Vangabassa

The small hamlet of Vangabassa (Niederwangen), formerly known as Vangabassa di Dentro (literally: Inner Vangabassa), is one of 28 hamlets and villages that make up the municipality of Sarentino. The municipality stretches across the entire valley of the same name. Following the road uphill from Vangabassa, you eventually reach Vanga on the sunny Renon plateau. The individual farmsteads of Vangabassa (literally: Lower Vanga) are scattered between the Talvera River, which flows down to Bolzano, and the slopes above, at an altitude of around 700 metres.

They bear names like Stürmer, Hofer, Siebenfahrer, Gampenried, and Haselbrunn. Flowing between the farmsteads are the Rio Danza and Osterbach streams, which held special significance for several years. Following the suppression of the Tyrolean Rebellion against Napoleon and the Bavarians in 1809 AD, Tyrol was divided. South Tyrol fell to the Kingdom of Italy, while North Tyrol remained with Bavaria. The Rio Danza and Osterbach streams marked the border between Italy and Bavaria until Tyrol was reunited in 1814/15 by the Congress of Vienna.

Today, Vangabassa is primarily known among locals for its industrial area with woodworking businesses around the roundabout. Everyone driving into Sarentino Valley passes this roundabout. In winter, the valley offers numerous opportunities for ski touring, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledging. Snow is usually abundant.

While the upper part of the valley towards the Pennes Pass offers magnificent cross-country ski tracks, the Reinswald Skiing Area is located in Valdurna. Culinary experiences are also not to be missed. The choices range from Italy's highest Michelin-starred restaurant near Sarentino village to the Sarner Striezln pastries offered in the huts at the Alpine Advent in the Sarentino Valley.