Lana Journal 2009 (en)

2009 Journal Vรถllan Vigiljoch Tscherms Burgstall Gargazon in the environs of Merano

2009 Journal N 46˚36’54.50’’ E 11˚09’04.38’’ 320–1.800 m

Photo: C. Gretter

Völlan • Vigiljoch Tscherms • Burgstall • Gargazon in the environs of Merano

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

Photo: Ostrinsky

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

Between

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

mountain pastures and palm trees Where North meets South – not only in a geographical context!

Two cultures, two languages, two ways of life and last but not least two cooking traditions make for an exiting and multifaceted mix.

LanaJournal ’09 //

02/03]

// Tips Enjoy the contrasts of the landscape with your palate:

A special treat at high elevation

Photo: Lana Golf Gmbh

The Restaurant Kirchsteiger in Foiana/ Völlan boasts a geographically high location but also ranks high in many gourmet guides. The restaurant offers a traditional room, a gourmet room and a sun terrace, but regardless of where you choose to sit, the dishes served are of exquisite quality.

Information: Restaurant Kirchsteiger Via Prevosto Wieser 5, Foiana Tel. +39.0473.56 80 44 www.kirchsteiger.com

With mediterranean ease Terracotta floors, wicker chairs and winter garden flair form a special atmosphere. This light, mediterranean ambiance complements the light and sophisticated kitchen of the restaurant “Hidalgo” in Postal/Burgstall. For many years already you can regularly find this elegant restaurant in many national and international gourmet guides.

Information: Restaurant Hidalgo Via Roma 7, Postal Tel. +39.0473.29 22 92

Wild herbs weeks This two-week event in May is themed “local and healthy”. A number of participating restaurants in Lana and Surroundings create inventive dishes with wild herbs.

Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Alpine air and mediterranean sun Lana’s unique location brings undeniable advantages: through its protected location at the south side of the mighty Alps, Lana boasts an extraordinarily mild climate. The more than 3,000 m high mountain peaks serve as a protective shield against weather phenomenons coming from the north and the Adige Valley which opens up towards the South lets mediterranean air masses in.

A lot of sun and mild temperatures have rightly earned Lana and its surroundings a reputation as a weather paradise.

Its unique location between north and south, between Alps and Mediterranean creates a special climate and a unique landscape rich in contrasts. Guests from the northern hemisphere enjoy the mediterranean climate, where even palm trees grow, while guests from the south rave about the fresh mountain air and the alpine flora.

Four seasons offer a lot of variety Due to their distinct seasons Lana, Foiana/Völlan, Cermes/Tscherms, Postal/Burgstall, Gargazzone/Gargazon and the Monte S.Vigilio/Vigiljoch offer a very varied programme over the course of the year. Spring starts early in this area and already in March the first blossoms in the gardens start to bloom. Snowdrops, magnolia and witch hazel are among these early bloomers. When the apple trees blossom in April, the area around Lana is transformed into one great sea of white and pink blossoms.

In the summer temperatures sometimes can rise above 30°C. Depending on your preferences you can enjoy the sun in the valley or seek and find refreshment in the mountains surrounding Lana. Late summer and its pleasant temperatures last until the end of September and when the temperatures slowly fall from October the “golden autumn” creates a fairytale landscape. During winter the people in the valley don’t have to shovel a lot of snow, but the surrounding mountains provide a dream landscape for those enjoying winter sports. Lana really offers the full package all year round!

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

From apple trees to cypresses

Bread and bacon dumpling meets Saltimbocca

The area boasts soft pink cherry blossoms next to yellow gorse, on the balconies geranium and oleander compete with their bright colours and in the gardens palm trees grow next to fir trees.

Are you a fan of local cuisine when on holiday?

Then Lana and its surroundings offer a double bonus for you, since this area offers traditional South Tyrolean fare as well as mediterranean Italian kitchen.

It’s an unusual picture that meets the eye in this area.

Hornbeams enclose roomy gardens, European black pines provide generous shade while colourful hibiscuses are gleaming in the sun. Under fig trees lush oleander are blooming pink and purple and the branches of the pear tree almost reach the kiwi trees forming a pretty alcove.

Many a visitor has been wondering whether the many different plants growing in Lana and its surroundings are real. But we can assure you: Yes, this is all mother nature’s work! The reason almost everything seems to grow and prosper in this area is mainly due to one factor, namely the protected location on the south side of the high alpine peaks. Don’t miss a walk to admire the beautiful gardens and balconies of the area – many floral surprises await you.

Bacon or Carpaccio? Home-made spinach pasta or radicchio ravioli? Apple strudel or Tiramisú? On many South Tyrolean menus there is no “either-or”but they boast an appealing fusion of alpine and mediterranean specialities.

You can start your meal with home-made, stuffed pasta, enjoy a mains of tuna with basil pesto and indulge yourself with sweet curd dumplings and a Caffé Macchiato for dessert. The choice is yours in the Lana area. This culinary fusion has a long tradition in South Tyrol and often the various influences even merge into one dish – that’s when such creations as bacon rolls on rocket salad with pine kernels or spinach dumplings with Gorgonzola sauce are born. If you are a gourmet, you will not miss out on your holiday in Lana!

LanaJournal ’09 //

04/05]

Photos: ganeshGraphics

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

Ice covered apple blossoms This sparkling natural phenomenon was discovered by chance at the beginning of the 1950s.

When spray irrigation is used in frosty nights in spring, the apple blossoms are protected from frost under a cover of ice.

LanaJournal ’09 //

06/07]

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

// Tips Guided tour of the orchards Learn interesting details and background information about apple growing in Lana on a guided orchard tour.

Information: Dates: Every 2 weeks from May to September Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70 www.lana.info

Ice covered apple blossoms If you are visiting Lana in spring you should not miss this! Get up early one frosty night – it will be worth it.

Because in the early morning hours the apple trees are full of ice covered blossoms which will glisten and glitter in the rising sun. An unforgettable impression!

Lana: South Tyrol’s apple town no. 1 Every 10th apple in Europe comes from South Tyrol and being South Tyrol’s biggest apple growing town, Lana contributes a substantial part to these numbers. The vast apple orchards are therefore not only a big part of Lana’s landscapes but also play a big part in the lives of many inhabitants.

For about 1,000 farmers from Lana the round fruit represents their livelihood. The apple orchards in and around Lana annually produce the incredible amount of 60,000–70,000 tons of apples. Among the varieties there are Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and many more.

But before the harvest lies a long year of hard work.

In winter the apple trees have to be pruned to remove superfluous saplings and last season’s fruiting wood.

