Three good reasons to discover Südtirol

The Südtirol is a land where natural beauty blends harmoniously with a rich and vibrant cultural heritage. This region, part of which is nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, offers breathtaking scenery, picturesque villages with colorful houses, and an atmosphere steeped in centuries-old traditions. Whether strolling through the medieval streets of Castelrotto, admiring the reflections of the mountains in the crystal-clear waters of Lago di Braies, or enjoying a glass of Lagrein in a terraced vineyard, every moment spent in the Südtirol is an invitation to discovery and contemplation. Castles perched on hillsides, Baroque churches and local festivals add a historical and cultural dimension that enriches every visitor's experience. Let's discover three good reasons to plan a stay in the Südtirol.

Alpine cultural heritage still very much alive

In the Südtirol, living culture is a veritable treasure trove, nourished by history, legends, the land and well-being, offering visitors an immersion in a region where traditions are still firmly rooted in everyday life.

Here, every village, every valley tells a story centuries old, where Dolomite legends, such as that of King Laurin and his rose garden (located on the Catinaccio-Rosengarten), add a touch of magic to the landscape. These mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are not only a majestic backdrop, but also the beating heart of a culture that lives to the rhythm of the seasons and traditional festivals.

In Castelrotto, the locals still celebrate the Krapfenfest, where local doughnuts take pride of place, while on the Alpe di Siusi plateau, the transhumance of the herds, with their bells echoing in the pure air, is an event not to be missed, reminding us of the importance of the land and agricultural work in the region.

Traditional farms, or "masi", are havens of peace where you can sample fresh cheese, local honey and homemade wine, while learning about production techniques handed down from generation to generation. Wellness is also at the heart of South Tyrolean culture, with ancestral practices such as hay baths and wooden saunas drawing their benefits from the surrounding nature.

The thermal springs of Merano, known since Roman times, continue to attract those seeking to recharge their batteries in an enchanting setting. The town of Bolzano, with its traditional Christmas market and narrow streets lined with colorful houses, is the perfect reflection of this meeting of tradition and modernity, where history is always present, but where contemporary well-being has found its place.

As for monuments, medieval castles such as Castel Tirolo, which gave its name to an entire region now divided by a border, dominate the valleys, reminding us of the region's strategic importance and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the vineyards and orchards below.

In the Südtirol, legends come to life at the turn of a path, the land offers its treasures to those who respect it, and well-being is lived to the rhythm of a preserved and generous nature. Traditions are not only preserved, they are lived out on a daily basis, making this region a place where past and present come together in perfect harmony, inviting every visitor to immerse themselves in a rich and authentic culture. Whether taking part in a local festival, sampling a traditional dish or relaxing in a thermal bath surrounded by mountains, Südtirol offers an unforgettable experience, where living culture is a true art of living.

Eating and living well in Südtirol

Südtirol's gastronomic and oenological tradition is a veritable symphony of flavors, where Italian and Austrian influences blend harmoniously to offer a rich and varied cuisine, deeply rooted in the local terroir. Apples, grapes and chestnuts reign supreme, symbols of a generous land where nature dictates the rhythm of the seasons and harvests. Speck, the typical smoked ham, is a must-try speciality, whose delicately spicy taste tells the story of ancestral preservation methods, once indispensable for surviving the rigours of winter. In the sunny valleys, the terraced vineyards produce wines of great finesse, such as Gewürztraminer, famous for its floral and spicy aromas, or Lagrein, an intense red that embodies all the power of this land. These wines, often tasted in the historic cellars of villages such as Appiano or Caldaro, are the fruit of know-how handed down from generation to generation, and every glass is an invitation to discover the soul of Südtirol.

Local markets, like the one in Merano, are places where you can sample fresh produce, talk to producers and immerse yourself in the region's culinary culture. Artisanal cheeses, such as Graukäse or Stelvio, add a touch of character to meals, often accompanied by polenta or knödel, the tasty bread dumplings inherited from Alpine cuisine. The strudel, whether with apples or cherries, is an emblematic dessert that delights the taste buds and closes a meal in the pure South Tyrolean tradition.

Beyond the table, gastronomy is also experienced in the countryside: orchards in bloom in spring, golden vineyards in autumn, alpine pastures grazed by cows and goats whose milk is used to make cheese. Hiking trails, such as those around Lana or in the Isarco Valley, offer gourmet breaks in inns where you can sample traditional dishes while admiring breathtaking panoramas. Local festivals, such as the Törggelen, celebrate the arrival of autumn and new wines, in a convivial atmosphere where roasted chestnuts and new wine are shared under the pergolas.

Südtirol's gastronomic and oenological tradition is much more than just a culinary experience: it's a journey through the flavors of a region where nature, history and culture are intimately linked. Every dish, every glass tells a story, the story of mountains, valleys and the men and women who have preserved a rich and authentic heritage. Whether you're a gourmet or simply curious, Südtirol invites you to discover its gastronomic treasures in a breathtakingly beautiful natural setting, where every meal becomes a feast for the senses and a tribute to the land.

Südtirol, a feast for the eyes

The villages of the Südtirol, with their colorful facades, slender bell towers, bulbous churches and cobbled streets, are real gems nestled in breathtaking landscapes.

Surrounded by majestic mountains, these villages exude a timeless charm where every street corner seems to tell a story. In Ortisei, in Val Gardena, craftsmen perpetuate the age-old art of woodcarving, creating works that adorn chapels and houses, while balconies overflow with bright geraniums, adding a touch of color to this idyllic setting. Further south, the village of Castelrotto is dominated by its Baroque church with its slender bell tower, a landmark visible from the rolling meadows of Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest, where hikers and cyclists delight in breathtaking panoramas of the Dolomites.

In Merano, the Trauttmansdorff gardens spread their flower-filled terraces over the hills, offering a breathtaking view of the spa town and its Art Nouveau villas, where history and well-being come together in perfect harmony. Not far away, the village of Glorenza, listed as one of Italy's most beautiful, is a veritable medieval fortress with its intact ramparts and narrow streets, reminiscent of a past rich in trade and battles. In the Isarco valley, Chiusa charms with its peaceful atmosphere, terraced vineyards and the Sabiona monastery perched on a rocky outcrop, a place of pilgrimage offering spectacular views of the valley below.

The landscapes surrounding these villages are just as enchanting: from crystal-clear alpine lakes like Lago di Braies, where the mountains are reflected in a perfect mirror, to deep forests and flower-filled meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see. Südtirol is also criss-crossed by tumultuous rivers and spectacular waterfalls, such as the Cascades de Parcines, where you can feel the full power of nature in a wild, unspoilt setting. Perched castles, such as Castel Tirolo, bear witness to the region's rich historical heritage and offer breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding valleys.

Every village in the Südtirol is a tableau vivant, where natural beauty and traditional architecture combine to create places of perfect harmony. Whether strolling through narrow streets, discovering churches with ancient frescoes, or marvelling at the breathtaking scenery at every turn, Südtirol is an invitation to discovery, where every visitor can find his or her own little corner of paradise. Protective mountains, blossoming orchards, terraced vineyards and picturesque villages form an ensemble of rare beauty, a true haven of peace where you immediately feel at home, immersed in the gentle Südtirol way of life.