Slow Food is a non-profit organisation that preserves agricultural diversity, traditional food production, local culinary traditions, and diversity of flavours, and also supports artisanal food producers and the active cooperation between consumers and producers. It promotes a respectful use of resources for food as well as the preservation of areas and traditions.
Slow Food Travel is a Slow Food project that aims to develop a sustainable travel experience for guests. While food is the main focus, the interaction between agriculture, gastronomy, the hotel industry, trade, and the craft sector is crucial for processing. An important aspect is the communication between farmers, Alpine dairy farmers, shepherds, butchers, bakers, and winegrowers and the chefs who cook their products. The result is a community whose members interact with each other and welcome visitors.
A Presidium is a project aimed at protecting local and artisanal food and supporting producers. These projects are intended to protect biodiversity, territories, and the knowledge of traditional production methods. There are currently five Presidia in South Tyrol.
The focus of the Slow Food Travel experiences is the relationship with land, people, and cuisine, but also the exchange with the local community. During different events and tastings, you can admire producers working and even help them, for example, to bake bread, collect herbs, or make cheese.
Products made from “Villnösser Brillenschaf” and “Graues Geisler Rind”
Günther Pernthaler is considered the ambassador of the sheep "Villnösser Brillenschaf". He was and still is one of the driving forces behind the preservation of this sheep breed and the beef breed "Graues Geisler Rind". In his little paradise, he grows various types of cereals, fruit, and vegetables according to the permaculture cultivation method. He also keeps sheep, cattle, turkeys, hens, pigs and bee colonies. His goal is to live as self-sufficiently as possible. During his guided hikes, he wants to convey exactly this way of life to his guests, and he succeeds in doing so with his authentic manner.
Günther Pernthaler | Maier's Paradies | S. Giacomo 21, Funes
T +39 3475555853 | guenther.pernthaler@no-spam.villnoesser-brillenschaf.no-spam.eu
Local fruits and vegetables as well as dairy farming
The Mesnerhof is a farm in Nafen that is passionately looked after by farmer Rosmarie Prader. Due to the sunny location and the ideal altitude, various local fruits and vegetables as well as vines can be grown on the farm. In addition, cows are kept on the farm for dairy farming. The farm’s own products can be consumed by visitors directly on site or purchased from the farm. Sustainability and the traditional way of life play a major role at the Mesnerhof and these values are thus also passed on to the guests. Combine a visit to the Mesnerhof with a walk through the adjacent meadows.
Rosmarie Prader | Mesnerhof | Via Nafner 11, 39040 Funes
T +39 334 7977723 | mesnerhof.pr@gmail.com
Specialities made from “ Villnösser Brillenschaf” sheep
Oskar Messner founded the "Furchetta" company together with his friend Kurt Niederstätter. They have set themselves the goal of refining and promoting specialities from Val di Funes/Villnöss – especially products from the sheep “Villnösser Brillenschaf”. Freshness, quality and short transport routes are the top priorities. With its “Villnösser Brillenschaf” lamb specialities, Furchetta offers extraordinary natural products. Each ham, salami and lamb cut is hand processed following the local traditions. In addition to the meat products, valuable wool products from the sheep "Villnösser Brillenschaf" such as knitted hats and knitted winter clothing are available.
Oskar Messner and Kurt Niederstätter | Furchetta | Via Bergerweg 14, 39040 Funes
T +39 347 1911604 | info@no-spam.furchetta.no-spam.it
www.furchetta.it
Hats made from “ Villnösser Brillenschaf” wool
Monika Lovo, a native of Val di Funes/Villnöss and a passionate needleworker, crochets warm hats from the wool of the sheep "Villnösser Brillenschaf". In pure natural colours and lined with cotton jersey, they keep the head warm and protected from the wind. Monika is happy to show interested guests how these original hats and beanies are made during a demonstration in the respective accommodation. The hats are available for purchase in local businesses in the valley, including Vontavon & Niederstätter, Pitzock restaurant, and Naturwoll.
