Excursion tips
The right programme for everyone
Our programme is as colourful as the 4 seasons.
No matter whether you prefer active sports or relaxing, whether you are an epicurean or culturally interested, Villa Montis and its surroundings have the right programme for everyone.
Spring
A blaze of colour as far as the eye can see
The buds are sprouting, the apple trees are blossoming in delicate white and pink, the sun is gaining strength. This time of year is particularly suitable for walks or hikes. A feast for the eyes is the famous Spring Valley, which stretches from the Montiggl lakes to Lake Kaltern. The first signs of spring are already in bloom here in March. This hike is also a great destination for families with children.
A good way to explore the forests around Eppan, enjoy the view and do some sport at the same time is archery. There has been an archery course at Hocheppan Castle since 2003. Equipment can be rented on site or you can bring your own.
A great combination of culture and nature is offered by a visit to the famous gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle and the adjoining Touriseum, the South Tyrolean Museum of Tourism in Merano. Only 30 minutes by car from Villa Montis, the gates to a colourful and at the same time exotic world are open from mid-April to mid-November.
Summer
Dolce Vita at its best
When summer is in full swing and the temperatures are rising, there are great opportunities to cool off in the Montiggl lakes or in Lake Kaltern, the warmest bathing lake in the Alps, just a few minutes' drive from Villa Montis. The options range from swimming, pedal boating and stand-up paddling to indulging in an ice cream sundae.
A great experience for young and old is exploring South Tyrol's famous canyon, the Bletterbachschlucht on the Weißhorn. The UNESCO World Heritage Site shows how the earth's history has changed over the last 40 million years and provides an insight into the world of rocks.
If you are looking for refreshment but don't feel like jumping into the cool water, you should definitely plan a visit to the ice holes, a rare natural phenomenon with holes in the ground from which cool air flows in high summer. An exciting experience for the whole family.
Golfers' hearts beat faster on the 9-hole course The Blue Monster or the training grounds at Freudenstein Castle. Within a maximum of one hour by car, there are 4 more golf courses in South Tyrol to choose from to improve your handicap.
Autumn
Hiking, wine and of course "Törggelen
Törggelen is characteristic of autumn in South Tyrol. Especially after a hike or a 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 is usually 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 to a cellar tour in the surrounding cellars in St. Pauls, St. Michael or Girlan.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Eppan Castle Circuit is a great route. It starts directly from Villa Montis, past Boymont Castle, on to Hocheppan Castle and at the end it still goes to 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 all over South Tyrol, for example in St. Michael, Bolzano, Bressanone, Merano, Ritten or in the Sarntal valley. Each one has its own unique charm.
There is something special at this time in St.Pauls, when at the end of November over 100 nativity scenes can once again be admired at the well-known nativity scene exhibition in the alleys. The perfect way to get in the mood for Christmas for 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.