Wenn der Salten golden wird

Just a few kilometres above Bolzano lies a landscape that is perhaps at its most beautiful in autumn: the Salten, the vast high plateau above San Genesio. At an altitude of around 1,300 to 1,500 metres, open meadows alternate with light larch forests – and when the trees turn shades of yellow and gold in October, one of the loveliest times for an excursion begins. Along the way, magnificent views of the Dolomites open up again and again. What makes the Salten so special is its sense of peace and space: instead of steep mountain trails, you will find mostly gentle paths leading through meadows and forests, making it an ideal destination for families and anyone looking to spend a few relaxing hours in nature.

Our suggestion is an easy walk around Schermoos and Langfenn. From the Schermoos car park, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the small Romanesque church of St. James at Langfenn. If you have a little more time, continue along the circular trail through the larch meadows and past the small Tammerlemoos biotope. The easiest loop is around 4.5 kilometres and takes just over an hour, but it can easily be extended for a longer walk across the plateau. For a perfect autumn day, we recommend not being in too much of a hurry: walk slowly, stop to enjoy the views, find a traditional inn for lunch and catch the last rays of afternoon sunshine between the golden larches.