In spring the farmers have many a sleepless night, since any time the temperatures fall below freezing the apple blossoms need to be spray irrigated to cover them with a protective ice layer in order to avoid frost damage.

The water freezes and the heat released during the freezing process protects the sensitive blossoms from damage.

In spring it is also important that enough bees are released to the apple orchards in order to guarantee the pollination of the trees. The summer brings many hours of manually removing superfluous fruit so that the remaining ones can develop optimally. In order to protect the orchards from pests and disease, lady bugs are released and pesticides are deployed. In August, finally the harvest of the first varieties can begin. Around the end of October or the beginning of November the late varieties are finally all harvested and the yearlong process on the orchard starts over once again. In order to keep the apples fresh until the next harvest they are stored in a modern cool storage facility at a temperature of 1–3 °C. This can be compared to putting them into a deep sleep and keeps them fresh and crunchy until consumption.

Lana is not only the largest fruit producing municipality in South Tyrol but also one of the oldest and therefore the ideal location for the collection and display of information regarding the history of fruit-growing. The South Tyrolean fruit-growing museum gives an interesting overview on the fruit-growing aspects of agricultural life.

The “Apple Museum”is located in the medieval mansion Larchgut in Lana and offers approximately 2,000 m2 of exhibition space where you can find out informative and entertaining facts about this interesting part of South Tyrolean cultural history.

The Larchgut Mansion’s medieval keep was mentioned for the first time in writing in the year 1301 and it is now a listed building. It adds greatly to the charm of the museum.

Since fruit-growing followed winegrowing and crop production, the oldest items on display relate to these topics.

Among others you can see the oldest wine press in South Tyrol from the year 1570.

The reclamation of the marshlands of the Adige Valley was the basis for the boom in fruit-growing in the 19th century.

This is depicted in a replica of the wetlands. The evolution of agriculture in the area is impressively documented with numerous exhibits and charts. Many original tools and objects also illustrate the customs and every day life of past times. In the barn of the estate you can also see antique means of transport, tools and machines that give you an idea of the hardships of a farmer’s life in the past.

Photo: Fotoarchiv.it

Photo: A. Ochsenreiter

The South Tyrolean Museum of fruit-growing

Event: Lana Blossom Festival Every year in April when the many apple meadows are turning into a sea of pink and white blossoms, Lana celebrates the “Blossom Days”.

This feast at the beginning of spring is dedicated to the millions of apple blossoms creating a breath taking landscape around Lana. For two weeks the apple blossoms do not only create a picturesque landscape for lovely spring walks but also provide the motivation for a number of events such as tastings of rare wines, bike tours along the Adige Valley, guided tours of the orchards and the fruit-growing museum, hikes to traditional wineries, the so called “mile of indulgence” in the centre of town (Gries), and a colourful music programme and much more. // Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70 www.lana.info

// Information: Südtiroler Obstbaumuseum, Via Brandiswaal 4, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 43 87 www.obstbaumuseum.it

LanaJournal ’09 //

08/09]

Photos: MGM/Helmuth Rier

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

A paradise for active visitors Biking on the new cycling path from Postal/Burgstall via Gargazzone/Gargazon to Bolzano/Bozen, Nordic walking along irrigation channels and through apple orchards or taking the cable car up to the San Vigilio/Vigiljoch Mountain pass where many hiking trails await. Lana and its surroundings offer an abundance of possibilities for the sporty and active tourist.

LanaJournal ’09 //

10/11]

Photo: vigilius mountain resort

San Vigilio: Hiking and discovering the wonders of the larch forests The people of Lana love the car-free mountain paradise at their doorstep. Some spend the entire summer up on the pass in wild romantic wooden cabins under the dark larch trees. Others enjoy the hiking and mountain biking trails that are so conveniently close to home and for the children a trip with the cable car up to the top of the San Vigilio is a great adventure. It is no wonder that the San Vigilio Mountain pass is also the favourite spot for many of Lana’s visitors.

// Tips Chestnut adventure trail The new trail in Foiana/Völlan runs through picturesque chestnut groves and offers interesting information about the prickly fruit on information boards along the way.

Information: Walking time: approx. 1 ½ hours Further information can be supplied by the Lana Tourist Office Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Ice hole trail This guided adventure and family hike leads to the well preserved ice holes in the “ice valley” near Lana.

Information: Dates: April to June Walking time: approx. 3 hours Further information can be supplied by the Lana Tourist Office Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

After all the most beautiful landscapes usually begin where the roads end. The San Vigilio above Lana is absolute proof of this. Here pedestrians do not only enjoy the right of way, but the exclusive use of all roads since cars are strictly forbidden. Already getting there is an adventure!

The cable car starts from Lana and brings you up to 1,486 m above sea level and directly into a pristine, unspoiled hiking and nature paradise.

The cable car is over 90 years old and actually the second oldest cable car in the world. It was installed thanks to the cable car pioneer Luis Zuegg who was a native of Lana.

The 7 minute cable car ride nowadays seems like a trip between two worlds. Up here the hectic pace of the valley below seems miles away. Right in front of the peak station an idyllic hiking paradise with larch forests and green meadows opens up to the visitor. The easy trails are enjoyed by families with kids as well as by sporty, ambitious Nordic walkers and mountain bikers. The picturesque little Vigilius Chapel or the biotope at the Seespitz and the panoramic view of the Dolomites offer many picture-perfect holiday memories.

The natural charm of the San Vigilio is also reflected in its gastronomic offerings. Both the traditional Inn and the Design Resort live and serve authenticity and nature.

In Lana, heaven on earth is only 7 minutes away. // Information: Cable car San Vigilio, Via Villa 3, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 13 33 www.vigilio.com

Photo: MGM/Helmuth Rier

Photo: ganeshGraphics

A charming stroll along the irrigation channels

Golf Par Excellence

Take an enjoyable walk along the irrigation channels (Waalwege). From early spring into late autumn a stroll along the irrigation channels surrounding Lana offers wonderful panoramic views and interesting insight into the diverse cultivated landscapes.

South Tyrol’s newest 9 hole golf course enjoys a picturesque location below the ruin of Castle Brandis amid apple orchards.

They offer a unique charm and should not be missed.

These ancient paths following the irrigation channels meander gently through vineyards, apple orchards and chestnut groves. They were originally built for practical reasons. The so called “Waale” are irrigation channels that were built hundreds of years ago to water fields and meadows. The water was sent through small channels for many kilometres and the pathways running parallel served mainly for maintenance purposes. Many of these irrigation channels are still in use today.

From Lana you can easily reach two of these paths: the Brandis Waalweg and the Marlinger Waalweg.

