With pristine landscapes, ancient farmsteads, millenary larch forests and the Stelvio National Park, the Ultimo Valley offers you a nature experience that will take your breath away.
Val d’Ultimo (Ultental in German) is an authentic, green and little-touristed alpine valley in South Tyrol, located just a few kilometers from Merano and the Val di Non. The valley is framed by some of the most imposing peaks of the Maddalene group, including Monte Luco (2,434 m), Cornicolo, Cima Trenta and the ridge that separates it from the Val di Rabbi. At higher elevations, you can also find the picturesque Corvo Lakes and Lago Verde, popular destinations for spectacular hikes.
Val d’Ultimo (Ultental in German) is an authentic, green and little-touristed alpine valley in South Tyrol, located just a few kilometers from Merano and the Val di Non. The valley is framed by some of the most imposing peaks of the Maddalene group, including Monte Luco (2,434 m), Cornicolo, Cima Trenta and the ridge that separates it from the Val di Rabbi. At higher elevations, you can also find the picturesque Corvo Lakes and Lago Verde, popular destinations for spectacular hikes.
Val d’Ultimo is easily accessible in several ways. By car, simply exit the A22 Brenner motorway at Bolzano Sud and continue on the MeBo expressway towards Merano. From there, take the Merano Sud exit and follow the signs for Lana and then for the Ultimo Valley.
Those who prefer public transportation can take the train to Merano station and then continue comfortably by taking bus line 245, which connects the city directly to the valley.
Val d’Ultimo stretches for about 40 kilometers and includes several charming villages rich in tradition. Santa Gertrude (St. Gertraud) is the highest and most remote, situated at around 1,500 meters altitude. It serves as a starting point for numerous hikes to mountain huts and refuges such as Lago Verde and the Corvo Lakes. It also hosts the Val d’Ultimo Museum and the famous millenary larches, a symbol of the valley. It is the ideal place for those seeking silence, wild nature and authenticity.
San Nicolò (St. Nikolaus), located in the center of the valley, is a peaceful and scenic village with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s an excellent base for those who enjoy summer hikes and winter snowshoeing. Here you will also find the Schwemmalm cable car, which connects to the ski area and numerous high-altitude trails.
Santa Valburga (St. Walburg), the administrative heart of the valley, hosts the town hall and several services. It is located next to Lake Zoccolo, a very picturesque artificial reservoir, ideal for walks and outdoor activities. It is also a great starting point for e-bike routes and for the “Via dei masi” trail.
Pracupola (Kuppelwies) is known for the valley station of the Schwemmalm cable car, making it a strategic hub for hiking and winter sports. In summer, the “Schwemmy” playground and the small pond next to the river make it perfect for families.
San Pancrazio (St. Pankraz) is the first village you encounter when entering the Val d’Ultimo from Lana. It enjoys a milder climate and an open, hilly landscape. It is historically interesting for its Romanesque churches and well-preserved ancient farmsteads.
Located high in the mountains on the border with the Val di Non, Proves (Proveis) is a small village surrounded by forests and pastures. Ideal for peaceful hikes away from mass tourism, it retains a strong farming identity and a Ladin-Tyrolean linguistic heritage.
Lauregno (Unsere Liebe Frau im Walde), a scenic village overlooking the valley from above, is known for its tranquility and spectacular views, especially appreciated in autumn for the foliage. It preserves a spiritual soul, connected to Marian devotion.
Finally, Senale-San Felice(Unsere Liebe Frau im Walde-St. Felix) is a municipality that encompasses three localities:
Summer in Val d’Ultimo is the perfect time to explore the area on foot, with panoramic hikes, alpine lakes and green pastures. One of the most popular routes is the Three Huts Circuit, a loop connecting Malga Holzschlag, Malga Pfandl, and Malga Spitzner, passing through shady forests and wide meadows. For more experienced hikers, the ascent to the Corvo Lakes, on the border with the Val di Rabbi and Val di Non, offers a glacial landscape of rare beauty.
