The northernmost hamlet of Vipiteno lies beneath the watchful gaze of the Castello della Strada
Image gallery: Novale di Vipiteno
Between the town of Vipiteno and Colle Isarco, the next village towards the Brennero Pass, lies Novale (Ried). More precisely, the farmsteads of Lurches, Novale di Sotto, and Novale di Sopra make up this village on the eastern bank of the Isarco River. These tiny settlements, climbing up the hillside, are linked by the Vipiteno Circular Trail and path number 21.
Down in the valley, where the first houses stand, the railway line, the main road, and the Brennero Motorway all run parallel to one another. The first sight that greets you is Lurches: a former customs post with a church, now home to a sports hotel and steakhouse. The houses of Novale di Sotto (literally: Lower Novale) adjoin it. Here, the 17th-century Church of St. Stephen catches the eye. Its entrance portal and bell tower, however, are remnants of the previous structure from around 1400. Today, these elements form a harmonious whole, creating a charming village church with an onion dome. A small road then leads to Novale di Sopra (literally: Upper Novale).
Above it stands the imposing 13th-century ruins of the Castello della Strada, also known as Strassberg Castle. Perched on its hilltop, this once minimally fortified castle oversaw the old Brennero route. Excursion destinations in the surrounding area, besides the town of Vipiteno with its picturesque old town - one of the most beautiful in Italy - include the hiking areas on the Monte Cavallo and in the neighbouring side valleys of Fleres, Ridanna, Racines, and Vizze.
Directly above Novale, below Mt. Cima Novale and the 2,714-metre Cima Bianca - the highest point in the area - lie the Platz Hut, the Gallina - or Hühnerspiel - Hut, and the Prantner Mountain Hut. In the colder months, after a winter hike, a toboggan run leads down into the valley from the latter.
