Trip to a Hidden Valley in Italy: Has it ever happened that you went somewhere and were a little scared, thinking you might have made the wrong choice, especially when a great attraction was just an hour away? And then has it ever happened that you were so surprised that you actually made the best choice? Welcome to Ahrntal, Italy.
As my mom and I continued our journey in Europe, following in Granny’s footsteps, we arrived at a place I hadn’t heard much about before. We had some flexibility because it wasn’t a very specific destination.
Then we decided to go to the Ahrntal valley because I had already been to other parts of South Tyrol and really liked the food there, and I had done rock climbing in the Dolomites, which I really enjoyed.
When we looked at the map again while traveling by Eurail, Mom noticed that it was quite far from the famous Dolomites. That was all she knew about the region, and I knew almost as much. I was a little nervous.
Then, we arrived and discovered a very less touristy small valley full of greenery and small mountain chalets. There were so many hiking trails that there was no chance of boredom, whether the Dolomites were nearby or not.
Unexpected Bliss
Ahrntal is still so undiscovered valley in Italy, South Tyrol, especially where the Dolomites are, is no hidden destination, but this German-speaking, Alpine region of Italy is still not what most people think of for an Italian holiday. I guess that’s why I like it so much.
This region of Italy for holidays – family, solo, and I can imagine it’s perfect for romantic holidays too.
I was also happy to see it in a different season because the last time I came here, it was full fall foliage. The summer greenery gave me a new level of peace, just as I’m sure winter does with its snow blankets.
I ❤️ the Alps!
Alpenpalace
We chose this hidden valley in italy because of Hotel Alpenpalace. It looked so stunning in photos, plus it included multi-course meals, and pick-up from the train station and rides to nearby hikes – which was our main reason for going there.
They also offered activities like hikes and daily yoga. We didn’t participate in all the activities because we wanted to hike. However, I realized with surprise that using all the offered amenities could make a five-star hotel’s cost comparable to a cheaper hotel’s, which doesn’t include snacks, meals, or activities.
Mom and I were really missing the fun and cuteness of our server, Antonio, in our hearts. He always used to tell my mother, “anything for you Madame.”
Hiking Perfection: Beautiful Speikboden
The trail I was talking about is Speikboden – which is also a popular skiing slope in winter.
We were quite impressed even before we started walking, seeing that we had the trail all to ourselves for the entire day. Then we rounded a corner, and both of us were amazed, my mother said, “this is every other mountain view on steroids,” and I completely agreed with her.
Mom taking in the view
we could easily see all this because the people living in these mountains place crosses along the trails and on different peaks every now and then.
You easily believe in a higher power when such beautiful nature surrounds you – a divine hand that created something difficult to believe.
A common sight along the hiking trails in Italy
Hiking is the best way to get to the top; taking a €17 round-trip cable car + chairlift combo ticket would be worthwhile.
If you took the route we did, which was the panorama trail plus the trail to the giant cross, you would still get quite a steep hike. We spent the whole day completing it after lunch.
Hiking trail timer-selfie
It is also possible to go before sunrise on Wednesday, which if we were there on Wednesday, I would definitely insist on. We just arrived early in the morning, what you might call “blue hour,” because the color of the mountain layers and the distant Dolomites is almost like that.
Blue hour beauty: Nothing is Too Far Away
Where we were quite close to it, there was a beautiful small waterfall and a hiking trail that went right up to it.
The falls were beautiful, but what truly made me happy was when I looked in the other direction and saw a full circular rainbow.
First time ever seeing this
If you still want to see the Dolomites or the famous Lago di Braies, everything is just a short drive or bus ride away.
My second trip to South Tyrol within the year was a good decision, and I was very happy to come back with my mother, especially after telling a local there last time, “I’m coming back, and next time I’m bringing my mother with me.”