Monika Lovo | Häkel- und Strickarbeiten | Valentinweg 1, 39040 Funes
T +39 347 0177195 | monikaposta@no-spam.yahoo.no-spam.it
Wild, aromatic, and medicinal herbs
In the Val di Funes/Villnöss mountain herb garden, old and new knowledge about wild, aromatic and medicinal herbs comes alive again. At 1,400 metres above sea level, around 150 different plant species thrive, which are processed into herbal salts, herbal syrups, herbal teas, herbal mixtures and many other products. The herbs are only fertilised and treated organically; due to the altitude, the plants develop high-quality secondary ingredients. The herbalist Carmen Obexer teaches interested visitors how to safely recognise wild herbs and how to use numerous plants. On request, she also offers various workshops on the topic of making folk remedies such as ointments and tinctures.
Carmen Obexer | Bergkräutergarten | Valentinweg 25 B, 39040 Funes
T +39 349 4392120 | carmen.obexer@no-spam.gmail.no-spam.com
www.bergkraeutergartenvillnoess.it
Local red and white wines
Around 135 winegrowers place their grapes in the hands of Valle Isarco/Eisacktal winery. In total, the catchment area covers about 150 hectares of vineyards. In Valle Isarco/Eisacktal, Italy's northernmost wine-growing region, conditions are ideal for growing white grape varieties. A total of 28 wines are produced from the 14 varieties. The winery attaches great importance to the cooperation with local family businesses and has set itself the goal of producing high-quality wines through careful processing, thus preserving the bond with nature for future generations. During a guided tour, guests learn the secrets of viticulture, fermentation, pressing, and storage. The cellar tour is followed by a tasting.
135 different winegrowers | Cantina Valle Isarco/Kellerei Eisacktal | Leitach 50, 39043 Chiusa
T +39 0472 847552 | info@no-spam.kellerei-eisacktal.no-spam.it
www.kellerei-eisacktal.it
Free-range geese, beekeeping, calf rearing, orchards, and more
The Kasserolhof, run by Marlene and Lorenz Psenner, is situated at 850m above sea level on the edge of Val di Funes/Villnösstal. They manage the farm in an environmentally sustainable way and with respect for biodiversity. They place particular emphasis on animal welfare and the quality of the farm's own products. In addition to beekeeping, calf rearing, and orchards, they have discovered their love of poultry and also keep hens. Since 2019, they have also been breeding free-range geese, which provide the best meat in the autumn after spending the summer in the lush meadows. In addition, they offer jams, syrups, apple juice, eggs, nuts, and other seasonal products from the farm. During a guided tour of the farm, interested visitors can learn all about the diversity at the Kasserolhof before enjoying a tasting.
Marlene and Lorenz Psenner | Kasserolhof | Via Nafner 29, 39040 Funes
T +39 339 5047268 | info@no-spam.kasserol.no-spam.it
www.kasserol.it
Crystal wine, fruit, game salads, nuts, and chestnuts
Margareth and Lorenz Fischnaller produce something truly unique on their farm, the Torgglerhof in Nafen: They produce a mineral white wine by putting a rock crystal in the Riesling before bottling. Among other things, the Torgglerhof also produces game salads, nuts, chestnuts, plums, pears, and grapes.The aim is to give visitors an understanding of winemaking, its history and culture, and the farmer's work. And Lorenz does that himself as a walking guide on a leisurely, enjoyable walk all about “Discovering the flavour of wine”.
Margareth and Lorenz Fischnaller | Torgglerhof | Via Nafner 22, 39040 Funes
T +39 334 6627160 | l.fischnaller@no-spam.rolmail.no-spam.net
Biodynamic viticulture, cereals, and potatoes as well as sheep rearing
The Huaberhof in Teis is a farm with sheep husbandry, viticulture, cereals, and potatoes. On the sunny slopes of the "Huaber Weingort" below the Holy Sepulchre Chapel, various biodynamic white wine grapes thrive. The vineyard with a size of 2 hectares is situated at 900 m above sea level. The vineyard has existed for over 100 years, and has been run by Albert Vontavon for more than 10 years. When Albert isn’t in the vineyard, he takes care of his "Villnösser Brillenschaf" sheep or works in the cereal and potato fields. The entire vineyard and the products are biodynamic and Demeter certified.
