Holidays in Mals
Mals in Vinschgau is really a treasure trove for all those, who are interested in art, culture and history, because it is one of the oldest settlements throughout South Tyrol.
In fact, your travel program may include early medieval frescoes as well as medieval fortified towers and Romanesque churches.
Mals is located in upper Vinschgau and is surrounded by Mals Heath and the highest peaks of the Eastern Alps. The Mals Heath is a unique human-modified landscape in the Alps with meadows and corn fields with irrigation channels.
The village with many different towers and turrets is visible already from a big distance: On the outskirts, for instance, there is the tower of the St. Benedict’s chapel; in the town centre you should visit the Romanesque tower of St. Martin, as well as the towers of St. Johann, Fröhlichsturm tower and the parish church tower.
Sights in Mals & environs
- St. Benedict church in Mals was built in the 8th century and is one of the oldest fully preserved churches in Europe. Inside, Carolingian mural paintings of the 9th century were found, some of the oldest frescoes in Western Europe.
- The impressive Fröhlichsturm tower is 33.5 high and was the keep of a castle that today is a mere ruin. At the beginning of the 14th century, the tower was the seat of a court. Via a wooden staircase, you can reach the viewing platform.
- Maria Himmelfahrt parish church was built in 1292 already, was redesigned and has Gothic traits today.
- St. Johann church was destroyed by the Frenchmen in 1799. Today, only the wonderful Romanesque church tower is left. The nave was converted to a residential building.
- Marienberg Monastery is located at 1,340 m of altitude and is the highest Benedictine abbey in Europe. The crypt has worth-seeing Romanesque frescoes and a museum can be visited too.
- Tartscher Bühel hill is an elevation next to Mals, where a settlement existed already in ancient times. Excavators have found Roman coins, bowl stones, iron axes and a 2,500 years old deer horn with an enigmatic inscription. Today, there is a romantic chapel on top of the hill.
Activities in summer & in winter
Those, who rather prefer the treasures of nature, will also be satisfied in and around Mals, as there are numerous hiking and biking paths with wonderful panoramic views.
Mountaineers and climbers will look forward to the Ötztal Alps in the east, Ortler Group in the south and Sesvenna Group in the west of Mals. The typical “Waalwege” paths are perfect for cosy walks and hikes. Families will look forward to the child-friendly hiking area of Watles with an exciting offer for kids and adults.
Mountain bikers and cyclists will feel like in paradise in Mals in Vinschgau too. Countless trails with different difficulty levels are winding through the picturesque landscape, and the popular Via Claudia Augusta cycle path directly leads along Mals.
In winter, the nearby Watles ski area offers dreamlike ski runs and magnificent views. Also, cross-country skiers, snowshoe hikers and ski tourers will love the snowy paradise surrounding Mals.