Sexten lies at an altitude of 1,310 m/4,298 ft. above sea level and borders on East Tyrol (Austria) to the north. It is the “last”, i.e. easternmost town of the South Tyrolean Puster Valley. Sexten is surrounded by a wonderful natural landscape and boasts a spectacular mountain backdrop: the Carnic Alps to the east, the Sexten Dolomites UNESCO - Natural Word Hertage to the south, and the Kreuzberg Pass to the north.
The first documental evidence of Sexten's existence dates back to 965. At the time, the town was referred to as “Sexta”, which is derived from the Latin word for “six”. Later, i.e. during the late Middle Ages, that name was replaced by “Valle Sexta”.
Places of interest in Sexten:
- the so-called “Sextener Bergsonnenuhr” (Sexten's mountain sundial), a spectacle of nature consisting of five impressive Dolomite peaks (Neuner, Zehner, Elfer, Zwölfer, and Einser)
- the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) with countless hiking trails and climbing routes…
- the so-called “Sextner Naturpark” (Sexten nature reserve) is a special area in the mountains, and is part of UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage Site. This nature reserve covers an area of 11,635 hectares/28,750 acres and extends over the territories of three communes: Innichen, Sexten, and Toblach.
- reindeer on the Rotwand … you can watch reindeer in a somewhat unusual habitat, i.e. that of the Rotwand mountain. And in winter you can even enjoy a ride on a reindeer-drawn sled.
- the Fischleintal is a small side valley to the south of Sexten.
It is famous for its beauty, is located within the Sexten Dolomites nature reserve, and is flanked by some of the peaks which make up Sexten's mountain sundial. The impressive mountain backdrop is yours to enjoy!
- over 160 works by Rudolf Stolz (1874–1960) are exhibited in the Rudolf-Stolz-Museum. With Egger-Lienz, Stolz is regarded as one of the major Tyrolean artists of the first half of the 20th century. His favourite subjects were Madonnas.
- the work “Totentanz” (dance of death) by the South Tyrolean artist Rudolf Stolz (1874–1960) in Sexten's churchyard is one of Sexten's most popular attractions
- the Monte Piana open-air museum offers a stunning 360° panorama. Monte Piana is also a historic site: over 14,000 soldiers died here during World War I
- countless hiking and mountain-bike trails provide opportunities for fun and relaxation
- the Helm and Rotwand ski resorts cater to skiers and snowboarders of all ages
- a cross-country skiers' paradise: Sexten's cross-country ski resort with the high-altitude Nemes Alm course
- an architecturally and technically interesting climbing gym
- Lienz, the capital of East Tyrol, is just 50 km from Sexten. Lienz is a lovely small town with flair which has some 13,000 inhabitants. The Romans were the first to settle the Lienzer basin where they built Tyrol's only Roman town, Aguntum. During the Middle Ages, the counts of Gorizia established their summer residence in Schloss Bruck. Nowadays, Lienz is a vibrant small town with sheltered alleys and squares, boutiques, a weekly market on Fridays and Saturdays, concerts, and art galleries.
- in the game park Erlebniswelt Assling, in East Tyrol, you can see roe deer, deer, chamois, marmots, lynxes, wildcats, pot-bellied pigs, and many other wild animals. The “Erlebniswelt” also features a summer sled run, an adventure playground, a woodland nature trail, and a farmer's shop. It is an ideal place where to enjoy an exciting afternoon!
Your favourite hikers' hotel in the Dolomites UNESCO - Natural Word Hertage
The Waldheim Hotel is ideal for hikers. It is centrally located in Sexten and is your best guarantee of a carefree holiday! Sexten lies in a broad upper valley of the Dolomites, it is within a short distance of popular destinations, and boasts many hiking paths, fixed-rope routes, and a family-friendly ski resort: an oasis for pure relaxation … Experience the Dolomites with us!
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