Make sure you don't miss it: the spring valley at Monticolo.

Between lake Caldaro and lake Monticolo, there is a varied path leading you across a valley which in spring enchants thanks to a blooming ocean of flowers.
Spring valley is located in a swampy hollow in a climatically beneficial location. For this reason already in early spring the warm air makes the flowers flourish very early. The sea of flowers includes liverworts, crocuses, snowdrops and snow bells and they transform the entire valley into a colourful area.

Our hint: If you have the chance, it would be better to visit the spring valley on working days, or Saturday morning.

 

South Tyrol is waiting for you with 8 wonderful natural parks

Untouched nature, scented flowers and green meadows. Crystal clear mountain lakes and overwhelming mountain peaks: the 8 South Tyrolean natural parks will offer you this and much more.
Enjoy beautiful excursions alongside peaceful hiking paths... regeneration for both, body and mind.

Natural parks in South Tyrol:

• Tre Cime del Monte Bondone Reserve - Dolomiti di Sesto
• Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park
• Puez-Geisler Nature Park
• Vedrette Ries Aurina Nature Park
• Catinaccio Rosengarten Nature Park
• Stelvio National Park
• Gruppo Tessa Nature Park
• Monte Corno Nature Park
   

Nordic Walking is not just funny, it's also healthy!

This activity comes from northern Europe and especially from Finland, where the brisk walking with sticks, was thought as a summer training for cross-country skiers and biathletes. The main different between the traditional walking is that by practising Nordic walking, also the arms are used specifically.

During this last years, Nordic walking gained more and more popularity amongst nature lovers and fitness-freaks. Different holiday destinations in fact, offer different courses and guided excursions.

 

Spring is the best time of the year to get active in South Tyrol. No matter if you prefer playing golf, bicycle or mountain bike. Hotel Steinmannwald is the perfect starting point for several activities.

• Golf in South Tyrol - The 18-hole Golf Clup Petersberg is located on the high plateau of the Monte Regolo, on about 1,250 m a.s.l. and offers different parcours. For beginners, as well as for professional players.
• Discovering South Tyrol's mountains by bike - During the last few years, many different bike paths have been realized in South Tyrol. Enjoy breathtaking tours and excursions!
• Cycling – Alongside the rivers, or though wonderful blooming apple orchards. Enjoy the beauty of vineyards, green meadows and forests. Laives and surroundings represent the perfect starting point to discover South Tyrol's beauties by bike.

Our hint: Perfect for the whole family! The newly built bike path alongside the Adige river will take you from Laives to Bronzolo and Vadena and even until Bolzano, Trento and lake Garda. Our guests also have the chance to rent the bike directly at the hotel! Ask for your bike at the reception!

The caldaro lake Triathlon - a traditional spots event which takes place for more than 20 years. Like every year, at the lakeside world class athletes from Italy and abroad gather in order to participate in the ETU prestige triathlon.
The event starts in Mai, when the mild climate, offers the best conditions. The competition includes Olympic distances, which means a 1.5 km swimming distance, 40 km cycling and 10 km running.

Of course, not for anybody, but everybody should be present!

Like every year the popular traditional Haflinger horse race will take place at the Maia Racecourse of Merano. This event marks the beginning of the new local racing season of the Maia racecourse. Principal performers are the famous Haflinger ponies named after Hafling, a small village next to Merano.
In addition to the different races an attractive supporting program will take place. Already in the morning you can join the Haflinger procession in the centre of Meran, accompanied by traditional music bands. But there is also a diversified entertainment program between one and the other race: western-riding, a trotting-race and a race of three-year stallions will entertain you.

The worldwide popularity of this breed lies not only its unique golden chestnut colouring with long flowing white mane and tail, but also in its unique people loving, willing and forgiving temperament that was established over centuries of living alongside and working with the mountain peasants.

During the race, guests will also get pampered culinary. Traditional regional specialities and South Tyrolean delicacies will sweeten your day.

Botanic Gardens of Trauttmansdorff: simply fantastic

"Italy's most beautiful gardens" are waiting for you in Merano. More than 80 garden landscapes can be visited on a total surface of 12 hectares: visiting the wonderful gardens of "Schloss Trauttmansdorff" is just like travelling across the botanic world. The gardens enchant its visitors thanks to their extraordinary diversity as well as their harmonic ensemble. The variety of plants ranges from exotic plants through decorative plants of the Mediterranean area to plants of the Alpine area, in other words, a colourful potpourri.

The platform above the gardens instead offer it's visitors a unforgettable panoramic view on the Val d'Isarco, Merano and the surrounding mountains.

Our hint: Visit also the Touriseum - since 2002, beside the gardens, you will also have the chance to visit the South Tyrolean Museum of Toursim.

 

Asparagus season in South Tyrol - The so called "king of vegetables" thrives in South Tyrol from the end of March to the end of May.
During this period, South Tyrol, and especially the area around Terlano - South Tyrols's most renowned asparagus production area - offers the excellent white asparagus, whish is not just tasty, but also very healthy. This type is called Mararethe and is thought to be very exquisite.

Our hint: Discover South Tyrol during the asparagus season - Hotel Steinmannwald is waiting for you with its traditional asparagus weeks!
 

Hotel Steinmannwald by Laives - Fun and entertainment starts here.
It's difficult to find another town in South Tyrol having such a central position.
No matter if you plan to visit Passo Carezza in Val d'Ega, Passo di Monte Giovo in Val Passiria, Passo Mendola in Val di Non or even lake Garda...
The perfect position and the Mediterranean climate, will allow you to go on tour between March and till November.

Our hint: as we are ourself passionate motorcyclists, we would be glad to give you personal advise. If beginners or experts, we will help you planning your individual tour.
 

Hikers and mountain lovers will enjoy South Tyrol and its wonderful nature. Especially in spring, when nature awakens from its winter sleep and the colourful flowers embellish the valleys. 

No matter if it's about a lake round-trip or maybe a more challenging excursion up to the highest mountain peaks. Over 17,000 km of hiking paths and forest roads will take you through untouched nature and show you breathtaking landscapes.
South Tyrol will offer some of the most beautiful panoramic sights of the Dolomites as well as wonderful nature parks.

	Panoramic Map South Tyrol
	Hiking in South Tyrol
	Dolomites UNESCO World heritage