From apple orchards to high plateaus: Discover South Tyrol’s largest fruit-growing municipality
Lana stretches from the apple orchards south of Merano to the high plateau of Foiana, combining the advantages of two worlds. Situated at the southern edge of the Merano basin, the market town enjoys a pleasantly mild climate.
The municipal boundary runs in the north near Sinigo with the Lanarena, which includes tennis courts, a gym, and a new riding facility, and further south near Lana di Sotto. There you'll find the Lana outdoor pool, a football pitch, a playground, and a skate park. From Lana di Sotto, the area seamlessly transitions through Lana di Mezzo to Lana di Sopra.
Even after the last Ice Age, the slopes around Lana were inhabited, but the real boom came in the 19th century with the construction of the Merano-Bolzano railway line. Draining the former marshland created the charming village nestled between orchards and vineyards in the valley floor, which today has the character of a small town.
Spread throughout its districts are attractions such as the Schnatterpeck Altar, the Lana Golf Club, the Lana Gorge, and the "Am Gries" shopping mile. The South Tyrolean Fruit Growing Museum, located directly on the picturesque Brandis Waalweg path, documents the history of fruit growing in Lana from the 19th century onwards. Remarkably, one per cent of Europe's entire apple production comes from Lana, making it South Tyrol's largest fruit-growing municipality.
Further up, at the entrance to the Val d'Ultimo, lies Pavicolo, a popular starting point for hikes. At the other end of the municipality, southwest towards the Palade Pass, is Foiana with its Farm Life Museum and special events such as the "Keschtnriggl", the chestnut festival in October. Celebrations also take place in the valley: During the warmer months, events such as the LanaLive Cultural Festival, "Lana in Bloom", and the "Freilichtspiele Lana" are held. In Advent, the Krampus run and the "Sterntaler" Christmas Market, one of the rural markets, attract visitors.
