Near Ruffré, located in the eastern part of the Val di Non valley, there is also the Passo Mendola, a nice mountain pass taking you to the neighbouring South Tyrol
Image gallery: Ruffré Mendola
It actually was the Passo Mendola that already in 1900 AD made Ruffré an important resort in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Numerous hotels and other types of accommodation are evidence of this. Moreover in 1903 the Mendola funicular was inaugurated, connecting Caldaro to Passo Mendola. This is how you can overcome 850 m of altitude difference within a few minutes only. The road to Passo Mendola, leading from Appiano and Caldaro in South Tyrol to Ruffré, was venue for motor races for a long period of time.
What a great view you may enjoy from the top of the Penegal mountain: from the city of Bolzano and the Val d'Adige valley to the Dolomites, the spa town of Merano, the Val di Non valley and the Brenta Dolomites and the mighty Ortles Group. Only few km from Ruffré you will find the sanctuary of San Romedio, which is definitely worth seeing. Just walk up the 131 steps and once you are at the top you can visit a total of five little churches!
