CULTURE - Things you ought to know and ideas for day trips
On this page we have put together a colourful boquet of varied, unique, mystic, culinary, historic, touching, exciting, relaxing, arty and technic … well, great ideas in alphabetical order:
A as in Alpinarium
About 27 km from the Clubdorf, free entrance with your Silvretta Card
The award-winning museum in Galtür offers interesting facettes of archicture, integrated into the 19 metres high protective wall. However, that's not the only thing that makes this museum unique. 2007 the exhibition was awarded the museum price, followed by the Austrian seal of quality museums the year after.
The permanent exhibition „Fascination snow, myth avalanche“ informs in detail about the contrary meaning of nature in this spot of the world: calm and storm, strength and frailness, tales and reality. Not just friends of film should watch the documentary by Lutz Maurer. The director and alpine expert has incorporated the happenings of February 23rd in 1999, when avalanches destroyed Galtür. What influence did it have on the people? What actually happend?
„Who lives in the mountains has to be in movement“ is the name of another short film which encourages to reflect and will surprise. Current exhibitions, the climbing wall, the design café and the roof platform with a skywalk attract visitors from afar.
You could make the visit part of your 2) Paznaun valley or 3) Silvretta-Arlberg tour from our Top 10.
B as in Bauernmuseum (farmers' museum)
About 22 km from the Clubdorf
If you would like to experience the life of farmers in the past centuries, you should pay the small farmers' museum in Mathon, called „Krumpa Haus“, a visit. You can see the bedroom, weaving room and workshop with many relicts of the past. The house is over 400 years old and also tells the story of the „Schwabenkinder“ (Swabian children).
C as in Chilling on Medrigalm
About 1 km from the Clubdorf to the valley station, free ride on the cable car with your Silvretta Card
Get up the mountain on the cable car to the Medrigalm and simply enjoy. A Kneipp pond, the foot massage path, a fountain with mineral spring water, an esoteric area with stones and crystals, the colour therapy and the sounds cylinder allow you to unwind and relax. Enjoy the sun within this marvellous mountain landscape with its clear waters and fresh air.
D as in Dreiländereck (border triangle)
From Tirol to Switzerland and to Italy
At this border triangle of Austria, Switzerland and Italy you can find things to do in all directions. There is the water reservoir with the church tower poking out from its middle. In Switzerland there is a national park or the duty free zone in Samnaun. Ideas for day trips are listed in our Top 10.
E as in Events
Here is just a small selection of the events taking place in summer 2014
„Ischgl Cart Trophy“ from 26th to 29th of June in Ischgl
A spectacular race, exciting overtaking manoeuvres, parties and celebrities.
„Culinary Camino de Santiago“ - opening event on the 6th of July
A walk together to one of the huts. Four international celebrity chefs present their culinary creations.
„Silvretta Run 3000“ on 19th of July in Ischgl and Galtür
A running event with three different types of marathon tracks embedded in the impressive group of 3,000 meters peaks.
„Oldtimer-Gathering“ on 9th and 10th of August in See
Historic cars, tractors, motorbikes, lorries and many more vehicles from the good old days are presented by the Paznaun Oldtimer-Club.
„Ischgl Iron Bike“ on the 1st of August in Ischgl
The hardest mountainbike Marathon in Europe with international professionals and ambitious amateurs.
„Celebration on the mountain“ on the 15th of August on the Medrigalm alp in See
Traditional mountain event with a mass service, morning pint, live music and dance for the entire family.
„Silvretta-Ferwall-March“ on the 23rd and 24th of August in Galtür
Alpine run and walk event at Marathon distance. The highest point is at 2,620 metres.
„Paznaun market day“ on the 30th of August in Ischgl
Big market with cheeses from the Paznaun alps with cheese cutting, show cooking, a parade, music and traditional dances.
„Regulars' week“ from the 13th to 19th of September in Galtür
A holiday in See is like a holiday with friends, therefore we will enjoy walks, celebrations on the alp huts and a regulars' prom together.
„International cheese olympics“ on the 27th of September in Galtür
Over 100 alps from Austria and the neighbouring countries Germany, Switzerland, Lichtenstein and Italy present their creations at the sports and culture center.
Errors and omissions excepted.
