Pfalzen: Nature Trails, Swimming Lake and Cultural History

Pfalzen offers a range of themes to consider when planning a trip: the LandArt Trail runs from the sports area to Issinger Weiher, while other routes showcase meadows, forests and mountain views. Churches and Sichelburg add tangible evidence of local history to the nature and water experience. When choosing your destination, you can weigh up whether you are most interested in trail art, scenery, the swimming lake or art history.

LandArt Trail to Issinger Weiher

The LandArt Trail is an easy, family-friendly themed trail. It starts in the sports area of Pfalzen, passes through the forest and ends at Issinger Weiher. Along the route, artworks made from natural materials are integrated into the natural surroundings. This makes the trail a waterside destination with its own art theme. It is accessible with a pushchair, and benches are located along the route. There is a drinking fountain at the starting point in the sports area.

Swimming lake, biotope and KRONaction

Issinger Weiher swimming lake offers swimming and paddling. At the same time, it is one of the last pond biotopes in South Tyrol and is home to a rich and diverse range of plant and animal life. Swimming and the natural environment are therefore two distinct aspects of the same excursion destination. As seasonal operations may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

KRONaction, a high ropes course near Issing/Pfalzen, is located right by the swimming lake. The activity is described as a family attraction for children and adults. So, at Issinger Weiher, both the water and the high ropes course are at the heart of the local leisure options.

Panorama Trail and Pitzinger Alm Loop

The Pfalzen Panorama Trail passes through meadows, follows the edge of the forest and goes by wayside crosses, chapels and farmhouses. Along the way, it offers views of the village of Pfalzen and Mount Kronplatz. The starting point is at Restaurant Sichelburg in the centre of Pfalzen. Another option is the Pitzinger Alm Loop: this mountain biking route starts at the sports ground in Pfalzen and follows MTB Route No. 441 to Pitzinger Alm. The loop offers views of alpine pastures, forests and the surrounding mountains. The routes differ both in their focus and the activity involved: the Panorama Trail passes landscape and cultural features, while the Pitzinger Alm Loop is specifically a mountain biking route ending at the alpine pasture.

Churches, clock mechanism and frescoes

The restored and partially reconstructed clock mechanism from the tower clock dating to 1548 is on display in the Church of St Nicholas in Issing. An invoice from 1459 for the painting of the keystones above the church’s Gothic ribbed vault is the oldest verified document of Michael Pacher’s artistic work. Both details give the church a special connection to art and cultural history.

A pentagonal fresco is located on the south exterior façade of the Church of St Valentine in Greinwalden. Hans Mair im Feld and his wife Margareth commissioned it in 1434. The Four Churches Trail also passes through Pfalzen and includes the Parish Church of St Cyriac and the Holy Family. Its high altar painting is by Karl von Henrici and depicts the martyrdom of St Cyriac.

Sichelburg is also part of the area’s history: it has undergone extensive renovation, and the Sichelburg manor was once the ancestral seat of the Lords of Pfalzen. In addition to the churches, the village therefore offers other historical points of interest.

Bergila in Issing

Bergila’s distilling tradition in Issing near Pfalzen dates back to 1912. From May to the end of October, Bergila offers free guided tours of the distillery. As this is a seasonal offering, check the dates for your chosen travel period before your trip. When planning, you can distinguish between year-round attractions such as churches and trails and an activity that is available during a set season.

Discover more destinations: Gsies, Ahrntal, Issing, Luttach, Enneberg, Stern, Lappach, Sankt Martin In Thurn

View the overarching travel guide: Pustertal.