A unique collection from all over the world is exhibited in the small Fireman’s Helmet Museum in the main village of Gais
Image gallery: Gais village
Here at the entrance to the Valli di Tures and Aurina valleys, the houses, cafés and shops of Gais seem to embrace the parish church of St. John. It is one of the oldest country churches in all of Tyrol and was already mentioned in 990 AD. All around, wide fields and floodplain forests stretch out, perfect for a relaxing walk. The area along the wild Aurino river is protected and offers space for many butterfly species and birds such as the grey heron and kingfisher.
Along a 15 km long walking and cycling path you can discover this beautiful spot and watch the rafting groups riding the rapids. The Gais Culture Path also has many interesting stories to tell: Several artworks along the hike remind of personalities such as Ezra Pound and Mary de Rachewiltz. From here you reach Casanova Castle where Oswald von Wolkenstein wrote one of his most beautiful love songs in the Middle Ages, with a view on the overgrown Chela Castle.
Being active is part of the daily routine in Gais village. A spacious sports facility invites you to play tennis and football, next to it is the historic "Baggalocke", a destination for many families in summer for decades. The former pond was turned into a beautiful bathing lake with a sunbathing lawn under shady trees and a bar. In winter, the two skiing areas - the SkiWorld Valle Aurina and the Plan de Corones Ski Area - are also easily accessible by bus, otherwise we recommend a sledging excursion in the neighbouring village of Villa Ottone... by moonlight.