F as in Fest am Berg (Celebrations on the mountain)
The entrance and ride up on the cable car are free with your Silvretta Card
As every year the Medrigalm alp hosts a festival for the whole family. It begins with a festive mass service, after which the traditional morning pint can be enjoyed while a band is playing. There is also a concert played by the local brass band, childrens' activities like sports challenges and a bouncy castle, face painting and a magician's show. If you prefer it more quiet, the health and wellnesspark is open to all visitors. The celebrations last until the early evening, when you can take the last cable car back down to the village.
G as in GenussRegion (region of pleasure)
Welcome to the GenussRegion Paznaun!
Since 2007 our valley has been a proud part of this venture. The GenussRegion Austria is a protected registred trademark that stands for highest quality. Our hearty bacon, tasty sausages and cured meat and wunderfully golden honey are part of our regional specialities. Our cheese, the Paznauner Almkäse, is a particularly popular delicacy. It is made from raw valley and alp milk and ages for 6 weeks. Our cows only get the best grass and hay and you will taste the difference. One of the places to try this cheese is the Versingalpe.
H as in Heiliger Sebastian (Saint Sebastian)
Saint Sebstian Church is about 500 metres from the Clubdorf
In 1445 it was first oficially mentioned in a document and has changed its appearance has changed several times before it got its baroque style. The high altar and the two flanking it, as well as the frescos and the big statue of mother mary by Josef Georg Witwer are worth a visit.
I as in Ischgl, Imst and Innsbruck
ISCHGL is one of the most famous ski resorts, known for its fantastic pistes in the huge skiing area, its parties and the celebrities visiting each year. In summer it's more quiet, but as sporty. Walkers, hikers, bikers and climbers love it here. There is also a high rope challenge course, a tenniscenter, indoor and outdoor pools as well as the High-Bike-Testcenter. You get access reduced or for free with the Silvretta Card.
IMST is the city of fountains. There are more than 35 fountains with drinking water many of which are historically important. The Art Club hosts jazz festivals and concerts, galleries and museums offer insights on the cultural side of things. There is also the longest alpine rollercoaster „Alpine Coaster“, the famous Rosengartenschlucht (rose garden canyon) and Imst is also the place where the first SOS-Kinderdorf was opened. Find out more under Tour 6 in our Top 10.
INNSBRUCK is the capital city of the federal state Tirol and always worth a visit. Embedded among majestic mountains it boasts a historic old town with the imperial palace, the Goldenes Dachl and of course the Maria-Theresien Straße with its cafés and shops. Take a ride up the new Hungerburgbahn funicular to get the most amazing few around the city and its surroundings. There's also an alpine zoo, the Schwarzmanderkirche church and the refurbished Rundgemälde (a painting that goes around the entire room, portraying the battle of Bergisel mountain). At the Café Sacher you can enjoy a big piece of the original Sachertorte cake.
Very close is also the little city Hall, which is popular for its medieval character and the Münzturm tower. A few minutes further town the motorway there is Wattens, home of the famous Swarovski Kristallwelten. The exhibition of the glittery art is visited by about 10 Million people per year. Find out more under Tour 10 in our Top 10.
J as in Jakobsweg (Camino de Santiago)
Not all roads lead to Rome, but to Santiago de Compostela, the grave of apostle Jacob. Author Peter Lindenthal started to investigate and re-establish the route through Austria in 1997. As it turns out, the route leads from Rosenheim in Germany all the way through Tirol to Feldkirch in Vorarlberg. The pilgrimage church of Maria Hilf at the foot of ruin of Kronburg castle in Zams near Landeck is the destination for many and worth a visit. Make sure you climb up the short steep path to the ruin, where you get an amazing view of the entire Oberinntal valley. In the following pdf we have put together two routes near See as an inspiration: Camino de Santiago from Zams via Flirsch to St. Christoph. Find more tipps and tours around Landeck under Tour 5 in our Top 10.
K as in Kulinarischer Jakobsweg (Culinary Camino de Santiago)
Free ride on the cable car with the Silvretta Card
The recipe: International celebrity chefs, fresh locals products, old huts and alps plus a pinch of fresh mountain air, deocrated with a marvellous landscape.
In total there are four routes in See, Ischgl, Galtür and Kappl that lead to indulgence from July onwards. In See you can take the cable car up to the Medrigalm at 1,800 metres. From there you follow a broad path up to the upper station of the mountain and then take a little walk that goes almost level all the way to the Ascherhütte at 2,256 metres.
