A tour of VenostaValley, a valley of castles and apple orchards

Situated in the western area of Alto Adige on the border of Austria, stretches the large valley surrounded by ever snow-capped mountains and apple orchards, Venosta Valley. If you visit the farms of the area, you can choose your favourite apples; when the apples are harvested, you will then receive a box of your favourite apples directly at your home!

The initiative is called “Adopt an apple” and is one of the many activities of Val Venosta. If you prefer visiting the artistic treasures of “Vinschgau” (the German name of Val Venosta), then you can follow the route which leads from the south to the north (or the other way round, should you prefer):

- On leaving Merano, you arrive at Naturno (Naturns), a pretty village where, among the apple orchards, lies the Romanesque 7th century Church of San Procolo, with interiors home to a series of frescoes in German, dating back the Lombard period. At just a few kilometres is situated Castelbello (Kastelbell), which dates back to Roman times and can be visited by appointment only (tel.0473.667312);

- Following the S38 and passing Silandro, enter the S40 to arrive at Sluderno (Schluderns). It is impossible not to take a stop to admire the Castel Coira (Churburg), a thirteenth century fortress situated on a hillside overlooking the valley. The largest private armoury in Europe is located inside the church.

- Following the S41, Glorenza (Glurns) in Monastero Valley certainly merits a visit, home to an ancient medieval fortress. Returning to Val Venosta you immediately encounter Malles Venosta, the area’s most important village, with a historic centre which, in such a small area, houses towers, the church of San Martino, the gothic Church of Assunta and also the 8th century church San Benedetto, with interiors home to a series of frescoes.

- And, at the end of the journey, lies to most impressive part! Before Muta lake, lies the artificial Resia lake, from where the bell-tower of the village of Curon Venosta arises. The tower, surrounded by water, is a spectacle worth viewing both in winter, when the lake is iced over, and also in summer.

Read more Alto Adige Travel Guides:
- Location Guide to Bolzano, Gateway to the Dolomites
- Bolzano Archaeological Museum
- Christmas in Bolzano
- Merano Thermal Baths
- The Fascination of the Dolomites