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Sepp Innerkofler fell on 4th July 1915 on the Monte Paterno. Exactly 111 years later, the “Haus der Berge” in Sexten welcomes all-comers to an extraordinary rendezvous with the erstwhile visionary. It is not a dusty retrospective. Instead, the special “Sepp 111” exhibition, which opens in July 2026, takes a fascinating leap through time and contrasts the pioneering spirit of days gone by with the realities of today.
What would he say, good old Sepp? If we stand today in the foothills of the Sexten Sundial and let our gaze roam over the village, we cannot help but ask ourselves this question. Sepp, of course, is Sepp Innerkofler – mountain guiding legend, pioneer and a personality whose name is inextricably linked with the pale summits of the Sexten Dolomites. July 4th, 2026 sees the 111th anniversary of his death. But anyone expecting a traditional retrospective of his life in the “Haus der Berge” will be surprised. The “Sepp 111” exhibition instead ventures to conduct an exciting experiment: a bold leap in time.
The exhibition consciously refrains from presenting the usual biography and instead relies on creating contrasts. The concept uses the power of direct comparison and, through different groups of images, illuminates the profound development that Sexten has undergone in the past 111 years. It is a visual journey through time in which whole worlds collide: the use of mules for transport in the mountains in days gone by is contrasted with modern technology. The quiet of traditional Sunday customs contrast with today’s weekend leisure activities. The exhibition takes in climate change and hotspots, the role of the family, women and a general understanding of values.
It becomes especially fascinating when it leaves the purely documentary level, presenting Sepp Innerkofler as what he was during his lifetime: a visionary. Visitors are invited to consider his perspective: which innovative ideas or even suggested solutions would Sepp have had for today’s challenges? How would he evaluate the dynamics between crowds of people and the modern urge for relaxation in the mountains? And as a consequence of this, the next question: what will Sexten look like in another 111 years? The exhibition is therefore also an invitation to think a step ahead. Let us venture to take a leap in time together with Sepp. Between yesterday, today and a possible day after tomorrow.
Opening of the exhibition on 4th July 2026.