The Santifaller family | Huaberhof | Turnergasse 5, 39040 Funes
T +39 348 4096472 | info@no-spam.huaberhof.no-spam.it
www.huaberhof.it
Local and organic high-quality products
The village shop of Teis has been run by the Santifaller family for several generations. In the shop, great importance is attached to local and organic high-quality products. The shop is also a point of sale for Roter Hahn goods, which are known as South Tyrolean quality products.
The Santifaller family | Teiser Dorfladen | Turnergasse 5, 39040 Funes
T +39 0472 844604 | santifaller.teis@no-spam.gmail.no-spam.com
Village shop for local products
Locals, guests and restaurant owners have been shopping at the village shop Vontavon & Niederstätter in St. Magdalena since 1939. The close cooperation for over 80 years has made the shop an important local supplier for the population and reliable partner for tourism businesses in Val di Funes/Villnöss, as well as in the entire Valle Isarco/Eisacktal. Vontavon offers a wide range of local products and thus maintains the rustic and genuine values of Val di Funes/Villnöss. Customer satisfaction is still the top priority.
Vontavon & Niederstätter KG | Bergerweg 14, 39040 Funes
T +39 0472 840186 | market@no-spam.vn-drinks.no-spam.com
www.vn-drinks.com
High-quality cereals, fruit, and viticulture
The farm Stieflerhof in Nafen has dedicated itself entirely to cereals. It is lovingly managed by Stephanie and Peter Kasseroler. They still grow various cereals and polenta directly on the farm. Thanks to the sunny slopes in Nafen, the grain, wine, potatoes, nuts, chestnuts, and old apple varieties thrive up to 800 metres above sea level. During their experience modules, they show guests the path from grain to bread. And of course, a delicious tasting of the handmade bread is not to be missed at the end.
Peter and Stephanie Kasseroler | Stieflerhof | Via Nafner 17, 39040 Funes
T +39 340 9425787 | stephanie@no-spam.igs-design.no-spam.it
“Villnösser Brillenschaf” sheep, vegetables, and flowers
The Oberhof farm is located at 1,350 metres above sea level in St. Magdalena with impressive panoramic views of Mt Odle/Geisler. As well as rearing “Villnösser Brillenschaf” sheep, the farm is also the kitchen garden for family-run restaurant aLMa9 in Bolzano. Over 350 different old varieties of vegetables and herbs are sustainably cultivated at the Oberhof farm in a way that’s as natural as possible. Cut flowers and over 30 different kinds of edible blossoms are also grown here, which not only make a delicious embellishment for cuisine, but are also a feast for the eyes for visitors to the farm.
Verena Oberrauch and Elad Ovadia | Oberhof | S. Maddalena 14, 39040 Funes
T + 39 335 737 8338 | www.geislergarten.com
Farmhouse with cheese dairy
Insights into cheese processing and tastings, adventure park, petting zoo, children's playground, farm shop. Lovingly prepared breakfast baskets with farm products (bread, fruit spreads, tea, milk, yoghurt, semi-hard cheese, eggs and much more), pure relaxation in the Finnish sauna. Through personal experience, it is particularly important to us that people with disabilities can also experience our farm and gain an insight into farm life. Each flat has a private outdoor area. Soon we will switch to suckler cow husbandry and will collaborate on the beef breed "Graues Geisler Rind".
Family Messner | Petrunderhof-Bio | Valentinweg 42, 39040 Villnöss valley/St. Valentin
T +39 0472 840393 | lydia_petrunder@no-spam.yahoo.no-spam.de
www.petrunderhof.com
Amazement: There is no better way of describing the Dolomites than this feeling. Marvel at their beauty, their boldness, at a masterpiece of nature. It took 270 million years to make it. In the info point you will pass through them in fast motion – up to the present day, when the Dolomites are a "UNESCO World Heritage Site". The story behind that is also told by the exhibition, which entertains and informs visitors. And leaves them with a feeling of amazement, of course.
The architecture:
The rocks, once in the seabed, now build peaks and are inclined, bent, or folded. This story of creation was adopted by Arch. Christa Mair (Studio PLAN_AR- Nals) in the architectural concept of the building and interior design.
