Südtiroler Obstbaumuseum

About the museum

The museum is located in the Larchgut in Lana, one of the oldest and largest fruit-growing villages in South Tyrol, and documents the history and current situation of fruit growing in South Tyrol. With around 18,000 hectares of orchards, the province is the largest contiguous fruit-growing area in Europe.

The route opens with “Paradiesfrucht Apfel”, devoted to the cultural history of the apple: from its religious and mythological references and its role as a symbol of power, to still-life painting, literary motifs and its value for health. The section “Vom Fiebersumpf zum Obstparadies” explains how river regulation, the draining of marshes and the railway connection made commercial fruit growing possible at the end of the nineteenth century.

Other sections deal with crop protection, from smoke and heat to anti-frost irrigation introduced from the end of the 1950s, and with plant protection, from early methods to integrated and organic approaches. Old varieties, such as Rosmarino bianco, and recent ones, such as Gala or Cripps Pink, show how a new apple is created, from crossing and trials to the choice of name. The last part, “Vom Baum in die Welt”, describes the role of family farms, marketing companies and trade organisations in apple exports. Outdoors, a small orchard lets visitors taste some varieties.

Highlights

• Cultural history of the apple, from myth and religion to still life
• From marshland to modern fruit growing at the end of the 19th century
• Frost protection and crop protection, from its origins to organic methods
• Old and new varieties, from Rosmarino bianco to Gala and Cripps Pink
• Small outdoor orchard with varieties to taste
• Children’s area with Lina the bee and a riddle hunt

Admission & discounts

Pupils from South Tyrol visiting with their class enter free of charge.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The museum has a children’s area where Lina the bee guides children through games, a workshop of knowledge and a riddle hunt along the exhibition; while adults visit, children can draw, read, play and make crafts. Texts and panels are suitable for children. In summer 2026 a special family programme for children from the age of 6 was planned (Fridays, €22 per family).

Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit