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  1. Nature & Active
  2. Events

Celebrate good times as they come...

Merano spring

20 March – 03 June 2018
Location: Merano and surrounding area

A festival that encompasses different initiatives to enhance and creatively use the green spaces of Merano. As part of the “Merano Spring“, amongst other things, themed pathways will be formed and events implemented with the focus on "Art and Nature“. A supporting programme, rich in variety, will round off the event.

Information: www.meran.eu


South Tyrol balance

April - June
Location: Merano and surrounding area

Step out for a time and find your own happy medium. Unwind, feel at ease and enjoy time for yourself: South Tyrol Balance is a proposal for all, who, during the spring months of April to June, wish to do something for their vitality and zest for life. In the Merano region the localities of Merano, Lagundo, Marlengo, Scena, the Passiria Valley, Lana and surroundings, Parcines, Naturno, the Senales Valley, Nalles, Avelengo-Verano-Merano 2000 (skiing and hiking area), the Ultimo Valley and Tesimo-Prissiano offer selected adventures and experiences appropriate to these themes.

Information: www.suedtirol.info/balance


Blossom festival days in Lana

02 – 15 April 2018
Location: Lana
 
One of the highlights of the blossom festival days is the rural pleasure mile in the middle of the historic village centre of Lana. Approximately 30 farmers stalls and four gastronomy stalls await you with their own healthy products that are labelled with the "Roter Hahn“ seal of quality and are presented by the producers themselves.


Information: Lana Tourism Association, Tel. +39 0473 561 770, www.lana.info


Lagundo flower and plant market

25 – 29 April 2018 
Location: Lagundo / Algund

A large diversity of plants and flowers as well as an array of other appealing products from the northern Italian region await selection by the visitor. The range on offer includes the most diverse Mediterranean plants. In addition, different varieties of fruit and berry species, among them many old varieties, and a large selection of different types of roses, balcony flowers, vegetable plants and herbs are offered.

Information: Lagundo / Algund Tourism Association, Tel. +39 0473 448 600, www.algund.info

 

Asfaltart 2018 (street artists festival)

08 – 10 June 2018
Location: Merano

The 12th International Street Artists Festival. Children and adults alike delight in the colourful programme of the International Street Artist Festival "Asfaltart“. Clowns, puppet show performers, trapeze artists, jugglers, pantomime acts and acrobats can all be gazed at in amazement during the festival.

Information: Kurverwaltung Meran, Tel. +39 0473 272 000, www.asfaltart.it & www.meran.eu

 

Traditional Mountain Fire - Celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

10 June
Location: South Tyrol

The ancient custom of lighting fires for the Sacred Heart of Jesus celebration has taken place in South Tyrol since 1796. It dates back to the time of the midsummer festival celebrations and underwent a patriotic reinterpretation in the Tyrolean freedom wars (1796 – 1809). The fires are set alight all along the mountain ridges and on the slopes until late into the night.

Information: South Tyrol Tourism Information, Tel. +39 0471 999 999, www.suedtirol.info

 

36th South Tyrol Jazz Festival

29 June – 08 July 2018
Location: Merano

Renowned jazz musicians from South Tyrol and the most diverse of countries appear in unique settings and enthral with unbridled playing joy; for example at the Kallmünz Castle in Merano or at the Fahlburg Castle in Prissiano – Tesimo.


Information: Kurverwaltung Meran, Tel. +39 0473 272 000, www.suedtiroljazzfestival.com

 

Long Thursday in Lana

28 June – 23 August 2018
Location: Lana

June to August is the time of the “Long Thursday“ in the centre of Lana. These evenings have enjoyed enormous popularity for years, allowing for an exuberant atmosphere in the hot summer evenings with an entertainment programme rich in variety.


 

Merano town festival

10 – 12 August 2018
Location: Merano

Abundant gastronomy, music and entertainment in the centre of Merano, organised by the tradition-rich societies of Merano. Whoever wishes to truly experience Merano should not miss the 2018 town festival.

