Haflinger horses, Church of St. Catherine, Merano 2000 - the small municipality is situated on the sunny high plateau above Merano
"Merano's sun terrace" - Avelengo and Verano with the Merano 2000 Skiing and Hiking Area - stretches above the spa town of Merano. This mountain range of the Monzoccolo awaits you with wide alpine pastures, shady forests and a breathtaking view on the peaks of the Tessa Group. As is appropriate for this idyll, Haflinger horses graze in the pastures: The horse breed was once used as packhorses on the old paths between the Adige and Talvera Rivers and was named after Avelengo. Today, it is appreciated as a patient and persistent leisure horse, which can be experienced in its best form at the annual Haflinger Gallop Races in Merano.
The landmark of Avelengo, Hafling in German, is the little Church of St. Catherine in Santa Caterina dating back to the 13th century. Like many others, it is said to have been built on the site of a prehistoric cult place and is one of the many places of worship that, like the Ranui Church in the Val di Funes valley, the Dome in the Countryside in San Paolo Appiano and the sky-high church tower in Castelrotto which can be seen from afar, have all secured a place on the list of unique buildings in South Tyrol. St. Catherine stands in the eponymous district, which together with Avelengo village, Avelengo di Sopra and Falzeben forms the mountain municipality.
From Avelengo you can enjoy the most beautiful hikes and excursions, from the Haflinger Horse Adventure Trail directly in the village to the excursion destination Leadner Mountain Hut. In addition, Merano 2000 is a top hiking area in summer. In winter, Merano 2000 turns into a family-friendly ski area with the Alpin Bob and a Kids Camp. The cable car starts in the district of Falzeben. To experience the Haflinger horses yourself, the offered carriage rides in summer and the horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered Avelengo are a unique experience.
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