An adventurous mountain holiday in South Tyrol
A cosy holiday home for your mountain stay in South Tyrol
Enjoy your holiday at our cosy Jaufensteg at the entrance to the Ratschings Valley! Our comfortable rooms are the perfect refuge after an adventurous day in the surrounding mountains. Furthermore, since its early days as an inn back in the 19th century, our hotel has been welcoming scores of hikers and nature lovers to a homely environment combined with attentive service and excellent cuisine. Our chefs Armin and Lukas will pamper you with traditional and homemade dishes in our own restaurant. Here, you will feel at home!
Also, there are plenty of possibilities for activities. A special highlight of the valley is located right at the doorstep: the Stanghe Gorge (Gilfenklamm), unique in Europe because it’s caved into marble stone, which is accessible via steps and bridges.
But there are also other options to suit every taste, from skiing and sledding on the snow-sure runs of the Racines-Giovo ski area to family-friendly hikes on the local Alpine pastures and challenging high-altitude MTB tours. For sure you will find something for your taste!
We are looking forward to welcoming you!
The Klotz family
On a discovery spree? Use the Racines activCARD
When you check in at the Jaufensteg, you will receive a complimentary Racines activCARD, a guest card that gives you free fares on all public transport in South Tyrol and the Racines-Giovo, Rosskopf and Ladurns lift facilities. Additional benefits include free access to the Gilfenklamm waterfall and free entry to a number of museums in South Tyrol, as well as free participation in selected hikes or guided tours and discounts at shops and establishments taking part in the scheme.
Cosy rooms for your holiday in South Tyrol
A refuge in the mountains
Our recently renovated hotel features bright, quiet rooms and suites to cater for every need. The 10 spacious double rooms measure from 22 to 27 m² and are equipped with a sofa bed for extra capacity. Each family suite offers 38 m² of space for a carefree holiday with your friends or family.
All rooms feature:
- balcony
- bathroom with shower
- WC
- bidet
- flat-screen Sat TV
- free WiFi
Family suites are also equipped with an extra toilet.
Summer holiday in South Tyrol
Enjoy the mountains
Hiking in Ratschings
With its mantle of idyllic mountain pastures, the Racines-Giovo area is a land of plenty for hiking enthusiasts. From the punchy climb to the Becherhaus – South Tyrol’s highest mountain hut at 3,184 m – to family-friendly pasture tours, there are options to suit all tastes!
If you favour leisurely strolls, you can let the Racines cable car take you to lofty heights and make your way on the Ratschinger Almenweg: this panoramic path connects all the local mountain huts and is the ideal choice if you fancy the idea of taking a break along the way and treating yourself to a tasty South Tyrolean snack. Those who are looking for a proper challenge can tackle the local mountains and reach the summits of Mt Wetterspitze, Mt Seebergspitze and Mt Ratschinger Weiße. Alternatively, you can take a stroll along the shady path following the mountain brook that starts right by the Jaufensteg. A visit to the spectacular Gilfenklamm gorge and waterfall is also in order, of course!
Explore nature at MountainAdventureWorld
Located by the Racines-Giovo cable car terminal, MountainAdventureWorld is a family-tailored ring trail with lots of attractions for young and old, including a petting zoo, climbing and water features, a giant slide, wooden instruments and much more.
Educational panels along the way provide interesting information on the local flora and fauna to help children discover the surrounding territory in an entertaining way. The path itself is relatively flat, pushchair-friendly, and easy to reach at 1,800 m thanks to the cable car. The perfect outdoor experience for the whole family!
Cycling through green meadows
Cyclists and mountain bikers spending their summer holidays in Racines are spoilt for choice with a vast network of forest paths and cycle trails running the gamut from leisurely valley cycleways to more challenging uphill pasture tours and mountain pass trails.
If you are happy to accept a little help, you can hire an E-bike at one of the local docking stations and enjoy your tours without having to put too much effort into the experience.
Right in front of the Gilfenklamm
Waterfalls in a gorge made of marble: the Stanghe Gorge is unique in Europe!
Our accommodation is located directly at the entrance of this stunning sight in the Racines Valley. Here, the brook Rio Racines on its way to the valley becomes stronger and stronger and caved its way through the rocks. On the around 2.5 km long path you can walk through the gorge on steps and bridges. This is an attraction you shouldn’t miss! After a climb of about an hour, you’ll reach our sunny terrace, where you can enjoy a cake and a coffee and marvel at the view.
Paying Sterzing a visit
Only a few minutes by car away from the Jaufensteg, there is the idyllic alpine city of Sterzing. Here, culture lovers have a lot to explore.
The small city centre is absolutely worth a visit. Between colourful houses, there are beautiful shops and cosy cafés and restaurants under historic arcades. The Tower of the Twelve with its height of 46m is particularly characteristic. By the way, it separates the old part of the town from the new part. Other interesting sights to explore are the Multscher Museum, the Castel Reifenstein, and the Michhof Sterzing milk factory.
Winter fun and snowy experiences in Ratschings
Fun in the snow
On the slopes of Ratschings-Jaufen
Large slopes, a fantastic panorama and lots of snow: the Racines-Giovo ski area is a winter wonderland for skiers of all ages!
Runs with varying degrees of difficulty offer the right challenge for everyone from beginners to experts, and snow is guaranteed throughout the season. The ski area also features a terrain park with plenty of wave, jib, and kicker lines for adrenaline-seeking snowboarders.
With sunny terraces and intriguing menus, the local mountain huts offer a pleasurable stopover between descents. The Racines-Giovo is also a child-friendly ski area, featuring a ski kindergarten where youngsters can learn the ropes in a playful way, under the watchful eye of professional instructors. The valley terminal of the Racines-Giovo lift is approximately 4 km away. A free ski bus service to the ski area is available, with buses stopping right in front of Hotel Jaufensteg.