Great vistas for golfers: Those who are not focussing on the next hole in the course can let their eyes wander over the green Adige Valley. However, the idyllic and peaceful setting is only one of the reasons why this 9 hole course owned by the Golfclub Lana is so popular. The beautiful course was designed by the renowned English golf course designer Michael Pinter and boasts a length of almost 2,800 m with three Par 3, four Par 4 and two Par 5.

The course can be played almost all year round and is enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. // Information: Golf Gutshof Brandis, Via Brandis 13, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 46 96 www.golfclublana.it

The Brandis Waalweg The Brandis Waalweg takes a left from the Via Palade in Oberlana and leads via the monastery Lanegg and St. Margaret’s Church to the waterfall in the Brandis Canyon in Niederlana. The path runs through orchards, vineyards and chestnut groves and offers lovely views of Lana and the Merano Valley Basin.

Walking time: ¾ hours, level of difficulty: easy The Marlinger Waalweg The 13 km long Marlinger Waalweg starts at a narrow section of the valley near Chiusa di Tel/Töll and runs along the slope of the Marlinger Mountain above the villages of Foresta/Forst, Marlengo/Marling and Cermes/ Tscherms and finally ends in Lana. The path meanders through meadows, orchards and vineyards. There is also time for a quick stop-over at the Castle Lebenberg in Cermes.

Walking time: 3 hours, level of difficulty: easy

LanaJournal ’09 //

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Photos: vigilius mountain resort

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

Design meets nature The Vigilius Mountain Resort is located on the San Vigilio/Vigiljoch Mountain pass above Lana.

Matteo Thun, the star architect with South Tyrolean family roots has created this extraordinary concept and brought to life a special way of experiencing nature.

LanaJournal ’09 //

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Photo: vigilius mountain resort

Design at the highest standard: Hotel Vigilius The Vigilius Mountain Resort is certainly among the most spectacular designer hotels in the Alps: It can only be reached via cable car and is set amid the unspoilt landscapes of the San Vigilio/ Vigiljoch Mountain pass above Lana.

// Tip St. Margaret’s Church Small church with three apses in Romanesque style with a great cycle of frescoes dating from 1215. It is part of the project “Stairways to Heaven – Middle Age in the Heart of the Alps”.

Information: Guided tours: Every Wednesday from April until the end of October Further information can be supplied by the Lana Tourist Office Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

“In the Vigilius Mountain Resort the boundaries between the tangible and the incomprehensible, between architecture and nature are blurred. Nature is at the centre of everything and finds itself in a back to the roots approach.”

This is how star designer and architect Matteo Thun himself describes his creation and the philosophy of the 5 star Vigilius Mountain Resort. The Milan based architect with South Tyrolean roots has mostly used renewable materials like wood and glass and made optimal use of the warmth of the sunlight – all in line with the ecological approach of the hotel. The “organic architecture”of the Vigilius Mountain Resort is resounding in every room and suite: natural materials, warm colours, clear lines and as a special highlight simple partition walls made from clay create a special atmosphere.

Part of the unique concept of the hotel is also that it can only be reached by cable car from Lana. The 7 minute ride brings visitors up to the car-free San Vigilio Mountain pass, right at the heart of nature. At an elevation of 1,500 m and surrounded by larch forests you can enjoy the magnificent view of Lana and the Adige Valley.

Since it was opened in 2005 the Vigilius Mountain Resort was celebrated in numerous international architecture, design and travel magazines, as one of the most extraordinary designer hotels in the Alps. // Information: vigilius mountain resort, Monte S.Vigilio/Lana Tel. +39.0473.55 66 70 www.vigilius.it

Photo: vigilius mountain resort

Photo: Tappeiner

800 years of history: Castle Lebenberg

Cable car pioneer from Lana

Above the village of Cermes/Tscherms stands one of the most beautiful castles of the area – Castle Lebenberg. The imposing complex of buildings from the 13th century is fully originally furnished to this day and can be visited.

The cable car running on the San Vigilio/Vigiljoch Mountain pass is among the oldest cable cars for passenger transportation in Europe.

This is thanks to the engineer and entrepreneur Luis Zuegg, who was born in Lana in 1876.

The landmark of Cermes is visible from far away and enthroned on a moraine hill. It offers a beautiful view over the Adige Valley. The well preserved castle has a lot to offer for visitors who are interested in arts and history. The 3 floor chapel from the 14th century, romantic inner courtyards, a French flower garden, the hall of mirrors in Rococo style, an armoury as well as fully furnished rooms from various epochs and farmers rooms with gothic farmers furniture are among the many things to see. In the hall of knights, visitors can admire the unique family tree of the Fuchs Family which comprises 12 generations and 264 figures painted on canvas.

Lovers of medieval murals will enjoy the precious gothic frescos which have only recently been discovered.

The castle was built by the Masters of Marlengo/Marling, which then called themselves the Masters of Lebenberg.

Later the Fuchs von Fuchsberg Family gained possession of the castle. In the 17th century they became Earls and they kept the Castle for nearly 400 years. Nowadays the Castle is privately owned and the owners live here full time.

Guided tours allow visitors to experience this architectural example of times long gone.

He was involved in the construction of the first electricity plant in the Gaul Canyon in Lana as well as in the installation of the first tram in South Tyrol which was running from Lana to Merano/Meran. Furthermore he built the so called “Apple Express” a local train line between Lana, Postal and Merano which was mainly used for transporting apples.

Luis Zuegg has left his mark on Lana in his time and his influence can still be seen today.

Already in 1912 he planned the San Vigilio cable car, which was finally realised in 1916. Some of Luis Zuegg’s inventions in the field of cable cars were groundbreaking and he filed seven patents in Austria, Italy and Switzerland.

Emperor Franz Joseph I. honoured the graduate engineer Luis Zuegg in 1916 for his achievements in cable car building and awarded him the Golden Cross of merit and a medal for bravery. Nowadays numerous roads in South Tyrol as well as a school in Merano are named after Luis Zuegg.

// Information: Castle Lebenberg, Via Monteleone 15, Cermes Tel. +39.0473.56 14 25

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Photos: ganeshGraphics

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

In God’s name Tradition is alive: Every year in August the parishioners form a procession to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption.

The solemn procession of the faithful is accompanied by the local marching band, the marksmen association, the church choir and the municipal council.

LanaJournal ’09 //

18/19]

Photo: ganeshGraphics

Photo: ganeshGraphics

Waving flags Ornate flags and processional banners, magnificently decorated statues and festive traditional costumes: On high catholic holidays the congregation of the parish of Lana holds solemn processions through the village.

// Tip Culture Days Lana This festival in early autumn lasts for several days and represents a top-class forum for literature, music, the arts and philosophy.

