Prati di Tesido

The name Prati (Wiesen, literally: meadows) appears twice in South Tyrol: There is the village of Prati di Vizze in the Upper Valle Isarco, and the hamlet of Prati di Tesido (Taistner Wiesen) in the upper part of the Val Pusteria. It lies at the entrance to the Val Casies. You will not have to search long for activities here, as they begin right on the doorstep. The mountains rise behind the hamlet's rooftops, and the small settlement nestles against the slope.

A special feature here is the Pyramid Kneipp Path. This holistic naturopathic treatment, developed by Sebastian Kneipp over 100 years ago, uses the power of cold water: It stimulates the autonomic nervous system and blood vessels, making them stronger. You can begin the walk either at the tourist office in Tesido, or at the hikers' car park in Prati - it is easy and requires about two hours.

The Kneipp path leads you along the Rudlbach stream, past the Leonardo Bridge, and through the cool summer forest. After wading, you should simply brush the water off your skin and let your feet air-dry. If you feel too cold, stop the treatment. Prati is also connected to the Talblickweg, a panorama path, which runs to the head of the Casies Valley - a recommended tour in this unspoilt side valley. In winter, the cross-country ski trails in the Val Casies are part of Dolomiti Nordicski, considered Europe's largest cross-country skiing network with over 900 kilometres of trails.

For a tobogganing adventure, the run starts at the Malga di Tesido mountain hut and finishes above the Mudlerhof. The descent combines well with a stop at the Alpe di Tesido.