Oltradige and Bassa Atesina: The Mediterranean Soul of South Tyrol
In the heart of South Tyrol, where palms and cypress trees alternate with vineyards and apple orchards, you will find Oltradige and Bassa Atesina: a sunny landscape where Tyrolean culture blends with Mediterranean charm. Here, unique panoramas unfold: rocky cliffs towering over lush meadows, picturesque villages surrounded by castles and churches, and an exceptional food and wine heritage.
Elegant Villages and Unique Nature
The Oltradige includes the towns of Meltina, Terlano, Andriano, Appiano and Caldaro, nestled in a landscape dominated by the Mendola massif and the Lake Caldaro, the warmest lake in the Alps. Here, the castles on the hills are a constant presence, telling centuries of history.
The Bassa Atesina, on the other hand, embraces the municipalities of Cortaccia, Termeno, Aldino, Ora, Cortina, Magrè, Egna, Montagna, Trodena and Salorno. Symbols of this area are the Monte Corno Nature Park, with one of the richest biodiversities in South Tyrol, and the spectacular Bletterbach Gorge, where rock layers tell the origin of the Dolomites.
Vineyards, Apple Orchards, and a Passion for the Land
The true protagonists of the landscape remain the neat rows of vineyards and apple orchards, carefully tended with dedication and love. The Oltradige – especially the municipalities of Appiano and Caldaro – is the heart of South Tyrol’s winemaking, with over 1700 hectares of cultivated land growing premium varieties: Lagrein, Schiava, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon.
The Bassa Atesina also preserves excellences such as Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Merlot, thanks to the perfect mix of porphyry soils, mild microclimate, and sunny slopes. The thread connecting these villages is the South Tyrol Wine Road, a route from Terlano to Salorno that unites territories, cultures, and wine glasses.
Castles and Churches: The Living Heritage of History
The Oltradige-Bassa Atesina area is home to medieval fortresses and places of worship scattered across every village. Among the most iconic are Castel Haderburg in Salorno, Castelchiaro above Lake Caldaro, and Castel d’Appiano, which overlooks the valley.
In addition to these, there are gothic and baroque churches, historic centers with winding alleys, and noble residences that preserve the charm of a bygone era.
Hiking and Nature Among Lakes, Woods, and Breathtaking Views
The natural diversity of Oltradige-Bassa Atesina is an invitation to adventure. From the Monticolo Nature Reserve, with its swimmable lakes nestled in the greenery, to the Castelfeder Biotope, where Mediterranean vegetation surprises every season, every corner of this region offers emotions.
The Spring Valley, connecting Lake Caldaro with Lake Monticolo, is a true botanical paradise, while Favogna, with its panoramic position, offers an unrivaled view of Bassa Atesina.
All this is complemented by the Mendola Pass, a historic route connecting the mountains, perfect for those who love to breathe in history along the trails. All these places are ideal for hikes, bike rides, nature walks, and moments of pure relaxation at any time of year.
An Invitation to Discover the Most Authentic South Tyrol
Oltradige and Bassa Atesina represent a balance between nature and culture, flavors and silences, peasant roots and secular art. Here every detail tells a story, and every path leads to a discovery.
If you dream of a regenerating holiday, between alpine elegance and Mediterranean warmth, you’ll find the ideal place here to slow down and let yourself be enchanted.