Back into the valley you can take a different route on the other side of the alp via the Versingalpe. If you (already) feel a little bit pekish again, stop over for fresh mountain cheese, milk, buttermilk and joghurt.
Walking Route 2: Medrigalm - Versingalpe (PDF) (the route the other way round)
L as in Landeck
Landeck is about 14 kilometres from the Clubdorf
The pretty little shopping town of Landeck is always worth a visit. Fridays are a particularly good idea, as there is the "local & fresh farmers' market" with delicacies from the region. There are several exhibitions taking place all at once at Landeck castle, which overlooks the town. If you climb the steps of the look-out you get a marevllous view over the area. The deep circular valley of Landeck is also an intersection of the roman Via Claudia Augusta and the Camino de Santiago. Don't forget to also pay the „Zammer Lochputz“ a visit – find more under Z as in Zammer Lochputz.
If you like heights you should make your way to the ruin of Kronburg castle. A walk along the Camino de Santiago starting from the restaurant Gasthof Kreuz in Rifenal (Zams) up to the convent of the Mercy Sisters and the church of Maria Hilf. There is also a restaurant with a small and idyllic beer garden. Make sure you climb up the short steep path to the ruin, where you get an amazing view of the entire Oberinntal valley. The castles in the valley are all within sighting distance. This means from Kronburg castle you can see the ruin of Schrofenstein castle. Find out more about this one and other castles under X as in 10 castles or find a trip to Landeck under Tour 5 in our Top 10.
M as in Mathias Schmid
The Mathias Schmid museum is about 18 km from the Clubdorf. Our reception staff will be able to tell you the opening hours on the day you'd like to visit it.
"He unites soft colours and the grace of shapes with depth and truth of the characteristics." (Meyer's Conversation's Lexicon in 1888).
The painter Mathias Schmid, who was born in 1835 in See, from 1853 onwards spent most of his time in Munich, to be part of the masterclass of Carl Piloty among other courses. In 1878 he was awarded a medal of honour by the royal Bavarian academy of fine arts. Ten years later he even received the title and grade of royal professor.
The Tirolean clergy however was not impressed with his way of not always portraying the scenes of the Tirolean peoples' and farmers' lifes in a positive light. Therefore he lived in Salzburg for a long time, where he married the business man's daugther Rosalia Jakobina Späth and had two children with her. He died at the age of 87 in Munich.
The Mathias Schmid museum in Ischgl shows an original living room from 1851, paintings, drawings, sketch books and documents as well as folk arts from the valley. There is also a Mathias Schmid arts and information path starting right outside the house leading to Galtür.
In Habigen, which is at the other end of See, about 3 kilometres from the Clubdorf, you can visit a small chapel which was founded by Mathias Schmid. Why not make it part of your 1) walk through the village in our Top 10?
N as in Naturbadesee (natural bathing lake)
The bathing lake is about 600 metres away from the Clubdorf. Get free accsess with your Silvretta Card. Depending on the weather it is open from May until September.
It's not by chance that our little village is called See (German for lake). Hundreds of years ago there was actually a lake covering most of the village's ground, but it disappeared after a landslide that opened up the valley. In 2011 we opened a new lake, inviting everyone to come and swim, play and enjoy the sunshine.
Due to the water reed zones the lake filters itself and guarantees the highest quality of drinking water. There are ample sunbathing areas, bases and sundecks that will help you relax and a small kiosk has everything you need to tackle hunger or thirst.
There is a children's area with a small fountain, a slide, climbing tower, huts, swings, seesaw, a sandpit and more. The changing rooms and toilets with baby change are nearby.
For the sporty of you there is also a beachvolleyball court and two tennis courts and a footpall court. As you see, apart from sunbathing and enjoying the view there are many things that won't let you get bored!
O as in Oberhaus
Oberhaus is about 1 km from the Clubdorf
Oberhaus is a small part of the village, not far from the Clubdorf. If you are interested in sacral arts you should go for a walk there. The Kirchstraße, churchstreet, starts a few meters above the Hotel Tirolerhof and leads you to the church of Saint Sebastian. Pass it on the left and you will reach the chapel (Kapelle) of Lourdes, from where you can carry on to visit an even smaller chapel at the end of the road. If you fancy a little tour, just follow the path that eventually leads onto a road (turn right), taking you back through the village to the Clubdorf.
