South Tyrol is the alpine pocket in the most northern part of is the country’s most wonderful best-kept secret. Alpine traditions and the Mediterranean collide with influences from Italy, Austria, and Germany to create a wonderfully welcoming and enchanting destination for travelers.
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Visitors will find everything: from emerald alpine lakes, ski slopes, and quaint medieval towns to the Dolomite mountains, wineries, orchards, and fine restaurants.
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Traveling in the Dolomites however really does not really feel like traveling in Italy, more like Austria. The South Tirol identity: to live in Italy, but feel Austrian. And the best: Most people speak the two languages, plus some English.
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The summer season technically really kicks from mid-to-late June, ramping up to its busiest month in August (the holy month of holidays for the Italians and French). May and September offer a cooler 24° average temperature, which is perfect for hikes. After all, it's a wine-growing area with a mild climate well into late October, early November.
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World-class hiking
Highlights of South Tyrol:
Lago di Braies & Lago di Carezza
Dramatic peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Exquisite wineries of Strada del Vino
Picturesque cities of Bolzano and Merano
Unique museums in Kronplatz, Bolzano, Merano or Bruneck
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Due to the various disputes over the region between Italy and Austria, and its position as a place of cultural and commercial exchange between distinct languages and cultures, both Italian and German are widely spoken in the Dolomites.
.Due to the various disputes over the region between Italy and Austria, and its position as a place of cultural and commercial exchange between distinct languages and cultures, both Italian and German are widely spoken in the Dolomites.
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Want to taste some of the best local wines? Check out what’s considered to be one of Italy’s top wine routes, the "Sudtirol Weinstrasse" (or “Wine Road”).
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South Tyrol (Alto Adige) is divided into eight different districts. Bolzano (in German, “Bozen”) is the capital and largest town. Fine food, such as "Speak", "Knoedel", and fine spirits can be found all over the place. And certainly the many ice cream stores "gelaterias"...
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One could spend a year here doing various hiking trails, visiting each and every peak several times from different perspectives, staying at hidden refugios, cycling mountain passes, rock climbing, and still, there would be much left on your to-do list.
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Open in the summer season, some are very bare-bones rustic and basic whilst others are a little more like a basic hotel but, aside from a warm bed and good food for the night, they are usually situated in a beautiful setting too.
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For photographers, early starts are absolutely essential for the best light, the best positions, and the best experiences.
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South Tyrol, Italy, is a haven for outdoor-lovers.
The Dolomites and South Tyrol are a real bargain in comparison to the mountains of Switzerland.
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Backdropped by the Dolomites and Italian Alps, Italy’s South Tyrol—also known as Alto Adige—is a must-visit for travelers who love the outdoors. In winter, South Tyrol is ideal for skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, it’s perfect for those who love hiking and biking.
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