Family Holidays in Lana: A Hidden Gem for Every Season

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For several years now, we’ve found ourselves returning again and again to Lana. Sometimes we travel just as a family, other times with grandparents or aunts in tow, and each time we feel how good a family holiday in Lana is for heart and soul. There are only a few places that bring together nature, indulgence, and il dolce far niente so effortlessly.
Nestled between Merano and Bolzano, Lana is the quiet heart of the Adige Valley: sheltered by mountains, blessed with sunshine, and surrounded by apple orchards and chestnut groves. It’s no surprise that Lana is considered the center of apple cultivation today, with more than 20 different varieties shaping both the landscape and the taste of the region.
The moment you arrive, you feel the pace slow down. For families, Lana is a place of happiness in every season—sometimes colorful and full of life, sometimes calm and unhurried, always with that special blend of nature, culture, and pleasure that lingers long after your stay.

Spring

Apple Blossoms & Little Adventure Trails

When the orchards turn into a sea of white and pink blossoms, Lana welcomes the most beautiful start to the year. Families stroll along the Waalwege or cycle through the wide orchards, accompanied by the hum of bees. Nature feels even closer on a small family hike such as the Kröllturm loop, with its castle ruins, waterfall, forest paths, and exciting viewpoints—just the right length for children.
Back in the valley, the Hotel Tiefenbrunn Garden Suites becomes a place to retreat. At its heart lies the garden: a natural pond surrounded by old trees, where children run barefoot through the grass and watch dragonflies while parents finally exhale. For those in the mood for culture, a visit to the Kränzelhof and its art gardens is a must. Here, a real labyrinth not only captivates children but also draws adults back into the lightness of play.

Culinary spring in Lana begins light and fresh: at the Pfefferlechner, a mix of brewery, beer garden, and farm, kids play among goats and chickens while parents enjoy a glass of the award-winning alcohol-free craft beer “Freedl.” For something more refined, book a table at 1477 Reichhalter, where the kitchen transforms local ingredients into modern culinary highlights—a must for an evening à deux, especially when grandparents are along on the holiday.

Summer

Natural Pools & Adventures for the Kids

Summer in Lana belongs to the children. At the Lana Children’s Summer, the stage is set for open-air theater, creative workshops, and plenty of play and fun. On hot days, the Gargazon Natural Pool offers refreshment: a sustainable swimming pool without chemicals, complete with a kids’ pool, slide, kiosk, and wide lawns for playing. For those who love animals, there’s the Rainguthof Animal World, a petting zoo with a view where goats, donkeys, and rabbits roam freely and make children’s hearts leap with joy.

A visit to the Vigiljoch, the region’s local mountain, is an absolute must. At the top, you’ll find unspoiled nature with gentle hiking trails and rustic alpine huts perfect for a stop. A particularly special spot for families is the Family Alm Gampl: home to animals, a large playground, and above all plenty of space to roam free and carefree while taking in sweeping views across the entire Merano region.

As a home base in Lana, the Hotel Schwarzschmied is ideal. A place for all generations, it balances relaxation with inspiration. Kids love the garden yurt for playing, moms appreciate the daily yoga sessions, and meals are served with a refined slow-food approach. Our favorite spot: the outdoor pool with its view of the village church and the surrounding mountains.

Autumn

Chestnut Magic & Culinary Hidden Gems

When the hills turn golden and chestnuts crack underfoot, Lana reveals its most sensual side. Families can explore the landscape on two special trails: the Marlinger Waalweg, a scenic path that follows the water, and the Squirrel Trail, which delights children with nature stations and stories. Another worthwhile stop along the way is Castel Lebenberg, a still-inhabited castle where fans of knights and the Middle Ages will be in their element.

After wandering the golden paths through the apple orchards, families head to the Fruit-Growing Museum. Autumn is apple season, and nowhere is that felt more strongly than in Lana, where the harvest shapes the landscape. In the museum, families playfully dive into the world of South Tyrolean fruit farmers. While adults learn plenty about tradition and the region’s landscape, kids have space to run and play in the indoor play area. A special favorite is the little treasure hunt through the exhibition, where children solve counting tasks and, almost without noticing, pick up fascinating insights into life in the Adige Valley and its apple-growing culture.

For special autumn days, a trip to the Haidenhof is well worth it. Set right next to Castel Lebenberg, it’s a place where indulgence and views go hand in hand. Those looking to combine culture with nature once more can stroll through the Orchid World. Culinary traditions at this time of year are all about Törggelen: at the Pfefferlechner, locals and visitors gather over new wine, speck, and roasted chestnuts.

Lana isn’t a destination for just one season but a year-round hidden gem for families: apple blossoms in spring, gentle hikes and natural swimming in summer, Törggelen feasts in autumn, and Christmas markets with wellness in winter. Whether nature-focused at Tiefenbrunn, stylish at Schwarzschmied, or heartfelt at Schnitzbichlhof, every generation finds its place in Lana.