South Tyrol

Surrounded by mountains, it is also a meeting point between two different cultures, the Mediterranean and the Central European, a perfect blend of what characterises the architecture, alleys, small squares and arches of its historical centre. A neat, peaceful, relaxed but nevertheless charming atmosphere characterises Bolzano and its surroundings, peppered with the Renon and Guncina vineyards that produce fine wines. A rich culinary tradition, a wealth of unspoilt nature against the backdrop of the imposing Dolomites, a leap into the past: Bolzano is a much loved destination to experience and discover.

A suggestion for where to go on holiday this winter: South Tyrol! There's nothing better than a holiday in the snow for people who love high altitude, winter sports and mountain life. The South Tyrol region is a typical destination for people planning winter holidays that are never disappointing or boring. Incredible scenarios, experiences in contact with nature, superb hospitality and delicious local cuisine await everyone who decides to organize a splendid holiday in one of Italy's most beautiful skiing areas.

The 32nd International Ice Sculpture Festival in the South Tyrolean resorts of San Candido and San Vigilio di Marebbe is an original way to enjoy the beauty of winter. These are veritable open-air art galleries, where you can admire imaginative shapes carved out of ice.

In South Tyrol, a land of vineyards and outstanding wines, amidst enchanting landscapes and unspoilt nature, anyone who decides to visit can breathe in and savour the true essence of this product. Walking in the open air while admiring the beauty of the terraces, at the table savouring its full flavour, and in the thermal spas enjoying its therapeutic properties. Scattered throughout this enchanting region are exclusive facilities where you can indulge in the excellence of the area and experience the benefits of wine therapy. Scrubs, massages and various types of treatments are carried out with grape-seeds, the waste products of wine production, or actual wine to restore psycho-physical wellbeing and more besides. The properties of grapes are well known: in particular the flavonoids, which slow down the ageing process, make it an extremely effective skin care product.

Bressanone, the heart of Valle Isarco, has so much to show you: ready to discover it on a hike, on foot or by bike? A visit to Bressanone is full of culture, nature and gastronomy that feels like a journey through time, between modernity and the vestiges of an important past on display in the old town.

Starring in an original Italian noir series produced by Netflix, Curon is the incredible waterlogged village. The municipality is best known for its Romanesque bell tower, which emerges solitarily from Lake Resia in Alto Adige and whose bells, according to legend, continue to ring on windy days. Visiting this evocative landscape is an experience worth trying, to learn more about its history.

Easily accessible, Alto Adige’s numerous bathing lakes captivate with their crystal-clear, crystal-clear waters. They are an ideal destination for a day of fun for young and old, or for a mini-break immersed in nature and the most rejuvenating of silences. Possible activities? Many: a stroll along their shores, a fun ride on a pedalo or a lively windsurfing or kitesurfing session.

Covering 12 hectares, the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano are an amazing collection of exotic and Mediterranean landscapes among the most beautiful in the world. Visiting them is a unique experience for adults and children alike and a rare opportunity to see various botanical environments, animals and art installations up close. Let yourself be intrigued by this South Tyrolean paradise.

If you love walking along mountain trails, you may often find yourself stopping along the way to admire the surrounding landscape. But did you know that in South Tyrol, viewing platforms have been created specifically to enjoy the best views? That's right. Here are three of them, offering the best views for contemplating the beautiful Dolomite landscape, Unesco World Heritage.

Numerous paths invite visitors to hike to the alpine pastures, especially to the mountain peaks of the Vinschgau Valley, which is full of them. Walks of varying degrees of difficulty in a magical setting that always end with a tasting of typical Alto Adige products that will leave you breathless and reward all the effort.

Savouring the full spirit of the Dolomites is all about going from one stage to the next, stopping at mountain huts and mountain houses, experiencing and admiring wonderful landscapes. From the Stelvio National Park to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dolomites, to the secluded Mountains of Fundres: the high-altitude hikes and trails of Alto Adige have been attracting mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers for decades. So here is a list of routes to consider if you are planning a holiday in Alto Adige.