Information: facebook.com/MeranerStadtfest/


Merano autumn

Beginning of September to the middle of November 2018
Location: Merano and surrounding area

The Merano autumn is fittingly celebrated in all its colourful splendour. The events are just as colourful as the spa town and its surrounding areas. The focal point of the events are all the pleasures of the grape harvest and fruit harvest as well as folklore and tradition. Selected businesses in Merano and the surrounding areas offer typical autumn dishes and regional products.

Information: www.merano-suedtirol.it/meranerherbst


Grape festival

19 – 21 October 2018
Location: Merano

The Merano grape festival is a harvest festival, extremely rich in tradition, whose highlight every year is the great festival procession of various bands and magnificently decorated floats through the town centre.

Information: Kurverwaltung Meran, Tel. +39 0473 272 000, www.meran.eu


"Keschtnriggl" chestnut days festival

Location: Foiana / Völlan, Tesimo / Tisens
During these days, the visitor will gain an insight into the culture and traditions of this region and learn interesting facts about sweet chestnuts and their importance to the area.
Selected restaurants will spoil you with traditional and modern chestnut dishes, ensuring culinary surprises.


Information: www.keschtnriggl.it/programm.html


Merano wine festival

09 – 13 November 2018
Location: Merano

This is one of the most exclusive and elegant wine and food events ever: Wine producers from Italy but also from all over the world present their top products at the "Merano Wine Festival“. Organic and bio-dynamically produced wines also form a focal point of the festival.


Information: Kurverwaltung Meran, Tel. +39 0473 272 000, www.meranowinefestival.com


Christmas in Merano

29 November 2018 – 06 January 2019
Location: Merano

The Merano Christmas Market is surrounded by the magic of Christmas time. An extensive supporting programme of music, children’s entertainment, living customs and handicraft provides variation every day. Oversized, multicoloured and comfortably equipped "Thermal Balls“ surprise the visitors at the elegant thermal square.


Information: Kurverwaltung Meran, Tel. +39 0473 272 000, www.meran.eu


"Sterntaler" Christmas Market in Lana

Location: Foiana / Völlan, town hall square – pedestrian zone

The traditional and atmospheric Christmas Market in the centre of Lana invites you to marvel, stroll and savour. On festively decorated stalls, you will find craftsmanship exclusively from South Tyrol, as well as delicious delicacies and specialities from South Tyrol


Information: www.lana.info

 
01. - 06. January
"Genius people are rarely orderly,
orderly rarely genius." Albert Einstein
Plan / Pfelders A small village in the Hinterpasseier (Passiria Valley)

The idyllic mountain village of Plan (1,622 m), at the end of the Passiria Valley, in the midst of the largest nature park in South Tyrol, the Texel Group, and directly at the foot of the Hohe Wilde (Ötztal Alps - 3,482 m) is full of mysteries and natural beauty.

Plan counts, undoubtedly, amongst the most guaranteed snow and idyllic skiing regions in South Tyrol. Benefitting from the central location on the main Alpine ridge, both the low pressure areas of the south and the north bring abundant snow into the small side valleys of the Passiria region. Therefore, not only skiers, winter hikers and tobogganists, but also free riders and ski tourers get their money’s worth.

07. - 13. January
From the bottom of my soul, my nostrils start to tremble, a giant hunger starts to emerge, for breakfast and for life“. Joachim Ringelnatz
South Tyrolean hard flat bread (Schüttelbrot)

YEAST SPONGE

250 g     rye flour

250 ml   water

20 g       yeast


Dissolve the yeast in warm water and stir into a soft dough with the rye flour; leave to stand for one hour at approximately 30°C.

DOUGH

500 g      rye flour

250 g      wheat flour

850 ml    water 30°C

20 g        yeast

20 g        salt

5 g          fennel seeds

5 g          caraway

alternatively 5 g        fenugreek / trigonella

 

Mix the yeast sponge and all other ingredients and leave to stand for approximately 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, break up 150 g pieces of dough, place on lightly floured cloths and leave to stand for 10 minutes at approximately 85% air humidity. The kneading of the dough pieces requires a particular skill: Place the dough on a pizza sized board and knead it by twisting it in a circular fashion so that the piece of dough becomes thin and spread wide. Bake thoroughly at 210-220°C (upper and lower heat) for approximately 30 minutes.

