The moderate climate on the southern side of the Alps has spawned a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. Chamois, ibex, eagles, marmots and hares all thrive at high altitudes, while the biotope around the Falschauer river delta in Lana, Postal/Burgstall and Gargazzone/Gargazon is home to 200 bird and insect species, some of which are endangered.
The local vegetation is just as varied, with Nordic birches, rhododendrons and mountain pines growing in the higher reaches. Palms, magnolias, and chestnut, olive and exotic fruit trees grow in the Val d’Adige/Etschtal Valley.
The spectacular landscape around Lana includes snow-capped mountain summits, lakes, waterfalls, wild ravines and the ancient larch forests of the Val d’Ultimo/Ultental Valley. Along the eight km long Skulpturenwanderweg sculpture trail, 33 works of art by internationally known contemporary artists are displayed outdoors. Together with its magnificent residence and vineyards, the garden of the 650 year-old Kränzelhof Estate in nearby Cermes/Tscherms is also home to several sculptures.