Val d'Ultimo-Upper Val di Non

The Val d'Ultimo extends near Merano, in south-west direction as far as the Stelvio National Park and is quite mountainous. At first we reach the area around Lana, covered with vineyards and chestnut woods, which uppermost are replaced by meadows. This alpine and rural landscape is dotted with the typical "masi" (rural estates) - still lived in by the proud inhabitants of the valley, people who are deeply attached to their land and traditions.
On both slopes, on the north of Val Venosta and on the south of Val di Non, over 700 Km of paths represent a real hikers' paradise.
In Val d'Ultimo there are four colourful villages: S. Pancrazio (autonomous municipality), S. Valburga, S. Nicolò and S. Gertrude. The last three, together, form the municipal district of Ultimo. At first you reach S. Pancrazio, famous for its "little house on the rocks" ("Häuserl am Stein") - the only house left after the flood occured in 1882.
S. Valburga is situated nearby the little lake "laghetto dello Zoccolo" and boasts the very nice Gothic S. Moritz's chapel, while at San Nicolò you can visit the valley ethnographic museum (Museo della Valle), that offers a complete overview of the rural civilization and its history. S. Gertrude, the highest place, is the starting point for wonderful walks among beautiful, ancient larch woods.
The Val d'Ultimo LEADER II Program, together with the ovine farmers and the restaurants of the valley, organizes the gastronomic event "The Lamb Weeks" ("Settimane dell'Agnello") that takes place at Pracupola . Here you can taste lamb and ship meat, and buy traditional textiles (woollen and felt clothes).
The Alta Val di Non includes the following villages: Proves, Lauregno, San Felice and Senale. Proves, situated in the highest place in the valley (at an altitude of 1420 mt.), is the starting point of many paths, while in Lauregno, enhanced with its valuable late Gothic parish church, you can enjoy breathtaking views. At San Felice visitors cannot miss the many little churches and the crystalline S. Maria Lake (Tret Lake), surrounded by larch woods. Finally, since the 12th century, Senale has become a well-known pilgrimage destination: many tourists stop at this Gothic church that contains the Virgin's votive image.
The annual gastronomic events in Alta Val di Non concern the lion's tooth and the chicory, two typical products of this area. The first grows wild and lush in the meadows. "The Lion's Tooth Weeks" ("Settimane del Dente di Leone") take place between late April and early May, with an entertainment programme that includes concerts and shows. During the "Chicory Weeks" ("Settimane del Radicchio") all guests can taste this vegetable of high quality, which has been grown in Alta Val di Non since 1995.
This beautiful area offers also several opportunities for the lovers of winter sports. The skiarea Ultimo/Schwemmalm, is the ideal place for those who wish to spend a white week with the whole family. The offer suits all tastes: here you find fabulous downhill and cross-country ski runs and it is possible to skate and enjoy funny sledge descents.