Val Venosta – Trentino-Alto Adige. Dry climate, endless orchards and timeless castles. The Vinschgau Valley stretches from Merano to the Reschen Pass, on the border with Austria and Switzerland. It is one of the widest and sunniest valleys in South Tyrol, famous for its apple orchards, medieval castles and dry, clear alpine views. A perfect territory to explore slowly, by bike or on foot. 🚴 Cycle paths and roads of taste: The Vinschgau Cycle Path, which runs along the old railway route, is one of the most popular routes in South Tyrol: easy, scenic and well equipped. Along the way you will pass villages, castles and refreshment points with local products. 👉 Tip: Cycle from Malles to Merano, then return by train with your bike in tow – a perfect day without climbs. 🍏 Orchards, herbs and intense flavors: Fields planted with apples, apricots, berries and medicinal herbs define the landscape and the local cuisine. Numerous farms offer tastings, while the weekly markets offer fresh and seasonal products. 👉 Tip: Visit an agricultural cooperative in Silandro or Lasa to taste freshly squeezed apple juice. 🏰 Castles and villages to explore: The valley is dotted with well-preserved castles and fortresses: Churburg Castle, Juval Castle (Messner's residence), Sluderno and Glorenza, the smallest walled city in Italy. Places where history is still part of the landscape. 👉 Tip: Take a walk through the walls of Glorenza at sunset: silence, golden light and atmosphere of yesteryear. 🥾 Scenic hikes and dry air: The Vinschgau Valley has a unique climate: dry, sunny and not very humid. The paths are numerous, from waalwege (ancient irrigation canals) to more challenging routes on the Ortler group or the Ötztal Alps. 👉 Tip: Hike the Waalweg path above Naturno: simple, shady and with a view of the entire valley. 🛌 Where to stay among vineyards and apple orchards: In the valley there are gasthof, organic hotels, modern farmhouses and apartments surrounded by greenery. From Sluderno to Lasa, from Prato allo Stelvio to Castelbello, each village has its own charm and excellent connections. 👉 Tip: Choose a campsite in Silandro or Laces to have everything within reach: cycling, gastronomy and services. Val Venosta is light, sculpted landscape and authentic flavours: a corner of South Tyrol that surprises with its tranquillity and essential beauty.