Where is your own personal spot for resting and relaxing? In your garden, on your balcony or in your sitting room? Is this where you go to recharge your batteries? South Tyrol is home to eight huge gardens to rest and relax in, no matter if you are a South Tyrol local or just visiting. You can gather fresh bunches of flowers every day, quench your thirst in a crystal-clear stream and admire beauty spots that will send aesthetes into paroxysms of delight – profiles of three of the eight nature parks.  

Stilfserjoch National Park – hair-raising bends meet rare flying objects

The Stilferjoch National Park is a nature reserve, and not only impressive because of the unique winding road up to Stilfserjoch Pass at 2,757 m above sea level and the famous Ortler-Cevedale mountain group. The municipalities of Stilfs, Prad, Glurns, Taufers im Münstertal, Mals, Laas, Schlanders, Martell, Latsch and Ulten are patrons of an distinctive landscape. The symbol of the national park, the golden eagle, represents pride. Pride in the area having been maintained so well and the fact that the bearded vulture may be seen there once again thanks to a successful breeding programme and intensive research.

Hans Maschler from Martell describes 'his nature park' as follows: "50 m away from us the Saugbach stream quietly splashes away. No noise, no stress. Sheer peace and quiet. Our natural park has a lot to offer in the way of education, variety and beauty at any time of year and in any weather. Martelltal valley, due south from Vinschgau, is blessed when it comes to climate. We have the most days of sunshine in the whole area. Our guests are pleasantly surprised by the flora and fauna, when getting to know the countryside and the locals, and by all the photo opportunities. They store up lots of wonderful memories to take back home with them“.

For further information: Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio    

Texelgruppe Nature Park – a heart of stone and yet so charming

The Texelgruppe mountains are well-known for their crystalline stone: Stubai crystalline, Ötztal crystalline and Schneeberger Zug stone. And a 97 m roaring waterfall? Never seen one before? Then a trip to the famous waterfall in Partschins in springtime when the snow is melting is in order. But who could better describe the park than someone who lives there.

Frau Egger Christine from 'Haus Christine' holiday flats in Riffian is full of enthusiasm: "In South Tyrol's largest nature park there's loads to discover and explore. From gentle walks along ancient irrigation channels to challenging hikes to mountain peaks, there's something for every nature lover. The Spronser See lakes, in the largest high Alpine lake district featuring ten lakes, are well worth seeing. Lovers of culture and connoisseurs will also appreciate it here.“

For further information: Parco naturale Gruppo di Tessa  

Nature Park Rieserferner – where water rats and marmots wish you “good night“

The municipalities of Sand in Taufers, Gais, Percha, Rasen-Antholz, Ahrntal and Prettau make up Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, which is the one with the largest area covered by glacier. The resulting abundance of water there is its trademark, with the Reinbachfall or the Pojer waterfalls, mountain streams and lakes. At the end of Antholzertal valley is Antholzer See lake - the third-largest natural lake in South Tyrol. Chamois, marmots, stoats, golden eagles and snow grouses are native to this place and are happy to greet visitors with a friendly “Grüßgott“.

For further information: Parco naturale Vedrette di Ries-Aurina

There are places to rest and relax all over the province. Simply try them out, and maybe you'll find your own personal and new favourite place to let go of your cares and recharge your batteries. Your private host will offer you somewhere to set off from and come back to.