Everything We Love About Südtirol: 8 Reasons to Visit South Tyrol
This post was written in partnership with South Tyrol’s #Everythingwelove campaign, celebrating the beauty, passion, and uniqueness of Italy’s northern alpine region.
Like all the best adventures, our interest in South Tyrol began with a story.
A story passed from one generation to another - shared over a cold beer in 2016 - about a life well-lived, long-ago, in the town of Bolzano in Italy’s northern reaches.
At the centre of the tale is Mark’s grandfather, Elmar. It’s the ‘60s, and he’s the tall and charming manager of Hotel Herzog. Now a bank, the hotel once occupied part of the medieval Piazza Del Grano, the oldest part of Bolzano and where centuries-ago, the cobbles would have echoed with the sounds of grain sellers hawking their produce.
The town is stage-set-pretty, flanked by vast green hills and glacial rivers tumbling straight from the craggy Dolomites mountains all around.
But this wasn’t a story about Bolzano really, nor the inner workings of European hotels, no.
This was a tale about the freedom of packing one’s bag and disappearing into the beckoning landscapes for a few days. Letting your feet guide you through meadows full of wildflowers and over mountain passes.
Scaling summits secured only by a rope and a sense of adventure. Bluebird days on wintry slopes, all finished with a hearty mountain meal and a stein of crisp beer.
It was the story of a mountain-loving grandfather, now 93 years old, who once found a home in South Tyrol (Südtirol) and still to this day talks of his love for the Dolomites in vivid colours and enduring passion.
And how, more than half a century later, we would find ourselves wandering along those same trails for the first time.
By way of backstory, I’ve often joked that Mark is a mountain man; he lives for the outdoors and is the most ‘him’ when surrounded by peaks.
It was little surprise then, that hearing his grandfather’s tales of quaint towns and mountain living, a place where all the very best things in life could be found, sparked a curiosity in Mark that wouldn’t abate until we finally visited ourselves.
When we did finally make it to Italy’s alpine region in 2018, we both fell head over heels in love.
South Tyrol is a dream destination for us. In fact, we’d go as far as saying it’s pretty close to what heaven must be like; a mountainous wonderland with endless beer, hearty meals, super friendly outdoorsy-folk, and more than a dash of fresh air.
Considering all we can do right now in this COVID-19 lockdown period is dream, we thought it was about time we shared with you all everything we love about South Tyrol and all the reasons you need to visit this Italian alpine utopia for yourself.
EVERYTHING WE LOVE ABOUT SÜDTIROL: 8 REASONS TO VISIT SOUTH TYROL, ITALY
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#1 THE MOUNTAINS
When Mark’s granddad first told him about South Tyrol, it was the memory of the mountains that made him light up the most. It goes without saying that they’re also what we love most about the region too!
South Tyrol’s natural beauty is instantly recognisable, particularly in the world of Instagram, and much of that has to do with the Dolomites; the craggy, lofty heights of one of its alpine ranges.
Once a coral reef, thousands of years ago when South Tyrol was little more than a rolling sea, today these UNESCO-protected grey limestone peaks soar skywards dramatically from steep green valleys and pretty meadows.
The Dolomites, and the rest of the 350 mountains spread through the region, shape South Tyrol, and their presence can be felt from just about every corner of the region too.
No matter whether you’re negotiating steep mountain bends in your rental car, taking off for a day of hiking, or sipping a Spritz while in your spa robe at the end of the day, you always have an epic view to admire.
Life in the region really does revolve around the mountains that dominate it. So intricately are the mountains entwined with the local culture, language, food, and centuries of mythology that you couldn’t have one of these without the other.
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#2 THE LAKES
The mountains might be South Tyrol’s most famous and obvious feature, but no alpine region is complete with glacial lakes, and South Tyrol has them in droves.
Most of you probably already know Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee (or Lago di Instagram, as it’s often cheekily referred to!); famous the world over for its emerald waters, ubiquitous boat house, beautiful spruce pines forests and towering limestone peaks.
But there are also plenty of other lakes scattered throughout the region that are equally worthy of your time and attention too, like Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See), and our personal favourite: Lago di Carezza (Karersee).
We recommend the latter for sunrise, when the sun hits the top of the jagged limestone peaks of the Latemar range and makes the waters of the lake dance with a thousand different colours. There’s also a walk you can take around the perimeter of the lake, which we highly recommend!
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#3 THE HIKING
Obviously mountains = hiking, which is one of our all-time favourite activities, and South Tyrol has some of the very best hikes in the world.
In fact, most of our visits to the region have involved multiple epic hikes; waking before dawn to chase burnt orange sunrises from mountain summits, following ancient trails that wind around the rugged Three Peaks, meandering through green woods, alpine meadows, and past turquoise creeks - and of course, enjoying break times at cute little mountain huts.
There are plenty of easy day walks (check out our guide to the best hikes in the Dolomites here) right through to full and multi-day hikes where you stop in Rifugios high in the mountains for alpine food and perhaps a cheeky schnapps, and lots of general fun with others.
