South Tyrol’s most idyllic Alpine village

Curiously enough, the origins of Fane Alm were far from idyllic. In fact, it dates back to the Middle Ages, and was originally set up as a colony for lepers and cholera patients. Today, however, Fane Alm is one of the most popular hiking destinations in South Tyrol, attracting scores of nature lovers, mountaineers and walkers every year. If you are thinking this would be a great place for a day out with your family, then why not take a walk along the Milk trail? On this educational path, your children can learn interesting facts about cows and milk – for example, did you know that more than 300 cows are brought to graze the fresh grass of Fane Alm in the summer? You will also have the opportunity to taste and buy the cheese made with their milk.

By virtue of its quaint charm, Fane Alm has also become a popular filming location for films and TV series. For example, it was Fane Alm that inspired the screenplay for “Smitten!”, Barry Morrow’s romantic comedy. The film was shot in the summer, when Fane Alm is a triumph of vibrant green meadows and multicoloured alpine flowers waving under a gentle, fresh breeze.

Despite its less-than-idyllic beginnings as a colony for lepers and cholera patients during the Middle Ages, today Fane Alm is one of the most sought-after hiking destinations in South Tyrol, attracting scores of nature lovers and outdoor fans every year and in every season. In winter, Fane Alm is THE place to be for winter walkers, all eager to explore the landscape shrouded in a fluffy blanket of sparkling, sound-muffling snow. Incidentally, the Fane Alm car park is closed during the winter months, and so is the road that leads there, making it the perfect trail for a rewarding snowshoe hike on pristine, untrodden snow.

To get to Fane Alm on foot, you can either go along the Milk trail or the road (depending on how much snow there is). The private Alpine huts are unoccupied during the winter, and only one is open to the public.

From Fane Alm, experienced ski tourers can also climb further into the Pfunders mountains. One possible route leads past the Brixnerhütte hut to the Wilden Kreuzspitze peak, which soaring at 3,132 metres is the highest peak in the Pfunders mountains. The ski tour to the Wurmaulspitze peak (3,022 metres) is also very rewarding. The best season for these tours is definitely spring – that’s when you get the most favourable snow conditions.

Did you know that its quaint charm has made Fane Alm a popular filming location for films and TV series? To name one, Barry Morrow’s romantic comedy “Smitten!” was shot there.