Vinschgau
Val Venosta (Vinschgau) is the broad western valley of South Tyrol, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, following the Adige river f...
Updated 20 July 2026
Vinschgau
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The story
The story of Vinschgau
Geography and Territory
Val Venosta occupies the westernmost part of South Tyrol, within the autonomous province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The valley follows the Adige river from its source near the Resia Pass down to Merano and the Adige valley proper. It borders Austria to the north, via the Reschen Pass, and Switzerland to the west, close to Val Monastero (Val Müstair). It is one of the sunniest valleys in the Alps, with a dry climate that has long favoured mountain agriculture, especially fruit growing. Its main towns are Silandro, Malles Venosta, Curon Venosta, Prato allo Stelvio, Glorenza and Sluderno.
History and Identity
Val Venosta has an ancient history, attested by prehistoric finds and Roman-era remains along the Via Claudia Augusta, which linked Italy to the lands north of the Alps. In the Middle Ages the valley was a land of castles, monasteries and trade routes: here stands Monastero di Monte Maria near Malles, one of the highest-situated Benedictine monasteries in Europe, and the Carolingian church of San Benedetto, among the oldest in the Alpine arc. Glorenza still preserves the best-kept medieval town walls of historic Tyrol. This bilingual identity, German- and Italian-speaking, reflects centuries of shared history between the Austrian Alpine world and Italy.
Landscape and Nature
The landscape of Val Venosta is dominated by Stelvio National Park, one of the largest protected areas in the Alps, and by the Ortler massif, the highest peak in South Tyrol at 3,905 metres. The Stelvio Pass, with its famous hairpin bends, is one of the best-known Alpine passes in Europe and a historic stage of the Giro d'Italia. To the north lies Lake Resia, an artificial reservoir known worldwide for the submerged bell tower of old Curon, which re-emerged from the water after the village was flooded to create the basin. Larch woods, glaciers and side valleys such as Val Martello complete a still-unspoiled Alpine environment.
Villages and What to See
Silandro, the valley's main town, is a lively centre surrounded by apple orchards, with a characteristic arcaded old town. Malles Venosta, a crossroads towards Austria and Switzerland, lies close to Monastero di Monte Maria. Glorenza, with its intact walls and medieval gates, is considered the smallest walled town in Tyrol. Curon Venosta offers the view of the submerged bell tower on Lake Resia, the valley's iconic image. Sluderno is home to Castel Coira, one of the best-preserved castles in South Tyrol, with its collection of armour. Prato allo Stelvio, meanwhile, is the base for climbing to the Stelvio Pass and Stelvio National Park.
Food, Wine and Traditions
Val Venosta is one of the most important fruit-growing areas in Europe: its orchards cover the sunny slopes of the valley, producing apples renowned for quality and long storage life. Laces (Latsch) is also famous for its apricots and its traditional apricot festival. Typical products include South Tyrolean speck, alpine-pasture cheeses, Vinschgerl rye bread and canederli dumplings. In Lasa, the prized white marble bearing the village's name is quarried and exported worldwide. This long farming tradition goes hand in hand with the hospitality of the mountain farmsteads and agritourism found throughout the valley.
Not to be missed
- The submerged bell tower in Lake Resia at Curon Venosta
- The Stelvio Pass and Stelvio National Park
- The medieval walls of Glorenza
- Castel Coira in Sluderno
- The Val Venosta cycle path along the Adige
To see
What to see in Vinschgau
Routes · Trovido Route
Routes in Vinschgau
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