CHURCH OF SAINT SEBASTIAN: In 1445 it was first oficially mentioned in a document and has changed its appearance has changed several times before it got its baroque style. The high altar and the two flanking it, as well as the frescos and the big statue of mother mary by Josef Georg Witwer are worth a visit.
LOURDESKAPELLE: The small building was refurbished and originally positioned closer by the road. In fear of more rockfall, a protective wall was built in 1992 and the chapel integrated to keep it safe.
KAPELLE OBERHAUS: This chapel is the home of a 250 year old statue of mother mary. The sculptor was Johann Ladner, who also created the wooden life-size statues in a chapel in Kappl.
P as in Paznaun
Just were Trisanna and Rosanna become one river near Pians, that's where our beautiful Paznaun valley begins. Surrounded by the Verwall, Samnaun and Silvretta mountains, the valley shares borders with Vorarlberg and Switzerland. At the entrance to the valley you can see Wiesberg castle. The first town in the Paznaun is See, followed by Langesthei, Kappl, Ischgl, Mathon and Galtür at the other end.
Q as in Quadratsch
Quadratsch is about 7 kilometres from the Clubdorf
The name derived from the latin „ager quadratus“ which describes retired roman soldiers. For them, here once stood a veterans' camp. There is also a small chapel from 1696 that was devoted to Saint Antonius from Padua. The altar with its twisted columns and the ceiling paintings are worth a visit.
There is also the Holy Trinity Church, built in 1892, as well as the chapel of Saint Margaretha in gothic style which was built in 1500.
R as in Reschen
Reschenstausee water reservoir is about 68 kilometres from the Clubdorf
„Reschen“ (Italian: Rèsia) initially only used to be the name of a grange on level with the pass summit, but today the name is used for the village, the pass and the water reservoir all the same. You could visit it in the course of Tour 8 in our Top 10.
In the area around the Reschen there are several bunkers, command posts, tank traps and barracks – relicts from world war 2. Today they can be visited and the tourism office offers interesting guided tours. If you'd like to find out more, check the following link: The historical Alpine system of fortification. If you scroll down to X as in 10 castles you will find three castles close by, in Nauders.
Another part of the reservoir's history can be marvelled at right on the bank of the reservoir. There is a romanesque church tower from the 14th century sticking out. But what happened?
The Reschenpass has been an important link across the Alps already in the days of the Romans. Ample, juicy meadows enclosed villages like Graun or St. Valentin and the people lived well of farming and stock breeding. Three little lakes completed the idyll.
Then, in 1920, the Italian government first launched their plans of creating a small water reservoir in order to obtain energy. The water level was supposed to rise by five meters, which wasn't going to affect the habitants. 19 years later a company called Montecatini revived the idea with drastic consequences: The water level should rise by 22 metres, drowning Graun and the biggest part of Reschen. The fascistic local council passed an artful resolution which couldn't be appealed against by the habitants. When WW2 started, the plans had to be put on ice again and the locals felt safe, until 1947 when Montecatini started it's construction works. By 1949 the reservoir was to be finished.
All challenges, hearings, protest and even an audience with the pope were in vain. Even the expert assessments stating that the project was inadequate was ignored.
„No family will have to leave their home!“, they promised. But in August 1949 gates were opened for test purposes so fields ready for harvest and animals were standing in water. Over the winter the people of Graun and Reschen were allowed to stay in there houses, but by spring they had to make a decision: Move up the hillsides or leave their home for good.
In the afternoon of July the 9th in 1950 a mass took place in Graun. The bells of the church tower rang for the last time. Then Graun and most of Reschen were razed to the ground. An eye witness described what happened like this: „Graun is in its final throes. It is dying like the fatally ill. Day by day it is sinking deeper into the floods. Day by day we can hear detonations and once the smoke is gone, another house has disappeared. Untergraun does not exist anymore. There are ruins, where our homes used to be. Even the school is only a heap of debris. Right opposite there is the church still standing. The houses, that are still there have red lines on them to mark how far the water will rise.
The „black Trinali“ was an old woman who refused to leave her house. She was taken with force, her collection of books carelessly thrown into the floods. 120 farms lost their means of existence and people lost their homes. 163 houses were destroyed and 523 hectares of fertile farming land flooded.