Information: Verein B端cherw端rmer Lana (Bookworm Society Lana) Piazza Hofmann 2, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 31 70 www.buecherwuermer.com

Sculpture walk The Sculpture Walk Trail Lana is a Land Art project that leads via 21 art stations from the FalschauerGr端n (banks of the River Valsura/ Falschauer) over the Gaul promenade (promenade along the River Valsura) to the golf course in Niederlana.

Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

The flags and banners are waving on the flagpoles, the streets are closed for traffic and the Teiss Bridge in Oberlana is decorated festively with garlands of fir branches: A procession is held every September in Oberlana in honour of the birth of the Virgin Mary. The procession follows a strict order: The altar boys with the processional cross lead the way. They are followed by the statues, flags and banners, the marching band and the flag throwers, the church choir, the clergy, representatives of the authorities and men and women in separate groups. When the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament under the processional canopy passes the Teiss Bridge, saluting gunshots can be heard.

In Lana colourful processions are held on numerous high ecclesiastical holidays like Corpus Christi, Assumption Day, in honour of the Sacred Heart and for Harvest Thanksgiving.

Photo: A. Marini

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

Ecclesiastical art: The Schnatterpeck altar

Open air theatre

The parish church of Niederlana is among the most beautiful examples of South Tyrolean Late Gothic art. Its magnificent winged altar by Hans Schnatterpeck is known far beyond the borders of the country.

The open air theatre group“Freilichtspiele Lana” stages a new production every year – the repertoire ranges from famous world literature dramas to works by South Tyrolean authors.

The stage is usually set at an inventive open air location.

The Schnatterpeck altar is 14 m high and 7 m wide and is thus considered to be the largest winged altar in the Alps.

Carved from chestnut wood and with its intricate golden plating it is doubtless one of the most splendorous works of Gothic art in South Tyrol. The altarpiece was created at the beginning of the 16th century over a period of 8 years by the Swabian sculptor Hans Schnatterpeck and his journeyman. The altar was paid for by the citizens of Lana (approx. 800 people) themselves. Schnatterpeck received 1,600 Rhenish Gulden (i.e. the value of 3 farms) and 8 cartloads of wine. Since most of the population at the time was illiterate, the altar was meant to be a visual depiction of the bible. Sketches of the church’s provosts were used as a model. In the centre of the altar is a rare depiction of the Throne of Grace (God the Father holding the body of Christ on his lap), flanked by the life-sized statues of the apostles Peter and Paul.

The 35 figures of the altar are loosely set in place and some are up to 1.80 m tall. After carving, the altar was painted by Schnatterpeck and his journeyman and finally decorated with ducat gold. The altar was raised and consecrated around 1511 in the parish church of Niederlana and was never removed since, not even during the World Wars. When the winged altar is closed each year in the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter, the painted scenes from the Passion of Christ on the outer wings can be admired. In 1991 extensive restoration work was carried out on the altar and it was brought back to its original splendour.

Since 1990, summer in Lana always means theatre.

It was the play “Jutta von Braunsberg”by Jul Bruno Laner that was the start of a successful tradition. Since then the performances included comedies like Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, folk plays like “Katharina Knie” by Carl Zuckmayer, dramas like “Gaismair”by Felix Mitterer and works by South Tyrolean authors like Sepp Mall or Kurt Lanthaler.

For quite a few years the wild romantic Gaul Canyon was the setting of the open air theatre, but in recent years other unusual locations were chosen for the stage, e.g. a garden centre, a fruit coop and a hotel park. // Information: Verein für Freilichtspiele Lana (Lana Open Air Theatre Association) www.freilichtspielelana.eu

// Information: Opening times: The parish church of Niederlana is a listed building and can therefore only be visited during guided tours and services.

LanaJournal ’09 //

20/21]

Photo: LBWP

Photo: MGM/Helmuth Rier

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

Big fun for our little guests Lana and its surroundings are like a giant natural playground.

Pine cones serve as building bricks, green meadows are nature’s outdoor gym and there’s no better place to play hide and seek than our lush green forests.

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// Tips Moonlight and lanterns

BBQ in Foiana (Part of the “children’s summer programme”). A BBQ dinner is fun for everyone: The BBQ evenings in Foiana are a sociable and tasty experience for the whole family.

Information: Dates: 3 to 4 evenings from July to August Further information can be supplied by the Lana Tourist Office Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Children’s playground in Gargazzone The award winning 5,000 m² children’s playground in the especially family friendly village of Gargazzone/Gargazon is a paradise for our little guests.

Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Photo: MGM/Lomografische Gesellschaft Wien

A moonlit hike under a canopy of stars.

The lantern walk for the whole family starts at the Vereinshaus (club house) in Foiana/Völlan.

Information: Dates: Full moon nights in summer Further information can be supplied by the Lana Tourist Office Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Photo: Christiane Slawik

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

Summer fun for kids

Hiking among the blonde horses

When holidaying with the whole family it is sometimes not that easy to balance everyone’s needs and wishes. In Lana and its surroundings this is no problem: The extensive summer programme for kids provides entertainment for the little ones, so Mom and Dad can also enjoy an afternoon to themselves.

3 adventures in 1: First we take the cable car from Postal/Burgstall to Verano/Vöran, then we take a hike over Europe’s largest larch meadow and finally we visit the blonde Haflinger horses.

The children can play “Cowboys & Indians”, climb in the high ropes course or partake in making a bonfire and a torchlight procession. Over the months of July and August there is a varied kid’s programme on offer in and around Lana.

Experienced holiday reps and entertainers cater for the children from Monday to Saturday. Little adventurers will love the children’s rafting trips and expeditions in the woods.

Those who love handicrafts will enjoy building figures from hay and making origami animals. Sporty children will have fun at the mini golf tournament. Animal lovers can take part in a carriage ride for the whole family or visit an organic farm as well as the Bird Care Centre of Castle Tyrol, where birds of prey can be admired.

The kids especially love the “magic”afternoon in the woods on the Vigiljoch Mountain pass. They can make incredible discoveries in glades and among the trees. In a playful manner they learn to understand and respect the ecosystem of the forest.

Another highlight: A special treat are the theme afternoons where the children can play various roles. Pirate, damsel of the castle or Indian? Everything is possible! Before the hunt for the pirate’s treasure or the knights’ tournament can begin or before little Indians send smoke signals, the children have fun making the props and requisites themselves.

For an overview on the colourful events of the kids’ summer in and around Lana consult the small brochure on the topic.

