Knottnkino: The open-air cinema with the most beautiful view in South Tyrol
Imagine sitting in silence on one of the wooden chairs overlooking the valley, surrounded only by the scent of the forest and the sound of the wind. No screen, no ads — just nature unfolding before your eyes, frame after frame. Welcome to Knottnkino, the “Nature Cinema” suspended above the villages of Avelengo and Verano.
A work of art to experience
Inaugurated in 2000 by South Tyrolean artist Franz Messner, Knottnkino stands on a red porphyry rock spur and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region. The 30 seats made of steel and chestnut wood are arranged like in a real cinema hall… but here, the show is performed by nature itself.
An endless film directed by nature
Sitting here, you can admire the Adige Valley in all its splendour: the Dolomites on the horizon, the valleys of the Tessa Group Nature Park, and the towns and villages that dot the landscape — from Merano to Lana, from Appiano to Terlano. Every moment is different: the light, the clouds, the wind… everything changes, making each visit unique and unrepeatable.
How to reach Knottnkino
Knottnkino is easily accessible from Verano, with several options depending on how much time and energy you wish to devote to the hike.
Short and scenic route
- Start: car park near Gasthof Alpenrose
- Duration: about 30 minutes on foot
- Features: easy route, also suitable for families
Linear hiking route
- Start: Gasthof Grüner Baum
- Trail: no. 12a, then turn left towards Sasso Rosso
- Total duration: about 2.5 hours round trip
- Features: trail immersed in nature, breathtaking views guaranteed
Circular route
- Outbound: same route as trail 12a
- Return: via trail no. 16, passing by the picturesque Leadner Alm
- Duration: about 3 hours in total
- Perfect for those seeking a complete hike, among nature, mountain huts and stunning vistas
Knottnkino is not just a panoramic viewpoint — it’s a poetic experience, a moment of pure connection with nature. Whether you come at sunrise to enjoy the first rays of the sun, or at sunset when the sky turns golden, each visit will be a memory you’ll carry with you for a long time.
