Rio Bianco Aurina

Rio Bianco Aurina (Weissenbach) - not to be confused with the place of the same name in the Val Sarentino - is actually its own small valley branching off from the main Valle Aurina. It is only about five kilometres long and has a mountain stream running through it. The stream's milky-white colour, which comes from the glaciers, gave the village its name. Rio Bianco has long been known as a place of pilgrimage, but for a long time, the narrow mountain road kept large crowds away.

Today, the road is well-maintained, and the little 15th-century Church of St. James is still a popular destination for pilgrims. Fortunately, mass tourism remains an unfamiliar concept here, which is why Rio Bianco has preserved its character as a peaceful retreat.

A hike is particularly rewarding during the alpine rose bloom in early summer, as the mountain pastures are exceptionally close: A narrow belt of forest separates the village from the surrounding alpine huts. Many of the huts are co-managed by farming families from the village, whose delicious products and dishes provide a welcome secondary income. The range of hikes is completed by several themed trails, such as the Kneipp Path, the Meditation Path, and the Herb Trail.

In winter, Rio Bianco Aurina becomes a meeting point for ski tourers and ice climbers. A circular track is available for cross-country skiers, and three toboggan runs add variety. These include the Tristenbach route near the Wurmtal Huts (Marxegger, Innerhofer, and Pircher Huts) and the Rio Bianco toboggan run, which starts at the mountain station of the nearby Speikboden Skiing Area.