Beekeeping between mountains, forests and orchards

Dieter Thaler and the beekeeping association of Tramin, Kurtatsch and Margreid

The beekeeping association of Tramin, Kurtatsch and Margreid is much more than just a group of beekeepers. As a local group within the network of the South Tyrolean Beekeepers Association, it is part of a provincial structure that brings together knowledge, experience and support – a network of 111 local groups that sustain and develop beekeeping in South Tyrol.

But what is created here is not an abstract system – it is lived practice.

Beekeeping in the South Tyrolean lowlands means migratory beekeeping, i.e. moving the colonies after the flowering period. After the blossoming of orchards and vineyards, the bee colonies are brought to higher altitudes – to Graun, Söll, Fennberg or Buchholz. Below lies the cultivated landscape, above forests and alpine meadows: a mosaic that is reflected in the honey – sometimes floral, sometimes spicy, always different from year to year.

The association has around 43 members – many of whom practice beekeeping as a conscious balance to everyday life. What unites them is not only the craft, but a shared understanding: of nature, of responsibility and of the fragile balance that governs everything.

This becomes particularly visible at the bee educational trail at Kastelaz – the association’s “showcase”. A place where things are not only explained, but truly understood. How a bee colony works. Why honey is not simply produced. Behind the scenes, there is a great deal of work, knowledge and attention to detail. Many of the structures have been built independently – with creativity, dedication and the will to create something lasting.

Since 2025, Dieter Thaler has been the president of the association. A man of few words, yet one who brings much together: a point of reference for three municipalities, uniting people and passions in a shared project.

How it all began

His first contact with bees was anything but romantic. “The first contact was rather painful – a bee sting in childhood.” And yet something changed in that moment. Years later, it was his wife’s uncle, himself a beekeeper, who introduced him to this world. A visit to the hives became a turning point. “This seemingly chaotic yet perfectly organized system inside the hive fascinated me.” An introductory course, followed by a basic course at Laimburg – and it became clear: bees would become much more than just an interest.

Three places, one community

The association connects Tramin, Kurtatsch and Margreid. Three places with a shared foundation.

A good dose of idealism, love for nature and commitment to the well-being of bees. “Beekeeping,” says Thaler, “is not assembly-line work. There is no fixed formula.” What matters is exchange. Listening to each other. And sometimes simply supporting one another.

“We talk to each other – and encourage each other, even in difficult times.”

Between blossom, mountains and uncertainty

Beekeeping in the South Tyrolean lowlands means movement. After the flowering period, many colonies are moved to higher areas – to Graun, Fennberg or Buchholz. A landscape that is constantly changing.
And with it, the conditions. “Anyone who denies climate change should keep bees.”

Vegetation periods are shifting. Blooming phases are shortening. What once happened sequentially now often occurs simultaneously. “In May, there is often hardly any nectar left. You have to make sure that the colonies do not starve.”

And then there is the Varroa mite. “If it is not under control, the death of the colonies is inevitable.” Beekeeping today is no longer a romantic image. It is attention. Consistency. And resilience.

“You have to be able to get back on your feet.”

A place to understand

Anyone who wants to understand what beekeeping means does not go to a book – but to the bee educational trail at Kastelaz. Here, the association shows what lies behind the product honey. How a colony works. And what it needs in order to exist.
“A bee would theoretically have to fly three and a half times around the Earth to produce half a kilo of honey.”

The trail is more than an exhibition. It is a meeting point. A place of learning. A shared project. Built independently. Supported by many hands. And open to everyone who wants to take a closer look at the world of bees.

More than a hobby

For Dieter Thaler, beekeeping is much more than a hobby. “I do something good for myself. I step out of the hectic pace, find peace in nature – I slow down.” It is also something very personal. “The joy of my children tasting honey – that is something special.”

At the same time, beekeeping is also an important indicator. “If the bees and the colony are healthy, then nature is healthy as well.”

A demanding habitat

Thaler describes Tramin as a place that is certainly challenging for bees.

Between the valley floor and the Mendel ridge lies a landscape full of contrasts – and opportunities. “There are areas with a true firework of aromas – floral notes mixed with forest scents.”

What unites us

The association has around 43 members. Many of them practice beekeeping as a way to rebalance everyday life. What unites them is not the quantity of honey. But the way bees are able to produce it. A responsibility. For nature. For the community. And for what lies ahead.

“Beekeeping is the poetry of the landscape.”

And perhaps that is exactly it: a quiet work that has a great impact. So that the bees in Tramin continue to hum.

Experience bees – observe, understand, participate

In spring 2026, guided tours at the bee educational trail will take place again. Together with beekeeper Meinrad Oberhofer, visitors will explore the trail, gain insights into the hive and enjoy a convivial ending.

One more detail: the net proceeds go back to the association and help maintain the trail. Those who take part not only satisfy their curiosity – they actively support the project.

(Interview from Erica Furini)
April 2026