A couple of our favourite hikes in South Tyrol are:
TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO
These are the peaks that made the Dolomites famous; three wildly beautiful, postcard-perfect jagged monoliths as iconic to the area as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris that will undoubtedly have you awestruck as they tower above, clouds lingering at their peaks.
We’ve been to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen) three times now, and would go back a million times more, we love it so!
The 10km loop from Rifugio Auronzo is a great short day hike for all levels of hiker, while history buffs can spend time exploring the WW1 tunnel systems left behind when these peaks were fiercely fought over in the Great War too.
FANES NATIONAL PARK
We like to think of this area as our own little best kept secret (though it’s probably not!), but while most visitors to South Tyrol head straight for the famous peaks of Tre Cime, Sella, or Sassolungo, it’s a mostly locals-only affair in beautiful Fanes National Park instead.
Starting at the quaint Pederü Berggasthaus, the trail snakes through pretty mountain pastures and meadows before beginning the ascent up a valley filled with pine trees and surrounded by jagged sand coloured peaks that tower above. The scenery here is amongst our most favourite in the whole of South Tyrol!
The 4-hour return hike can be pretty steep in parts, and definitely had us gasping for air at some points, but the feeling of being totally enclosed by these mountain giants is absolutely worth it. Alternatively, do as we did and hike up to the incredible Fanes Hütte and enjoy a night on the mountain as the locals do!
SECEDA
Seceda peak is a photographer’s dream; it's crazy dramatic and almost always moody with a sheer drop to the valley below.
We hiked up on pre-sunrise one morning when the gloomy weather had blanketed the scene with a thick fog. Right as we were about to give up hope that the sunrise would make an appearance, the clouds began to part and the peaks of Seceda and the Fermeda Towers were revealed in all their glory. Worth it? You bloody bet!
The views from the top overlook many of the Dolomites most iconic and stunning peaks, including the Sella group, Sassolungo, and Mt. Schlern, as well as the pretty Alpe di Siusi meadow. For photography lovers and outdoor adventurers alike, a sunrise here is not to be missed.
READ | We’ve written about our favourite short hikes in the Dolomites; read about them here
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#4 THE ADVENTURE
Beyond hiking, we also love South Tyrol for being somewhat of a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and nature worshippers. There’s something for everyone who craves a rush of adrenalin or adventure, and you don’t need to be a seasoned pro to enjoy it all either.
Over multiple visits, we’ve done a via Ferrata (basically hiking attached to a steel rope) to the top of Gran Cir for sunrise, to watch the mountains all around us come to life (one of our favourite travel mornings, ever), and we’ve rented a Vespa and weaved through the Mediterranean vineyards around Bolzano.
There are mountain biking trails, swimming and boating opportunities on the lakes and endless skiing to be done in winter, but we’re not sure anything could top our best adventure in South Tyrol: paragliding over the Dolomites!
After a sleepless night spent followed by a sunrise hike with trembling knees, we found ourselves strapped to our guides and running off the edge of a mountain before we even knew it.
For two people who generally like to have our feet on the ground let us tell you: floating in the skies over Monte Elmo, green valleys, and the Dolomites was one of the most exhilarating experiences we’ve ever had. We actually can’t wait to do it all again sometime soon!
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#5 THE FOOD
If Italy is one of the world’s culinary royals, then South Tyrol has to be the shining star in its crown.
Not only is it the country’s most decorated culinary province (it has 26 Michelin stars shared by 19 restaurants), South Tyrol’s cuisine melds together the very best of Italian food and the hearty alpine influences of Austria and Germany with centuries-old food traditions to create totally unique, mouth-wateringly delicious dishes that soothe the soul.
We’re talking fresh pasta, cheese straight from the region, the freshest of ingredients, and generous mountain meals that comfort and soothe aching muscles at the end of a long day outside - all accompanied by brilliant local wine, of course!
A seasonal, farm-to-table approach to food in this part of the world is also hugely evident, with a focus on sustainable food sourcing and practice at the heart of almost every meal. Here, produce is often foraged in the woods nearby or sourced from small-scale farms, and you truly get the sense that every dish you eat has been produced in harmony with the surrounding valleys and peaks.
What’s more, there are plenty of options for vegetarians (like us), the food here is generally really affordable, and no matter where you eat, it’s consistently good, every. single. time.
Here are a few of our favourite places to eat in South Tyrol:
ALPINN
Perched atop the Kronplatz mountain with panoramic vistas over the Dolomites from 2,275m in the air, AlpiNN is the brainchild of the South Tyrolean culinary legend and three-Michelin-starred chef, Norbert Niederkofler.
It’s a must-visit for those seeking exceptional quality, sustainably produced fare, with produce and wine sourced exclusively from the surrounding mountains and valleys; part of Norbert’s famous ‘zero kilometre / mountain to plate’ philosophy. Absolutely everything is sourced from the surrounding valleys, and standout plates include the wild garlic and wood sorrel risotto and fresh trout, all washed down with a mountain Spritz (Norbert’s version of an Aperol Spritz).
OBERHOLZ
A short chairlift ride away from the town of Obereggen, Oberholz Alpine hut is a contemporary restaurant built like the branches of a tree, with incredible panoramic views of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Dolomites.
