Holidays in Curon Venosta: a break at Lake Resia in the border triangle of Italy, Austria, and Switzerland
The Resia Pass forms the westernmost part of South Tyrol. From there, the municipality extends to the village of Resia and the main town of Curon, situated on the shores of Lake Resia with its submerged church tower. This landmark of the Upper Val Venosta symbolises Old Curon, which was submerged decades ago during the construction of the reservoir.
It is a reminder that beneath the water, where windsurfers and, in winter, ice sailors are active, the foundations of the old farmsteads still lie. Films and series such as "Curon" have explored this topic - the historical details are recounted by the Upper Venosta Valley Museum near the lake.
Above the lake, a spring rises quite inconspicuously. It soon grows larger and becomes suitable for rafting trips in the lower Val Venosta. It then carves its path as South Tyrol's main river towards Bolzano and onwards south to the Adriatic Sea: the Adige. From Lake Resia, the municipality then extends into the Vallelunga, a valley still considered an insider tip among active holidaymakers. Finally, heading down the valley from the lake, you reach San Valentino alla Muta with its Lake San Valentino alla Muta.
"Alla Muta" in the name, by the way, comes from the nearby Malles Heath, the largest alluvial fan in the Alps and once the breadbasket of Tyrol. In summer, cyclists claim the region for themselves: The Via Claudia Augusta, one of Europe's most popular cycle routes, passes through here on its way to Merano. The Vallelunga valley and Val di Roia are excellently suited for alpine tours: The paths take you to three-thousand-metre peaks on the Swiss border and into the Austrian border region near the Palla Bianca, the second-highest mountain in the Oetztal Alps.
In winter, Curon Venosta boasts two skiing areas, Belpiano and Malga San Valentino, which merged a few years ago and are now part of the Ortler Skiarena. In the Vallelunga, by contrast, gentle tourism is prevalent, with superb cross-country ski trails and ski touring opportunities. Between the villages that belong to Curon Venosta, you will also find three toboggan runs.
