Highlights Around Ratschings: What Makes This Valley So Special
Ratschings is a small, quiet valley — and that's exactly its appeal. Instead of one hotel after another, you'll find untouched nature, warm-hearted people, and a valley that, despite its seclusion, offers everything holidaymakers could wish for. Just 12 kilometers from the Sterzing/Vipiteno highway exit, Ratschings is central enough for spontaneous day trips, yet far enough from the bustle to truly switch off.
The Ratschings-Jaufen Ski Area: 50 Years of History
What is today a modern ski and hiking area began in 1972 with the founding of the lift company. The first winter season launched in 1974, the gondola opened in 1989, and in 2016 Ratschings put Italy's first 8-seater chairlift into operation. To this day, the valley and its people have preserved their authenticity — respectful treatment of people, animals, and nature has always been central here.
The ActiveCard: Your Key to All of South Tyrol
A real highlight for active guests is the ActiveCard guest card, delivered directly by email. It includes: Free use of public transport throughout South Tyrol, all the way to Trento, free rides on the cable cars to Ritten, Meransen, Mölten, Vöran, and Kohlern, plus the funicular to Mendola, the tourist board's active hiking program, active kids' program, and active e-bike tours, around 20% discount on the Ratschings-Jaufen, Rosskopf, and Ladurns mountain lifts, discounts for the Gilfenklamm gorge, the Sterzing golf course, the Balneum indoor/outdoor pool, and other attractions.
City Trips: Discovering South Tyrol's Charming Towns
If you're after a bit of city flair and Italian charm, you won't have to travel far: Sterzing (12 km): the alpine town with its twelve-sided tower, arcades, and Multscher Museum, Brixen (40 km): a beautiful cathedral square, boutiques, and cozy bars, Bolzano (80 km): the regional capital with its fruit market and the famous Ötzi museum, Merano: the spa town made famous by Empress Sisi, with the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castl, Bruneck in the Puster Valley: countless leisure options
Pure Nature: Gilfenklamm Gorge and More
Among the region's most popular destinations is the Gilfenklamm gorge, a spectacular canyon that can be visited at a discount with the ActiveCard. The nature experience is rounded out by the earth pyramids on the Ritten/Renon plateau, conveniently reached thanks to free cable car travel.
Activities for Every Taste
Around Ratschings, plenty of other highlights await: Hiking on well-signposted trails to alpine huts and summits, Mountain biking on South Tyrol's well-developed cycling network, Climbing and via ferrata on the IBEX via ferrata and at the Stohlwond climbing garden, enjoying South Tyrolean delicacies right at the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highlights in Ratschings
The ActiveCard is a guest card that lets visitors use public transport in South Tyrol for free and enjoy numerous discounts.
Sterzing (12 km), Brixen (40 km), Bolzano (80 km), as well as Merano and Bruneck/Brunico.
The lift company was founded in 1972, and the first winter season launched in 1974.
A spectacular canyon near Ratschings, a popular destination offering a discount with the ActiveCard.
Not necessarily — thanks to the ActiveCard, many destinations can be reached comfortably by public transport.