The Tauferer Ahrntal is one of the northernmost valleys of South Tyrol, a place where towering peaks, alpine pastures and quiet villages come together in a landscape that feels wonderfully unspoiled. It's a great choice for travelers wanting genuine mountain scenery without the crowds of more famous valleys.

The valley stretches from Bruneck northeastward to Prettau, Italy's northernmost municipality, separating the Zillertal Alps from the Rieserferner Group of the Hohe Tauern range. In summer, the valley floor is a patchwork of green meadows framed by rocky summits, while winter transforms it into a quiet snow-covered retreat. The Ahr River runs the length of the valley, and side valleys such as the one holding the Neves Reservoir offer further scenic detours.

How to get there

• Bruneck — via the state highway through Gais to Sand in Taufers, continuing further into the valley toward Prettau
• Sand in Taufers — starting point for the Ahr ravine, marked by Taufers Castle

Practical information

• The area around Rein in Taufers lies within the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park
• The former Taufers Railway between Bruneck and Sand in Taufers was discontinued in 1957

Prettau, at the valley's far end, is the northernmost comune in Italy, and from here trails climb toward the Birnlücke Pass on the Austrian border.