The Villnöss valley
Towards the end of the valley of Villnöss lies the small town of St. Magdalena. The most popular photo opportunities of the South Tyrol can be found here, in a uniquely picturesque landscape. Among them is the Church of St. Magdalena, which stands at the very point at the foot of the Ruefen where - according to legend - the Fopal river washed the miraculous image of St. Magdalena ashore “in the mountain”. Together with the neighbouring Mesnerhaus, the old school house and the Obermesnerhof, the church is part of a unique ensemble that stands out against the backdrop of the Geisler Mountains. Of particular note is the Ranuihof with its chapel dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, a small Baroque church founded by Michael von Jenner in 1744.
The Nature Park House in St. Magdalena allows visitors to encounter the nature park and its flora and fauna, as well as the geology of the Dolomite Mountains. This museum, which isn’t really a museum, also offers children a multitude of opportunities for discovery and adventure. Tradition is also very important in St. Magdalena. The importance of tradition and traditional celebrations is demonstrated by the parish fair “in the mountains” with its church procession, which takes place at the end of July every year. Plus, St. Magdalena is the perfect starting point for rambles in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park.