One of the prettiest side valleys of Vinschgau valley runs through the middle of Stilfser Joch National Park. Its dense spruce forests, weather-beaten farmhouses and fragrant meadows stretch away into the mountains and even up as far as the foot of the Cevedale glacier. A carpet of alpine roses interspersed with bright blue lakes. Red berries peeping out from beneath their leaf canopies. What!? Strawberries! But … What are they doing here in rather cool Martell valley?

Strawberries that taste of the woods

It’s hard to believe, but this summer fruit thrives here at an altitude of 1,300 metres. The berries grow surrounded by wholesome mountain air and are tended by farmers’ industrious hands. With their bright colour and green crop of hair, they are not only easy on the eye, but also on the palate. Due to the altitude and cool nights, they are very slow to ripen and have a particularly sweet taste – like strawberries used to taste on childhood forays into the forest in search of wild strawberries, when more berries got eaten than were taken back home.

‘Berry’ interesting facts …

Over 90 hectares of strawberries grow in the valley, making it Europe’s largest strawberry-growing area! The South Tyrolean Strawberry Trail makes its way through fields that are either dotted with white blossom or these sweet fruits! The 7 or 9 information points allow insight into their history, botany, cultivation and the economic-social significance of Martell valley strawberries.

Just finished: Martell Strawberry Festival

‘Close your eyes and enjoy the sweet little fruit’. This motto makes Martell valley in Vinschgau see red every year! The Festival, famous all over South Tyrol as well as further afield, took place once again on the weekend of 27th to 28th June. With the South Tyrolean Strawberry Queen, a giant strawberry cake, the presentation of South Tyrol branded products and culinary delights from Martell, all attention in the sunny valley was turned to this tempting fruit.

„It was fun!“, announces Hans Maschler from Auhaus in Meiern in Martell valley.“I go every year and always find it great to see how a small red fruit can bring so many people together.“ What do I particularly like about the Strawberry Festival? Hans takes a moment to consider.“The fact that typical products from the valley get the chance to take centre stage. That farmers can present their skills and passion for what they do. I really like that.“

It’s not just Martell valley that is worth a trip, or even a whole holiday there! Vinschgau valley has lots of distinctive features and is a lovely part of the world. You can find suitable accommodation here.