Mountains, castles & Bolzano: South Tyrol's southernmost region is a melting pot of contrasts and cultures
Rich in contrast is the best way to describe the area around South Tyrol's capital. Here, the South Tyrolean way of life, its culture and landscape are at their most diverse. Visit and discover what we mean.
Experience the blossoming when it's still winter elsewhere in South Tyrol. Visit a 5,000-year-old mummy. Find fossilised shells in the Bletterbachschlucht gorge. Hike to unique natural monuments.
The Bolzano and environs region combines valleys and mountains, cities and villages, action and quiet. Geographically, Bolzano is located in the heart of the province and represents the South Tyrolean way of life. This unique mixture is readily apparent when strolling through the streets of the old town, enjoying an aperitif at the piazza overlooking the Dolomites, deciding between pasta and Knödel dumplings at dinner, and hearing the locals speaking German and Italian. You’ll feel the essence of southern serenity and northern reliability when gazing up at the medieval arcades next to magnificent city mansions and innovative wineries, or when viewing things in their entirety from high above. To do so, hop aboard the cable car, leave the city and arrive in nature, e.g., the earth pyramids on the Ritten high plateau. Things are considerably more Alpine in character in the rustic Sarntal valley. Meanwhile, the GEOPARC Bletterbach - South Tyrol’s Grand Canyon, is another can’t-miss attraction in addition to the numerous medieval castles and palaces. Set out now on foot or by bike to discover it all.
Those who journey through the Sarner gorge from Bolzano into the Sarntal valley will immediately sense how time slows down. Here, value is placed on customs and rural tradition, and the valley’s original dialect is spoken with confidence.
Although the Sarntal valley is only 20 minutes away from South Tyrol’s bustling capital, much of the valley is as it always has been. This is probably because it was once harder to access. The people of the Sarntal valley are proud of their origins, their homeland and their handcrafted products like the “Sarner," a hand-knitted woolen jacket. Despite carefully nurturing their traditions, they also make space for the new. For instance, oil from the Sarntal valley pine is transformed into sophisticated cosmetic products, whilst local female farmers from the "Ollerhond Selbergmochts" offer catering featuring traditional dishes.
Meanwhile, La Fuga in Hotel Bad Schörgau is all about forward-thinking gastronomy. For upscale cuisine in the truest sense, head over to Terra, Italy's highest rated Michelin-star restaurant.
A cycle route made just for you
Cycling through the unique vineyard landscape of Alto Adige is an incomparable experience – and one that is yet more enjoyable and enriching when you set off with one of the region’s Bike Wine Ambassadors. As specially trained wine connoisseurs, they'll take you on individually planned bike tours to explore the wonderful world of wine in all of Alto Adige’s winegrowing regions.
Whether you're in the company of your partner, friends or family, there's much beauty to discover during your shopping experience in the South Tyrolean cities. After seeing the artfully decorated facades, arcades and bay windows of the historic city centre, you'll be hooked. Walk into the shops and boutiques to have a glimpse of the Italian fashion: branded sporting goods, leather bags and shoes, traditional arts and crafts. When your shopping tour will be over and your stomach empty, you can book a table in one of the many pizza places, traditional family-run, starred or international restaurants.
Would you like a glass of sparkling wine from Europe's highest sparkling wine producer? Speck smoked ham produced in respect of traditional methods? Or a locally-designed belt with quill embroidery? Find a wide range of local, high-quality foods and handcrafted articles for daily use in the Bolzano and environs region. Many producers sell straight from the farm where you can try local ingredients and get to know the producers. In this way, you will taste different flavours and gain an insider knowledge about cultivation and processing. The region also offers a variety of restaurants serving local and international cuisine of the highest standard. From cosy inns to upscale restaurants - here you will find the right place for every taste and occasion.
Would you like a locally designed handbag made from recycled material? Or a locally designed belt with quill embroidery? Find a wide range of local, high-quality foods and handcrafted articles for daily use in Bolzano/Bozen and environs region, as in the rest of South Tyrol. Lots of producers sell straight from the farm where you can sample the treats and get to know the producers. In this way, you will experience moments of delicious flavour as well as gaining exciting insider knowledge about the cultivation and processing. With a little luck, while strolling through the village you can even look over the shoulders of craftsmen at work as they create jewellery, wooden sculptures and wine barrels. Hand craftsmanship has a long-standing tradition in South Tyrol. High quality and durability are the primary factors, which are achieved through the use of proprietary manufacturing techniques and high-quality raw materials. This allows us to create products that are only available here.
Already look over the rooftops of the city or counting the peaks around it. These webcams will provide you with a live connection to selected places in South Tyrol. This way you can get a close-up overview of the region, weather or snow conditions from the comfort of your own home.
For a comfortable and environmentally friendly travel to the Bolzano and environs region, find here the most relevant information. Buses, trains or cable cars drop you off at your accommodation or hiking destination.
You can reach Bolzano from all major towns. Connecting trains, buses, taxis or the "Südtirol Transfer"s shuttle will drop you off at your accommodation.
Once in Bolzano or in its surroundings, the Südtirol Guest Pass "BozenCard" gives you unlimited access to South Tyrol's public transport.
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