Puez-Odle/Puez-Geisler Nature Park is a protected habitat for flora and fauna as well as a popular recreation area for active people. It impresses visitors with its spectacular Alpine pastures, woods and the Dolomites. With an area of over 10,000 hectares, the park houses and protects many Alpine animals including eagles, chamois, deer, and marmots. Rare plants including splendid rampions or the blue gentian thrive in the extreme Alpine conditions. The name of the park derives from the steep summits of the Puez and Odle/Geisler mountain group which are part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage. Famous hiking trails in the park include the Adolf Munkel trail and the “Zannes/Zans” nature experience trail with information boards and that is also accessible by wheelchair. The Nature Park House in St. Magdalena is the central information point for Puez-Odle/Puez-Geisler Nature Park and has made it its mission to bring visitors closer to nature and invite them to spend time there.
Puez-Odle/Puez-Geisler Nature Park House | Trebich 1, 39040 Funes/St. Maddalena
T +39 0472 842523 | info.pg@no-spam.provinz.bz.no-spam.it
https://nature-parks.provinz.bz.it/puez-geisler/nature-park-visitor-center.asp
In the centre of the idyllic village of Teis, situated at 960 metres above sea level between Valle Isarco/Eisacktal and Val di Funes/Villnöss, you’ll find the mineral museum, lovingly curated by experts. It provides a comprehensive insight into the world of the Geodes of Teis – world-renowned geodes found in this mountain village at the foot of the Dolomites.
Paul Fischnaller, a mineral collector, has recovered breathtaking treasures from the Villnöss mountains and rugged rock faces over the course of the last 40 years, which are now on display here. As well as the famous Geodes of Teis, visitors can also look forward to minerals from other areas in the Alps as well as varied special exhibitions. The guided hikes, during which you can search for your own Geodes of Teis with a guide, are highlights for children in particular.
Mineral museum | Via Teiser 12, 39040 Funes
T +39 0472 844522 | info@no-spam.mineralienmuseum-teis.no-spam.it
www.mineralienmuseum-teis.it
Mountain hut with show dairy
Kaserill Alm is located at 1,920 metres above sea level and is an excursion destination with a playground and small petting zoo for families. You can enjoy typical South Tyrolean mountain hut specialities on the sun terrace before relaxing in the cosy sun loungers and enjoying the peace and the view. In their own show dairy, Thomas produces various cheese specialities, such as mountain cheese and semi-hard cheese, soft and cream cheese, and homemade yoghurt. Our cheese varieties are available to purchase. You can reach Kaserill Alm from Zanser Alm in 50 minutes.
Enquiries can be made over the phone or by e-mail.
The Mantinger family | Kaserill Alm | Alm 5, 39040 Funes
T +39 0472 840219 | T +39 334 3344200
info@no-spam.unterkantiolerhof.no-spam.com
www.kaserillalm.com
Typical cuisine from Val di Funes/Villnösstal
Oskar Messner from Val di Funes/Villnösstal has set up a wonderful restaurant together with his wife Ingrid. Pitzock restaurant offers excellent cuisine made from products that come mainly from Val di Funes/Villnösstal. Oskar has made it his mission to bring regional and seasonal products such as the sheep "Villnöss Brillenschaf " or the beef breed “Graues Geisler Rind” to the table. He always strives to create refined recipes and never loses sight of his zero-kilometre strategy. The origin and history of the products are very important to the owners. For this reason, chef Oskar comes to the table directly to explain to his guests the origin of the products used.
Oskar and Ingrid Messner | Pitzock | Pizack 30, 39040 Funes
T +39 347 1911604 | info@no-spam.pitzock.no-spam.com
www.pitzock.com
Slowing down in the middle of the Dolomites
In a quiet location right by the Dolomites, our Hotel Tyrol is easily reachable. It’s a place for relaxation seekers and for nature lovers. The sustainable renovation of the hotel is not only reflected in the use of local natural materials, but also in the aesthetics of the new building. Timeless and simple shapes characterise the design of the new rooms, suites, and maisonettes and combine with warm materials such as wood, wool, linen, and glass to create an ideal ambiance.
After a day in the mountains of Val di Funes/Villnösser Tal, relax in the wellness oasis with panoramic quiet room. Only local, fair-trade ingredients find their way to the kitchen.
