Campo Tures: A Mountain Town Beneath Taufers Castle

Campo Tures sits along the Aurino River, where the settled valley floor gives way to steep, forested slopes. The main road continues north into the Ahrntal, while side valleys lead toward smaller mountain villages such as Riva di Tures. That geography makes the town useful for exploring different landscapes without changing bases: riverside paths, wooded climbs and much higher Alpine routes are all within reach. The setting changes noticeably with the seasons. Summer brings hikers and cyclists, while winter draws skiers and people heading into the snowy side valleys. Weather can shift quickly once you leave the valley floor, and some mountain routes require more planning than the short walks near town.

Taufers Castle is the landmark that gives Campo Tures its most recognizable silhouette. It rises above the town rather than occupying its center, a reminder that this has long been a settled and traveled valley, not simply a modern holiday base. Below it, the streets are modest in scale, with houses, shops and hotels serving both residents and guests. The other signature sight is the series of waterfalls on the Riva stream, often called the Reinbach waterfalls. Their trail climbs through woodland and is one of the clearest ways to experience the landscape close to town. Together, the castle and waterfalls give a short stay two quite different outings: one rooted in local history, the other in the valley's rivers and forests.

Campo Tures has a practical side that can be easy to miss in photos of the castle. It is a year-round town where Italian and German place names appear side by side, reflecting South Tyrol's bilingual character. You can find places to eat and everyday supplies in the center, then head out for a longer walk or a day on the slopes. Speikboden is the nearby ski area and also provides lift-assisted access to mountain scenery during its summer operating season. For higher, quieter terrain, the surrounding Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park includes routes that demand more time and suitable conditions. There is no railway station in Campo Tures; travelers using public transport typically connect by bus from Brunico. A car gives more flexibility for reaching trailheads, but the town itself is small enough to get around on foot.