The church tower of Saint Peter is a silent witness of the brutal distruction on the way to progress.
S as in See
The coordinates of See are 47°5' N, 10°28' E
It's not by chance that our little village is called See (German for lake). Hundreds of years ago there was actually a lake covering most of the village's ground, but it disappeared after a landslide that opened up the valley. That's why you can see silver waves on the village's emblem.
In 1433 „ze See in Pacznawn“ was first officially mentioned in a document, but it has probably been inhabited long before then.
During the Tirolean fights for freedom around 1809, lead by the later folk hero Andreas Hofer, the people knew how to defend themselves. 800 marksmen successfully fought 1,500 Bavarian soldiers. Stephan Krismer, called „S'Stöffele“, assembled with 100 local women to drop rocks and stones down onto the invaders when they tried to enter the valley through the cutting outside See.
In the 17th century See churchly belonged to the village Serfaus, which is on the other side of See's home mountain Furgler. Therefore the dead had to be carried across the mountain in order to burry them at the graveyard. In winter this was impossible, so the bodies were kept in the loft until spring. In 1891 See became a parish of its own.
Today See is a family-friendly holiday destination with a bathing lake, right were the original one used to be. In winter it is very popular as a family ski resort.
Elevation: 1,056 metres above sea level
ZIP: 6553
Prefix: 05441
Habitants: about 1,160 on 58.1 km² which is 20 people per km²
T as in Trisannabrücke (Trisanna bridge)
The Trisannabrücke is about 4.5 kilometres from the Clubdorf
Tirol, Switzerland and Vorarlberg share borders but are separated by mountain ranges. The Arlberg pass used to be a link but couldn't be passed in Winter. As soon as technology allowed it, the Arlberg train tunnel was built. High rocks, deep rivers, avalanches and land slides and the very hard stones made the building works dangerous and difficult. 5.000 people were working on the tunnel project, 92 lost their lives. However, on September 1884 the first train could pass from Landeck to Bludenz, only three years after the works had started. The route covers a distance of 700 metres in height.
In the course of the works the Trisannabrücke was built too. Electric light was still very rare by then but the use of light allowed the finalisation of the project within a year. 87 metres above the Silvretta road, right next to Wiesberg castle, stretches the flyover. Seven arches frame the bridge which is 230 metres long and marks the entrance to the Paznaun valley. It is not only a popular photo motive but also a living example of great Austrian construction work.
In 1923 the steel construction was reinforced. The renewal of the bearing structure in the night of the 16th of November 1964 was no job for the faint-hearted. To avoid disruption of the train traffic, the new construction was attached along the old one and then the 1,600 tons of steel were slid across sidewise by 65 centimetres each time by hydraulic presses. By 12.30 trains were already rolling on the tracks again. The old construction was then removed bit by bit. If you'd like to watch it in time laps – click on this youtube link.
In 2009 the Arlberg railway celebrated their 125th anniversary, today being one of the most modern mountain railways in Europe.
U as in Umhausen
To Umhausen it is about 52 km from the Clubdorf
Umhausen in Ötztal valley offers several attractions at once: In 1990 it was discovered that the water there contains radon, a gas that is supposed to have healing properties. Its positive effects show especially when treating spine and joint problems, rheumatism, respiratory problems, skin diseases and menopause problems. In general it is good for the immune system and used in pain treatment.
Even more water you can find a bit further down the road, in Niederthai: The Stuibenfall waterfalls are the biggest in Tirol. Not far there is also a cultural sight, where you can experience people's daily lives 4,000 years ago. In 1991 a german couple discovered Ötzi, the man from the ice, who was named after the Ötztaler Alps. The Ötzidorf shows what his life must have been like in Stone Age, offers courses on how to build your own bow or survival trainings. There are also animals such as Aurochs, Przewalski feral horses, primal trouts or Soay sheep. The archeological outdoor park is definitely worth a visit. What else you can discover in the Ötztal valley is listed under Tour 9 in Top 10.
V as in Via Claudia Augusta
Fließ is about 20 kilometres from the Clubdorf
The roman road Via Claudia Augusta counts as one of the most important relicts from the Roman empire, linking the south of Germany and the north of Italy. The name derived from emperor Augustus who started the untertaking in 15 BC and emperor Claudius who extended and finished it. The Via Claudia Augusta did not only unlock new regions but also boosted the economy along the routes: guesthouses, inns and horsecar terminals were established which often grew into entire villages and towns.