Senoner-Eisendle Family | Hotel Tyrol | Via Kirchweg 12, 39040 Funes/S. Magdalena
T +39 0472 840104 | info@no-spam.tyrol-hotel.no-spam.eu
www.tyrol-hotel.eu
Snack bar with regional dishes
Robert Pernthaler lovingly runs Jausenstation Moar with his wife Maria and their four children. He pampers guests with homemade starters and cakes as well as traditional venison and “Villnösser Brillenschaf” lamb dishes. The vegetables for the dishes are grown in their own garden and are prepared fresh after harvesting. Maria takes care of the well-being of the holiday guests. The cosy and refurbished holiday apartments are made of local stone pine and oak, which ensures a relaxing holiday.
The Pernthaler family | Jausenstation Moar | S. Giacomo 20, 39040 Funes
T +39 0472 840318 | info@no-spam.jausenstationmoar.no-spam.it
www.jausenstationmoar.it
A guesthouse with a lot to offer
Here at Viel Nois Guest House, we’re always quick, especially when it comes to taking care of our guests. That’s why we quickly realised that good food is all about sustainability and care. It’s the only area where we deliberately make sure we take it slow. That means our homemade dishes, zero-waste breakfast and brunch, and our “Villnösser Bauernladele” farm shop with products from local producers and farmhouses wholeheartedly reflect the philosophy of Slow Food.
The Messner family | Guest House Viel Nois | San Pietro 8, 39040 Funes
T +39 0472 840526 | info@no-spam.vielnois.no-spam.com
www.vielnois.com
The businesses are located in the pristine Dolomites valley of Val di Funes/Villnöss, which promotes farming culture and sustainability. Val di Funes/Villnöss is the first Slow Food Travel destination in South Tyrol and offers a range of activities and indulgence experiences with local products. Thanks to this distinction, the special products from Val di Funes/Villnöss can be combined to create amazing guest experiences. Here, guests embark on a journey to the roots of good taste, sample traditional delicacies, and learn more about the history of the food.
Do you want to visit the nearby Slow Food businesses and watch producers work? We’ll tell you how to reach Villnöss/Funes valley in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.
ÖBB and DB trains will bring you to Brixen or Klausen in South Tyrol. The night train in particular guarantees a relaxing journey, so that in the morning you’ll be ready to start your holiday right away.
You can easily reach South Tyrol by Flixbus, too.
From the train station in Brixen or Klausen, you can reach Val di Funes/Villnöss with the public bus line.
In South Tyrol you can easily get from A to B and from the hotels to the sights and back, even without a car. The Dolomiti Card offers free use of public transport and gives you free access to plenty of attractions and experiences.
Südtirol Transfer is a local shuttle that connects the train stations in Bruneck, Brixen, and Klausen as well as the long-distance bus services in Bolzano, Klausen, and Vahrn to Val di Funes/Villnöss – and takes you back again, of course.
The businesses participating in the Slow Food Travel project present their favourite recipes that best reflect its values and philosophy.
Carmen Obexer from Bergkräutergarten Villnöss presents her favourite recipe: a soup prepared with nine wild herbs.
4 portions
Preparation time: approx. 20 min.
Important: all herbs should be finely chopped
Prepare a light roux with the butter, onion, and flour and dilute it with the vegetable stock.
Add the finely chopped herbs, cook the soup for about 5 minutes, stirring it frequently.
Stir in the cream or sour cream to refine the soup.
Combine the two types of flour on a work surface, add salt, and make a well in the centre. Mix the eggs, lukewarm water, and oil, pour the mixture into the well in the flour, and then knead to a smooth dough. Cover the dough and leave it to rest for an hour. Finely chop the nettles and brown the onion and garlic in the butter. Add the nettles and then reduce the heat. Remove from the heat and add the ricotta and Parmesan, then season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper and mix well. Roll out the pasta dough into a thin sheet. Use a smooth, round pastry cutter to cut 8cm circles out of the dough. Place the filling at the centre of each circle using a spoon or piping bag. Moisten the edges with water and fold the circles in half to create little half-moon shapes. Press the edges closed with your fingers. Boil the Schlutzkrapfen ravioli in salted water and put them on plates. Sprinkle with Parmesan and chives and serve with melted butter.
Cooking time: 3-4 minutes