Unterweg: Sacred Architecture and Routes in the Navis Valley

The sacred architectural history and routes in the Navis Valley offer different points of reference when choosing a stay in Unterweg. The Widum and parish churches represent several historical building phases; for tours, the season, mode of travel and destination are especially important. This lets you choose the focus of your trip based on specific interests.

The Widum and parish churches: architectural history in several phases

The Widum at Unterweg 45 is a listed building. The rectory that still stands dates back to a design by Franz de Paula Penz. In Navis, the Widum is part of a group of sacred buildings above the village square. It can therefore be considered both as an individual listed building and as part of this architectural ensemble.

A document from 1525 records the predecessor of the former parish church as the Chapel of St. Christopher. In the 18th century, the former Gothic church was extensively remodeled in the Baroque style and enlarged under Franz de Paula Penz. Penz was the initiator, client, author of the plans and construction manager. His role therefore encompassed initiating and planning the work, as well as commissioning and managing the remodeling.

A further building phase is the modern new parish church, built in 1966/67 by architect Clemens Holzmeister. This distinguishes this phase from the remodeling of the former Gothic church: here, the work involved a new building, while there it involved the Baroque transformation and enlargement of an older church. Together, the dates show a development from the chapel documented in writing, through the 18th-century remodeling, to the construction of the new parish church.

Hiking and mountain biking in the Navis Valley

In summer, the Navis Alpine Pasture Circuit is a hiking and (e-)mountain biking tour from one alpine pasture to another in the upper Navis Valley. It follows the Naviser Unterweg and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The season and mode of travel go hand in hand here: the Alpine Pasture Circuit is designated as a summer tour and includes both hiking and (e-)mountain biking. Conditions may vary.

The “Naviser Unterweg” route leads to the Naviser Hütte at an altitude of 1,766 m. When planning your tour, the different destinations help distinguish between these details: the Alpine Pasture Circuit goes from one alpine pasture to another, while the Naviser Hütte is the destination of the “Naviser Unterweg” route. Check local conditions before cycling.

Tobogganing and getting there

Tobogganing is also a winter activity: there are toboggan runs in Navis. As winter operating conditions may vary, you should check the current situation before visiting.

Bus route 580 runs via Navis Dorf and Unterweg to Matrei am Brenner. Check the timetable before setting off to plan your specific journey. This helps you incorporate the connection into your travel plans without confusing the stated bus destinations with those of the hiking and cycling routes.

Discover more destinations: Gschnitz, Kolsassberg, Mühltal, Absam, Ampass, Oberperfuss, Flaurling, Vals

Return to the regional travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.