Tip: The portions of dough can also be left to stand for longer, but then the kneading“ should only be for a lesser period of time.

14. - 20. January
“One recognises a truly good idea by the fact that its implementation appears impossible from the start“. Albert Einstein
Glacier cave in the Senales Valley / Schnalstal

Glaciers in South Tyrol form a fascinating natural space. At the end of the Senales Valley, at the border between Austria and Italy, the Hochjochferner emerges. The glacier extends across a surface area of more than 185 hectares.
The glacier cable car has contributed significantly to the economic development of the Senales Valley. Today, the Senales Valley is a tourist destination, where culture and nature are, to a large extent, preserved.

This image arose at the lower end of the glacier, where with time a large glacier cave opened up which is ideally suited for jumping over.

21. - 27. January
Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Bletterbach gorge

The cold months in South Tyrol offer not only ideal conditions for skiers and snowshoe hikers, but also for ice climbers, who equally get their money’s worth. Of course, during this period, waterways are transformed into frozen ice towers, which are renowned far beyond the Italian border.

The image shows two ice climbers in the Bletterbach GeoParc near Bolzano which is, in summer, a popular and rewarding excursion destination for young and old alike.

28. January - 03. February
“I can resist everything, except temptation." Oscar Wilde
Herb vinaigrette

HERB VINAIGRETTE

100 g             onion

40 g               mustard

4                    egg yolks

10 g               sugar

40 ml             lemon juice

200 ml           vinegar

150 ml           clear vegetable broth

500 ml           sunflower oil

1/2 bunch      of parsley, chive, basil, dill, Cayenne pepper, white pepper, salt

FRENCH DRESSING

100 g             onion

40 g               mustard

4                    egg yolks

10 g               sugar

40 ml             lemon juice

200 ml           vinegar

150 ml           clear vegetable broth

500 ml           sunflower oil

1/2 bunch      of chopped parsley, Cayenne pepper, white pepper, salt

03. - 09. June
“It's amazing what a single ray of sunshine can do for the soul of a human being.” Fyodor Dostoevsky
Spinach spaetzli with ham and cream sauce for 4-6 persons

700 g     fresh spinach

300 g     flour

1 tbsp.   salt

4            eggs

1/8 l      milk

20 g      butter

200 g    cured ham, finely sliced

1/8 l      white wine

1/8 l      cream

2 tbsp.  finely grated parmesan

 

Clean the spinach, wash thoroughly and drain. In a pot, bring plenty of salted water to the boil and cook the spinach in batches for about a minute and drain. Squeeze out the remaining water and pass the spinach through a food mill. You can, if you wish, chop the spinach very finely instead.
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the flour, salt and eggs with a spoon. Gradually add the milk and beat the mixture until bubbles start to appear. Stir the spinach in thoroughly. Rub the dough through a spaetzli slicer into a large pan of boiling salted water. Boil for about 3 minutes until the noodles rise to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon, shock with cold water and allow to dry.
Melt the butter in a pan, add the white wine and ham, and cook briefly. Pour over the cream and bring to the boil. Add the parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
Add to the spinach dumplings, stir and serve.

10. - 16. June
“If you do not know your roots, you have nothing on which to stand.” Stefan Zweig
Sacred Heart of Jesus Festival in South Tyrol

The tradition of mountain fires goes back to the 19th century and commemorates the pledge given to the heart of Jesus.

 

In 1796, in the face of the danger posed by the troops of Napoleon I, Tyrolean estates promised solemnly to entrust the country to the "Sacred Heart of Jesus" and to renew this pledge annually. The first Sunday after the feast of Corpus Christi (June) was selected as Sacred Heart of Jesus Sunday.
Andreas Hofer renewed the vow before the battle of Bergisel against the French and Bavaria. Hofer's troops won a surprising victory, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Sunday accordingly became a high public holiday. The tradition is kept alive by the mountain fires which are lit on this special Sunday and light up the skies over South Tyrol.

