Hardly have the first warming rays of the sun made their way through the canopy of leaves, when green shoots cautiously push their heads up out of the soil. They are just waiting to unfold in all their delicate and punctual splendour. A daffodil here, timidly turning its head towards the sun, a small snowdrop covered in dew there. Next to it a blue liverwort, furtively peeking out from beneath a dry, fallen leaf.



Farewell winter! Spring has sprung

The white blanket of snow melts at the end of February and to be replaced by a delicate, sweet-smelling sea of flowers. Tender snowdrops and daffodils, radiant primroses and dainty violets brave the fresh air as sure signs that spring is round the corner.

One of the most well known excursion destinations, where these flowers show their faces early on, is Frühlingstal valley in the Überetsch valley. This short valley, extending through a marshy hollow, connects the basins of the Montiggl and Kaltern lakes, which were formed from an Ice Age glacier. Warm streams of air from the south provide a mild climate, which allows these precursors of spring to thrive. Only the small paths in the valley separate the carpet of flowers into several sections. The hint from the white daffodils hangs sweetly in the air. Cushions of moss cling to wet, shady spots. Treetops look as if they wish to protect the little flowers. This colourful spring awakening is simply charming and makes a great trip for families in the great outdoors.

6 Tips for spring visitors

Spring doesn't keep people waiting in other parts of the area either Sarntal is overrun with crocuses in April. Spring transforms the apple orchards of the Etschtal valley into a sea of white and pink blossom. A spring walk amidst apple trees and cherry trees can be undertaken on the Vinschger Waalweg paths along ancient irrigation channels. Thousands of tulips, daffodils, lilies and buttercups as well as Iceland poppies and forget-me-nots flower in the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Meran. You can experience the festivities surrounded by spring flowers at the Crocus Festival at Möltner Joch and the Blossom Festival at Lana.

Travelling through South Tyrol at this time of year is like embarking on a fragrant tour of discovery of spring, and it has to be acknowledged that a little bit of fresh air and sunshine doesn't just do the flowers the world of good, but us, too.