Villandro in South Tyrol, that means lush alpine meadows, a silver mine, and an inspiring lane
Villandro offers a variety of experiences: Explore the sprawling Villandro Alp, delve into the history of the silver mine, and stroll through the picturesque Defregger Lane. From Chiusa, the artists' town, the road leads up to the main village.
The highest point of the municipality is the Monte di Villandro, one of the higher peaks in the eastern ridge of the Sarentino Alps. On the way there, you'll pass through the historic centre of Santo Stefano with the Defreggergasse lane, which served as inspiration for Franz Defregger's painting "The Last Muster".
Deep ravines separate the main village from the smaller hamlets of San Maurizio and San Valentino. Above, on the edge of the Villandro Alp, one of the largest high-altitude alpine meadows in the Alps, lies the fourth district, Oberland. The Villandro Alp is a hiker's paradise. Amidst high moors, lush meadows, and fragrant mountain pines, you'll find numerous hiking trails and cosy alpine huts. In winter, the second-largest high alp in Europe transforms into a white wonderland - perfect for snowshoeing, winter walks, and cross-country skiing. Only the nearby Alpe di Siusi is larger.
In spring, you'll experience a sea of blossoms from plum trees in Villandro, and in autumn, the traditional Toerggelen beckons. Spring and autumn are considered the off-season, but are becoming increasingly popular due to their special flair and mild temperatures. Villandro also has much to offer culturally. In addition to various churches in the municipality, the silver mine in the Val di Tinne valley below the Villandro Alp is a worthwhile destination.
Here, numerous galleries, built one above the other, led into the mountain. Ores and silver were mined there until the 20th century. Two of the galleries, the St. Elizabeth and St. Lawrence Galleries, were secured a few years ago and are now accessible to visitors.
