Villabassa: Kurpark, Culture and Trails

Villabassa combines a centrally located Kurpark with churches from different periods, the Upper Puster Valley Tourism Museum, and routes in the village and surrounding area. Parkland, cultural history and outdoor activities offer different ways to enjoy your stay.

Kurpark and seasonal activities

The Kurpark stretches across five hectares in the heart of Villabassa. The grounds include walking paths and quiet areas, a botanical educational trail, a children’s playground, a tennis bar and an Airdome. During the warmer months, the park also offers the Raiffeisen Kneipp-for-me Activity Park, a brine graduation tower and the Raiffeisen Motor Skills Park. Individual facilities may change over time.

A picturesque landscaped lake with an open-air stage and spectator stands provides a natural setting for various events. The event programme may change. If a particular event is a deciding factor for your trip, check the dates in advance.

Routes and getting around the village

The “Balance – Places of Power & Forest Therapy” themed trail is about 12.5 kilometres long and runs around Villabassa. Its approximate length gives you a specific guide for planning. As trail conditions can change with the seasons, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

The “Villabassa – Lake Dobbiaco – Villabassa” cycling route runs from Villabassa along well-maintained cycle paths through meadows and forests, and beside small mountain streams, to Lake Dobbiaco. The two options differ in their described route and destination: the themed trail runs around Villabassa, while the cycling route includes Lake Dobbiaco.

Another way to explore the village is an orienteering activity with 28 checkpoints throughout the village. It stretches from St. Magdalena Church to the Kurpark. Possible starting points are near the railway station or at the eastern entrance to the Kurpark; you can collect stamps at the checkpoints. You can ask for an orienteering map at the Villabassa Tourist Information Office. Check locally before taking part to see whether the map is available.

Churches and tourism history

The parish church of St. Stephen in Villabassa is a late Baroque building dating from 1792 to 1796. Beside the parish church’s church steps stands a Gothic double chapel dating from the 15th century. The Church of St. Magdalena in Moos, also known as Moos Church, was built in 1490 thanks to a foundation by Countess Paula of Gonzaga, the wife of Margrave Leonhard of Gorizia.

The Upper Puster Valley Tourism Museum is housed in Haus Wassermann and documents the history of tourism in the Upper Puster Valley. It also presents the construction of the railway line in the Puster Valley, which contributed to the development of modern tourism. A dedicated room is devoted to the early development of alpine sports. The museum therefore focuses on the history of tourism and sport, while the churches reflect different periods of construction and a specific history of patronage.

Getting there

Villabassa can be reached by train, bus or car. Before travelling, it is worth checking the timetables and, if driving, the parking options.

Discover more destinations: Terenten, Mühlen In Taufers, Colfosco, Brunico, Monguelfo-Tesido, La Valle, Falzes, Lappago

Back to the main travel overview: Puster Valley.