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Lana in South Tyrol is more than just a picturesque village nestled between mountains and apple orchards – it is a place where contrasts come together in perfect harmony. Between historic culture, modern cuisine, gentle mountain landscapes, and charming hosts, I was able to experience a long weekend with my family that left a lasting impression. “Lana connects” is not just a motto, but an attitude. In this post, I’ll take you along to my personal highlights from this trip as inspiration for anyone who wants to discover Lana for themselves.
Experiences in Nature – Hiking, Wondering & Slowing Down
Lana and its surroundings offer countless opportunities to fully enjoy nature. Whether it’s leisurely walks, challenging hikes, or simply consciously slowing down amidst impressive landscapes – every nature lover will find something to enjoy here. For more information and tips on excursions, hiking trails, and leisure activities, visit Lana Tourismus.
Vigiljoch – Pure nature above the rooftops of Lana
Vigiljoch was one of the most magical places for me on this trip – a retreat above Lana where time seems to slow down. The ascent itself is an experience: first, you take the historic cable car up, then continue with the charming single chairlift, which offers a leisurely view of forests and meadows. Once at the top, you are greeted by a quiet, car-free world, perfectly made for mindful nature experiences.
We chose a leisurely hike through bright forests and gentle alpine meadows, with wide views over the Adige Valley and the surrounding mountain scenery. The route is easy to walk, well marked, and ideal for pausing along the way to simply stop and enjoy the view.
Located directly by the idyllic small lake on Vigiljoch, Gasthof Seespitz offers not only traditional South Tyrolean cuisine but also a fantastic view. We enjoyed homemade specialties such as dumplings with butter and sage, as well as fresh salads from the region, on the sunny terrace. The service is warm, the atmosphere relaxed – perfect for recharging your energy after a hike.
Marlinger Waalweg – Hiking Along the Water
Another nature experience was our hike along the Marlinger Waalweg. This historic water channel trail stretches over several kilometers through apple orchards, mixed forests, and gentle hills. The gentle babbling of the water, the views over the Adige Valley, and the soft forest paths make this route a meditative experience. It is also well suited for families and offers numerous resting spots with beautiful views.
At the end of our hike, we reached Haidenhof, a wonderfully situated farm with a cozy place to stop and spectacular views of Merano.
🔗 More about the Marlinger Waalweg
Haidenhof is spectacularly situated above Marling, offering a wonderful view of Castle Lebenberg. Here, you’ll find not only honest, regional cuisine but also a cozy tavern serving seasonal specialties and house wines. After our hike, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch on the sunny terrace – with warm hospitality and a unique panorama. For me, Haidenhof has become a cherished place that I love to visit again and again.
Art & Wine at Kränzelhof in Tscherms
A cultural and culinary highlight at the same time was our visit to Kränzelhof in Tscherms. The seven gardens surrounding the winery invite you to marvel, explore, and slow down. Amid modern art installations, enchanted paths, and meditative spots, you can truly immerse yourself in another world here. After our stroll, we enjoyed a wine tasting featuring selected labels from the estate – a true sensory experience.
Golf in Lana – Tee Off with a View
A sporting highlight of our stay was a relaxed round at the Golfclub Lana Gutshof Brandis, nestled in the rolling hills just south of Lana. This scenic 9-hole golf course stretches gently through apple orchards and Mediterranean-style vegetation, with the historic Brandis castle ruins watching from above. The layout is relatively flat, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced golfers looking for a laid-back experience.
What truly sets this course apart is its tranquil atmosphere. There’s no rush or pressure here—just peaceful play surrounded by breathtaking views of the Etschtal valley and the surrounding mountains. During our visit, the course was in excellent condition, and the natural setting added to the overall enjoyment. If you’re traveling without your own gear, rental equipment is available directly at the clubhouse.
For more details on the course, opening hours, and green fees, visit the official website of the Golfclub Lana – Gutshof Brandis. It’s a true gem for those who love combining nature and sport.
Cuisine – Moments of Enjoyment In and Around Lana
Lana and its surroundings invite not only to relax and explore but also to indulge. Nestled between orchards and vineyards, the region offers an impressive culinary variety: from traditional South Tyrolean inns to modern gourmet spots where regional ingredients are creatively reinterpreted. Whether in stylish restaurants, cozy taverns, or on sunny garden terraces – here alpine down-to-earthness meets Mediterranean lightness. Anyone wanting to experience the flavors of South Tyrol with all their senses will find numerous opportunities for unforgettable moments of enjoyment in and around Lana.
Stadele – Modern South Tyrolean Cuisine with Soul
A special highlight of our South Tyrol trip was the visit to Stadele in Lana. The beautifully designed restaurant with its garden combines alpine authenticity with a fresh, modern concept—both culinarily and architecturally.
Right from arrival, you can feel that it’s not just about food, but about the experience. A real plus is the wonderfully peaceful garden courtyard: cozy, green, and perfect for sitting outside in good weather. It’s the ideal place to start the evening relaxed—with an aperitif and amuse-bouche.
