Meadows and ancient larch forests surround San Genesio on the Salto High Plateau on the Monzoccolo, high above Bolzano
Europe's largest larch plateau can be found on the Salto highland on the Monzoccolo, a mountain ridge between San Genesio and Meltina. Forests and meadows characterise San Genesio, which, in contrast to other mountain municipalities, stretches all the way down into the valley. Below, the Talvera in the Sarentino Gorge, which then flows through Bolzano, and the little Church of St. Cosmas and Damian form the municipal border. On the high plateau, San Genesio stretches from the main village to Cologna below, an ancient place of pilgrimage. To the right and left of San Genesio village are Montoppio (Nobls) and the secluded Avigna (Afing), and above Valas.
Especially Valas (Flaas) is a popular starting point for hikes on the Salto. Gravel paths between the meadows and shady paths amidst the larch forests are interrupted by brown-blond spots of colour, the numerous Haflinger horses that graze here. In addition, there are interesting phenomena such as the San Genesio Earth Pyramids with their capstone protecting the slender sand columns, and the "Stoanernen Mandln" (Stone Men) on the Giogo di San Genesio ridge, the legendary piles of stones. Cycling tours, horse rides, horse-drawn carriage rides and summer days in the outdoor pool of San Genesio complete the colourful range of activities on offer.
From San Genesio, the neighbouring villages of Meltina, Verano, Avelengo and the skiing and hiking area of Merano 2000 can be reached by public transport. A well-developed road leads from Bolzano up here - an alternative until recently was the San Genesio Cable Car. It will be newly built from 2024 on and then connects the provincial capital with the Salto in five minutes as bi-cable reversible aerial tram. When autumn comes, San Genesio is getting ready for the Schupfen Festival. The "Schupfen" are the small wooden huts in the larch meadows: On a Sunday in September you can visit them, enjoy music and delicacies like dumplings and Strauben, and experience the Salto High Plateau while hiking from one hut to the next. Moreover, in autumn people like to enjoy here the traditional Toerggelen with new wine and roasted chestnuts.
