Meadows and Larches on the Salto - welcome to San Genesio Atesino high above Bolzano
Europe's largest larch high plateau, the Salto, is located on the Monzoccolo, a ridge between San Genesio Atesino and Meltina. Forests and meadows characterise San Genesio Atesino, which, unlike other mountain villages, extends down into the valley.
Below, the Talvera River in the Sarentino Gorge, which flows into the Adige near Bolzano, and the Church of St. Cosmas and St. Damian mark the municipal boundary. Above, on the high plateau, San Genesio Atesino stretches from the main village to Cologna, an old pilgrimage site below the Salto. To the right and left of San Genesio village lie Montoppio and Avigna.
Above them rises Valas, a popular starting point for hikes on the Salto. Gravel paths between the Salto meadows and shady trails through the larch forests invite you to take a stroll. Along the way, you might encounter the blonde Haflinger horses grazing here. Among the unique features of the area are the Earth Pyramids with their protective capstones and the legendary "Stone Men" at the Giogo di San Genesio ridge. Cycle tours, horse riding, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a visit to the outdoor swimming pool complete the range of activities.
From San Genesio Atesino, you can easily reach the neighbouring villages of Meltina, Verano, Avelengo, and the Merano 2000 skiing and hiking area by public transport. A well-maintained road also leads up from Bolzano. Until recently, the San Genesio Cable Car was another option. It is scheduled to be rebuilt in the coming years and will then connect the regional capital with the Salto in five minutes. In autumn, San Genesio Atesino prepares for the Schupfen Festival.
On a Sunday in September, you can visit the small wooden huts (Schupfen) in the larch meadows, enjoy music and delicacies such as dumplings and Strauben, and experience the Salto in a special way. Good food is also enjoyed here outside of the Schupfenfest: Toerggelen with "Schlachtplatte", a platter of various meats and sausages, new wine, and roasted chestnuts is a popular tradition.