Today there are many popular cycling routes with shuttles, guesthouses with specialities from the Roman times, exhibitions and archelogical excavations along the Via Claudia Augusta. In Fließ near Landeck there is a documentation center researching and dealing with archelogical findings as well as reconstructing a copy of the old Roman road map, the Tabula Peutingeriana. Remains of the original road are for example lane grooves in Mils (near Imst) and Fließ.
Worh a visit is also the fortress Nauders, just before the Reschenpass, which homes an army museum. If you are interested in castles, check out X as in 10 Castles.
W as in Waale
The word Waal derived from the latin aqualis and describes an artificial water course, created to keep fields watered. Along those there are often Waal paths that are perfect for a nice walk in the green. In the Vinschgau region in South Tirol there used to be a huge net of Waales at a total length of 600 kilometers. Today many of the channels and aqueducts from the Roman times still exist.
X as in 10 Castles
It's probably a myth that all castles in and around Landeck are connected under ground. What's apparent though is that they are all within sighting distance from each other to allow fire and smoke signals to be sent across in case of emergency. The German word for castle is Schloss.
SCHLOSS WIESBERG: The entrance to the Paznaun valley is watched by the impressive Wiesberg castle on a rock spur. It's assumed that it was built in the 13th century. Unfortunately it is privately owned and cannot be visited. Wiesberg castle is about 6 km from the Clubdorf.
SCHLOSS LANDECK: This castle was built on a great rock in 1290 and served as a court and place of administration, then hospital, barracks and workshops and today homes a folk museum and art gallery. If you climb the look-out you will be rewarded with a wonderful view across the circular deep valley of Landeck. Landeck castle is about 20 km away from the Clubdorf but there is more to explore. Check Nr. 5 in our Top 10.
RUINE SCHROFENSTEIN: In Stanz near Landeck there are the remains of a castle that was already founded by the family Schrofenstein in the 12th century. According to a saga, there was once a knight who lived in the castle and was besieged by enemies. There was no water at the castle and in his despair the knight prayed to Mother Mary. The following night she appeared in his dreams and told him to dig underneath a rose bush. That way he found some water and could sit out the siege until the enemies gave up.
Head off from Stanz and enjoy the amazing views. Unfortunately the ruin is privately owned and cannot be entered. However, on your way back you must try the Schnaps that is made from the village's own plums at one of the many destilleries of the town. This Schnaps is also part of the „GenussRegion Österreich“. The ruin is about 15 km from the Clubdorf. There is more to explore. Check Nr. 5 in our Top 10.
KRONBURG: The ruin used to be a castle, built in the 14th century. Since 1766 it was not inhabited anymore and started to dilapidate. Just below the ruin there is the convent of the Mercy Sisters, the church of Maria Hilf and a restaurant. Make sure you climb up the short steep path to the ruin, where you get an amazing view of the entire Oberinntal valley.
Park near the restaurant Gasthof Kreuz in Rifenal near Zams and walk along the Camino de Santiago through meadows and woods to the ruin. Gasthof Kreuz is about 18 kilometers from the Clubdorf. There is also a street from via Schönwies that takes you all the way up the the restaurant Kronburg. Find out more about trips in and around Landeck under Tour 5 in our Top 10.
SCHLOSS BIEDENECK/BIEDENEGG: In 1339 the castle was first officially mentioned in a document and it is assumed that it was built in 1200. What is remarkable are the dovetail shaped pinnacles that enclose the castle keep. Unfortunately the ruin is privately owned and cannot be entered. Biedeneck castle is 21 kilometres from the Clubdorf and if you are interested in history, you could pay the archeological museum in Fließ a visit which also homes a documentation center for the Via Claudia Augusta.
BURG LAUDECK/LAUDEGG: It is rather spectacular how the castle ruin sits on top of a steep rock high above the Oberinntal valley. On the other side, the village Ladis, there is a small like right next to the ruin. It was built in 1239 and used as a place of administration. When this was moved to Ried in the 17th century, the castle was neglected and dilapidated. In the 20th century it became a privately owned property and can now only be visited from the outside. However, there are guided tours in the summer. Just ring the tourism office in Landeck (T.: +43 5442 65600). The ruin Laudeck is about 32 kilometres from the Clubdorf and right across there is another one...
