Innervillgraten

Innervillgraten is located at the end of the beautiful Villgratental valley.

Altitude: 1,402 m asl

Far away from the rush of everyday life, Innervillgraten (see pic) reaches to the hamlet Kalkstein on 1,604 m asl, surrounded by numerous further hamlets and farmhouses. The hamlet Kalkstein is at the same time a pilgrimage site and has already been transformed into a film set. Lovely! Despite of its mountainous position, Innervillgraten has already been mentioned in 788 AD as “Alpe Valgrata”. In 1643 AD Black Death rampaged throughout this area and took 31 human lives - really a lot for a little village like Innervillgraten…

In this captivating mountain village you cannot sit still. Yet, maybe here and there, when you enjoy the great view on the South Tyrolean Dolomites and Lienz Dolomites. Three hiking trails take you even into the Val Casies valley in South Tyrol/Italy - the paths have been particularly popular with inhabitants, as it was used to carry on trade. However, if you prefer mountainbikes or motorbikes, you are also at the right place, as there is a 25 km long mountainbike trail leading to the Berglet farmhouses on 1,700 m asl. And for a long time the Villgratental valley has been considered to be a good starting point for motorbike tours in the Dolomites, the Lesachtal valley, the Grossglockner high alpine road or different valleys in East and South Tyrol.

As in Ausservillgraten, also in Innervillgraten there is much to see and to discover. The Wegelate sawmill, the one and only Venetian sawmill in the surroundings has been restaured several years ago. For this reason the association that deals with the preservation of tradition, was awarded with the honouring “Europa Nostra Award” (1999) and “Henry Ford Environment Award” (2002). Moreover make a visit to the Oberstaller alpine pasture, where time seems to stand still.

Our tip: There are not only activities for your leisure time, but also going out eating is very important in this place, as there is a gourmet restaurant in Innervillgraten. The “Gannerhof”, a former farmhous on 1,400 asl offers delicious local products. We warmly recommend you to try the lamb dishes!