Cross-country skiing in Racines
If idyllic cross-country trails attract you more than the bustling ski slopes, the Racines valley offers you 50 km of manicured trails to choose from. For example, the high-mountain Platschjoch trail leads from the Racines-Giovo lift terminal to the Kalcheralm and back to the Rinneralm.
The untrodden paths: winter trekking
Away from the busy slopes nature slumbers under a shimmering duvet of pure white snow. Immerse yourself in a world of tranquillity exploring the Racines area by the many well-kept winter paths that criss-cross the valley. Visit the farms in Flading or enjoy a tour of the local Alpine huts. Many of them are open in winter so you can stop over and warm yourself with a nice cup of tea or steaming mug of mulled wine.
Downhill thrill: sledding
You’re never too old to enjoy the good fun of a sledding race! Just as well there are several natural runs to choose from in the area, ranging from nail-biting descents to leisurely, child-safe options. We especially recommend the extra-long Racines run: you can reach the mountain terminal either on foot or comfortably seated in the cable car. Once at the top, a short stroll in the snow and then down you go, back to the valley on 5 km of manicured run and endless fun!
The Christmas market in Sterzing
During Christmas time, the main square of the idyllic alpine city is turned into a Christmas market. Traditional stands next to the characteristic Tower of the Twelve create a unique atmosphere. Stroll through the stands, buy some souvenirs or hand-made products, and have a hot drink like a mulled wine. Let yourself be enchanted by the Christmas spirit. Maybe, the first snowflakes are already dancing through the sky to make the visit perfect!
Ski mountaineering in Ratschings
As snow is guaranteed and the surrounding mountain peaks are more than beautiful, the Ratschingstal valley and therefore the Jaufensteg is the perfect place for ski mountaineering. Up through snowy forests and steep ridges, and down on fresh snow: here, you have plenty of choice! On Mt. kleine Kreuzspitze, Mt. hohe Kreuzspitze, Mt. Fleckner, or Mt. Saxner?
Host Armin is happy to give you some advice for great day in the mountains!
Our à la carte restaurant
Good food and drinks
Exquisite cuisine, fine wines and friendly service – the Jaufensteg Restaurant is a perfect place to spend a pleasurable evening in good company! Our chefs Armin and Lukas pamper you with traditional meals made with fresh, local ingredients.
Those of you who book their stay for gourmets with half board during winter, get a daily four-course dinner with salad buffet. Our kitchen staff will pamper you with traditional, homemade, and fresh dishes. And of course, you will get a glass of local wine.
We also cater for special dietary needs to ensure that guests with food intolerances can enjoy a delectable meal, too. Please inform us on reservation of any dietary requirements so that we can prepare a meal tailored your needs.
Important! We are closed on Sunday evening and on Monday (from mid-July to the beginning of September, we are open all around the clock).
The bar is open all day.
Our tip: combine your dining experience with a visit to the breath-taking Gilfenklamm waterfall!
Your private party at Jaufensteg
Family events in the cosy Ratschings Valley
Are you looking for a homely venue to celebrate a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary? Get in touch! In our two cosy dining rooms, there is space for around 35 people each and we will be happy to suggest various menu options for your private or corporate parties.
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Good to know
All you need to know about your holiday in Racines
- Rates are per person per day, based on a minimum stay of 3 nights. A €5 supplement per person/day applies for bookings of 1 or 2 nights. In addition, a €1.35 tourist tax per person/day (children under 14 exempt) is levied by local authorities.
- The Italian Consumer Protection Code does not provide for the right of withdrawal. However, the following conditions apply if you need to cancel your booking:
- 3 months to 4 weeks prior to expected arrival we charge 50% of the booking price.
- Starting from 4 weeks prior to expected arrival we charge 100% of the booking price.
- Check-in is available from 2:30 p.m. on the day of arrival. On the day of departure, we ask that you please check out by 10:30 a.m.
- On request, we offer a transfer service from and to Vipiteno railway station. One parking space per room is available free of charge for guests travelling by car or motorcycle.
- A secure depot for bicycles and mountain bikes is available on site.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all the guest rooms and throughout the property.
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How to reach us
The best possibilities to get to the beautiful Ratschings Valley
Hotel Jaufensteg is located in the hamlet of Racines di Fuori, at the entrance to the Ratschinger valley and just a few kilometres from the town of Vipiteno, in South Tyrol. If you are travelling by car or motorcycle, take the Brennero motorway A22 – Vipiteno exit – and you will get here in no time. You can also reach us by train, bus, or plane. Vipiteno railway station is served by several long-distance trains from Munich, Innsbruck, and Verona. Long-distance bus and airport shuttle services also stop in Vipiteno. On arrival, we will be happy to come and pick you up from the railway station, if you wish!
How to reach us by car
Take the Brennero motorway – Vipiteno exit. At the roundabout, follow the signs to Passo Giovo, Ridanna, Racines. After approximately 2 km you will reach the next roundabout in Casateia; keep right and continue towards Racines and Ridanna. After 2 more km, at the hamlet of Stanghe, turn left towards Racines. After a 2.5 km ascent you will find the Jaufensteg Hotel & Restaurant on the right-hand side, near the entrance to the Gilfenklamm gorge.
Useful links for your bus, train or plane journey:
- Italian railways: www.trenitalia.com
- German railways: www.bahn.de
- Austrian railways: www.oebb.at
- Long-distance bus: www.flixbus.de
- Verona airport: www.aereoportoverona.it
- Innsbruck airport: www.innsbruck-airport.at
- Munich airport: www.munich-airport.de