In the three-valley municipality of Racines, a long mining history meets sustainable tourism development
Mining has a long and important tradition in Racines. Ore mining on the Monteneve, the Snow Mountain, significantly shaped people's lives and, in the 16th century, also brought the Fugger merchant family from Augsburg to Vipiteno, who acquired shares in the Monteneve Mine. Today, you can relive the old days on a guided tour of Europe's highest mine.
In terms of area, the municipality of Racines is now one of the largest in South Tyrol: It combines the three valleys of Valgiovo, Valle di Racines and Val Ridanna, and is thus home to numerous natural attractions. Here, you can visit Europe's only marble gorge, the beautiful Stanghe Gorge, as well as the rediscovered Burkhard Gorge with its waterfalls.
The other villages in this Upper Valle Isarco municipality also have their special features: In Mareta, you will find the pink Baroque building of Wolfsthurn Castle, while in Ridanna there is the Mining World with an area for gemstone panning. With their concept of soft mobility, the villages are part of the "Alpine Pearls". There are three of these Alpine Pearls in South Tyrol: Racines, Funes, and Moso in Passiria. E-charging stations and drinking water fountains can be found in Racines, and the paths and surroundings are regularly cleaned during the South Tyrol CleanUP Days.
The area is best explored by bike or on foot, for example on hikes to the Telves alpine pastures or to the Rifugio Gino Biasi al Bicchiere, the highest mountain hut in Europe at an altitude of over 3,000 metres. Themed trails such as the Upper Ore Trail, the Racines Valley Trail, and the barefoot trail wind their way through a landscape of alpine meadows and dense coniferous forests.
The Passo di Monte Giovo, over 2,000 metres high, separates the Stubai Alps with the Cima Libera, the Punta Altacroce, and the Cima dell'Accla to the north from the Sarentino Alps to the south. In winter, the valleys transform into a vast, white landscape. This is ideal for tobogganing, ski touring and cross-country skiing, but the main attraction remains the Racines-Giovo Skiing Area.