The Tschögglberg Mountain above Postal is a paradise for big and small hikers. The cable car takes you up to Verano, where a whole hiking world opens up for you. Easy trails lead over wide, green mountain pastures or to the so called “rock cinema”. The idyllic landscape on the Tschögglberg with Europe’s largest larch meadow also offers wonderful panoramic views over the Adige Valley. The area around the village of Avelengo/Hafling (after which the famous blonde horses are named) is loved especially by horse enthusiasts.

Here you can see the animals live and close up in their paddocks. In the Riding Park Lana you can get to know the Haflinger horses better and enjoy some adventures on horseback that you will never forget. // Information: Lana equestrian centre, an establishment of the Provincial Federation of South Tyrol Haflinger Horse Breeders Zona Industriale 1 Mobile: +39.340.51 45 233 www.haflinger.eu

// Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

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Photos: ganeshGraphics

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

The Gaul Canyon – a natural wonder The wild romantic Gaul Canyon is a unique spectacle of nature and a picturesque place for recreation, and it is only a few minutes away from the town centre of Lana.

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Photo: ganeshGraphics

// Tip Kneipp Adventure Tour This guided tour through the Gaul Canyon revolves around the topics of water, movement, nutrition, medicinal herbs and the order of life.

Information: Dates: From June to September Walking time: approx. 2 hours Further information can be supplied by the Lana Tourist Office Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Eerie, craggy and beautiful: The Gaul Canyon Bizarre rock formations, unique vegetation and the picturesque location at the foot of Castle Braunsberg make the Gaul Canyon in Lana charming and unique.

It only takes a few minutes walk from the centre of Lana, but the Gaul Canyon makes you feel like you are in a different world. Steep rocky slopes rise above the pebbly riverbed of the Valsura/Falschauer. Between the cool rock walls the temperature stays fresh even at the height of summer. During the formation of the Alps the Valsura River formed this deep Canyon between the locations of today’s villages of San Pancrazio/St.Pankraz and Lana. A number of different rock types come together here. Between the quartz porphyry and the primary gneiss rocks there is also a thin layer of granite. Between the massive rocks the mountain stream runs untamed and next to it there is only a slim strip of land along the river.

Nowadays the Gaul Canyon can be accessed on both sides from the Teiss Bridge. Along the car-free paths colourful vegetation offers new surprises all the way. Mediterranean plants form an interesting contrast to the high rising rock walls. After a few minutes walk the valley opens to the Gaul Meadow directly at the foot of the hill on which Castle Braunsberg is set. The shady place is often used for summer feasts or as an impressive setting for the open-air theatre taking place in Lana every year.

From the Gaul Meadow the well secured path continues into the rocky canyon passing by a roaring waterfall.

Sun beams and the playful interchange between light and shadow create a special wild romantic atmosphere.

This visit is well worth the time.

Photo: Werner Schmidt

Photo: MGM/Laurin Moser

At the well: Water from the San Vigilio Mountain pass

Living between clay and straw

The San Vigilio/Vigiljoch is not only a wonderful hiking area, but at the Bärenbad there is also a well with pure high quality drinking water – the Meraner Mineralwasser (mineral water).

On the Esserhof farm in Lana guests are literally surrounded by nature. They reside in Italy’s first straw bale climate house. The materials used for this extraordinary architectural project without corners or angles were exclusively natural, like straw, clay, wood or glass.

The well on the San Vigilio is protected from negative environmental influences and the water from the well is especially pure and valuable. It is bottled under the brand name “Meraner Mineralwasser”. Already around 1930 the wells were discovered and after extensive studies it was shown that the water from them is especially beneficial to the human organism. In order to pipe the water down to Merano/Meran a tunnel had to be drilled through the mountain. This opened up the possibility to use the water for drinking regimens and baths. After the Second World War the first “Meraner Mineralwasser” was bottled and is still bottled under this name today. In 1982 the wells for the Meraner Mineralwasser were the only wells in Italy to be certified as curative waters in the Republic of Germany. The approx. 12 hectare well area has been designated as a water protection area and is strictly guarded in order to maintain the high quality of the water.

Due to the gneiss and granite the water goes through it offers a high content of silicon, sodium and potassium and a low content of calcium and magnesium. The high fluorine content points to a relatively long retention time of the water underground.

The mineral water from the San Vigilio Mountain pass is the most popular table water in and around Lana.

Sparkling and still varieties are available.

How did you come up with the idea to build a house from straw bales?

Barbara Esser: It was an icy cold winter day on the San Vigilio Mountain: We found a hollowed bale of straw and inside of it we felt surprisingly warm and protected.

That’s how the idea of living between straw bales came to life. Together with a Swiss architect we were able to realise our nature house project.

Why did you choose materials like straw and clay?

Barbara Esser: Because these simple and natural materials are full of an incredible energy. We wanted to create a special place, that uses the strength of nature and at the same time provides simplicity and calm. Many of our guests are under a lot of pressure in their jobs and they find it especially relaxing to retreat into the “natural living cave”.

Your house without corners was awarded the South Tyrolean Architecture Award in 2007. What lies behind this extravagant form?

Barbara Esser: Each of the three guest apartments is semicircular and opens to the south. We consciously took the decision to avoid corners and angles, so that the flow of energy is not disturbed. The big glass front overlooking the garden is meant to enhance the feeling of “living within nature” even more. // Information: Agritourism Esserhof, Via Arciduca Eugenio 2, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 40 90

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Photos: MGM/Frieder Blickle

Photo: MGM/Laurin Moser

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

The joys of autumn High season for gourmets: Apples and grapes are freshly harvested, chestnuts are roasted during the traditional “Törggelen” and the young wine is ready for tasting.

Autumn in the region is filled with numerous delicious and sociable customs.

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Traditional autumn custom: Törggelen When the outside temperatures in late autumn slowly start to bite, the cellars in the Lana area offer a comfortable and cosy alternative.

In the so called“Törggele”period from October to November locals and guests alike enjoy this sociable and rustic tradition.

// Tip Farmers market Every Tuesday local farmers are selling fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, bacon, apple juice, eggs and more on the town hall square (Rathausplatz) in Lana.

Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

The expression “Törggelen” stems from the word “Torggl” which was the room where the wine press stood in the old days. It was there that the first “Törggele”evenings took place. The new wine had to be tasted and so the people gathered in a sociable round in the cellar. The must (young wine) with its sweet almost juice-like taste is an integral part of each Törggele experience. These gatherings of small or sometimes quite large groups take place in cellars or wine taverns and represent one of the most enjoyable traditions of South Tyrol. In the past it was usually bacon, traditional cured sausages and simple dishes that were served for a Törggele evening. Nowadays substantial meat platters with marinated pork, sauerkraut, various cooked sausages and bread dumplings are the favourites.

