Have you decided to go on holiday in the mountains this year? An ideal destination could be South Tyrol: unspoilt nature, history and fun are naturally intertwined, creating the prerequisites for an unforgettable trip, both for young and old.
Any tips on what to see in South Tyrol? Below you will find our suggestions.
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What to see in South Tyrol
Lake Braies
Among mountain lovers, it is called the 'pearl among Alpine lakes'. For socialites, it is certainly one of the most Instagrammable destinations ever. Lake Braies is the largest lake on the side of the Dolomites and is almost 100 km from the capital Bolzano. Known to most, as it was chosen as the backdrop location for the fiction 'Un passo dal cielo' (One step from heaven) starring Terence Hill, its origins are rooted in legend, which tells that savages came to the Braies Valley in search of gold and precious stones. Having found them and not wanting to be robbed by the shepherds, they dug underground fountains where they hid their loot. This is how Lake Braies was born. Reaching it is easy: just head towards Brunico along the SS49 and then take the junction towards Braies.
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano
At the gates of the town of Merano, a charming village well worth a visit on its own, these gardens, covering an area of 12 hectares, recreate over 80 botanical environments, presented in the form of a natural terraced amphitheatre, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding Alps. In the 19th century, Merano was a popular destination for tourists from all over Europe, including Princess Sissi of Austria, who elected Trauttmansdorff Castle as her winter residence. Located east of the city, the gardens are easily accessible by car, taking the Merano Sud motorway exit.
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Three Peaks of Lavaredo
The Three Peaks of Lavaredo are a symbol for South Tyrol, so much so that they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. They are called three peaks, precisely because they are three imposing rock obelisks: the Big Peak in the centre, then the Small and the West.
You can reach them via the Rienza Valley, or from the Veneto side, starting from the Auronzo refuge. For those who love to walk, don't miss the route that circumnavigates them with truly unmissable views. Here you will find all information for holidays in the Dolomites of South Tyrol.
Ötzi the mummy, at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
In Bolzano, at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, you can have the pleasure of seeing Ötzi, one of the oldest mummies in the world, at around 5000 years old, up close. Scholars have reconstructed his story: he was a shepherd, who, suddenly seized by death, remained preserved in the ice, dressed and with his tools, until he was found in 1991 by some hikers near the Giogo di Tisa. A story that children usually like very much and that you can use as bait to lure them into the museum and complete the tour by visiting the other numerous pavilions.
Ritten train
A means of transport, of course, but also a piece of history, which still connects two small towns in South Tyrol: the Renon train is a typical mountain train, narrow-gauge, inaugurated in 1907, when access to the mountains was opened up to wealthy tourists. It connected the centre of Bolzano to the Renon plateau. Replaced over time by the cable car, today the little train is still in operation, but only connects Maria Assunta to Collalbo. However, it is worth getting on it and taking a short trip, to relive the atmosphere of the Belle Epoque (the carriages are in fact vintage!) and to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Dolomites on the way. At Christmas time it is even more beautiful, it feels like being in a fairy tale.
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Earth Pyramids of Percha
The earth pyramids of Percha are a real attraction in the Pustertal valley: they are nothing more than clay formations, stratified over time, resembling stalactites emerging from the rock. To reach them, simply start at Percha and continue along the road to Vila di Sopra.
Then head towards Plata, park and from there take one of the two paths that lead to the pyramids on foot.
Thousand-year-old larches in Val d'Ultimo
These larches are three giants of nature, a couple of millennia old. Among the oldest conifers in Europe, they have seen a lot of water pass under the bridge, surviving all weathers. They are located near the village of Santa Gertrude in the Val d'Ultimo, and can be reached on a pleasant walk through nature.
South Tyrolean Wine Road
Approximately 150 kilometres make up the South Tyrolean Wine Route, which runs parallel to the Etsch Valley and begins in Nals, passes Bolzano, winds along the Oltradige and Bassa Atesina, and reaches Cortina on the Wine Route near Salorno. You can taste the best wines of the region such as Lagrein, Gewürztraminer, Vernatsch, Pinot, Sauvignon and MüllerThurgau.
Lake Resia
In the Vinschgau Valley, there is a sunken village beneath the lake. A bell tower stands alone from the waters of Lake Resia. It is the church tower of the former village of Curon, which no longer exists today. During the 1950s, the construction of a large dam for the production of electricity united two of the three lakes, completely submerging the 163 houses and land in the village of Curon Venosta.
South Tyrol's most beautiful villages
Which small villages are the most charming in South Tyrol? Here is a selection
Merano
Vipiteno
Brixen
Chiusa
Castelrotto
Glorenza
What to do in South Tyrol in winter
Winter is one of the best seasons to visit South Tyrol. The snow-covered mountains make the atmosphere fairy-tale-like, and you can choose from various sports and skiing options in the Dolomites.
But that's not all, the most beautiful villages in the area await you with their characteristic Christmas markets, among the most beautiful in Europe, where you can experience fairy-tale atmospheres that will enchant young and old alike.