 

The mountain fires themselves also have a historical background: In times of war, mountain fires were kindled as an illuminated sign marking the agreed start of a battle...

17. - 23. June
“There are two things children should get from their parents: roots and wings.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Asfaltart Merano turned upside down

The festival of street artists in Merano is a must for every summer family holiday in Merano and environs.

 

In June, the spa town is turned on its head, making room for clowns, artistes, fire-eaters, dancers, jugglers, tightrope walkers and musicians. During the three-day festival of street artists entitled "Asfaltart", the centre of Merano turns into one huge circus ring.

 

For a short period, this festival makes a mockery of the order that otherwise prevails in the town. Jolly clowns bring a smile to the faces of passers-by and tightrope acrobats at lofty heights cause even stressed business people to pause and look up. Of course, "Asfaltart" is also a special experience for families with children. Where else would you see so many crazy goings-on on the streets?

 

The picture shows slackliner Benjamin Kofler who, with this high line, strung between the Polveriera ruin (Pulverturm) and the tower of the Merano parish church, set a new world record for the longest urban high line at an amazing 159 m!

24. - 30. June
“Good morning, open your eyes, smile, shine and let the sun caress your face. Life is a gift, enjoy it every day.”
Cream of carrot soup with ginger For 4 persons

1/2          onion

1             clove of garlic

50 ml      white wine

300 g      carrots

20 g        ginger

800 ml    vegetable broth

400 ml    cream

               butter for sautéing
               a pinch of sugar
               salt, pepper

 

Finely chop the onion and the garlic clove and sauté in a little butter. Finely chop the carrot and ginger, and sauté with a pinch of sugar. Douse with white wine and pour in the vegetable broth. Cook gently until the carrots are soft.
Mix everything together, season with salt and pepper and refine with the cream.

 

Here’s a tip from the chef: Cut the carrots into 1 cm pieces so that they get soft faster, otherwise the soup will become too spicy because of the ginger!

01. - 07. July
"Wisdom cannot be communicated. If a wise man tries to communicate it, wisdom sounds like foolishness." Hermann Hesse
Merano high mountain trail

Taking the Hochmuth cable car, you will reach the Muthöfe farms at 1,400 metres above Merano, which are surrounded by a beautiful mountain landscape with unique panoramic views of Merano and the Adige Valley.

 

The farms are located on the Merano high mountain trail, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the entire Alpine region. It runs for a total of 100 km around the Texel Group nature park and can be walked in 5 to 8 days.

 

The trail is divided into southern and northern circumnavigations. Thanks to the different ascent and descent options, hikes along the Merano high mountain trail can be started or interrupted at numerous points. Lodges and mountain huts provide rest and accommodation en route.

08. - 14. July
“And every beginning conceals its own magic, which protects us and helps us to live." Hermann Hesse
Cheesecake dessert For 4 persons

For the cream

275 g          philadelphia (cream cheese)

1/2 stick      vanilla

20 g            egg yolk

40 g            sugar mix

100 g          egg white

100 g          sugar for whipping

 

2 leaves     gelatine

150 g  whipped cream.

 

Whisk the egg whites until foamy, then add 2 leaves of gelatine.

Gently fold in the cream and store in the refrigerator.

 

ICE CREAM

500 g              philadelphia (cream cheese)

500 g              water

125 g              sugar

83 g                invert sugar

3 leaves          of gelatine

3 pieces          lemon peel and juice

 

Mix and freeze in an ice cream maker.

 

 

CRUMBLE

50 g butter

60 g sugar

75 g hazelnut semolina

75 g flour


Mix everything together and knead, grate onto the baking paper and bake at 110°C. Then allow to dry for 4 hours.

22. - 28. July
“Anyone who knows olive trees venerates them, considers them to be angels who rise up out of the earth.” Willis Barnstone
Olive oil from Sicily

Gaetano, an olive farmer from Sicily and friend of the family, has just started supplying us with fine olive oil from his homeland. The outstanding quality of this olive oil impresses not just our chef Tibor but also our guests.

