The Vinschgau is the uppermost section of the Adige Valley in South Tyrol, framed by the towering Ötztal and Ortler Alps. It's one of the driest and sunniest valleys in the entire Alpine region, where vineyards and apple orchards meet dramatically steep, rocky slopes.

The valley's character is defined by striking contrasts - the sun-drenched, arid Sonnenberg slopes to the north and the shadier, greener Nördersberg slopes to the south. In summer, the mild climate and network of historic irrigation channels called Waale invite leisurely walks along scenic paths. In winter, the side valleys such as Suldental and Martelltal open up access to high alpine terrain and the glaciers of the Ortler massif. The steep ridgelines surrounding the valley floor create some of the most dramatic relief anywhere in the Alps.

How to get there

• Reschen Pass (1507 m) - starting point of the valley, accessible via SS40 road, difficulty: easy
• Töll near Merano - natural end point of the valley, accessible via SS38 road or the Vinschgau railway

Practical information

• The valley includes parts of Stelvio National Park and the Texelgruppe Nature Park - nature protection rules apply
• Accessible via the Vinschgau railway and a network of local roads and cycling routes (Cycle Route 2 Vinschgau-Bolzano)
• Historic Waalwege (irrigation channel paths) are seasonal walking routes, especially popular in spring and summer

Fun fact: once known as the granary of Tyrol, Vinschgau today is one of Europe's largest apple-growing regions, with orchards climbing ever higher up the slopes as the climate warms.