Between the market town of Lana and the spa town of Merano/Meran lies the tranquil village of Cermes/Tscherms, in the heart of the Etschtal Valley in South Tyrol. This rural village extends from the valley floor and its characteristic apple orchards up to the vineyards of the fertile moraine hills below Mount Vigiljoch.
Above the village there towers the local landmark of Lebenberg Castle. Built in the 13th century, this well-preserved castle with a late Gothic chapel is open from April to October, and is a noted hiking destination. Cermes was first mentioned in written records as "Villa Cerones" as early as 857 AD. Today, Cermes is a thriving fruit-growing community boasting a high quality of life and a wide range of leisure activities.
Thanks to the favorable location of this idyllic village, located at the foot of the car-free Vigiljoch hiking area, around Cermes are some of the most beautiful hiking trails and excursion destinations in Merano and Environs, including the 12 km long Marlinger Waalweg irrigation channel trail leading from Cermes to the village of Tel/Töll at the entrance to the Vinschgau Valley. Along this leisurely hike at mid-altitude range, there are wonderful long-distance views over the Merano basin, as far as the Dolomites and the peaks of the Texelgruppe Mountains. Along the hiking trails are many excellent rest stops, taverns and Alpine inns, featuring sunny gardens and panoramic terraces. Quite a few have been awarded the "Real Quality in the Mountains" seal of quality.