South Tyrol is a place where contrasts meld together and your journey of discovery leads you through both Alpine and Mediterranean terrain. Here, the "pale mountains", i.e. UNESCO World Natural Heritage Dolomites, are accented by the green forests and meadows to the east. Similarly, in the west, the Ortler mountain is contrasted by the shielding of the main chain of the Alps to the north. In between, valleys formed by glaciers and water shape the province whilst rivers meander past orchards and vineyards as well as picturesque towns and wine villages to the foundations of castles and fortresses further south.