Weißbrunn

Weißbrunn is situated at the end of the unspoilt Ulten Valley on an elevation of 1900 meter and it is mainly characterized trough the Weißbrunn reservoir. The Ulten Valley is known as a region replete with water and it is perceived as being of an exceptional natural beauty and cultural integrity.

The six reservoirs strongly characterize the entire Ulten Valley as – coming along with dams, hydropower stations and piping systems - they are incisive elements within nature. During the 50ies and 60ies of the last century, the landscape of the Ulten Valley changed considerably. The elderly population recalls that many centuries-old farms had to give way for the artificial lakes.

Next to the Weißbrunn reservoir are located a hydropower station as well as several abandoned and partly decayed buildings – among which is also the formerly renowned restaurant Enzian of the star chef Giancarlo Godio.

Thus, the aim of this feasibility study is an integrated analysis of the current situation in the Ulten Valley regarding the quality of recreational possibilities, thereby considering particularly the location Weißbrunn and its relative specific strengths and weaknesses. Next to the current situation, also the needs of the local population regarding the future development of the location Weißbrunn will be assessed. Moreover, the study strives to identify possibilities for a revaluation based on best-practice examples of projects, which have been implemented at other reservoirs or similar sites.  Ultimately, integrating the analysis of the current situation and the best-practice analysis, there will be elaborated strategies that contribute to enhancing the attractiveness of the location Weißbrunn for inhabitants as well as visitors. Thereby, it is specifically needed to integrate the thematical aspects hydropower, national park and culinary as well as the possible opportunities for a re-utilization of the abandoned buildings into the concept.