On the Trail of Minerals in Pfitschtal

On the trail of the minerals of Val di Vizze

Val di Vizze (Pfitschtal in German), a side valley of the Wipptal north of Vipiteno/Sterzing, has always been known as one of the most mineral-rich valleys in South Tyrol. Every summer, the Tourismusverein Sterzing/Vipiteno offers the guided excursion Auf den Spuren der Mineralien im Pfitschtal, a day in the open air dedicated to discovering the world of stones in the municipality of Val di Vizze/Pfitsch, in the province of Bolzano.

A hike for everyone

Accompanied by a guide, participants head into the upper valley to observe the minerals that surface among the rocks of this corner of the Alps. The actual walking time is about an hour and a half, while the total duration of the day is 5-6 hours, including travel. The elevation gain is approximately 500 meters: a challenging but manageable route for those with a normal level of fitness.

What to bring

• Sturdy mountain footwear
• Backpack with provisions for the day
• Warm clothing suitable for the altitude

Meeting point and registration

The meeting point is at 9:00 AM at the Hotel Dorfwirt in San Giacomo/St. Jakob, at the end of Val di Vizze. The group consists of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 20 participants to ensure a curated and safe experience. Registration is mandatory and must be completed by 5:00 PM on the Monday preceding the excursion by contacting the Vipiteno/Sterzing tourist office (tel. +39 0472 765325, [email protected]).

Val di Vizze and its mineralogical tradition

Nestled in the heart of the Zillertal Alps, between San Giacomo and the Pfitscherjoch pass, Val di Vizze offers an untouched alpine setting of pastures, mountain huts, and peaks exceeding 3,000 meters. Its mineral wealth makes it a popular destination for collectors and curious visitors alike: an opportunity to discover a lesser-known aspect of South Tyrol's natural heritage in one of the most authentic valleys of the Wipptal.