The art of bobbin lace-making in the holiday region Ahrntal valley

In Prettau/Predoi, at the far end of the Ahrntal valley, bobbin lace-making has a long tradition. Using wooden bobbins, fine threads and skilled hands, lace-makers create intricate patterns – a craft that requires patience, precision and experience.

The history of Prettau lace is closely linked to mining. As mining declined, lace-making became an important source of income for many families. The skills have been passed down through generations and remain part of the craft tradition in the holiday region Ahrntal valley today.

When copper mining in Prettau/Predoi came to an end in the late 19th century, many miners lost their jobs. The local parish priest, Johann Pescosta, began looking for new ways for village families to earn a living. With the support of the mine owners, he introduced bobbin lace-making to Prettau/Predoi.

In 1889, he sent three women to Vienna to learn the craft. One of them, Anna Mittermair, later developed her skills further in Proveis/Proves and became a teacher at the newly established lace-making school in Prettau/Predoi. She initially taught the miners’ children, who then passed their new skills on to their mothers. In this way, bobbin lace-making gradually spread throughout the village.

Before long, Prettau lace was being sold far beyond the village. Thekla Kofler sold handmade lace, advertised in fashion magazines and ensured that the lace-makers of Prettau/Predoi were represented at the Tyrolean Regional Exhibition in 1893. Orders even arrived from America and Paris, with thousands of metres of lace produced for the latter in the late 19th century.

Her daughter Rosa Mittermair also played an important role. In 1905, she attended a lace-making course in Vienna, worked at an Austrian exhibition in London and continued her training in drawing. Her dedication was instrumental in keeping the craft alive through both World Wars.

Bobbin lace-making continues in Prettau/Predoi today. Founded in 1994, the Prettau Lace-Making Association passes on the craft through courses for children and adults. During demonstrations, you can watch lace-makers at work and discover how fine threads become intricate lace.