 

The olive grove is not particularly large, which means that Gaetano can manage to cultivate the olives with the help of his family and without additional staff. Out of love for nature, Gaetano's family grows the olives according to organic guidelines. Then the olives are harvested by hand, cold pressed, bottled and personally brought to us in Foiana by Gaetano.

 

Subject to the availability of stocks and the abundance of the harvest, the olive oil can be purchased from us in the Waldhof².

29. July - 04. August
“To be on the road at night in the open air under the silent sky, following a quietly flowing body of water, is always mysterious and stirs the soul in its very depths.” Hermann Hesse
Martello Valley / Martelltal

The Martello Valley extends from the valley entrance at Laces at 800 m above sea level up to the 3,760 m summit of the Cevedale / Zufallspitze Mountains in the Ortler region. Known for its pristine nature and its rustic character, the Martello is a popular destination for nature lovers and fans of the mountains.

 

The breathtaking mountain scenery which towers up at the end of the valley provides the backdrop for a good few adventures - and the Marteller mountain hut offers the corresponding options for rest and refreshment. Right next to the hut is a small mountain lake which reflects the peaks of the Martello Valley as well as the famous Gran Zebrù / Königsspitze.

 

At the same time, at an altitude of 900 to 1,800 m, Martello is the highest contiguous strawberry-growing region in Europe. The climatic conditions in the Martello Valley are also ideal for the cultivation of different tasty berries, herbs and vegetables.

05. - 11. August
“Hope is the rainbow over the downward gushing stream of life.” Friedrich Nietzsche
Mayenburg Castle (fortress)

The Mayenburg was a castle used by the Court of Merano. Verdicts were handed down in the open air on those whose lot was not to be executed. Once a year, the Court gathered here and adjudicated on various issues (jurisdiction, administrative matters, duties to be paid by the farmers, taxes, military service). Researchers assume that the location of the castle was strategically very advantageous and that it used at one time to belong to the fortification system of the counts of Eppan (Appiano).

 

Parts of the curtain wall complete with battlements surround the palace and further residential buildings. In the chapel, on the other hand, wall paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries can be found. A round tower can also be seen which served as a dovecote and protection for the castle well.

12. - 18. August
"At the beginning they are only mountains. But later on, you start to miss them, and, at some point, you can’t live without them.”
Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen The symbol of the Dolomites

The three peaks in South Tyrol known as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo / Drei Zinnen are the symbol of the Dolomites as well as a natural highlight of the region. The nature park of the same name was declared a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO in 2009 together with the other peaks in the Dolomites.

 

Since the first ascent of the Cima Grande in 1869, the summits of the three peaks have been among the most sought-after destinations in the Alps for the climbing fraternity. They are accessible by numerous climbing routes of varying levels of difficulty and have become a centre of Alpine climbing in which many of the important developments in the history of this sport have originated. To name just one example, one of the world's best climbers, Alexander Huber, a member of the "Huber Buam" – was the first person to scale the Cima Grande free solo in 2002. He is the only mountaineer to have made the ascent alone and without ropes.

 

As there are very few sources of light pollution around the three peaks, the sky is full of stars and the Milky Way is stands out clearly on clear summer nights.

19. - 25. August
“Trees communicate with each other. Trees look after and tenderly take care of their children and also their elderly and sick neighbours. Trees have feelings, emotions, a memory.” Fascinating stories from: “The secret life of trees” V. Peter Wohlleben
Ancient Larches of Val d'Ultimo

The nearby Ultimo Valley / Ultental is home to one of nature’s most unusual and special creations:

 

2,000 years old, up to eight metres wide and 35 metres high: The ancient larches in Santa Gertrude (in the Ultimo Valley) are probably the oldest coniferous trees in Europe and together form one of the most famous natural monuments in South Tyrol. These giants, whose profiles have been etched by wind, weather and lightning strikes, stand on the edge of the forest of Santa Gertrude. When one of the larches fell in 1930, it was found to contain over 2000 annual rings; due to the extent of the rot inside the tree, however, it was impossible to determine exactly how old it was.

