The holiday region of Natz-Schabs comprises the five villages of Natz, Schabs, Raas, Viums and Aicha and stretches across a high-lying area above the town of Brixen at an altitude of 730 to 890 metres. The municipality's approximately 3,000 inhabitants mostly make a living from apple farming and tourism. The landscape is dominated by orchards, woodland and there is a well-tended cultural scene.

From the blossom to the fruit
Before apple farming became possible on the Alpine plateau between the Eisack and Rienz rivers, the population lived in relative poverty. Thanks to the moving of an eleven-kilometre-long natural-pressure pipeline from Lüsen to the Natz plateau in the 1950s, a comprehensive irrigation system was installed in Natz-Schabs and fruit farming became possible. Nowadays, the varieties of Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Elstar and Gala are particularly able to thrive on around 270 hectares of land. The over 900,000 apple trees yield more than 11,000 tonnes of apples every year. The well-known white wine grape of Müller Thurgau and Sylvaner are also grown in Natz-Schabs.
As well as the unusual climate, featuring many hours of sunshine and warm days followed by mild nights, the farmers' work contributes towards ensuring a good harvest. Anyone wishing for further information on this fruit after viewing the pink and white sea of blossom in spring or the ripe apples hanging from the trees in autumn will gain interesting insights into traditional apple farming on guided apple-themed tours from April to October.

A range of walks
A Farm Holiday in Natz-Schabs means having access to a 65-kilometre-long network of well-marked hiking paths that radiate in all directions. A circular walk around the villages far away from bothersome through-traffic may be done from Natz, visiting churches and chapels, such as St. Magdalena Chapel in Viums. The holiday region also features lots of themed paths such as the circular apple walk from Natz to Schabs, the 'Wine and Water' path in Raas or an exciting trip to the Rienzschlucht gorge. Even the nearby cathedral town of Brixen or well-known Neustift Monastery are easy to reach from Natz-Schabs. The walk around Raiermoos biotope taking the Nature Trail path is unique. Together with the biotopes of Sommersürs in Viums as Zuzzis and Laugen in Natz, Raiermoos biotope provides a habitat for endangered plants and animals. The Natz-Schabs plateau is excellent for running or Nordic walking, too.

Focus on Natz-Schabs
Thanks to its central position right at the intersection of Eisacktal-Wipptal and Pustertal cycle paths, Natz-Schabs makes the perfect base for exploring Pustertal and Eisacktal valleys by bike.
Throughout the year, Natz-Schabs makes an ideal base for excursions in well-known hiking areas like the Lüsner Alm pasture. In winter, family ski areas such as the Plose are within easy reach.

Holidaymakers staying at a holiday flat in Natz-Schabs may reach cultural destinations in a short time: the little town of Klausen and the former cathedral town of Brixen with its museums and historical monuments, the fortress of Franzensfeste or Schloss Rodenegg castle are always worth a trip.