Martelltal valley lies in the middle of Stilfserjoch National Park and stretches from Goldrain as a 24-kilometre-long side valley of Vinschgau up to the Cevedale glacier at 3,769 metres above sea level. In the 1950s, a dam was built in Hintermartell valley to hold the water of the Plimabach stream in Zufrittsee reservoir for the generation of electricity. These days, the lake is where lots of hikes start.

The nearly 900 inhabitants of the municipality with Martell as the main village are primarily dairy and livestock farmers, like their ancestors before them. There are still permanently-inhabited farms at 2,000 metres. That's why a Farm Holiday in Martell is ideal for those seeking authenticity, peace and quiet.

Sweet, red and delicious
Like lots of farmers in other regions, farmers in Martelltal valley were badly affected by the sinking milk prices of the last few decades. It became more and more difficult to survive from agricultural work and farmers were forced to look for new ways to utilise their land. It transpired that the high altitude with its mild, dry climate and cool nights made the valley the ideal place to cultivate berries – strawberries in particular. The Martell mountain strawberry harvest begins in mid-June at 800 metres and ends at the start of September in the highest field at 1,800 metres. At this time of year, there are hardly any strawberries on the market from the usual strawberry-growing areas and the people of Martell can reckon with little competition. Martell strawberries are also appreciated for their aromatic taste, which comes from their slow ripening. Cherries, blackcurrants, raspberries and vegetables provide farmers with another source of income. It is thanks to this lucky twist of fate that the farmers were able to stay living in their farms and uphold their traditions. And on a Farm Holiday you'll find yourself being part of it.

The bearded vulture flies again
Over the last few decades, bearded vultures have successfully settled again in Stilfserjoch National Park. Between the years 2000 to 2008, eleven young bearded vultures were released in Martelltal valley. Lots of pairs made this protected area their territory and, since the first successful hatching of the largest birds of prey in Europe, 27 young birds have hatched in the park. Armed with patience and a bit of luck, you may be able to see a bearded vulture circle the air from your holiday flat or room.