Those looking for a more relaxed hike can choose the walk to Malga Auerberg and Lake Seefeld, perfect for a peaceful day immersed in nature.
Among the easily accessible destinations, Lake Fontana Bianca, at 1,870 meters, stands out: reachable by car, it is ideal for picnics and walks and from there you can continue on foot to Malga Fiecht in about 45 minutes. Another recommended hike is to Kirchberg Kaser Alm, suitable even with a trekking stroller, where you pass through bucolic landscapes and can observe marmots and other alpine animals.
For families, Val d’Ultimo offers authentic and fun experiences. The Fairy Tale Trail, along Lake Zoccolo, is a flat walk animated by totems that tell local legends written by the valley’s children.
In the surrounding area, alpine huts and traditional farms make ideal destinations for a day outdoors: at Malga Kühberg, you can combine an easy circular hike with a tasty break featuring local dishes and homemade desserts, while the scenic Malga Marschnell is famous for its cheeses and kaiserschmarren. At the Maso Oberpartenhof, children can pet farm animals and get a close-up look at rural life.
Finally, don’t miss the summer food and wine events such as the enchanting Dinner in the Cable Car, where traditional dishes are served suspended between the peaks and Mountain-Chef Unplugged, which combines mountain cuisine with breathtaking scenery.
When the larch forests turn yellow, gold and orange, the Val d’Ultimo becomes a true masterpiece of nature. The days, still mild and bright, invite you to enjoy nature slowly and with a sense of wonder.
One of the most beautiful autumn experiences is the walk to Malga Riemerbergl, an easy route winding through peaceful pastures, scenic viewpoints and forests ablaze with fall colors. The “Farmstead Trai” (Via dei Masi) also offers enchanting views in this season, with ancient wooden houses surrounded by the warm tones of autumn and the earthy scents of the land.
Autumn is also the time when the valley celebrates its farming and pastoral roots. During the Lamb Weeks, local taverns serve traditional dishes made with lamb meat sourced directly from regional farms, creating an authentic and friendly atmosphere. The famous Krapfen Festival, on the other hand, draws both locals and visitors to enjoy the traditional South Tyrolean pastry in all its variations, with live music, market stalls and a festive ambiance that brings the villages of the valley to life.
In winter, Val d’Ultimo transforms into a fairytale landscape, wrapped in the silence of snow and the tranquility of the high mountains. The heart of the season is the Schwemmalm ski area, which boasts 25 kilometers of scenic slopes suitable for skiers of all levels—all surrounded by breathtaking alpine views.
For those who enjoy the gentler pace of cross-country skiing, groomed trails stretch between San Nicolò and Santa Gertrude—perfect for breathing in the crisp, clear winter air. Those who prefer a slower, more contemplative experience can strap on snowshoes and explore the snowy trails, such as those around the Monte Mutegg ridge.
Families will also find plenty of fun activities to enjoy in the snow. In San Nicolò, the Mondo Bimbi Schwemmy winter park is designed especially for children, featuring sledding slopes and an ice skating rink. For those seeking a more peaceful yet equally charming experience, a winter walk to the little church of Sant’Elena—nestled in the snow—offers the perfect opportunity to share a special moment between young and old, surrounded only by nature and the tranquility of winter.
As nature awakens, spring in Val d’Ultimo is the perfect time to enjoy hikes among alpine blooms and pristine landscapes. One of the most iconic walks is the trail leading to the ancient larches of Santa Gertrude—true living monuments of the valley. Another great option is the hike to Monte Luco (Laugen), located at the entrance to the valley in the municipality of San Pancrazio.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Waldbrunnenweg Trail in the Schwemmalm area is a circular route suitable for strollers, featuring a gravel path and minimal elevation gain. Another great option is the Zoccolo Lake Trail, a flat path that connects Santa Valburga and Pracupola, running along the scenic artificial lake.
The season is also rich in events tied to local traditions. During the Dandelion Weeks, for example, valley restaurateurs offer dishes featuring this wild plant, accompanied by workshops and guided hikes to learn about mountain herbs and their uses in cooking and natural medicine.
