Villnöß: Nature, Hiking Trails and Culture

In Villnöß, nature, hiking trails and culture can be explored as distinct highlights of a stay. In the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Villnöß’s gentle, green alpine meadows meet the pale, rugged towers of the Geisler peaks and Peitlerkofel. The contrast between alpine pastures and striking rock formations shapes the landscape. The nature park covers more than 10,000 hectares; the Puez-Geisler Nature Park visitor center is located in the center of St. Magdalena in Villnöß.

Nature Park and Landscape

A walkable aerial image at the Puez-Geisler Nature Park visitor center lets visitors view the nature park from above and gain detailed insights into the landscape. The bird’s-eye view shifts the focus from a single trail to the nature park as a landscape. This makes it possible to see the gentle alpine meadows and rugged towers that meet within the nature park from a shared spatial perspective. The display combines an overview with detail; its walk-through format makes this perspective part of the visitor center itself.

Hiking Trails with Different Highlights

The Adolf Munkel Trail runs directly beneath the vertical walls of the Geisler peaks. The Bergbauernweg passes through a gentle cultural landscape and offers a panorama of the Dolomites. The barrier-free Zans Nature Experience Trail offers a relaxed way to discover ecological connections. The Sunnseitenweg is also among the recommended hiking trails in Villnöß. Each trail has a different focus: the rock walls shape the experience on the Adolf Munkel Trail, the Bergbauernweg combines a cultural landscape with views of the Dolomites, while Zans puts ecological connections center stage. Conditions on the Adolf Munkel Trail, Bergbauernweg and Sunnseitenweg can vary seasonally; check before setting out. Also check the accessibility of the Zans Nature Experience Trail before your trip.

Culture in Ranui

The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk in Ranui adds a historical and artistic dimension to the nature-related themes. The mine owner Michael von Jenner founded the chapel in 1744. The altarpieces are by Franz Sebald Unterberger from the Fleimstal valley. The founding year places the chapel’s history in time; the artist and his origins provide a distinct art-historical point of reference. The chapel can thus be explored both through its founding history and its altarpieces.

Slow Food Experiences in Villnöß

Villnöß is South Tyrol’s first Slow Food Travel destination. Experiences include baking bread in a wood-fired oven, watching cheese being made, and identifying and processing herbs. The activities differ in the role participants play: baking bread and working with herbs involve hands-on activities, while you observe the cheese-making process. These offer different ways to enjoy Slow Food experiences, depending on whether you want to take part yourself or watch a production process. If you want to take part in a specific activity, check its availability for your travel dates in advance.

By Bus to the Chapel in Ranui

A bus runs from Klausen or Brixen through the Dolomite valley of Villnöss to the Ranui stop. From there, it is a five-minute walk to the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk. Check the latest timetable before setting out, as access information may change.

Discover more destinations: Klausen, Feldthurns, Natz-Schabs, Meransen, Lajen, Brixen, Mühlbach, Lüsen

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