 

Old trees are a true microcosm of lichens, fungi, algae, mosses and insect larvae. Rotten tree hollows offer shelter to woodpeckers, owls, weasels and bats. In the vernacular, these ancient larches are referred to as "bat larches".

26. August - 01. September
"In order to be an immaculate member of a flock of sheep, one must above all be a sheep oneself." Albert Einstein
Sheep droving in the Val Senales / Schnalstal

For over 1,000 years, farmers in the Val Senales have been droving their sheep every year to the grazing grounds of the Ötz Valley close to Vent. Farmers in the Val Senales own the grazing rights there. In June, over 2,000 sheep and shepherds take this route via the Niederjoch and the Hochjoch in the Ötz Valley, with all its attendant dangers to man and beast alike, returning to the Val Senales in mid-September. This is followed by a traditional shepherds’ festival with all kinds of culinary delicacies from the region of Val Senales.

 

The sheep drive between the Senales and the Ötz Valleys is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage event.

02. - 08. September
"The human soul is like water: water comes from the heavens and falls to earth, only to rise up to heaven. Our souls will rise and fall, only to rise again, like water.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Fanes

The Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park is one of the largest conservation areas in South Tyrol.

A large part of the forested area consists of spruce forests, which offer an ideal habitat for animals such as grouse, martens and foxes. Very extensive, too, are the mountain pastures and meadows with their great diversity of plant life, including arnica and gentian. At higher elevations above 2,000 m, which are populated by mountain hares and snow grouse, edelweiss, rampion, the dragon’s mouth orchid and dolomite yarrow all thrive.

Near the Fanes mountain plateau is to be found an impressive stone amphitheatre, known as the “parliament of the marmots”, a small part of which can be seen in the picture.

09. - 15. September
“You can build something beautiful even from the stones that are placed in your way.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The earth pyramids on the Renon / Ritten

The highest and most beautiful earth pyramids in Europe are to be found on the Renon / Ritten plateau above Bolzano.

 

Earth pyramids consist of conical heaps of clay and the rocks that cover them, and often make up bizarre landscape forms. They can occur in soils from the late-glacial moraine clay which was left behind on the Renon plateau by the main Isarco Valley glacier and some local minor glaciers. These soils are rock hard when dry but, as soon as it rains, turn into a soft pulp, slip down and form escarpments of 10 to 15 metres in height. 
These escarpments are then washed out by further rainfalls. However, if pieces of rock are concealed in the softer earth, the clay under these rocks is protected from the rain and, as the surrounding material is increasingly eroded by the weather, the majestic earth pyramids literally rise out of the ground.

16. - 22. September
"Remember then that there is only one important time, and that time is now." Leo Tolstoy
The myth-shrouded Lago di Carezza / Karersee

In the Western Dolomites, six kilometres from Nova Levante / Welschnofen, there lies a small, emerald-green mountain lake, in which the Catinaccio / Rosengarten range and the Latemar are reflected: Lake Carezza.

 

Because of its impressive colour, the Lake Carezza is also known in Ladin as the “Lec de Ergobando” (Rainbow Lake). But this is not the only explanation of its name. According to legend, the Lake Carezza was once home to a beautiful mermaid, in whom the wizard Masaré fell in love. To win her favour, the witch Lanwerda encouraged him to dress up as a seller of jewels and to create a magic rainbow spanning the distance from the Rosengarten range to Mount Latemar. He duly followed this advice, but forgot to disguise himself. He was therefore discovered by the mermaid, who disappeared for ever in the lake. The wizard was so angry that he threw all the fragments of the rainbow and jewels into the lake - which is why the lake still glitters in all the wonderful colours of the rainbow even today.

23. - 29. September
“The future interests me far more than the past, as I intend living in it.” Albert Einstein
Tirolo Castle Emblem of the province of South Tyrol

Tirolo Castle, built in the 12th century, is the most important of all the Tyrolean castles and gave the whole region its name. The name of Tyrol was originally used for the village, the counts of Tyrol, and, finally, for the dominion of these counts.

