The smallest municipality in South Tyrol features Earth Pyramids and a fascinating doll and tractor collection
Caines is located at the entrance to the Val Passiria, on the sunny slope between Tirolo and Rifiano. It marks the transition from the mild spa climate of the Merano area to the alpine meadows of the Val Passiria. In terms of area, Caines is the smallest municipality in South Tyrol and the only one without a town hall. It has no component localities, just a small, appealing centre. Above this, a few farms sit on the eastern slope of the Texel Group, reaching up to 1,200 metres a.s.l.
The village has places to eat, a primary school, and the church dedicated to Saints Maurice and Corbinian. Corbinian is an important name here. As a bishop, he founded a monastery near Caines. According to legend, a bear accompanied him on his pilgrimage to Rome. He is also said to have built the earlier church in Caines and dedicated it to Saints Valentine and Zeno.
You can reach wonderful places on foot, such as the Fineletal valley, a half-hour walk away. Here, tall earth pillars rise into the sky, known as the Caines Earth Pyramids. Many people also simply enjoy the peace along the Caines Waalweg path. Starting from the Ungericht Farm, the route first leads to the Rio Finele stream and the old irrigation channel, known as Waal. You then return to the starting point via the lower Rifiano Waalweg path. This round trip takes about two hours. You can also start at the Croce di Tirolo, which extends the excursion by about an hour.
The Ungericht Farm also serves food and houses some unique exhibits. Inside, you will find a collection of Schildkröt dolls, as well as a collection of Vespa scooters and a Tractor Museum. The oldest tractor is a "Balilla" from 1929, made by the Milanese company Motomeccanica Balilla.
Higher up, the European long-distance path E5 and the Merano High Route wind their way through the Texel Group. The high route consists of five to eight daily stages, the E5 is significantly longer and connects the French Atlantic coast with Verona. You can walk sections of both routes. They lie within the Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park, which is home to places such as the Sopranes Lakes.
