The valley of the Lower Vinschgau stretches from the east of Laas up to Töll, before opening up again towards Meran. The climate here is milder and the landscape gentler than in the rather barren Upper Vinschgau. On arriving at this holiday destination you can already see that agriculture is everywhere. You cannot miss the apple orchards, as they shape the countryside just like the green Nörderberg and, on the sunny side opposite, the barren Sonnenberg. The beginnings of the Etsch river snake through the valley's midst.

Apple orchards
On a Farm Holiday in the Lower Vinschgau, it soon becomes clear that agriculture largely dictates the pace of life in the villages. There is lots going on in the villages in the valleys at harvest time from August to October in particular. Early in the morning, the 'Klauber' apple pickers go to work in the orchards. When the clock strikes midday, they go home for a short lunch break, before continuing with the picking in the afternoon. The talk on the village square and in the shops seems to revolve around one subject at this time: apples. This is hardly surprising when you think that fruit farming is the most important source of income for the farmers in the Lower Vinschgau.
A welcome 'side effect' of this agricultural activity is the apple blossom in spring – a real highlight, which Vinschgau is famous for. When you cast your eyes over the valley in the mornings and see the apple orchards shimmering in white and pink, you know that winter is really over.

A good glass of wine 
Wine is also cultivated in Lower Vinschgau. Grapes especially thrive on the slopes of the Sonnenberg. White wine and red wine  are grown to the same extent, with the most important varieties being Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Vernatsch. Tasting a good 'glasl' of local wine is practically obligatory when staying in a holiday flat in lower Vinschgau. In spring, white wine goes particuarly well with asparagus from Kastelbell, while red wine may be enjoyed the whole year round with a substantial 'Brettlmarende' light meal of 'speck', cheese and tasty bread. In autumn, Lower Vinschgau reveals its romantic side, as the valley is alive with shades of red and yellow when the autumn leaves change colour.

A paradise for leisurely cyclists
A holiday flat or room in Lower Vinschgau makes a very popular base for excursions, hikes and cycling tours. The castles of Juval and Kastelbell attract visitors with their medieval charm, while Schlanders, the main village of the lower Vinschgau valley, is perfect for strolling around, enjoying an ice-cream in the afternoon or going for a pizza in the evening. The modern Vinschgerbahn train takes passengers to the chic town of Meran, where they can stroll along the Passer river or go shopping in the shops under the arcades of the 'Laubengasse'. The Vinschger train takes holidaymakers as far as Mals in the Upper Vinschgau, where there are bus connections to Switzerland and Nauders in Austria. The area has made a name for itself for cycling tourism: leisurely cyclists can use the bike shuttle, which conveniently delivers bikes to the station. There are also places to hire pedal bikes or e-bikes at lots of stations. You can then set out from there along the extensive network of cycle paths in Vinschgau. It goes without saying that you can set off on your mountain bike from your holiday flat or room in Lower Vinschgau and discover the mountain pastures of Vinschgau, too.

Anyone preferring Shanks's pony to two wheels can try the Vinschgau high altitude path, which stretches from Schloss Juval castle for over 100 kilometres to the source of the Etsch river. Or hike along the beautiful paths of unspoilt Martelltal valley, South Tyrol's 'strawberry valley'. Or spend an action-packed day on a cultural walk featuring historical highlights, such as the impressive frescoes at St. Stephen's Chapel at Morter, South Tyrol's 'Sistine Chapel'. Or on the centuries-old 'Waalwege' paths along irrigation channels following the gurgling of the water.

Why you should take a Farm Holiday in Lower Vinschgau:

• A mild climate that gets more Mediterannean with every step southwards
• A variety of hiking options, such as the Vinschgau high altitude path 
• Quiet holiday flats or rooms amidst apple orchards