The South Tyrolean territory is rich in natural areas, precious landscapes whose delicate environmental balance must be preserved. Therefore, the region has established numerous parks. There are seven in all, in addition to the Stelvio National Park. The task of each of them is to protect the invaluable ecosystem and make it accessible to all.

Due to their scenic beauty, they have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, in the heart of the Dolomites. Just a short distance from the Austrian border, the three peaks are the ideal location for a typical mountain holiday, with sports and good food. Slopes of all levels, trails for cross-country skiing and numerous recreational facilities, an absolute guarantee of family fun and relaxation.

If you love skiing and snowboarding, gourmet food and wellness experiences, Kronplatz is your ideal destination. The South Tyrolean mountain, the watershed between Val Pusteria and Val di Marebbe, is a concentration of fun and wellness. Visit the ski area, a stone's throw from Bruneck and take advantage of the local sports facilities and hospitality.

In this lush area is an adventure park sure to take the breath away of all who visit... quite literally! We’re talking about Adrenaline X-Treme Adventures, Europe's largest zip line. Ready to get your heart pumping and feel that rush of adrenaline?

Sledging brings everyone together. This is an axiom to bear in mind when planning a holiday in the mountains with children, and it is worth bearing in mind how many and which activities are on offer for them in the various ski resorts. If you are thinking of a weekend or skiing holiday in South Tyrol with children, we have some good news for you: this region is home to the country's most attractive toboggan runs. Here's where to find the best toboggan runs in South Tyrol.

This beautiful valley, located in the south-eastern portion of South Tyrol is the ideal place for a memorable break, where you can enjoy some exercise and eat good food. All this against the majestic backdrop of the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a feast for the eyes and the soul. Read our four suggestions for experiencing this area at its best.

There are no age limits: anyone (even children weighing over 25 kg subject to parental authorization) can enjoy a tandem flight without having to attend any courses. Italy is criss-crossed by mountains and hills, cliffs over the sea or lakes and high plateaus between countryside villages with endless natural springboards for sky-diving. Just a short run - usually together with an instructor - takes you for a real dive into the currents, along the flow of air to glide down to the valley below. The rest is pure emotion, overflowing feelings that ignite all the senses. A thrilling experience all year round (provided weather conditions allow safe flying), over urban, historical and natural scenarios without equal anywhere in the world. Fly and believe.

For centuries, these precious raw materials have been extracted through the hard work of miners. Large quantities of silver, copper, zinc and lead have come to light, quenching the thirst of researchers. Today, everyone can visit the interior of the old mines in South Tyrol, now disused but fascinating quarries. Let's walk through some of them together, to relive their history.

Nativity scene characters, but also animals, decorative objects and dolls: woodcarving in Alto Adige is a true art, which has been handed over the generations, also thanks to the region's abundant supply of wood.

How? By proposing ecological alternatives without sacrificing design, redefining the idea that what is sustainable is often monotonous or without style. Given that sustainability is the word of the day and an issue on the agenda of every sector, Alto Adige, its territory and its inhabitants have been proving to be on the right path for some time now.

Surrounded by mountains and built in a natural basin, Bolzano is a charming city with a blend of German and Mediterranean traditions, traditions that are also visible in its architecture.

Specifically, there are five municipalities that have deserved this recognition for the magnificence of their landscape as well as their artistic, cultural and architectural heritage: Egna, Glorenza, Vipiteno, Castelrotto and Chiusa. These small towns, which will captivate you more than any others, can be visited in a day, but don’t be misled: they are full of attractions and beauties to be discovered. Each village contains a little piece of the South Tyrolean style and atmosphere, whether it is a stall filled with flowers, a bench next to a small mountain fountain or a small square overlooked by a collection of typical “erkers”, the covered balconies that protrude from the building structure. But that is not all: the story of these places still speaks to us through ancient walls and towers, mediaeval and late Renaissance buildings and porticoes where markets were once held and the local economy was made.

Visiting it is a pleasure, for its rich vegetation, as well as for its architecture, from the castles and medieval porticoes to the Art Nouveau buildings and the more modern cubic building of the thermal baths. We propose a tour of the city, a mix of the Belle Époque and the contemporary, which will show you a new soul.