Between waterfalls, paths in the woods, ancient mines and peasant traditions, the Aurina Valley is a destination to consider even after the summer. Here’s what to visit, which walks to choose and the events not to be missed in autumn 2026.
Autumn is a good time to visit the Aurina Valley, in South Tyrol, especially for those looking for nature excursions, small mountain villages and activities other than the classic days on skis. Between September and October the woods change colour, the low-altitude routes are still accessible when the weather conditions allow it and the villages celebrate the return of the animals from the mountain pastures.
The area, north of Brunico, includes places such as Campo Tures, Lutago, San Giovanni, Cadipietra and Predoi, as well as the lateral valleys of Riva di Tures and Selva dei Molini.
To organize a two or three day weekend, you can alternate walks to the waterfalls, cultural visits and stops in the villages. Furthermore, on 17 and 18 October 2026, the traditional transhumance festival is scheduled in Riva di Tures, with the parade of herds and local gastronomic specialities.
What to see in Valle Aurina in autumn
The Riva Waterfalls: a walk also suitable for families
One of the best-known excursions in the area is the one to the Riva waterfalls, near Campo Tures, within the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Natural Park.
The route starts from Bad Winkel and follows the Riva stream through the woods, reaching three successive waterfalls. You can choose how much to walk based on the time available and your physical preparation.
According to the indications of the local tourist association, from the Cantuccio/Winkel car park it takes about 20 minutes to reach the first waterfall, with a 40 meter difference in altitude; about 40 minutes for the second, with 140 meters of altitude difference; about 55 minutes for the third, with 170 meters of altitude difference.
The times refer to the outward journey: the first stretch, along the forest road, is also accessible with a stroller, while to continue it is preferable to wear trekking shoes.
In autumn you need to pay attention to the wet ground and leaves which can make some passages slippery. Before leaving it is advisable to check the conditions of the path, especially after heavy rain or ice.
The Sentieri del Sole and the walks between the farms
Another possibility is to follow one of the Sentieri del Sole, itineraries that cross different sectors of the valley and allow you to observe the agricultural landscape, meadows and traditional farms.
Some sections follow ancient connections between the localities, also used in the past by smugglers. They are interesting routes for those who want to walk without necessarily tackling high altitude excursions.
However, it is important to choose the right itinerary: the paths indicated with similar names do not all have the same difficulty. Some are simple walks, others take several hours and face significant elevation changes. Before leaving, it is best to check the length, altitude and status of the route at the tourist offices.
What to do if it rains: the Predoi mine
If the weather doesn’t allow walking, one of the alternatives is the Provincial Mining Museum of Predoi, in the northernmost part of the valley.
Copper has been mined here for over five centuries. Today it is possible to enter the ancient tunnel of Sant’Ignazio on board a mining train, which travels over a kilometer inside the mountain. The visit continues through installations and reconstructions dedicated to the work of the miners.
For 2026 the museum indicates an opening period from 1 April to 8 November, with ordinary closure on Mondays, except holidays. The visit requires booking and the last entry indicated is at 3pm.
The mine can also be reached by bus 450, getting off at the Predoi Miniera stop. It is worth bringing warm clothing, because the temperature in the tunnels is low even when the climate outside is mild.
The production of bobbin lace, which developed as an alternative income opportunity for the families of the town, is also linked to the history of the mining activity of Predoi.
Selva dei Molini: a detour to learn about rural life
Those who have an extra day available can reach Selva dei Molini, a side valley characterized by small inhabited areas, meadows, farms and evidence of ancient agricultural activities.
Here the old water mills remind us of the importance of cereal processing in the local economy. The area is suitable for walks between the villages and along the valley floor paths, a possibility to consider when the conditions at altitude are not favourable.
It is a stop to be included especially in a multi-day stay, without trying to concentrate all the visits on the same day.
On 17 and 18 October 2026 the transhumance festival returns to Riva di Tures
One of the most characteristic autumn events is the Kiehkemma, the traditional descent of the herds from the summer pastures. During the summer the animals are taken to the mountain pastures, where they can graze while the hay destined for the winter is collected in the valley bottoms. As temperatures drop they return to the village stables.
In Riva di Tures this moment is accompanied by a public celebration, with decorated animals, traditional floats, music and local cuisine. For 2026 the event is scheduled for Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, at the festival square in Riva di Tures.
The announced program includes a party in the heated tent with live music for Saturday 17 October, starting at 7pm. Sunday 18 October begins at 10.30am with musical entertainment; the transhumance parade is scheduled for 1pm, followed by music and dancing at 2.30pm. The lottery draw is scheduled for 5pm.
Entrance is free. For those who want to witness the passage of the animals, the time to mark is therefore Sunday 18 October at 1pm. It is advisable to arrive early to find a place and move around the town more easily.
What to eat in the Aurina Valley: Graukäse and traditional dishes
Among the most characteristic products of the valley is Graukäse, an acid-coagulated cow’s cheese, traditionally prepared without rennet from skimmed milk. It is a product of mountain peasant cuisine, born from the need to use the milk left over after butter production. It has a strong, acidic taste and is often served with onion, vinegar and oil.
Graukäse from the Aurina Valley is recognized as a Slow Food Presidium, which promotes its artisanal production and the conservation of traditional techniques. Other local specialties are also featured during the transhumance festival, including Krapfen, barley soup, Bauerngröstl, a potato and meat dish, and Topfnudeln.
To taste local products outside of the festival, you can look for trattorias and farms that offer South Tyrolean cuisine, checking the seasonal openings first.
How to organize a two-day weekend
For those visiting the Aurina Valley for the first time, it may be useful to take Campo Tures as a point of reference and distribute the activities without planning too many trips. The first day can be dedicated to the Riva Waterfalls, with a walk in the morning and a visit to the center of Campo Tures in the afternoon. On the second day you can reach Predoi to visit the mine, or choose an excursion in the surroundings of Selva dei Molini.
Those arriving on the weekend of 17 and 18 October can instead reserve Sunday for the transhumance of Riva di Tures, moving the visit to the mine to Saturday.
How to get there and what to know before leaving
The Aurina Valley can be reached via Brunico, in the Pusteria Valley. Those traveling by train can reach the Brunico area and continue by bus towards the villages of the valley. For internal travel it is useful to consult the South Tyrolean public transport service, especially on weekends.
October is a transition month for mountain tourism: some refuges and ski lifts may be closed and trail conditions change rapidly, especially at high altitude. It is therefore better to check the forecast, check when attractions are open and always have an alternative to excursions.
For updates on routes, events and services, you can consult the official website of the Valle Aurina holiday area.
An autumn stay in this part of Alto Adige allows you to combine outdoor activities and cultural visits without necessarily having to undertake challenging treks. For a two-day weekend it is preferable to choose a few stops close to each other, taking into account the weather and travel times.