The kitchen at Stadele places great emphasis on regionality, quality, and creative execution. South Tyrolean classics are reimagined here—light, delicate, and modern, without losing their roots. This is complemented by attentive and friendly service that rounds off the experience perfectly. Anyone who appreciates good food in a stylish yet relaxed setting will feel right at home at Stadele. For us, it was definitely one of the most atmospheric culinary experiences of our trip.
Diversus – The Gourmet Bar with Urban Flair
Diversus was located right next to our accommodation and impressed us with its casual elegance. The seasonally changing menu is deliberately concise, focusing on selected, well-thought-out dishes that surprise with creativity and bold, unusual flavor combinations. Regionality and quality are clearly at the forefront—each component is precisely balanced without being overloaded.
A special highlight is the excellently curated selection of drinks. Whether a classic aperitif, an inventive signature cocktail, or fine natural wine—here, drinks are mixed and served at a high level. This makes Diversus not only a restaurant but also a stylish evening hotspot.
Whether after a mountain hike, as a vibrant start to the evening, or for a relaxed drink to wind down the day—Diversus is a place with character: stylish, creative, and yet comfortably unpretentious.
RH Reichhalter 1477 – Where History Meets Haute Cuisine
RH Reichhalter 1477 impressively combines history and modern hospitality. The listed building in the center of Lana has been carefully renovated, blending the charm of bygone times with contemporary restraint. The interior is simple yet harmonious—nothing feels overloaded, and every detail appears thoughtfully chosen.
Culinarily, the establishment stays true to its style: dishes are seasonal, precisely prepared, and pleasantly understated. Creativity here is not about extravagant presentations but the balance between regionality and contemporary standards. The menu is concise, and the wine selection is well curated. On a mild summer evening, it’s definitely worth enjoying dinner outside.
For me, RH Reichhalter 1477 was a calm and successful finale to my trip – a place where you’re happy to stop by and one to keep in mind for a special evening. You can truly taste how thoughtfully and lovingly each dish is created and prepared.
Mein Beck – Der perfekte Start in den Tag
In the morning, we started with a visit to Mein Beck in Lana. Surrounded by the scent of freshly baked bread and the bustling activity of the locals, you immediately feel welcome. The selection ranges from classic breads to delicate pastries and hearty breakfast options—including modern avocado toast, fresh and beautifully presented. What stayed with me most was the croissant with pistachio cream—not too sweet, but wonderfully aromatic.
Runstnerhof – Farmhouse Breakfast as Sunday Brunch
A very special experience was breakfast at the Runstnerhof in Gargazon. Nestled between old chicken coops and fragrant fruit trees, you enjoy freshly prepared products straight from the farm: crisp eggs, creamy yogurt, juicy fruits, and homemade jams—all authentic and served with great love. The relaxed atmosphere invites you to linger and conveys a genuine feeling of authenticity.
Especially with children, breakfast at Runstnerhof is a highlight, because besides enjoying the delicious dishes, the little ones have plenty to discover: from free-range chickens and colorful orchards to many small corners perfect for playing and exploring. This makes the start of the day a thoroughly wonderful experience for the whole family.
Accommodation – Goldfinger Suites: Style, Comfort & Central Location
The Goldfinger Suites impressed us with a stylish and harmonious blend of modern design and alpine coziness. From the moment you enter the spacious apartment suites, you can feel the thoughtful furnishings and high-quality standards: from carefully selected materials to elegant furniture and a functional small kitchen, ideal for a flexible and independent stay. Whether you want to prepare something yourself or relax comfortably after a long day—here you’ll find exactly the comfort you desire.
We especially appreciated the central location right in the heart of Lana. Despite being close to a variety of restaurants, cafés, and small shops—all easily reachable within a few minutes on foot—the accommodation offers a pleasant sense of calm. This combination of vibrancy and tranquility allowed us to start our days completely relaxed and unwind just as peacefully in the evenings, without having to forgo the comforts of an urban infrastructure.
Another true highlight is the well-maintained pool area. After active excursions or hikes, it’s a real pleasure to relax here, swim in the crystal-clear water, or simply enjoy the sun on a lounge chair. The entire facility is stylishly designed, kept very clean, and through its tasteful décor and thoughtful details, it conveys a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
Anyone wanting to experience Lana centrally, with quality and plenty of style will find a perfect retreat at the Goldfinger Suites that leaves nothing to be desired.
Planning Tips for Your Lana Trip
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Best time to visit: May to October is ideal for hiking and culinary experiences. Spring attracts with apple blossoms, and autumn with Törggelen festivities.
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Getting around: Lana is compact and walkable. Public transport is well developed, so a rental car is not strictly necessary.
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With kids: Trails like Vigiljoch and Marlinger Waalweg are family-friendly. The natural swimming pool in Gargazon is also great for families.
Important Links:
🔗 Lana Tourism
🔗 South Tyrol Travel Info
🔗 Instagram @lanaregion.it
Conclusion: Lana Connects — and Leaves a Lasting Place in Your Heart
What stays with you after four days in Lana? Memories of crisp mountain air, tasteful moments, genuine encounters, and the feeling of having found a bit of calm. Lana manages to unite contrasts — between active holidays and deep relaxation, between rustic tavern culture and gourmet cuisine, between natural idyll and stylish comfort. Those seeking authenticity will find it in Lana. And once you’ve been here, you’ll want to come back.
