The sun reigns in Terento: Discover the Sun Village in the Val Pusteria with its Earth Pyramids and mills
Terento is located in the Lower Val Pusteria, midway between the towns of Bressanone and Brunico, and is considered a particularly sunny place. The settlement was likely founded here early on, on the banks of a mountain stream, called "Torrentum", from which its present-day name is also derived.
Today, Terento is situated on the Val Pusteria Sun Road, a route popular with sightseers, mountain bikers, and motorcyclists. The sprawling municipality includes the main village as well as the hamlet of Colli in Pusteria and numerous smaller settlements such as Pino, Marga, Collalto, Sambuchi, Talsone, Monte Sole, Ast, Monte Neve, and Lehen.
As you enter the village, you are greeted with a sign reading "Welcome to the Sun Village of Terento". The surrounding area features some remarkable natural spectacles, especially the easily accessible Earth Pyramids. They were formed after a storm caused the Rio di Terento stream to burst its banks. Over time, rain and meltwater washed away the finer material from the deposited earth. All that remained were the columns of earth protected from erosion by a capstone. They change from year to year, a reminder of how transient everything is.
The Terento Mills are at least as interesting: On the mill educational trail, you can see centuries-old water wheels. Here, farmers harnessed the power of water to grind grain and provide for their families. Thanks to its high altitude, Terento is pleasantly cool in summer, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. High above the village, numerous alpine pastures are scattered across the slopes of Cima di Terento, the Monte Gruppo and the Giogo di Terento. You can also find rewarding spots at lower altitudes, such as the Ast Mountain Hut or the Marmot Trail.
In winter, the Giogo di Terento turns into a popular ski tour. For variety in the village, there is minigolf, a tennis court and a riding stable. In the cold season, you will find a toboggan run and the village cross-country ski trail. And even in winter, Terento lives up to its name as the sunny village: At the so-called "natural solariums", you can soak up plenty of sun even on cold days.
