Woods, lakes and resorts nestled in the tranquillity of the Burgraviato mountains

Merano and its ‘Mediterranean’ feel are close by, but the landscape of the mountains rising up around it – the so-called Burgraviato – is a world away from the vineyards and flower-filled gardens that characterise the little town so beloved by Princess Sissi. Setting off from the village of Tirolo on the Alta Muta cable car, in just a few minutes you reach the footpaths leading into the heart of the Texel Group Nature Park, South Tyrol’s largest protected area: forests, mountain pastures and peaks over three thousand metres high create one of the region’s most spectacular alpine environments, and among the best-known routes is a section of the Alta Via di Merano, the circular route of around one hundred kilometres that crosses the Tessa Group. More challenging, however, is the ascent to the Sopranes Lakes, ten glacial lakes situated at altitudes between 2,100 and 2,600 metres, dotting a plateau shaped by ancient glaciations, where the colour of the lakes changes constantly depending on the light and weather conditions. For those who prefer more accessible routes, the recommended itinerary is the Masi della Muta, the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in South Tyrolean rural tradition with panoramic views over the Merano basin. Above the village of Lana, Monte San Vigilio welcomes visitors and walkers, offering the advantage of being a car-free area, accessible only on foot or by cable car. Running through its woods is the Sentiero della Fede, a circular trail that alternates between art installations, vantage points and places for reflection, whilst a recently inaugurated platform at the ‘Apertura’ station on the trail visually illustrates the geological formation of the Alps. For those wishing to savour the magic of silence and direct contact with nature at length, a stay at the vigilius mountain resort (an eco-hotel designed by architect Matteo Thun) is the ideal way to round off the experience, with yoga and Pilates sessions and personalised wellness programmes.

http://www.dorf-tirol.it

https://www.lanaregion.it

https://vigilius.it/it/