Todo Südtirol

How to reach Rifiano

Attractions:
– Church in | Rifiano
–Burgstall prehistoric settlement site in | Rifiano/Riffian

Rifiano il located on a terrace at the entrance of the Val Passiria, where the mild climate of Merano meets the alpine mountain air of the Val Passiria.

The municipality of Rifiano is located at the western side of the Val Passiria at an altitude of 504 m asl, only 5 km from the city of Merano. Its position on a south-east oriented terrace fosters the growth of grapevines and chestnut forests. Also the mild climate, which at Rifiano meets the fresh alpine air of the Val Passiria also contributes to the fact that Rifiano offers ideal conditions for your stay.

Inhabited by some 1,290 people in the Gruppo di Tessa nature park, the municipality is surrounded by forests and meadows, providing ideal hiking conditions. The Rifiano Waalweg path (Roggia di Rifiano) and the Alta Via Meranese high path are probably the most famous trails in the surroundings. The latter passes the mountain villages of Campo, Vernurio e Gaves, located between 1,000 and 1,400 m asl.

Rifiano is by the way also known by pilgrims, as it hosts the Lady of Sorrows pilgrimage church and a chapel of grace, which are also worth to be visited from an historic and artistic viewpoint. Also the municipal coat of arms of Rifiano, illustrating parts of a steeple, refers to the above mentioned pilgrimage church.

How to reach Lajen

Laion is an idyllic mountain town located on a sunny plateau along with the villages of S. Pietro/S. Peter, Tanursa/Tanürz, Ceves/Tschöfas, Fraina/Freins, Albions and Laien-Novale/Lajen-Ried, where you can admire the presumed birthplace of the famous medieval minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide (1168-1230).

Every season offers unforgettable experiences: in the spring, when the cherry trees are in full bloom, you can still ski without any problem in Gardena/Gröden valley. The well-marked
paths are a constant invitation to let yourself be tempted by the beautiful hikes through the countryside, to climb up to the mountain pastures and the peaks with their splendid scenery, or to go hiking in the Dolomites.

In fall, you will be amazed by the splendour of the broadleaf forests around Laion. The views from Wasserbühl over the valley, “Castel Forte/Trostburg” Castle and the villages on the opposite slope of the Valle Isarco are truly unforgettable. In the fall, there are many typical inns that take part in the traditional Törggelen .

In the winter, you can have fun playing curling, on the natural sled run , go cross-country skiing or take a stroll on the snow-free paths . The “Dolomiti Superski” area , where all skiers will find just what they’re looking for, is just 10 km away. No matter what you enjoy, Laion and its villages have a lot to offer, without ever giving up your well-deserved peace and quiet.

How to reach Caines

Attractions:
– Earth pillars | Caines
– The tractor museum | Caines

Caines is located above Merano, near Rifiano at the entrance to the Val Passiria.

Located at 592 m asl at the entrance of the Val Passiria, Caines is one of the smallest municipalities of South Tyrol and has got some 400 inhabitants. It is surrounded by vineyards and fruit orchards and is a good starting point for walking to the neighbouring villages. Highly recommendable is the Roggia di Caines (Waalweg), as well as the impressive natural scenery of the Gruppo di Tessa nature park. Worth a visit is also the Val Sopranes with its unique lake plateau.

The present-day parish church dates back to the Roman period and is dedicated to S. Mauritius and S. Korbinian. According to legends, the prior church in this place was dedicated to S. Valentino and Zeno by the above mentioned Korbinian.

Our tip: a visit in the little tractor museum hosted at the Gasthof Ungericht. This is where you can admire about 30 Porsche-diesel tractors of various construction years.