Gsieser Tal/Valle di Casies:
Experience nature surrounded by a fantastic world of mountain
Gsieser Tal (Gsieser valley) is a valley leading off Pustertal (Pusteria valley) between the foothills of the Rieserferner range of mountains and the Defregger alps. The valley is 20 km long and branches off to the north at Welsberg. A well constructed road leads through the wide valley past small towns such as Pichl (Colle), St. Martin (S. Martino) and St. Magdalena (S. Maddalena). The valley almost level runs as far as St. Magdalena and is very wide and sunny. The slopes on both sides of the valley basin are covered with thick woods of fir and spruce trees. Pichl is the lowest town at 1260 m above sea level. St. Magdalena is at 1400 m and the last farms are at a height of 1530 m above sea level. The municipality has about 2,000 inhabitants. The main sources of income are agriculture, that has shaped the valley, and tourism. The wide, peaceful valley offers above all opportunities for relaxation and rest, a lot of nature, good, clear air and a cultivated landscape kept in good order by diligent farmers. Probably the best know son of the valley is without doubt padre Joachim Haspinger, the valiant Capucin priest, who in 1809 played a decisive part in the Tyrolean victory against the French and Bavarians at Bergisel. Hiking enthusiasts can exploit the network of well constructed and signposted trails in summer, as well as in winter, in wonderful mountain scenery. In addition, our alpine cabin owners will spoil you with their traditional dishes. In winter you can brush up your ski and cross-country ski skills at the Ski school, St Magdalena, tryout the mountain lift or enjoy cross-country skiing on the Gsieser Tal Loipe.