Holidays in the mountains: desire to breathe

Starting from Bolzano (bolzano-bozen.it), which alone is worth a visit for the historical-cultural variety proposed (starting from South Tyrolean Archaeological Museum keeper of Ötzi, “the Iceman”) and beyond 50 kilometers of cycle pathsjust travel 20 kilometers to get to the small Val d’Ega, with Lake Carezza nestled in the dense forest and dominated by the spectacular massifs of the Catinaccio and Latemar, the “pale mountains” that turn pink at sunset due to the enrosadira phenomenon. Admiring theenrosadira from the village of Nova Levante we understand how the legend of King Laurin’s rose garden was bornwho ruled from the top of the mountains over his people of dwarves …

TO Obereggenat an altitude of 1,600 meters, theCristal hotel managed for generations by the Thaler family offers dand hikes per week with the ownerand starter courses for approach climbing. In fact, in the two mountains that symbolize the valley, there are several via ferratas but also routes to be made by mountain bikelike the one that winds around the Latemar: duration 5-6 hours up to Passo Feudo, at an altitude of 2,123 meters.

In Merano it is a pleasure to discover the historic center of the city bordered by arcades, the old Steinach district dating from the 12th century, the Tappeiner walka path that runs along the Monte di Merano (Küchelberg) about 100 meters above the city, and the wonderful Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, loved by Princess Sissi, a regular visitor to the city: 12 hectares with over 80 botanical environments where you can admire (and smell) flowers and plants from all over the world. For those wishing to add a wellness-care path with a specific detox programthe Palace Merano it is the right address: a 5-star “Medical Hotel” inaugurated in 1906 in Art Nouveau style.

Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano. Photo: IDM South Tyrol_Alex Filz

Staying in the Merano area, you can reach Scena in a handful of kilometersa medieval village in which the homonymous Castle, erected in 1350, stands out. Throughout the area, the end of June and July is the period of spectacular flowering of rhododendronsa sea of ​​flowers that can also be admired with a special package fromHohenwart Hotel.

TO Bressanonethe oldest city in Tyrol that is always worth a visit and a stop in the monumental Piazza Duomo, from 22 July to 19 August, every Friday with the initiative “Alba at the top” you can reach the top of Mount Gabler to enjoy the beginning of the new day, followed by a typical breakfast in a refuge. Finally, the South Tyrolean “menu” could not miss the one dedicated to children. About 12 kilometers from Bressanone, the Isarco Valley opens up. In Luson you can admire the verdant scenery of the valley, such as the Alpe di Luson: an oasis of mountain pastures in the heart of the Dolomites to be discovered on foot with the whole family. L’Sonnwies Hotel it is a paradise for children with dedicated entertainment, four private swimming pools, water park and educational farm in a mountain farm.

Where to sleep

Cristal Obereggen hotels
In the heart of the Val d’Ega, about 20 kilometers from Bolzano. The hotel, with a fully equipped spa, enjoys a splendid view of the Latemar Dolomite mountain range. From 122 € per person in half board per day. hotelcristal.com/it

Palace Merano
Luxurious “medical hotel” in Art Nouveau style. In 2020, the “Roof Top Suites” were added and the Revital department was renovated with 32 treatment-care cabins. From 520 € the double excluding all meals and treatment packages. palace.it

Palace Merano

Hotel Hohenwart Schenna
Elegant structure in 4 buildings connected to each other internally. The Vista Spa is the flagship: developed on 3 floors, it includes a panoramic rooftop pool with saline water. Double room in b & b from 129 €. hohenwart.com/it

Sonnwies Luson Hotel
Equipped Family Hotel with assistance and entertainment for children up to 14 years, it has its own organic farm. Excellent cellar with 700 wine labels. From 550 € (2 adults + 1 child) in half board per day. sonnwies.com

Info: South Tyrol suedtirol.info/it

Mountain Holidays: Carnia (Friuli)

Staying in the north, you change scenery by arriving in another region: Friuli Venezia Giulia. Here, lovers of nature and good alpine cuisine head to Carnia perfect destination for summer holidays. On the border with Austria and Veneto, it is immersed in seven valleys in the Carnic Alps where marvelous peaks stand out, like the mountains Coglians (2780 meters), Fleons (2,507 meters) and Chiadenis (2478 meters)a splendid stone fan that seems to protect this intact territory and a little secluded from the classic mountain tourist circuits.

Carnia, landscape from Pic Chiadenis. Photo: Luciano Gaudenzio

Among the natural peculiarities of Carnia stand out the dense expanses of wood, crossed by several paths, which are a green invitation to observe the landscape. So in the basin of the Cason di Lanza pass you can walk on route of over 9 kilometers which stretches out on the paths once used by smugglers; in the forest of Ampezzo, among beech, spruce and white fir trees, with a little luck you can spot the capercaillie and the eagle; while inBianchi ring you will discover high altitude flowers and grasslands used for transhumant grazing.

After the walks, you can regain your energy at the table with the typical (and substantial) dishes of Carnia. A mix of sweet and savory flavors derived from the influence of Central European cuisine, such as cjarsons (spiced agnolotti), which are combined with frico (fried cheese)Toc ‘in braide (made with polenta and melted butter) and Sauris smoked raw ham, all to be tasted in the characteristic taverns.

The typical dishes of Carnia. Photo: Fabrice Gallina

Where to sleep in Carnia

Riglarhaus
Lateis hamlet, Sauris
Cozy 3-star hotel at an altitude of 1,200 meters with 13 rooms and a wellness area with sauna. Family atmosphere, typical cuisine and intact nature outside the door with a view of the Bivera mountain range. Double room in b & b from 84 €. riglarhaus.it

Where to eat

Ancient Golden Star
Villa, Tolmezzo
A few kilometers from Tolmezzo, in the Verzegnis valley. Inserted in the regional circuit of Historic Places, with Carnic fogolâr from the 1600s, traditional cuisine: cjarsón, frico with polenta, wild boar goulash. osteria-stella-doro.business.site

Sot La Napa
Pesariis hamlet, Prato Carnico
Delightful farmhouse in a tiny village. Atmosphere and traditional Carnic dishes, made with the products of their organic farm. It also has 10 rooms. sotlanapa.it

What to do

Yestour
Headquarters in Trieste
In Carnia it proposes the 5 days-4 nights trekking “High Route of Forni”, with overnight stays in refuges and former huts. Excellent stamina and physical preparation are required. Cost per person from € 210. yestour.it

INFO : Friuli Venezia Giuliaturismofvg.it

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