Bolzano: (265 meters above sea level) 100,000 inhabitants. Provincial capital.
An important tourist and trade center in the land of the Dolomites. Surrounded by a ring of beautiful mountains, from which the rugged peaks of the Dolomites are especially noticed, Bolzano lays where the Talvero runs into the Isarco. Protected in the north by the mountains and open in the south for the warm winds, the city enjoys a mild and dry climate. Snow, wind and fog are rare. The flora has a south Mediterranean influence which gives the city and surroundings its characteristics. Palm trees, cedars, cypresses, bays, figs, pomegranates, magnolia and agaves adorn the endless promenades of the city. The grapes of Bolzano are renowned for their quality as well as the fantastic South Tyrol fruit, being on offer at the famous fruit market and sent all over the world.
A visit to see ‘Ötzi’, the 5000-year-old iceman, at the archeological museum is definitely worthwhile. Also the museum of nature, also in the center of Bolzano, awaits you with a highly interesting permanent exhibition on the creation of the alps.

Renon is the sun terrace of South Tyrol on a height of 700 to 2260 meters above sea level. This ‘holiday mountain’ is friendly, sunny and unique: with 350 kilometers of marked hiking trails and a 360 degree panorama. Well known and astounded are the Renon earth pyramids, a geological particularity. The evolution of these, out of the ground ‘growing’ organ pipes, is traced back to the ice age during which the glaciers here deposited the moraine material out of which the pyramids are made. Due to erosion they will disappear when the top-stone which covers it falls off.

Our second ‘local mountain’ is situated north-west of the camp site. Here lays the beautiful mountain village San Genesio and the Saltero. The high plateau (latin: ‘Saltus’=the forest) with its extensive alp- and meadowland, dark conifer forests and a southerly vegetation gives this low mountain range an unusual touch. Hiking across the Saltero, with its rich mountain flora and view of the surrounding mountain peaks, hits home with every nature loving guest. The Saltero is most suitable for easy but also extended hikes, due to the minimal height difference.

Between the two mountains lays the Sarentino valley. Away from the stream of traffic, you can dive into an untouched country side, which still maintains its gift of relaxation. The valley is shaped by farms situated in flower-covered fields. Quaint farmer villages invite to spend a while. The most noteworthy thing about the Sarentino valley is the Sarentiner himself. He is a one-of-a-kind. All over South Tyrol he is known for his humor and quick-wittedness. There are numerous Sarentiner jokes in which the Sarentiner always at the end cuts a good edge. The best quality of the Sarentiner is his distinct love of home.

Encompasses the beautiful surroundings and culturally unique areas around the lake of Caldero, the South Tyrol Wine Road and the Trudner Horn Nature Reserve. The sun brings a rich variety in this luscious fruit- and wine district. The landscape is predominated by its large aerials of fruit looms and the many hundred year old wine culture. The region woos with its southern flair, a mild climate and the hospitable people.

South east of the valleys of the rivers Iscaro and Adige rises the ‘land of the mountains’ as the Dolomites are called locally. The Dolomites: evolving out of the primitive seas – a dream landscape of fairytale architecture, described, depicted and sung about, to be experienced, climbed and lived. Nowhere can you find more nature reserves. The many tales, customs and tradition speak their own language, but they all tell about the fascinating world of the ‘pale mountains’.