 

The castle is home to some works of art that occupy a significant place in the annals of art history: Works of Romanesque architecture, especially the marble portals, Gothic wall paintings, a Gothic altar and the oldest Tyrolean glass painting. Today, Tirolo Castle is the seat of the South Tyrolean Provincial Museum for Culture and History. The permanent exhibition in one wing which has been refurbished in modern style covers everything from archaeological finds to the history of time. The “Rittersaal” of the castle hosts popular evening concerts in June and July. Ensembles from home and abroad interpret music from different countries and traditions.

On the mound of Tirolo Castle, the sun terrace of Merano with unique panoramic views of the Burgraviato district and the Venosta Valley, visitors can see something which is special and unique to South Tyrol: the Bird Care Centre in Tirolo / Dorf Tirol.

30. September - 06. October
When a man sits with a pretty girl for an hour, it seems like a minute. But let him sit on a hot stove for a minute and it's longer than any hour. That's relativity." Albert Einstein
Chestnut soup For 8 persons

400 g       chestnuts

1 tbsp.     diced shallots

1 tbsp.     butter

1/2 l         chicken stock

400 g       cream

50 g         white chocolate

1 tbsp.     butter cubes

                fresh truffles, truffle oil

5 cl          white port to taste

PREPARATION

Fry the shallot cubes in butter until transparent. Pour the chicken stock over the chestnuts and simmer for 20 minutes, then add the rest of the ingredients and season with port wine.

07. - 13. October
"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” Francois de la Rochefoucauld
Sea bream in foil for 1 person

1           sea bream 300 g

50 g     fennel

50 g     potatoes

50 g     tomatoes, peeled and cut into strips

30 ml   olive oil

 

Cut away the fins of the sea bream with a pair of scissors. Descale and clean the fish, remove the gills and wash. Clean and wash the fennel and cut into fine strips lengthways. Heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a flat saucepan, add the fennel and cook until soft, and season. Peel the potatoes, cut them into 2-mm-thick slices and boil for 2 minutes in salted water. Brush a piece of aluminium foil with some olive oil.

10 g butter

5      black olives

1      clove of garlic

1      bay leaf

1      sprig of rosemary

1      sprig of fennel
        salt, pepper, aluminium foil

 

Lay the potato slices on the foil in a pattern of scales, season the fish with salt and pepper, arrange it over the potatoes along with the steamed fennel and the raw tomato strips, and add the butter, olives, halved garlic clove, bay leaf, sprig of rosemary and sprig of fennel. Then seal the foil and bake in a hot oven at 180°C for approx. 15-20 minutes.

14. - 20. October
"Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith." Steve Jobs
St. Kathrein Church in Avelengo / Hafling

Like many other mountain churches in South Tyrol, the church of St. Kathrein in Avelengo near Merano was erected in a place which was originally a pagan place of worship. The place where the little church now stands is said once to have been a prehistoric place of worship.

 

According to the legend, the inhabitants of the area wanted to build a Christian church on this spot. Two giants approached them with an offer to collect stones for them. The giants had however also agreed to build the church in nearby Lafenn at the same time. Because they only had one hammer between them, they had to share it from this time on. On one occasion the giants quarrelled over the hammer, with the effect that the master builder of Lafenn picked up a gigantic boulder and threw it as far as St. Kathrein in Avelengo. The boulder missed the target but is still there to this day below the church in the meadow by the Gasthof Sulfner inn.

21. - 27. October
“Man is a universe within himself.” Bob Marley
Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm The largest mountain plateau in Europe

Autumn transforms the Dolomites region of Sciliar / Schlern into a majestic multicoloured landscape. The needles of the larches and the expansive Alpine meadows of the largest high plateau in Europe shine in shades of carmine, honey yellow and maroon.

 

The plateau was used mainly for pasture and hay; today the hay serves a different purpose. Local farmers noticed the wholesome effects of the freshly cut grass when sleeping overnight in the hay. These days, the hay bath is offered as a healthy and relaxing treatment in many spa facilities in hotels.