The one thing that cannot be missing at any Törggele gathering are the roasted chestnuts. While continuously tossing them in the pan, they are roasted on an open fire in a special iron pan with little holes at the bottom. Afterwards they are served still hot with butter or cinnamon cream.

And finally this gourmet evening is crowned by home made farmers crullers filled with poppy, apricot or chestnut jam.

Often Törggelen is also accompanied by traditional South Tyrolean accordion music and sometimes the guests themselves end up entertaining the crowd with a spontaneous song. Törggelen always means relaxed fun with easygoing people.

In and around Lana there are a number of rustic and cosy wine taverns and cellars that are very popular in the Törggele period. So if you would like to enjoy a typical South Tyrolean evening with a group, you should make sure to make a reservation early.

Photos: MGM/Frieder Blickle

“Keschtnriggl”: Chestnut days in Lana and surroundings For two weeks every year in October in Foiana/ Völlan and Tesimo/Tisens it’s all about chestnuts.

The chestnut days offer a multitude of culinary highlights as well as South Tyrolean customs, sophisticated cultural events and enjoyable entertainment.

The event series “Keschtnriggl” is named after a traditional South Tyrolean utensil. After the chestnuts are roasted on open fire, they are tossed around in the “Keschtnriggl”and thus easily come out of their husk.

Over the course of the chestnut days the visitors in Foiana and Tesimo get the opportunity to discover the diversity of the noble fruit. In the past, the chestnuts were ground into flour by the farmers, which was then used to bake bread.

Old recipes come to life again on the occasion of the chestnut days: Chestnut bread is traditionally baked in stone ovens. The farmers’ women also offer chestnut filled crullers and other chestnut delicacies on the chestnut market.

At different locations chestnut feasts, talks, exhibitions and guided tours are organised that are all evolving around the prickly fruit.

The culinary side to the chestnut is however still the most important part of the event: The restaurants in Foiana and Tesimo offer special chestnut menus, there are chestnut samplings and wine tastings held on castles and on topical hikes through chestnut groves you can learn a lot about this fruit. The events are accompanied by music, songs or poems from the “Tisner Mittelgebirge”low mountain range and give an insight into the traditions and customs of the area.

Every year the “Keschtnriggl”events combine sophisticated cultural events with gastronomical highlights and thus present an enjoyable programme of a very high standard.

Home-made wine In the Lana area it is still customary to make your own wine. Many farmers invest a lot of work and time to press house wine from their own grapes. Usually the quantities are small but the quality is excellent.

The grape varieties growing around Cermes/Tscherms, Postal/Burgstall and Lana are red wines such as Schiava, Lagrein, Pinot Noir or Merlot and white grapes like Pinot Blanc, Sauvingnon Blanc or Chardonnay. After the harvest in autumn many farmers do not bring their grapes to the coop winery, but instead make their wine in their own cellar.

These “self-marketing”wine growers have built the association called “Freie Weinbauern Südtirols”(Free wine growers of South Tyrol), which by now counts nearly 80 member vineyards in all of South Tyrol. Members usually sell their wines directly at the farm and often also offer guided tours and wine tastings on request. // Information: Ansitz Kränzel Winery Via Palade 1, Cermes Tel. +39.0473.56 45 49 www.labyrinth.bz Biedermannhof Via Monte Leone 1, Cermes Tel. +39.0473.56 30 97 www.biedermannhof.it Hännsl am Ort Via Sant’Agata 9, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 59 Moarhof Via Maier 32, Postal Mobile +39.339.78 64 676 www.moar-hof.com Zollweghof Via Braunsberg 15, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 41 47

// Information: www.suedtirol-kastanie.com Further information can be supplied by the Lana Tourist Office Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

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Photos: MGM/Frieder Blickle

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

Destination labyrinth The Kränzel maze in Cermes/Tscherms: This idyllic maze with many objects of art lies amid the vineyards of the Kränzel Winery.

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Photo: Tappeiner

Art in the vineyard: The Kränzel Maze In the Kränzel Winery in the village of Cermes/ Tscherms a special experience was created a few years ago. It is a maze full of nature and symbolism.

// Tip Lana Quality Wherever in Lana and its surroundings you see the quality seal “Lana Quality”, you can be sure that the quality of the product has been tested and approved.

Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Since the summer of 2006, the 650 year old gothic Kränzel Mansion in Cermes houses a maze that is seen as an integrated piece of art fusing labyrinth, garden, wine and art.

Terraces and expanses of water, gardens and vineyards, cypresses from the south and larches from the mountains form this landscape.

The path splits right at the entrance and conveys the feeling of searching for something to the visitor. Through four gardens – the chestnut garden, the eternal peace garden, the orchard and the cornus wood – the path leads to the “Wallburg”. This wall has Downy Oaks and roses growing on it and in its centre there is a classical labyrinth made from stone plates. Passing the pond you continue on your way to the three terraces, which all have been planted with different plants and decorated by various artists. Finally the path leads to a 3,300 m² big labyrinth garden. The elaborate and ingenious arrangement of paths is made from a trellis of 10 different vines. Within the labyrinth there are places and alcoves where objects of visual arts are displayed. Another highlight within the labyrinth garden is the amphitheatre which seats approx. 300 people. // Information: The Kränzel Maze, Via Palade 1, Cermes Tel. +39.0473.56 45 49 www.labyrinth.bz

Photo: LanaMarketing

Photo: Kofler

“LanaLive” – Music is in the air Swing, Blues, Dixie, Latin, brass and rock music as well as painting and literature – in the weeks of the LanaLive Festival multiple locations in and around Lana are alive with abundant offers of international and South Tyrolean culture at the highest level.

In order to enhance the cultural experience for the guests the renowned “LanaJazz” Festival has now become the “LanaLive” Festival which now also offers a broad spectrum of music for brass instruments, literature and visual arts.

Farms, open air locations, castles – any place in Lana could be the next stage during the LanaLive Festival. This traditional event has been organised for many years now and since 2007 it presents itself in this enhanced form. Jazz in all its forms is now joined by South Tyrolean brass music, Latin and rock music. In addition there are sophisticated literature events complementing the musical programme.

Along with well known South Tyrolean artists, top international Jazz stars are entertaining the audience. Festival highlights in recent years were e.g. performances of Hugo Strasser, Max Greger, Klaus Doldinger and Barbara Dennerlein.

Shaded beer gardens, blooming trees, the town square or a mansion, any of these locations are a possibility for the artists of LanaLive. In 2007 the Lana marching band celebrated its 175th anniversary. This was taken as a motivation to enhance the programme to add brass music and to offer an even broader spectrum of musical experiences.

