In Auer/Ora, narrow alleys wind past old mansions and quiet courtyards. Castelfeder is located just outside the village. The striking porphyry hill is home to Roman ruins, remnants of walls, a pond and old oak trees. At the top are the ruins of a former castle complex and St. Barbara's Chapel. You don't need a packed schedule for the trip. Take some time to hike along the old trails and enjoy the view over the Etschtal Valley.
Neumarkt/Egna was already an important trading centre in the Middle Ages. Under the arcades, you'll find shops, inns and sheltered spots that still evoke the village life of days gone by. Neumarkt is one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia,” the most beautiful places in Italy. Instead of hurrying through the narrow streets, you can linger amongst the arboured walkways, take a peek into a courtyard and then continue on foot to the Mazon vineyard.
In Salurn/Salorno, the mountain slopes converge closely. Haderburg Castle sits atop a steep cliff above the village. Even the climb itself changes your view of the town and the landscape along the southern border of South Tyrol. In the village, townhouses and manor houses tell the story of a time when merchants, travellers and goods passed through the Etschtal Valley. Today, you'll find a peaceful end to the Alto Adige Wine Road here, as well as a good starting point for trails along the Etsch River.
