Vilpiano / Vilpian

The small village is part of the municipality of Terlan and is located in the Adige Valley between Merano and Bolzano. Vilpian marks the northern entrance to the South Tyrolean Wine Road, which leads to Salorno on the border with the Italian-speaking area. Located at the foot of the Tschögglberg, the village and its surroundings are primarily characterized by fruit cultivation. From the Tschögglberg, the Vilpianer waterfall rushes down into the valley.

From Vilpian, a small cable car leads up to Schlaneid near Mölten, located on the high plateau of Salten. There, guests have the opportunity to take relaxing walks or challenging tours. For example, a three-hour circular hike from Schlaneid to St. Ulrich, a farm with a guesthouse and a small church, can be undertaken.

The nearby high plateau of Ritten near Bolzano also offers itself as a destination for hiking trips. Here, for example, you can explore the earth pyramids made of glacial moraine clay.

The Adige Valley is ideal for cycling holidays along the South Tyrolean Wine Road. On the apple cycle path from Bolzano to Merano, be sure to make a stop in Vilpiano and visit the 82-meter high waterfall.

A bike tour leads from Vilpian to Nals, Andrian, past Schloss Siegmundskron near Frangart, over Terlan back to the starting point.

The bikemobil Card allows for transport by trains and buses, as well as the use of rental bikes throughout South Tyrol on longer tours. On the Tschögglberg or the Ritten near Bolzano, mountain bikers can let off steam to their heart's content and enjoy the magnificent panorama of the surrounding mountain landscape.

The village of Vilpiano / Vilpian is characterized by two church towers. The older church dates back to the 17th century. The new parish church was completed in 1965. Inside, the large crucifix on the high altar from the 17th century is worth seeing. Art and culture enthusiasts should visit the Gallerie Willy, where regular exhibitions are held.

In the nearby Terlan is the high ropes course HETZ, where the daring can demonstrate their skills on six different routes. Also in Terlan, there is a barefoot or balance path that leads over wood and stones and provides entirely new body and nature impressions. Near Frangart is Schloss Siegmundskron, a late medieval fortress. The ruin also houses the fourth mountain museum of the MMM (Messner Mountain Museum Firmian) of the famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner.

High above Terlan is the ruins of Neuhaus Castle, also called "Schloss Maultasch". The complex with the characteristic keep and the partially preserved outer baileys and curtain walls can be visited all year round. Above Siebenreich, the castle of Greifenstein, also called "Sauschloss", towers. Although it looks rather unspectacular from the valley, a visit reveals the former size of the complex.

Other activities

The recreation area Bachau offers particularly families with children an exciting change. There is a pond with ducks, a soccer field, a playground, and a "trimming path". A fun activity for children is the labyrinth at the Ganthaler campsite. A special highlight is the asparagus season in April and May. In the region around Vilpian, the tender vegetable is cultivated and served in all imaginable variations in spring. This goes perfectly with a glass of Terlaner Sauvignon.