In the green valley of the Adige River right next to Bolzano apples and vines grow - this is why Laives is also known as the Apple Town
On the outskirts of the Alpine town of Bolzano, on the way towards south, the next municipality immediately follows: It is Laives, long ago a Rhaetian settlement and today a small town in its own right. Until the 20th century it was only a small farming village, then the municipality grew to its present size due to its proximity to the provincial capital. A tunnel and a bypass reduce the traffic of the numerous South Tyroleans who go to work from the Bassa Atesina area to Bolzano.
Laives is one of the few municipalities in South Tyrol whose majority of inhabitants are Italian native speakers. In the main town and in the districts of Pineta di Laives, San Giacomo and in the mountain village of La Costa, the coexistence of the various South Tyrolean language groups has created a harmonious symbiosis. Laives also knows how to surprise active holidaymakers: Hikes along the Laives High Route and excursions to the Madonna di Pietralba Pilgrimage Site are just as possible as summer days in the outdoor swimming pool.
The location of Laives is particularly favourable for cyclists: Mountain bikers can cycle up Mt. Montelargo to Nova Ponente and into the Dolomites. A more leisurely ride through the orchards on the Bassa Atesina Cycle Path takes you to Trento or Bolzano, and from there on to Merano or Bressanone. Among the cultural highlights of the year are the well-known Laives Carnival, "Laives Rock" at the town hall square and the Köfelefest with the local music star Rudy Giovannini. In autumn, the taverns on the Montelargo and in La Costa invite you to the traditional Toerggelen.
