Holiday apartment in Badia: nature, culture and family experiences

Nature trails and family experiences

Badia combines nature experiences, Ladin culture and destinations for families. For a trip to Badia, specific nature trails and cultural sites include the Sentiero dei larici, the Armentara meadows, the hamlet of Oies and the parish church of Badia.

The Sentiero dei larici connects the Rüdeferia and Rü farms above San Cassiano in the municipality of Badia. The trail forms part of the boundary of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. As an educational nature trail, the Sentiero dei larici features interactive stations and is particularly suitable for families with children. The stations mark individual nature-focused stopping points along the trail.

The circular hike from Badia through the Armentara meadows leads through flower-filled alpine meadows and unspoilt nature. As a circular hike, the route returns to Badia. In addition, the mountain lake Lech Dlá Lé is designated as a natural monument. The mountain lake should be regarded as a separate landscape feature alongside the circular hike.

Ladin culture and history

The area’s cultural history also gives it a distinctive character. The Rüdeferia Mill in the municipality of Badia is protected as an architectural monument. Archaeological finds in Sotciastel near Badia suggest that the area was already inhabited in the Bronze Age. The well-preserved Ladin farmsteads of Badia are known by the Ladin term “viles”.

The hamlet of Oies is home to a much-visited pilgrimage site, centred on the birthplace of the missionary Josef Freinademetz. The first mention of the parish church of Badia, the Church of St James and St Leonard, dates back to a document from the 14th century. The parish church has a Gothic bell tower and a Rococo-style interior. The cellar of the Oies farm was converted into a chapel and decorated with works by the artists Kollreider from Lienz and Lois Irsara from Badia.

A special tradition is the Rait de San Linert, the horseback procession in honour of Saint Leonard. It takes place in Badia on the second Sunday in November. This fixed date clearly places the procession within Badia’s annual calendar.

Active days in every season

In winter, the “Baby La Crusc” ski slope offers a clearly defined attraction: it is 300 metres long and particularly suitable for beginners. At SummerPark La Crusc, visitors can try their hand at panning for gold and visit a dragon cave, among other activities. La Crusc therefore offers winter recreation and summer activities under two different names.

Guidance for planning your trip

The Badia Tourist Office is located in the town centre and provides information, tips and news about Badia and Alta Badia. Badia is the starting point for the Armentara circular hike; Oies is home to the pilgrimage site and the Oies farm, while La Crusc combines the ski slope and the SummerPark.

More places to include in your plans

Other places you can include in your travel plans are Sexten, Mühlen In Taufers, Innichen, Ahrntal, Sankt Martin In Thurn, Enneberg, Vintl and Percha.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pustertal.