reschen

Reschen is a village in the municipality of Graun im Vinschgau, in the autonomous province of Bolzano-Bozen (South Tyrol), northern Italy. It lies near the Reschen Pass, the border crossing between Italy and Austria, and at the northern end of Lake Reschensee. The area is part of the Vinschgau (Val Venosta) valley and is commonly associated with cross-border travel between the Tyrolean and Italian regions.

The region has a long Tyrolean heritage and, like much of South Tyrol, features a German-speaking majority with Italian as an official language. Historically, the area was part of the Tyrolean lands in the former Austrian empire and became part of Italy after World War I. The border and landscape have shaped local culture, economy, and tourism.

A defining feature of the Reschen area is the artificial Lake Reschensee (Lago di Resia), created in the mid-20th century by damming water to generate hydroelectric power. The project submerged several small settlements, including the old village of Alt Graun, leaving only the spire of a church visible above the water. The submerged bell tower has become an iconic landmark and a symbol of the region.

Today, Reschen serves as a gateway for outdoor recreation and tourism. The nearby Reschen Pass and lake attract hikers, cyclists, and winter sports enthusiasts. The site also emphasizes cross-border cooperation with Austria, with trails and routes that connect Tyrolean and South Tyrolean landscapes.