Mezzaselva (Mittewald) lies on the banks of the Isarco River, northwest of Fortezza. A little further into the valley is Le Cave, the third district of the municipality. Between Mezzaselva and Le Cave lies a historical site: the Saxons' Gorge, or Sachsenklemme. In this narrow gorge with its striking rock formations, the Valle Isarco riflemen, led by Peter Mayr, the innkeeper of the "Zum Weissen Kreuz" south of Chiusa, clashed with French troops during the Tyrolean Rebellion of 1809.

An eight-metre-high granite obelisk commemorates this event and those who fell. Today, you can enjoy an Andreas Hofer beer at the brewery in the Sachsenklemme and take a break. Mezzaselva itself is a popular starting point for hikes to the mountain pastures above the valley basin. In the village, the Parish Church of St. Martin of Tours is the most impressive building. The area of today's municipality originally encompassed the entire area around Mittewald. The centre was only shifted in 1942. The municipality was renamed Fortezza at that time. Part of Mittewald now lies separate, on the other side of the Brenner railway line and the Brennero Motorway.

From Mezzaselva, you can reach the Vallaga Valley with the Lower and Inner Vallaga Mountain Huts in the Sarentino Alps. This high-alpine valley is known for its mountain forests, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. From the Inner Vallaga Mountain Hut, a steep climb leads to the Forcella Vallaga ridge, where the small Forcella Vallaga Hut, also known as Flaggerschartenhütte, stands.

It serves as a base on the Val Sarentino Horseshoe Tour. Down in the valley, the cycle paths invite you on a leisurely tour: The Upper Valle Isarco Cycle Path between Bressanone and the Brennero Pass runs past Mezzaselva. So, nothing stands in the way of a cycling trip to Vipiteno. You can easily return by train - just check beforehand on which trains you can take your bicycle.