Lana

You hardly will find this sprawling village in any guidebook, but we think it has its own charm and is worth a visit. It’s located between Bolzano and Merano, so it can be a good break on your way to the second most known town of the region. The village itself is nothing impressive, but there is a pleasant pedestrian road with shops and some artisan workshops, local life and German culture, given that 90% inhabitants declare German to be their mother tongue.
The reason why we suggest you stop at Lana is the hike along its river leading to the small gorge in the high part of the town, Lana di Sopra. Starting from the bridge, Ponte Valsura, after the first section of paved road, you enter into a managed area and walk over a wooden platform skewed inside the rocky cliff. This short hike takes around half an hour and ends at a small lake and waterfall—definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in the surroundings. Besides, many tourists come to Lana during the spring season to admire its extensive apple plantations in blossom and to visit the several castles and churches of the district.