28. October - 03. November
“No landscape other than this one, the landscape around Merano, would have anything other than an indirect effect on me; this is the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen.” Franz Kafka - letters to Milena
Paella alla Romana for 4 persons

1 1/2           mussels

4                  shrimps

4                  scampi

200 g           monkfish

100 g           fillet of gurnard

100 g           chicken breast

50 g             onion

1                  red bell pepper

250 g           long-grain rice

1 l                fish stock

1/8 l            white wine

30 ml           oil

1 sleeve      saffron or saffron threads

1 tbsp.         curry powder

1                  grated pepperoncino (hot chili pepper)

30 g             breadcrumbs

2 g               finely chopped garlic clove

1 tbsp.         of finely sliced parsley

2 tbsp.         olive oil

                    salt

 

Wash and clean the mussels and heat them in a saucepan with the lid on until they open. Remove the shell from the shrimps and devein them. Halve the scampi along their length and clean. Cut the monkfish and the gurnard into 20 g pieces. Cut the chicken breast into cubes in the same manner. Peel the onions, wash and clean the pepper and cut into slices, sauté in oil in a paella pan, add the rice and cook for a short while, douse with white wine and pour over the hot fish stock or broth. Season with the saffron, curry, pepperoncino and salt; cook for about 10 minutes. Season the chicken, fish and shrimp with salt and pepper, sauté in a second pan and then add to the rice. Remove some of the mussels from their shells and add to the rice. Cover the remaining mussels in their shells and the halved scampi with the mixture of the bread crumbs, garlic, parsley and olive oil, layer over the paella and bake in the oven at high heat (250 degrees) for about 5-8 minutes.

04. - 10. November
“One person sees only trees, problems nestled cheek by jowl. Another sees the space between them and the light.” E. Matani
Lake Vernago / Vernagt reservoir

The Vernagt reservoir in the Senales Valley with its emerald-green to turquoise waters was built in the 1950s at the same time as the 65-metre-high greened dam. Eight ancient farms succumbed to the deluge and, even today, when the water level is a little lower in the spring, the tower of the chapel still projects above the surface of the lake.

In summer and autumn, Lake Vernago is a popular tourist destination. The hiking possibilities are here limitless and varied. An easy path takes you around the lake, for example, and the high-altitude trail to Maso Corto / Kurzras, with its 700-year-old farms, invites the visitor to go on many an unforgettable walk. If, on the other hand, you fancy going a little higher, you can follow in the footsteps of Ötzi the Ice Man by taking the “Archaeological Hiking Trail” up to the Similaun hut at 3,000 m above sea level to the place where he was found.

 

Autumn at Lake Vernago is something special to behold. The larch forests which surround the lake turn bright yellow. And when the sunlight plays on the surface of the lake, what arises is a multicoloured natural spectacle.

11. - 17. November
“It isn't the quantity but the quality of the work you do that matters.” Albert Schweitzer
Salmon tartare for 4 persons

200 g      fresh or marinated salmon

2 tbsp.    olive oil

1 tbsp.    dill tips

1 tbsp.    champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar

               salt, pepper

 

Finally chop the cleaned fresh salmon (having removed the bones and the brown layer of fat). Stir in the olive oil, dill tips and champagne vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
Shape the salmon tartare with a spoon to form a tartlet and glaze (with jelly).

18. - 24. November
“For the first time, the outside world was utterly in harmony with my inner one - allowing my weary soul time off, making it really worth living.” Hermann Hesse
Rombo Pass / Timmelsjoch a border crossing to North Tyrol
  1. From today's perspective, this age appears slow and tinged with nostalgia. And yet, one thing has remained the same. The feeling of freedom that you get from driving over the Rombo Pass / Timmelsjoch. Especially in our hectic times, this quiet north-south arterial road invites you to rediscover slowness away from the main transport routes. The “secret gap” in the Alps reveals the mountain world to the traveller in an easy-going fashion. For many people, this road opens up nature’s special charms, letting you feel the proximity of glaciers and the wind that whistles over the pass, whilst at the same time showing just a touch of the raw reality of mountain farming.

 

Sometimes, sheep, goats and even ibex cross your path. As you head south, the climate soon assumes a Mediterranean character, and the vineyards unfold their verdant greenery.

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