Malles/Mals is the main town in the Upper Venosta Valley and lies at the foot of Malles Heath, at about 1,000 meters above sea level. The 5,000-strong community boasts five old church towers, medieval villas and Romanesque churches such as St. Benedict, dating back to the time of Charlemagne. By contrast, the neighbouring rural village of
Burgusio/Burgeis nestles on the hillside below the Fürstenburg Castle and the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Sole mountain.
Sluderno/Schluderns extends down below to the once mighty Churburg Castle, which is probably the best preserved fortification in the entire South Tyrol, with a well-stocked armoury. Close to Sluderno is the archaeological site of Ganglegg, a hilltop fort dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. The local Vintschger museum graphically illustrates its history.
The old town of
Glorenza/Glurns with its 900 inhabitants, to the south of the mystical Tarces Hill, is one of the smallest cities in the world. First mentioned in 1304 as Glurns, Glorenza has hardly changed over the centuries. It has a medieval center next to the only intact closed fortifications in the entire Alps.
Further north lies the small town of
Tubre/Taufers in Val Monastero/Münstertal, at the border crossing with Romansh Switzerland. Located near the scene of the famous Battle of Calven close to the Swiss border, this authentic village is a sanctuary of tranquility and relaxation. Hikers and mountain bikers will discover new and exciting itineraries as well as a variety of Alpine challenges.