By now LanaLive has become a meeting point of multiple genres. The event takes place in the merry month of May and offers cultural events for every taste.

Night-time shopping:“Long Thursdays” in the centre of Lana From the beginning of July until the end of August shopping enthusiast enjoy a special treat in Lana. Extra long opening hours and a colourful supporting programme transform shopping and strolling around Lana into a real experience.

The programme includes live music, culinary specialities and a new topic every week. All summer long, the “Long Thursdays” guarantee enjoyable entertainment in the evening in Lana. All participating shops in the area are open until 21.30 and the pedestrian area transforms itself into one big party location.

Every week the “Long Thursday” has a different topic.

One week arts and culture are the centre of attention, the next wine and culinary pleasures are the topic and another time the whole evening is themed in line with apples and health. According to the topic, objects of art are on display and expensive vintage cars are presented.

Flea markets in the pedestrian area are also very popular.

So that your kids have fun, when Mom is trying on new shoes or Dad is looking for a holiday read, there is a varied entertainment programme for children. Games, fun and surprises keep the spirits high for the whole family.

The long Thursdays’ programme extends until 23:00 and shows you a different side of Lana’s town centre.

// Information: www.lanalive.it info@lanalive.it

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Photo: MGM/Helmuth Rier

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

Pure relaxation: Thermal Baths of Merano The Thermal Baths in Merano/Meran opened in 2005 and have since become the main centre of relaxation in the city on the River Passer.

Its spectacular architecture, spacious park area and the 25 indoor and outdoor pools combine to form a perfect oasis of relaxation and recreation.

// Tips Wine Festival At this annual meeting point for gourmets and wine lovers in the Kurhaus in Merano/Meran first class wines from all over the world are presented.

Information: Merano International WineFestival & Culinaria www.meranowinefestival.com

Gran Premio di Merano (International horse race).

This renowned horse race is the seasonal highlight on the race course of Merano/Meran, one of the most scenic race courses in Europe.

Information: Tel. +39.0473.44 62 22 www.merano.hid.it

The unusual cube made from glass, steel and sandstone represents the heart of the Thermal Baths. It was constructed in a way that visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains while bathing and relaxing in the magnificent park. Along with the light-flooded baths area the cube also houses spacious sauna facilities as well as the Spa & Vital Center that offers 26 treatment rooms. Here you can experience South Tyrol’s nature on your own skin, since precious South Tyrolean raw materials like whey, honey, apples, grapes, herbs and wool are the basis for the special offer of baths, massages, peelings and many other treatments, such as grape seed peelings, back massages with honey or milk and honey baths and apple honey clay wet packs.

The Thermal Baths’ vast park with palm trees, magnolias, old coniferous trees and an idyllic lily pond is a popular oasis of peace in the heart of the city. From here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the peaks of the Monte Tessa/Texelgruppe Mountain range. // Information: Thermal Baths of Merano, Piazza Terme 9, Merano Tel. +39.0473.25 20 70 www.thermemeran.it

Photo: MGM/Helmuth Rier

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS – MERANO WINTER

Merano and its promenades

The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle

The charming city on the River Passer with its medieval archways and Art Noveau promenades offers an enchanting contrast between alpine and mediterranean flair. The following sights should not be missed when visiting Merano:

In 2005 the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle were nominated the most beautiful gardens in Italy. They are the most colourful destination for an excursion in the vicinity of Lana. In summer the Gardens also serve as a picturesque stage for special concerts.

Laubengasse (Medieval archway) The Laubengasse is the heart of the old town and the lively business commercial centre of Merano/Meran. Behind the rows of houses from the 13th century with their picturesque bays and archways are hidden angled backyards and adventurous staircases.

The Passer Promenade The promenade on the right bank of the Passer invites you to take a stroll between elaborately arranged flower beds and palm trees. In a Café in front of the Art Noveau building of the “Kurhaus”you can enjoy the mediterranean flair of Merano in style.

Kurhaus This Art Noveau building on the Passer Promenade is among the most beautiful buildings of the Belle Époque in the southern Alpine area. Nowadays this elegant house is used for social events like balls, galas, concerts, conventions and many more.

Tappeinerweg (promenade) The Tappeinerweg above the roofs of Merano is among the most beautiful elevated promenades in Europe. The 4 km long walking path offers magnificent views over the city and is known for its lush vegetation of alpine and mediterranean plants.

Once upon a time Trauttmansdorff Castle used to be the winter residence of the Austrian empress Sissi (Elizabeth) who was seeking recreation in the mild climate of Merano/ Meran. Nowadays here, on the sunny slopes below the picturesque castle near Merano, expands one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Italy. Plants from all over the world are presented in 80 different garden landscapes.

Mexican cacti meet Indian lotus flowers and French lavender.

Natural landscapes like Japanese alluvial forests are contrasted by cultivated landscapes like rice terraces and tea plantations. In summer the motto “The whole world in one garden”is musically interpreted in the “The Garden Nights”.

On five evenings, between July and August, music from all over the world is presented in the natural amphitheatre of the Gardens in front of the water lily pond. This World Music Festival has become one of the most important ones in Northern Italy and showcases a wide variety of music from Creole songs, to Reggae rhythms and Neo Balkan Folk. // Information: The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle Via S.Valentino 51a, Merano Tel. +39.0473.27 72 70 www.trauttmansdorff.it

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Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

Mother nature’s perpetual film: the so called “rock cinema” The “Knottnkino-rock cinema”is a location on the Tschögglberg Mountain that offers mother nature’s best movies. The ever changing spectacular views never cease.

// Tips Hiking trail with felt sculptures in Tesimo Art and nature combined: Along this hiking trail in Tesimo/Tisens the works of international felt artists are presented.

Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Waterfall in Parcines The waterfall of Parcines/Partschins is an impressive 100 m high and among the most beautiful in the Alps.

Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

This open-air “cinema”offers 30 seats made from steel and chestnut wood on a 1,465 m high mountain slope above Merano. However the movie showing is not a motion picture but one of nature’s great spectacles. The view expands over the Nature Park of the Monte Tessa/Texelgruppe Mountain to the Dolomites and the Penegal and includes all the villages in the whole Adige Valley. The programme of the “rock cinema”on the Rotsteinkogel Montain changes with the seasons and the weather and is always new and surprising.

From Lana, Cermes/Tscherms and Gargazzone/Gargazon you can easily reach the “rock cinema”via the following route: Take the cable car from Postal/Burgstall to Verano/Vöran and continue to the parking lot in Verano. From there follow the marked trail no.12 directly to the “rock cinema”. // Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Photo: froutes.de

Photo: Südtirol Marketing

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS – MOUNTAINS WINTER

Rustic and true to its traditions: the Ultimo Valley

St. Hippolyt

The Val d’Ultimo/Ultental is one of the most traditional valleys of South Tyrol.

