In the “Valley of the Alpine Pastures” lie Santa Maddalena and the Fondovalle Hut: From here, trails lead to the Casies Alpine Pastures
Image gallery: Santa Maddalena in Casies
Like the neighbouring village of San Martino, Santa Maddalena in Casies (St. Magdalena in Gsies) is also divided into a lower part - Santa Maddalena di Sotto - and an upper part - Santa Maddalena di Sopra. At the end of the valley, the scattered farmsteads are framed by the Rieserferner Group and the Villgraten Mountains. The houses, at an altitude of 1,400 to 1,500 metres, extend further up the slopes, surrounded by lush alpine meadows in summer. In the centre of the village rises the St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church, which displays several elements of late Tyrolean Gothic style.
The Fondovalle Hut is located near Santa Maddalena, and it is the starting point for numerous hikes into the surrounding mountains. A cable car is not needed here, as the alpine pastures and peaks can be reached directly from the valley. A recommended tour follows the Almweg 2000, the trail which connects huts such as the Kipfelalm, Tscharnietalm, Kaseralm, and the Uwald Hut.
Stretching your legs out on an alpine terrace, enjoying the Val Pusteria sun while sampling South Tyrolean Speck and mountain cheese - this is the kind of holiday memory that provides a sense of calm long after you have returned home. In the 19th century, Santa Maddalena was also known for its water: The Gsieser Bad (Casies Bath), one of South Tyrol's historic healing springs, was said to have a soothing effect on rheumatism as well as muscle and limb pain.
As soon as the first snowflakes fall, Santa Maddalena in Casies reveals its wintry side. The hiking trails become toboggan runs, and the peaks turn into destinations for ski tours and snowshoe hikes. In the valley, horse-drawn carriages pass by the village's small ski lift.
