The fascinating world of apple cultivation in South Tyrol at the historic Larchgut Estate in Lana
Image gallery: South Tyrolean Fruit Growing Museum
In Lana di Sotto near Merano, lies a museum dedicated entirely to fruit growing. The Adige Valley was once marshland. Only during the 19th and 20th centuries was the area cultivated, making fruit farming possible. Today, South Tyrol is the largest contiguous apple-growing area in Europe. Fifty million apple trees produce 10% of Europe's apples, and 1% of these apples come from Lana. The museum is housed in the Larchgut Estate, whose residential tower was first documented in 1301.
The superbly preserved estate is now a listed building. Across 2,000 sqm of exhibition space and with the aid of 60 information panels, the history of fruit growing and the fruit harvest - this vital economic sector for the region - is brought to life. The museum, opened in 1990, also uses new technologies to create a captivating visitor experience. Afterwards, the farm building is well worth a visit. Exhibits there showcase the development of equipment and the work of fruit farmers.
A highlight of the South Tyrolean Fruit Growing Museum (Südtiroler Obstbaumuseum) is South Tyrol's oldest wine press, dating back to 1570 and known as the "Braunsberger Torggl". Temporary exhibitions are held in the magnificent Baroque hall on the second floor. Guided tours with apple tastings, a new children's exhibition, and apple workshops complete the offering.
How to get there: You can reach Fruit Growing Museum at the Larchgut Estate best on foot along the Brandis Waalweg path from Lana di Sopra, or by bus number 215 from Postal.
Contact info
- Via Brandis / Brandisweg 4 - 39011 - Lana
- +39 0473 564387 / +39 331 2992 368
- info@obstbaumuseum.it
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
€ 7.00 adults
€ 6.00 seniors 65+
€ 4.50 groups
€ 3.00 children and young people (6-18 years)
€ 3.00 students
€ 1.00 on Sundays for everyone
free for children under 6 years
free for school classes
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family ticket:
€ 14.00 per family
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guided tour (plus admission fee):
€ 4.00 adults
€ 3.50 groups (10 and more persons)
€ 3.00 groups (20 and more persons)
€ 2.00 children and young people (6-18 years)
€ 2.00 students
free for school classes
More information
Guided tour in German and Italian language every Monday at 4 pm and every Thursday at 10.30 am, furthermore guided family tour on Tuesdays from the 1st of July to September 9, 2025. These tours are focused on the current orcharding "from orchard to plate", reservation not needed. Guided tours for groups and special tours for school classes of all ages are offered upon request.
The South Tyrolean Fruit Growing Museum stays open every year from the end of March resp. early April to early November, Saturday rest day, in June also on Sundays. Short closure of the museum before the start of the summer season from June 1 to 8, 2025. It remains closed in winter.
Every Sunday admission at only € 1.00! Season start 2025 on the 1st of April.
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