(*Werbung/advertisement as I was invited by Lana Tourism)
Whenever we make our way back to the Lana region, it feels like picking up a conversation exactly where we left off. The familiar silhouette of the mountains, the fresh alpine air on your skin, and the endless open spaces to roam – it always feels a wee bit like coming home.
On this trip, we discovered incredibly welcoming places to stay and spent time connecting with nature around us. Let me take you along through beautiful hideaways and quiet trails.
MucheleA few years ago, we had dinner at Hotel Muchele in Burgstall, and ever since, I’d been curious about what it would actually feel like to stay there. This time, we finally did, and I can happily report it was everything I had hoped for and so much more.
The architecture and design of the hotel are striking – boldly modern with a distinct artistic touch – yet it still feels lived-in. Like a space where friends and family naturally gather. The downstairs lounge, for example, felt like the beautifully upgraded version of a classic hostel common room – complete with Backgammon, Yahtzee, and Jenga scattered across the tables (which guests were happily playing late into the evening).
But the real soul of Muchele comes from the people who work there. Run by the sisters Martina and Priska, their passion and ambition for hospitality is palpable. The entire team seems genuinely happy to be there, which always says everything you need to know about how a place is run: with much love.
As a bonus for sun-worshipers, all rooms of the Muchele face west, so you get plenty of sunshine and sweeping views over Lana and the Adige valley. And yes, Lujo was thoroughly spoiled here with his very own blanket, bowl, treats, and endless extra cuddles from the team and guests alike.
Sambucus ApartmentsNestled right in the center of Lana, the Sambucus Apartments are a perfect base for exploring the region. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by bright, sun-filled spaces. It’s not overdesigned – just calm and easy to settle into, with a fully equipped kitchen for those home-cooked meals, a comfy couch to lounge on, and a little balcony that quickly became our favourite breakfast spot. And the bed? Almost too cosy. Getting up to actually start the day always felt like a minor negotiation.
Our host Petra was incredibly warm and attentive, always making sure we had everything we needed – and that included Lujo! In fact, the sign right outside the front gates reads „Apartments for you and your dog,“ which is music to my ears. If you’re traveling with your dog and prefer apartments over hotels, this is a place you’ll want to bookmark.
The journey up Mount Vigiljoch always feels special. It begins the moment you step into the cable car in Lana, leaving the bustling valley floor behind. As you glide upward, the air gets crisper, the temperature drops just a touch, and the noise of the world below completely fades away.
By now, hiking here has become a bit of a tradition for us whenever we’re in the region. And it’s easy to see why. With no cars, open plains, thick forests, mountains all around us, and that iconic little chapel, it’s a spot you simply cannot miss out on.
If you are planning your own trip up the mountain and looking for some inspiration, here are my personal go-to hikes (all starting right at the top of the chair lift):
Is there anything more beautiful than watching someone who has truly found their passion in life? During our time in Lana, we met Jutta of Kräutererbe in her garden, where she meticulously tends to every wild herb imaginable. Walking through it is a sensory experience – a paradise of fresh scents and so many shades of green.
As a certified herbalist, Jutta has an incredible wealth of knowledge about plants and their healing powers. She taught us so much about the local flora, showing us that what many would quickly dismiss as„weeds“ are powerful natural remedies that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Her entire philosophy is rooted in a deep, respectful understanding of how everything in our natural world is connected.
If you’re curious, Jutta offers hands-on workshops. You can easily step into the Lana tourist office to find out how to participate!
If you’ve been following my journeys to Lana for a while, you’ll know that food always plays a big role. And to be honest, apart from hiking, relaxing, and learning about herbs, we spent a lot of time eating!
While I won’t give you a detailed list of every single menu we looked at, I will say this: make sure to leave plenty of room in your itinerary to just sit back on the Haidenhof terrace, order a glass of local wine or a fresh apple juice at Traube restaurant, and let the afternoon slip away.
Whether it was a hearty post-hike pasta dish or a slow dinner with four courses, the region’s culinary side is always the exclamation point to a day spent outdoors.
I wish you could’ve been there with us, but maybe this blog entry comes close. Hopefully it acts as a bit of fresh inspiration for your next getaway to South Tyrol – whether you prefer conquering mountain trails or simply lounging on a sunny balcony with your favourite dog.
Until next year, Lana!
