How to reach Val Martello
Attractions:
– Castle Annenberg | Laces – Val Martello
– Culturamartell – Nationalparkhaus | Val Martello
The Val Martello lies in the Stelvio National Park and is considered one of the most beautiful side valleys in Venosta. It rises 950 m up to the Cevedale Glacier at 3,769 m. Those seeking peace and relaxation will find the right combination of elements for recharging themselves in preparation for the challenges of daily life: tranquillity, pure mountain air and unique types of flora and fauna. Winter sports-enthusiasts can take advantage of the cross-country skiing centre, biathlon, a network of winter-hiking trails and snowshoeing tracks. The Val Martello is a true Alpine skiing gem.
Lying between 900 m and 1,800 m, this is the highest altitude of strawberry cultivation anywhere in Europe. These are also ideal conditions for the cultivation of other fragrant berries, herbs and vegetables of various kinds.
Art and culture:
Where the Lower Venosta Valley with its Alpine-Mediterranean character meets the rugged Upper Venosta Valley there is Laces/Latsch, a lively cultural and fruit-farming centre boasting numerous examples of old architecture.
The Stelvio National Park is the largest protected area in Italy and the second-largest nature reserve in size in the Alpine region. Besides Laces and Val Martello, there are eight other municipal districts falling under the jurisdiction of the Stelvio National Park in South Tyrol, including Stelvio/Stilfs, Prato/Prad, Silandro/Schlanders and Ultimo/Ulten, spaced around the highest mountain in the region.
Numerous old castles and fortresses testify to the diverse cultural history of the Venosta Valley region. Many fortresses were saved from destruction through their utilisation and restoration; others such as ruins and architectural leftovers from the past now serve as cultural artefacts or as prized excursion destinations.
Food and wine:
The local delicacies and high-quality ingredients render the Venosta Valley a prime destination for lovers of good food. The regional farm products, such as the mountain apricots and berries, the Pala-pears (an centuries-old pear varietal), apples and quinces, honeys and mountain herbs, as well as a range of vegetables, potatoes, cereals and asparagus are all known far and wide. The wide range of local products, also provide the ingredients to numerous healthy and delicious regional dishes.
All these products may be purchased directly at the farms, but they are also for sale in the local shops and farmers markets in the region. Guided visits to the farms, including sampling the farm-fresh dairy products, tastings of wines and fine spirits are all popular tourist itineraries.
There is a wide selection of crops and produce to be found in Val Martello, such as mountain herbs and Alpine hay used in preparing smoked delicacies. Mountain berries such as strawberries; raspberries, blackberries and red currants are all grown in Val Martello.
Active holidays:
Hiking biking and mountain hiking. Laces/Latsch and the steep Val Martello are regarded as a hiking and biking haven in Venosta Valley, with trails leading from the vineyards to the Laces glacier and back. What’s more, there is a magnificent view of the valley.
Those keen on activities in the outdoors will enjoy exploring the trails that run alongside the ancient irrigation channels in the Venosta Valley. There are also relaxing excursions to the Alpine pastures and dairy farms in addition to a number of challenging high mountain trails and hiking routes around the Ortler Alps. Bordering the extensive Stelvio National Park amidst the mountainous landscape of Val Martello is a system of hiking trails running through the pristine environment. During the mild spring and in autumn, the sun-kissed Monte Sole mountain near Laces is ideal for relaxing excursions.
Besides the network of hiking and biking trails, the wide range of outdoor sporting options in the Laces and Val Martello holiday region include climbing, river rafting, tennis, swimming and sheer fun in the Laces AquaForum pools creating a total outdoor summer holiday experience.