Picturesque farms with traditional shingle roofs, fertile pastures and fields and colourful farmer’s gardens are characteristic for the valley. This unspoilt mountain valley is less than half an hour drive away from Lana.

This small church named after the not so well known Saint is situated above Lana. It is a popular destination for excursions, a mythical place of energy and an archaeological excavation site of prehistoric times.

A trip to the Ultimo Valley is like a trip into the past.

In some places in the valley time seems to have stopped.

The idyllic landscapes of the Ultimo Valley are especially characterized by the traditional Alpine farms (Paarhof) consisting of two parallel buildings made (at least partly) from wood.Scattered on lone mountain farms and in the small villages of San Pancrazio, Santa Valburga, Pracupola, San Nicolò and Santa Gertrude the Ultimo Valley has about 1,600 inhabitants. They often still work the steep slopes in the traditional manual ways and are preserving the traditional cultivated and natural landscapes of the area.

More than 600 km of hiking trails meander through the valley up to the mountain peaks above 3,000 m. They offer possibilities for comfortable walks around the great reservoir lake, hikes along the “Ultner Höfeweg”passing the traditional farms or a more challenging climb to the peak of the “Hasenohr”Mountain. Well worth seeing are the impressive ancient larch trees near Santa Gertrude that are over 2,000 years old.

The St.Hippolyt Church is located on a hill above Lana and is known as one of the oldest settlement areas in the region.

St.Hippolyt was first mentioned in writing around 1200 A.D. but findings of neolithic arrow heads, blades and scraping tools are proof of early settlements dating back 4,000 years.

Some of the excavated items are on display at the site.

There are also traces of fire scenes that prove that this place was a scene of pagan rituals long before it became a Christian site. The church was originally built in Romanesque style but after numerous alterations now combines a variety of styles.

The exposed location above Lana offers a fantastic panoramic view and accounts for the popularity of St.Hippolyt.

From here you can see 20 towns and around 40 castles, fortresses and ruins. There is a comfortable walking trail leading from Foiana/Völlan to the little church. // Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

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Photo: MGM/Laurin Moser

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

ALPINE/MEDITERRANEAN LAND OF APPLES ACTIVE SUMMER ARCHITECTURE+HISTORY CULTURAL EVENTS

Ski fun around Lana From Lana it is only a short distance to the slopes.

Whether you are a novice skier or an expert, the right slope for you is close by.

San Vigilio/Vigiljoch Mountain This small ski area with its gentle slopes is ideal for families with children and beginners. The 5 km slope is easily manageable even if you are less experienced.

Schwemmalm The ski area Schwemmalm in the Val d’Ultimo/Ultental Valley is an insider tip for nature fans. Set between rustic mountain villages with picturesque farms the Schwemmalm offers 18 km of guaranteed white slopes between 1,500 and 2,600 m above sea level.

Merano 2000 The sunny skiing region Merano 2000 guarantees snow from December to the end of March. The slopes are always in top condition. The 40 km of slopes offers ideal condition for everyone from the novice to the experienced skier.

// Tip Curling This traditional sport is still practised on the ice rink in the Gaul Canyon or on the “Schwarze Lacke” Lake on the San Vigilio/Vigiljoch Mountain.

Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

Val Senales/Schnalstal Valley The glacier skiing region Senales Valley guarantees ski fun all year round. The 35 km slopes offer ideal conditions especially for ambitious experienced skiers. The view over the alpine peaks is spectacular. // Information: Ortler Skiarena www.ortlerskiarena.com

Photo: MGM/Laurin Moser

Photo: MGM/Frieder Blickle

HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN WELLNESS GASTRONOMY LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE SURROUNDINGS WINTER

Discovering the San Vigilio Mountain Sledding: snow for everyone pass with snow shoes In the car-free hiking area of the San Vigilio Mountain pass, winter is wonderfully peaceful.

Discover nature in a different way – with snow shoes.

For most inhabitants of Lana the sled was their first means of travel on the snow. That’s probably why sledding is still so popular with children and adults alike.

Snow shoes make it easy to walk through snowy winter wonderlands. In recent years snow shoes have earned the status of sports equipment. They distribute the weight over a larger area and hence prevent feet from sinking into the snow too deep.

If you are based in Lana a snow shoes walk on the Vigiljoch is an excellent choice. The cable car takes you up to the 1,500 m high peak station. From there you can either get immediately on the way with snow shoes (trail no. 34) or take the chair lift for the next part of the journey. From the Restaurant Sessellift you can then walk comfortably to the St.Vigil Chapel and on to the Restaurant Gasthof Seespitz and finally to the biotope at the “Schwarze Lacke” (lake) where curling and ice skating are popular past times.

Trail no.7 will then lead you back to the chair lift or you take the more challenging variant for experienced snow shoe walkers (trail no.9) to the Hochwart Mountain peak at 2,608 m.

There is one thing most inhabitants of Lana have in common: they sat on a sled even before they could walk. Having the San Vigilio/Vigiljoch Mountain right at their doorstep this is no wonder. The cable car takes you up into a perfect winter wonderland within the space of a few minutes. The well groomed sledding slope is ideal form family sledding trips (while the kids are small) as well as exiting sled rides with friends for older kids and adults alike.

However, there are also great conditions for big and small sledding fans in other areas like Merano 2000. // Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

// Information: Tourist Office Lana and Surroundings Via Andreas Hofer 9/1, Lana Tel. +39.0473.56 17 70

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Munich Innsbruck

Merano

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Verona Milan

Völlan • Vigiljoch Tscherms • Burgstall • Gargazon in the environs of Merano

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Tourist Office Lana Via Andreas Hofer 9/1 T (+39) 0473.56 17 70 F (+39) 0473.56 19 79 E info@lana.net www.lana.info opening hours from end of March to end of October: Monday › Friday 9.00—18.30, Saturday 9.00 —12.30 from end of July to end of October also open on Saturday afternoons from end of October to end of March: Monday › Friday 9.00 —12.30 Tourist Office Foiana T (+39) 0473.56 80 68 Tourist Office Cermes T (+39) 0473.56 10 15 Tourist Office Postal T (+39) 0473.29 13 43 Tourist Office Gargazzone T (+39) 0473.29 22 44

Š 2009 Tourist Information Centre Lana and surroundings Text by Bettina Alber, Translation by Anni Walcher Designed by ganeshGraphics Printed by LanaRepro