BURG BERNECK/BERNEGG: It is uncertain who founded or owned this castle. However findings provide an indication of settlements in prehistoric times. A castle, built right into a rock with a steep drop on the other side, was first officially mentioned in a document in 1225 and it used the be one of the biggest and most impressive in the area.
It had had many owners until it was bought by an architect from Innsbruck in 1976 and partially restored. You can visit the castle during the summer season. Just ring the tourism office in Landeck (T.: +43 5442 65600). The ruin Laudeck is about 33 kilometres from the Clubdorf and while you are there, you might also want to visit the nature park Kaunergrat: In the nature park house there is a multimedia exhibition for the entire family, a restaurant and panorama terrace and you could then carry on up the Gletscherstraße glacier road (charges apply but it is beautiful).
SPERRFORT SIEGMUNDSEGG/ALTFINSTERMÜNZ: In 1472 Sigismund from Austria initiated the building works for a border fortress close to the rocks. A bridge across the Inn river was part of it, with the bridge tower in the water. The river separates Austria and Switzerland and served as custom facilities from 1779. Later it became a prison but grew less important for customs when the Hochfinstermünzstraße road was built in 1854. You can visit the castle during the summer season. Just ring the tourism office in Nauders (T.: +43 5473 87220) that offers guided tours. Apart from the bridge tower there is also a cave, a gothic look-out, a renaissance chapel and a playground. Nauders is about 58 kilometers from the Clubdorf and it has another two castles on offer...
SPERRFORT/FESTUNG NAUDERS: This weir system is not that old. Built within six years from 1834 onwards it served as a roadblock to stop enemies. The building is still in good condition and home to a army museum. The permanent exhibition about traffic across the Reschen pass is worth a visit. Find out about current exhibitions and opening times under T.: +43 5473 87220.
SCHLOSS NAUDERSBERG: First officially mentioned in 1239, this castle used to be home to the lord of Nauders and later a court. In 1980 a local Family bought the castle and it is now open to the public. Visit its Leonharts chapel, the gallery, camera, chambers with exhibhition and the ski museum. For guided tours ring the tourism office in Nauders (T.: +43 5473 87220). From Nauders its not far to Italy, passing the Reschensee lake. (Check R as in Reschen).
Y as in Yeti
Yeti is an ape-like creature taller than a normal human that lives in the mountains. It leaves huge footprints but has only been sighted by a chosen few in the last hundreds of years. In the Himalayan region Yeti means bear, so it is assumed that it is more an animal than a human. So far there is no sufficient proof, evidencing its existence, but should you meet it, please do take a selfie with it and we will put it on here.
Z as in Zammer Lochputz
Zams is about 17 km from the Clubdorf.
The Zammer Lochputz is a canyon, dug deep into the mountain by the force of water. On a secured path you can enter the flume and explore it. Make sure you were appropriate shoes! There is also Tirol's first exhibition power station, interesting legends about water from all over the world, 30 metres tall waterfalls, a mirror cave, an old Roman tower, a multimedia show and Kneipp facilities. In July and August there are even romantic evening tours. To find out more, click here.
The legend of the Zammer Lochputz:
It's a lovestory that happened a long time ago. There once was a blacksmith living in a little house in the flume. His wife had died very young so he felt lonely and his heart grew cold. One day a beautiful woman, a nymph, appeared in the middle of the waterfalls. They started to talk and the blacksmith told her about his lonely life. The nymph felt sorry for him and moved in with him.
Many years later a young man came past the blacksmith's house and fell head over heels for the beautiful wife. However, the blacksmith wouldn't let the nymph go without a fight so he asked the man impossible riddles. Somehow the man managed to solve them and was now sure he could marry the nymph. On his way back to the blacksmith's house he had to cross a bridge, which the blacksmith had sabotaged in his fear of losing the nymph. As the young man hit the ground of the canyon, the blacksmith's house burst into flames and only the nymph could save herself by jumping into the waterfalls. Today you can still see the young man in the shape of a bull's head and the beautiful nymph's head in the mystical flume.
To find out what else there is to explore in Zams and Landeck by checking Tour 5 in our Top 10.