That which holds true for the mountain and its innermost part – the old mine – also perhaps applies just a bit to the people in the Valle Aurina-Ahrntal. They have always worked diligently. And when the mountain suddenly no longer provided any copper, then things had to get creative: lace making and woodcarving ensured an income for the miners who had become unemployed.

Little agriculture, lots of trade. As early as prehistoric times, copper, fur, and salt, and later loden felt, spices, cheese, and oil were carried over the mountains here Those looking for grapevines, apple orchards, or cornfields will be disappointed. Rather, the Valle Aurina offers unspoiled mountain landscapes and continues to exude the pioneer spirit of the people who conquered the surrounding peaks. They are proud of their culture here.

After all, as one of the mightiest fortresses in the province, Taufers Castle can hardly be overlooked. It leads us back into the Middle Ages – with no detours.
The village of Sand in Taufers, at the foot of the castle, has always somewhat remained in its shadow, and back then, it hardly had any economic importance. The men and women had to earn their daily bread outside the valley, in the spring as “weeders” and in the summer as reapers in the grain fields in the Pustertal valley and the Eisack Valley. Some brought goods to Bozen and back as deliverymen. Others earned their livings as small farmers by, among other things, raising sheep.

Small, carefully tended museums tell the history of the region, artisans keep the old professions alive, traditional costumes, music festivals, and major festivities such as the return of the livestock are all a part of the consciousness of tradition that is deeply anchored even in young minds.

At the Kiekemma, the return of the livestock that takes place every October, it’s the cows who are in charge. Or rather the herdsman, who drive their colorfully bedecked animals down from the summer pastures and back into their barns with plenty of clanging of bells and no shortage of mooing.