In the Antholz Valley, culture is part of everyday life and deeply rooted in the community.
From traditional events and brass band concerts to rural architecture – here you experience a culture that is not staged but real. Passed down through generations, it connects past and present and creates a sense of belonging that touches both guests and locals alike.
A valley that not only tells stories, but continues to live them.
At traditional festivals, lively parades, solemn processions, or on warm summer evenings – the four brass bands of the Antholz Valley are at the heart of many events. In traditional dress and with real passion, they bring music to the people and fill the valley with sound.
The youth band and many other musicians – with accordion, guitar, or singing – also show that music is part of life in the Antholz Valley. Authentic. Heartfelt. Full of life.
The Oberrasen folk dance group brings old customs to life with lively dances, traditional costumes, and visible enthusiasm. It is an important part of cultural life in the valley and makes tradition a living experience.
Dances handed down through generations – performed with heart and dedication – connect young and old and show how much joy and sense of belonging are found in folk dance.
The Antholz Valley is shaped by living customs and religious traditions, which are celebrated throughout the year with numerous festivals and festivities.
All events reflect the valley’s close connection to tradition, faith, and a vibrant village community.
Corpus Christl: celebrated ten days after Pentecost with a festive church service and a solemn procession.
Sacred Heart Feast: On the second Sunday after Corpus Christi, traditional mountain bonfires light up the slopes of the valley.
Assumption of Mary: On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary is celebrated with a church service.
Parish Fairs: From June to October, parish fairs are celebrated in honor of the patron saints with a Mass followed by a village festival.
Farmers’ Youth Festival: In late summer, the Farmers’ Youth organize a traditional festival featuring traditional costumes, music, and regional cuisine
Music Festivals: From June to August, music festivals featuring concerts and brass band performances shape the cultural life of the village.
Fire Brigade Festivals: In July or August, the volunteer fire brigades host their traditional summer festivals.
South Tyrolean Carter's Days: In autumn, the South Tyrolean Carter’s Days focus on historic horse-drawn carriages and rural traditions.
Speck Alto Adige Festival: In September, the traditional production of Speck is celebrated at the South Tyrolean Speck Festival at Kronplatz, accompanied by music and regional specialties
Return of the animals: In autumn, when the cows return from the alpine pastures to the valley, the traditional cattle drives take place – with the animals beautifully decorated for the occasion.
Harvest Festival: At the beginning of October, thanks are given for the gifts of nature during a solemn church service as part of the Harvest Festival.
All Saint’s Day : On November 1, All Saints’ Day is observed in quiet remembrance of the deceased.
The Tränkabachl Cultural Trail in Antholz Obertal invites you to discover the Antholz Valley in its most authentic form. Along carefully restored grain mills, fences, and dry-stone walls, it tells the story of everyday life in the past – of cattle drives and farm work that shaped the valley for generations.
Accompanied by the gentle sound of the stream and surrounded by blooming meadows, every step feels like a quiet journey into the past. Those who look closely will discover many small details – traces of a time that is still alive here. A digital guide provides exciting insights and turns the hike into a special experience of nature, history, and culture
The South Tyrolean Artists’ Association (SKB) and the ECK Museum of Art invited artists to design individual flags. As part of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, these works are displayed at the entrance to the Antholz Valley.
The flags move with the wind and give the valley a special atmosphere. Each one carries its own idea and reflects thoughts on place, movement, and community. In this way, art becomes part of the landscape – lively, open, and accessible to everyone.
Overview of the flags
The Thema! project highlights the natural and historical sites of the Antholz Valley.
Particularly fascinating are:
The historic bridge from 1847 at the Windschnur archaeological site, showcasing three eras of road and bridge construction in the Puster Valley.
The ruins of Altrasen Castle (13th century), whose remains still vividly convey the history of the region.
Neurasen Castle (around 1200), whose surviving walls invite visitors to step back into past centuries.
Today, Lake Antholz fascinates visitors with its quiet beauty – deep blue, crystal clear, and surrounded by majestic nature. But according to an old tale, its origin has a very special story – a legend still told today.
Once, three farms stood where the lake is today. Their owners were proud and unkind. One Sunday, after church, a beggar came to their doors asking for a piece of bread. Instead of helping him, they only mocked him.
As he left, he warned them:
"Behind your house, a spring will rise. Be careful what it will do!"
Four days later, water began to flow from the ground – first slowly, then without stopping. The farms were flooded, and the water spread wider and wider.
That, the legend says, is how Lake Antholz was created: still, clear, and deep.
People say the water is so pure because it never forgets the truth. And if you stand quietly at the shore, you might still feel what once happened.
In the Antholz Valley, you encounter places where history can be felt: old bridges, quiet ruins, lovingly maintained chapels, and small wayside shrines that have watched over paths and villages for generations. These special places tell stories of past times and a deep connection to the landscape. Those who linger here can feel the calm strength of the valley and its cultural roots – authentic, touching, and full of soul.
Cultural sites & special places
To protect the cultural treasures of the Antholz Valley and preserve them for future generations, please follow these guidelines:
Together, we can help protect the cultural heritage of the Antholz Valley while keeping it accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Found a fossil or artifact? Here’s what you need to know:
In Italy, fossils and cultural artifacts are considered state property and must be reported within 48 hours (for example, to the police, forest service, or heritage office).
Here’s how it works:
If the find is of scientific importance, it will be added to the Natural History Museum collection – your name will be recorded, and you can view it at any time.
Finds that are not relevant may be kept, but legally remain property of the state.
The Antholz Valley is home to many traces of the past. These cultural treasures are valuable memories and an important part of the valley’s identity.
Protecting them is very important to us. Please help by treating historic sites and artifacts with care and respect. This way, our cultural heritage will be preserved for future generations.