Designed to be in and of the surround nature in every way, Oberholz is home to some seriously world-class cuisine, using ingredients from South Tyrol to create simple, wonderful mountain food. We recommend the Burrata plate with fresh tomatoes, while the alpine mushroom risotto was particularly mouth-watering.
RIFUGIO UTIA BIOCH
One of those ubiquitous alpine huts that dot the mountains of the Dolomites, the rustic Rifugio Utia Bioch beckons hikers and bikers to its large sun terrace for tasty traditional food and exceptionally well-stocked wine cellar.
But Rifugio Utia Bioch also offers up something a little different; in addition to serving up South Tyrolean cuisine, it also runs cooking classes for those (like us) who are keen to try their hand at cooking the simple, but delicious, local fare for themselves.
We joined a class, keen to to learn how to cook two very local and very tasty dishes - Schlutzkrapfen, a ravioli type dumpling filled with spinach and ricotta and served with parmesan and chives, and Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake served with applesauce and cream.
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#6 THE CULTURE
When he first came to South Tyrol, Mark’s granddad came for the mountains. But he, like us, definitely stayed for the vibrant culture and quaint towns that have flourished in its valleys.
Like the gourmet scene, South Tyrol’s culture is a super unique blend of the Mediterranean Italian, Alpine Austrian/Germanic, and ethnic Ladin worlds too.
In the lower valleys, beautiful rolling vineyards and medieval castles are pretty and inviting, in the mountains, centuries-old traditions, quaint mountain towns, and generous hospitality beckon, and from one village to the next, you’ll encounter different languages, dialects (including the super unique ancient Ladin language!), and traditions.
And for the culture vultures, this is a place where old-world charm and tradition meet super cool modern design and innovation.
Scattered throughout are amazingly contemporary hotels, restaurants, and galleries, like Lumen and the MMM Corones Museum that jut from the top of a mountain and seem to hang in the sky, where the centuries of mountain life and creativity that have existed here are celebrated.
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#7 HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Life in South Tyrol is very much a celebration of all the best things in life; an appreciation for natural beauty, total wellness of your mind, body, and soul, exciting innovation, and embracing a slower, more meaningful existence.
We adore the mountain culture here, and a huge part of that culture is the commitment to wellness; spas, saunas, massages, you name it - they aren’t just available here, they’re basically expected of you!
The town of Merano is known for its thermal springs and bathhouses, while a splurge stay at the luxurious Hotel Miramonti overlooking the same town is absolutely worth it for the infinity pool and assortment of onsen pools, relaxation rooms, and spa treatments alone.
For us, there’s nothing better than coming back from a long hike and enjoying the a spa or sauna. Before long, it’s Aperitivo hour - what’s better than an aperol spritz overlooking a valley?!
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#8 THE PEOPLE
Look, we know it’s a bit of a travel cliche to talk about ‘friendly people’ when you travel but there really, honestly, is something special about the hospitality and general friendliness of Südtiroleans.
Maybe it’s the mountain air, a life spent outside, or the fact that they enjoy slowing down and appreciating life a little more. Either way, the hospitality is unbeatable throughout the area, and every where we went, whether it was hiking, arriving at a hotel, sitting down at a restaurant, we were greeted by a huge smile, a warm welcome, and made to feel like we were old friends.
There’s a real heart to Südtirol and the people who live here, and basically Südtiroleans, thanks for being you, and making an already wonderful region even more lovely.
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ABOUT SOUTH TYROL
The autonomous region of South Tyrol (also known as Südtirol or Alto Adige) lies in the northernmost reaches of Italy, bordering Austria. It’s made up of both high alpine peaks and mediterranean climes, with wholly contrasting landscapes and climatic conditions.
Picture imposing mountain peaks overlooking Mediterranean-style vineyards and villas!
The region has long been disputed amongst European powers. It fell under Austrian rule for centuries before changing hands during WW1, when it was annexed by Italy.
The current autonomous region is home to three official languages, German, Italian, and Ladin, the local indigenous language.
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WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH TYROL
HOTELS
Hotels in the Dolomites range from extravagant 5* luxury (like Hotel Miramonti!), through to traditional alpine guesthouses (Albergo/Gasthof).
The quality of hotels and guesthouses in the Dolomites is some of the best anywhere in the world, and hospitality is highly valued here - so don’t expect a run down, uncomfortable room, even at 3*.
BOOK | Search for availability, the best rates or book your stay in the Dolomites using Booking.com
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TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SOUTH TYROL
Whatever you do, don’t travel through Italy without travel insurance, even if you’re the most experienced traveller.
Whether it be a hiking injury, car accident, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Italy, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues!
BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads
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PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY SOON?
Check our these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:
DAY HIKES TO REMEMBER | 7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites
SOUTH TYROL | 19 amazing things to do in South Tyrol during Summer
DOLOMITES | Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites
LAGO DI CAREZZA | How to visit South Tyrol’s famous rainbow lake
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR SOUTH TYROL ADVENTURES WITH OUR GUIDES
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This post was sponsored by Visit South Tyrol, as part of their #Everythingwelove campaign. All opinions, stories, and tips, are all very much our own!