Experience Foiana, a mountain spa village in the Adige Valley: chestnuts, tranquillity, and history
Above Lana, on a sunny slope at 700 metres above sea level, lies the village of Foiana (Völlan). Known as a mountain spa resort, it's nestled among forests, orchards, and vineyards that thrive in the mild climate. Chestnuts play a special role here: A Chestnut Trail meanders through the area, traditional taverns invite you to Toerggele evenings, and in October, the noble chestnut is celebrated for several weeks during the popular Keschtnriggl Chestnut Festival.
Above Foiana, the scenic Passo Palade Road, an architectural masterpiece, leads up to the Palade Pass. Foiana is a peaceful holiday village, popular with those seeking an active break. It's ideally situated above the Adige Valley between Bolzano and Merano, and below the Palade Pass with its alpine pastures and mountain lakes. From Foiana, cycling tours take you via the Rateis Road towards the Val d'Ultimo valley, or past the Hell Valley to the Giogo di Plazzoles ridge.
Hiking trails lead you to stunning viewpoints such as the hill of St. Hippolytus and past traces of prehistoric, Raetian, and Celtic settlements. The oldest building in Foiana is the Parish Church of St. Severinus, dating back to the 12th century. In the village centre, you'll find the community centre, the primary school, a hairdresser, and the small Farm Life Museum.
The museum tells of rural life in times past, displaying tools, furniture, and everyday objects. On the edge of the village sits Mayenburg Castle (or Maggio Castle), dating from the 12th century. While not open to the public, it's worth admiring from the outside, just like the Roman bridges you'll encounter as you continue towards Tesimo, another village in Merano and surroundings.
