Geisler Nature Park
• Lots of excursion destinations for art-historical and natural historical importance
• Member of 'Alpine Pearls' umbrella brand