Discover Schlanders: Culture, Waal trails and Val Venosta
Accommodation in Schlanders
Schlanders between birdlife and a historic townscape
Schlanders combines nature observation, history and paths through the landscape of Val Venosta. In the pedestrian zone, the “avimundus” visitor centre is dedicated to the birdlife of Stelvio National Park. Selected bird species from the national park are presented there according to their habitats. The centre also covers breeding and rearing, as well as the calls and songs of the birds. This gives a holiday in Schlanders a clear natural-history focus in addition to its historic sights.
Menhirs, churches and traces of the Middle Ages
A special connection to cultural history leads to Vezzano: two large marble menhirs found there in 2012 were given a place in the old chapel of Schlandersburg after detailed archaeological investigations. The library in Schlandersburg also houses a permanent exhibition about the menhirs of Vezzano. The combination of archaeological finds and historic architecture makes this part of Schlanders interesting for visitors who want to discover regional history not just through individual dates, but through specific places.
The religious buildings, too, bear witness to different periods. The Capuchin monastery and Capuchin church in Silandro were built in 1644. The parish church of the Assumption of Mary was rebuilt in the Gothic style after the looting by the Engadiners in 1499 and reconsecrated in 1505. The commandery of the Teutonic Order is located in the immediate vicinity of the parish church of Schlanders. It can be recognised by its distinctive entrance gate bearing the cross of the Teutonic Order. As early as 1235, Emperor Frederick II donated the parish of Silandro to the Teutonic Order.
Schlandersburg and historic architecture
Schlandersburg brings together several noteworthy features in one place. In the entrance area of the central library, the remains of a residential tower built in the 13th century have been preserved. Around 1600, Schlandersburg was converted into a Renaissance castle by the Counts of Hendl. Its characteristic features include the two-storey arcaded galleries with closely spaced round columns and the chimneys decorated with sgraffito. The central library has a lift and an accessible toilet; the third floor can only be reached via stairs. Concerts take place in the courtyard in summer.
Further historic buildings complete the picture. Freienturm is an old Romanesque residential tower from the Middle Ages that was converted into a manor house with valuable architectural details. The present building was erected approximately between 1720 and 1730. Schlandersberg Castle was built in the 13th century at an altitude of 1,050 metres above the village of Silandro, in the Monte Mezzodì district. Schlanders therefore offers a historical perspective ranging from medieval residential towers and castles to Renaissance architecture and ecclesiastical buildings.
Waal trails, Sonnenberg and excursions
Waal trails run around Schlanders along the dry Sonnenberg mountain. The landscape is characterised by steppe-like flora and fauna. The Waal trails around Schlanders and Laas can be walked year-round and offer distant views of the imposing mountain ranges of the valley. This can provide a suitable basis if walks, landscape observation and expansive views are more important to you than an exclusively urban programme.
The surrounding area can also be explored on two wheels. The Holy Hansen Trail is an MTB trail on Schlanders’ Nördersberg mountain and is suitable for beginners and advanced riders. Schlanders outdoor swimming pool also has a 150-square-metre outdoor bouldering wall standing 4.5 metres high. Schlanders and Laas are starting points for cycling tours through the entire Val Venosta apple valley and up to the high alpine pastures of the highest mountains in the Eastern Alps.
Summer evenings and everyday regional life
During the summer months, Plawennpark in the heart of Schlanders provides the setting for weekly evening concerts. Concerts also take place in the courtyard of the central library at Schlandersburg in summer. On Thursdays, Schlanders hosts a weekly and farmers’ market at Stainerparkplatz and in Plawennpark. These venues therefore combine summer events with a regular market that focuses on everyday regional life.
Getting there and choosing where to stay
Schlanders and Laas are located in the centre of the Val Venosta cultural region and can be reached by train, bus or private car. When choosing a hotel in Schlanders, you can therefore primarily consider whether historic places in the town, paths on Sonnenberg, cycling tours or summer events will be the focus of your holiday.
Compare other destinations
To compare other destinations, you can also view Latsch, Kapron, Glurns, Laas, Martell, Taufers Im MĂĽnstertal, Goldrain and Morter.
For the higher-level travel overview: Val Venosta.
.jpg){kind=link}