South Tyrol – travel destinations and holiday farms at a glance

In order to understand the diversity and uniqueness of South Tyrol , it is worth traveling through the entire region and talking to the people. When I set out to explore the holiday farms in the northern Italian region in mid-April 2024, I was not yet aware of many facets of the country. The wonderful valleys and places, the different ways of farming and the people, who all have their own history and let you share in it.

It is a different kind of Italy, a mix of tradition, modernity and hospitality, a region to unwind and relax.

Spring mood from Vinschgau to Eisacktal

For many people, the word South Tyrol immediately conjures up images in their heads. Be it the rugged peaks of the Dolomites, the apple orchards in Burggrafenamt, the palm trees in Bozen or the sometimes wild rivers that have shaped this landscape for millions of years. The diverse appearance also triggers a series of emotional images in my head. The Vinschgau, as the westernmost region, is known for Lake Reschen with the iconic church tower in the reservoir and leads to the town of Schlanders, the historic center of the Vinschgau. Here, the themes of enjoyment and activity merge in a special way.

The journey continues through the Burgraviato region. Where the high mountains all around create a magical mixture of the Mediterranean climate in the valley, this is one of the hotspots for tourists. With the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle or the Meran 2000 ski area, there is a varied program there. If you want to avoid the well-visited places like Naturno or Meran itself, you will find an insider tip in Mölten - one almost has to say it. Halfway between Bolzano and Meran, the town lies on the eastern slope and offers a fantastic view of the Burgraviato region.

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Insider tip between Bolzano and Merano: Mölten and the Moarhof

This is exactly where you will find a modern holiday farm : the Moarhof. With a certain attention to detail, modern holiday apartments, a fantastic view and a particularly good cook, the Moarhof is a model farm. In the Alber family's farm there are 4 apartments that were completely rebuilt in 2023. The hereditary farm began pampering guests as a guest house in the 1960s.

From its beginnings as a guesthouse, the Moarhof has transformed into a high-quality holiday home. With hay beds, sauna, half board and a quiet location, the offer is of a high standard. There is also a great program for families with children. In addition to the location, which invites you to go on wonderful hikes or visit museums, there is a lot to experience directly on the farm. Calves, horses, dwarf rabbits and cats provide an animal insight into agricultural life. A table football table, table tennis and a wooden play hut with a kitchen are a good offer for children of all ages. A new playground with a trampoline, swings and two slides will be completed by summer 2024. The newly built fireplace invites you to have barbecue evenings together.

The Moarhof in Mölten is a perfect example of how you can spend an upscale farm holiday in a top location , yet away from the hustle and bustle.

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Via the capital Bolzano to the Eisack Valley

My route continues and passes through the capital of South Tyrol : Bolzano. The city's museums , including the Ötzi Museum, the arcades, which form the heart of the city as a shopping street, and the markets - it's a great place to spend time.

Our route now follows the Eisack river. The Eisack valley is often only seen as a through route to the south (or north) - completely wrongly, as we see after several days in the region. There are numerous beautiful farms around Brixen, which stretch out on the slopes to the right and left. In Feldthurns, for example, the chestnut town, there is a farm that I particularly remember during my trip: the Thalerhof .

The Kerschbaumer family has hidden themselves away and created an extremely quiet home that invites you to unwind and relax. "A farm to ground yourself" is what occurred to me as I took in the place. In addition to beautiful, modern apartments, a sauna , and a fantastic lounge, the all-round experience is unique. The farm is well on its way to becoming completely self-sufficient. Solar panels produce electricity and heat ; pigs, rabbits, ducks, hens, and bees provide the basis for physical well-being. Preserving old breeds is important to the Kerschbaumer family, and so they also ensure that the cows are regional. The native Pustertaler Sprinzen cattle breed is perfectly adapted to the South Tyrolean environment and enjoys the freedom of suckler cow farming. A lot of investment will also be made in self-sufficiency over the next few months. Our own meat processing facility, the expansion of our own food production , and a charging station for electric cars will be built.

If you take a closer look in and around the Thalerhof , you will discover wood in all its facets. Whether in the rooms, in the sauna, in the facade elements of the house or as sculptures, the passion for wood is palpable. Herbert Kerschbaumer is a passionate wood carver and will be sharing his knowledge with guests more and more in the future. There are even plans for multi-day carving courses , where participants will learn how to use the carving knife and wood correctly. Chestnut wood is preferred - in keeping with the region. Herbert's commitment to the chestnut tree has already been recognized with the Golden Chestnut.

The Thalerhof is highly recommended due to its location, secluded but still in the center of the Eisack Valley. The perfect place to get a little closer to the earth and nature.

Find out in the second part how my journey in beautiful South Tyrol continues. Among other things, I encounter a herd of chamois and other impressive farms in the holiday region.

​​❤ Are you dreaming of an unforgettable holiday in South Tyrol?

​Experience breathtaking mountain landscapes, delicious culinary delights and warm hospitality.

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And looking for suitable excursion destinations?

Of course, a holiday should not be complete without a group excursion. Here you will find many unique destinations for you, your family and your friends.

Off to adventure

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