Excursion Tips
The Right Program for Everyone
As colorful as the four seasons, our offerings are just as diverse.
Whether you prefer to be active or enjoy a more relaxed pace, whether you’re a connoisseur or culturally curious, there’s the perfect program for everyone starting right from the Villa Montis apartments in Eppan and the surrounding area.
Spring
Vibrant Colors as Far as the Eye Can See
The buds are sprouting, the apple trees bloom in soft whites and pinks, and the sun gains strength. This season is particularly perfect for strolls or hikes. A true feast for the eyes is the famous Spring Valley, which stretches from the Montiggler Lakes to Lake Caldaro. Here, the first signs of spring begin to bloom as early as March. This hike is also a fantastic excursion for families with children.
A great way to explore the forests around Eppan, enjoy the views, and stay active is archery. Since 2003, Schloss Hocheppan has featured its own archery course. Equipment can be rented on-site, or you can bring your own.
A wonderful combination of culture and nature is offered by a visit to the famous Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle and the attached Touriseum, the South Tyrolean Museum of Tourism in Merano. Just a 30-minute drive from Villa Montis, from mid-April to mid-November, the gates open to a colorful and simultaneously exotic world.
Summer
Dolce Vita at its Best
When summer is in full swing and the temperatures rise, just a few minutes' drive from Villa Montis, you’ll find fantastic opportunities to cool off in the Montiggler Lakes or Lake Caldaro, the warmest bathing lake in the Alps. The options range from swimming and pedal boating to stand-up paddling and enjoying a delicious ice cream sundae.
A great experience for both young and old is exploring South Tyrol's famous canyon, the Bletterbach Gorge at Weißhorn. This UNESCO World Heritage site reveals how the Earth’s history has changed over the last 40 million years and provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of rocks.
For those seeking a refreshing experience but not in the mood for a dip in the cool water, a visit to the "Ice Holes" is a must. This rare natural phenomenon features earth holes from which cool air flows in the midsummer heat. It’s an exciting experience for the whole family.
Golf enthusiasts will find plenty to love at the 9-hole course The Blue Monster or the training grounds at Schloss Freudenstein. In just under an hour’s drive, there are four more golf courses in South Tyrol to choose from, offering great opportunities to improve your handicap.
Autumn
Hiking, wine and of course "Törggelen
Törggelen is a tradition characteristic of autumn in South Tyrol. Especially after a hike or walk, traditional dishes such as smoked meat with sauerkraut, dumplings, and Schlutzkrapfen, followed by homemade doughnuts and roasted chestnuts, are usually served in the evening. At the same time, the first wine of the season is typically served, or there is the so-called Sußer, a wine that is not yet fully fermented and not filtered, which tastes wonderfully sweet.
If you are interested in wine, you can taste our house wines in the Villa Montis' own cellar, or we will gladly accompany you on a cellar tour in the surrounding wineries in St. Pauls, St. Michael, or Girlan.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Eppan Castle Circuit is a fantastic route. It starts directly from Villa Montis, passes by Boymont Castle, continues on to Hocheppan Castle, and ends at Schloss Hotel Korb.
Winter
Fun in the snow and Christmas glitter
In the run-up to Christmas, traditional Christmas markets open their doors all over South Tyrol, inviting you to explore traditional handicrafts, shop for souvenirs to take home, or treat yourself to a warming mulled wine or, in the non-alcoholic version, a warm apple juice, a so-called apple glow mix. Christmas markets are held throughout South Tyrol, for example in St. Michael, Bolzano, Bressanone, Merano, Ritten, or in the Sarntal Valley. Each one has its own unique charm.
A special highlight at this time is in St. Pauls, where at the end of November, over 100 nativity scenes can once again be admired at the famous nativity scene exhibition in the alleys. It’s the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit for both young and old.
When the snow greets you from the mountain peaks, it's time to get on your skis and get going. In about 1 hour you can reach the skiing areas of the Dolomites, the Schlern area with the Alpe di Siusi, the Catinaccio-Latemar area, or the Texel Group near Merano and many more... You can not only ski, but also leisurely explore the mountains on snowshoes, go cross-country skiing or whizz down the specially prepared toboggan runs.