Things to do and see in South Tyrol: 10 unmissable places

South Tyrol is an area that offers plenty of opportunities for recreation, fun and relaxation for all age groups. The region is wonderful both physically and in terms of organisation, which allows its visitors to enjoy a holiday with all comforts and to fulfil every wish. The unspoilt nature and breathtaking landscapes are the setting for a perfect stay at any time of year.

Discover with us ten things to do in South Tyrol and set off on a new adventure that will not disappoint.

Among the ten things to do in South Tyrol, discovering the wine and food tradition is a must. South Tyrolean cuisine combines the Italian and Austrian culinary arts in a marriage of authentic and harmonious flavours. Whether in an alpine hut, trendy restaurant or inn, each tasting reflects the typical dishes and exalts its origins. You can get to know the winegrowing tradition through guided tours of wine cellars in South Tyrol. The tastings include samples of wines and local products, accompanied by the stories of those who produce these excellences themselves.

Speaking of wine, Hotel Der Weinmesser in Scena, near Bolzano, is the ideal location for a sublime experience. It is the first wine hotel in South Tyrol that will offer you an excellent hospitality (a 4-star superior hotel) and organizes wine tastings, seminars and vinotherapy sessions held by expert and passionate sommeliers. It is ideal for combining your stay in South Tyrol with an experience that will make you better acquainted with the wine (and other) specialties of the area.

The best way to discover unspoilt nature is to experience it by respecting its rules. One of the ten things to do in South Tyrol is to walk in the woods. Surrounded by greenery, along marked trails, you can immerse yourself in nature and appreciate its silence. During the winter, snowshoe hikes are organised, and in the summer, suitable footwear is a must. The view of the landscape will repay the physical effort and you will rediscover those picture-postcard landscapes that characterise this region. The cycle paths are also an immersive experience: the routes are signposted and have varying degrees of difficulty.

The region is rich in medieval castles that preserve their charm. Some are still inhabited, others have been converted into hotels or museums. It is possible to visit them and discover the ancient structure and period furnishings, taking a dip into history, perhaps with a guided tour that recounts legends and traditions linked to the place. Castel Roncolo is renowned for its frescoes, Castel Coira has a panoramic terrace where evocative souvenir photos can be taken. There are about 800 in all, which one will you start with?

If you love wellness, you should treat yourself to at least one day at the Merano Thermal Baths. The centre boasts 25 indoor and outdoor pools and you can undergo spa treatments, massages and saunas. It will also be an opportunity to visit Merano and discover its culture. It is a city rich in history and tradition, surrounded by walks of varying degrees of difficulty that show the city from above and let you discover the surroundings. interesting. There is also ample space for evening entertainment with trendy places to dine or relax with good music. You will also appreciate the cultural events that are numerous throughout the year.

Mountain lovers put skiing at the top of their list of ten things to do in South Tyrol. Here you can experience gliding across the snow in an enchanting environment. The slopes have different levels of slope and some are illuminated until the evening. Each centre is equipped for summer and winter sports, and with panoramic slopes and well-maintained and signposted trails, fun is guaranteed! Among the most popular resorts are Val Gardena, with its great variety of slopes, Plan de Corones, with excellent sun exposure, and Alta Badia, with endless kilometres of slopes.

For hiking enthusiasts, walking a via ferrata is a priceless emotion. You reach otherwise inaccessible places and discover unique views. If you want to feel the adrenalin rush through you, choose the route best suited to your ability and start climbing. The routes can last one or several days, with overnight stays in mountain huts or bivouacs along the way. For this type of adventure, it is essential to be properly equipped and it is advisable to be accompanied by a mountain guide. Every obstacle overcome to reach the goal will give you a great feeling of well-being and satisfaction!

Bolzano is a lively city nestled between the peaks of the Dolomites. Its charming architecture combines Alpine elegance, typical of many towns, with a bilingual culture that lends a warm, cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the old town centre, you will find craftsmen's shops selling typical products next to designer boutiques of international brands. It is an ideal destination for shopping and discovering the local culture. The markets also offer interesting opportunities for those in search of original souvenirs. They will be a pleasant break between visits to the Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum.

Visiting lakes in South Tyrol is one of the top ten things to do to discover wonderful places. Many are swimmable and have cycle paths around the bounds. Some are equipped with lidos, pedal boats and boats can be rented. In some you can even fish. Among the most famous is Lake Braies, but some less famous ones are equally beautiful and fascinating. To reach some of the lakes you can use your car, mountain bike or motorbike, but the cable cars and lifts will get you to your destination in comfort in no time. For those who love hiking, the ascent to an Alpine lake will be an unforgettable journey.

Climbing the Dolomites, and in particular the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, is an unmissable experience for hikers and mountaineers who come here from all over the world. You can reach the peaks by following the guided routes up the different slopes. The panorama is indescribable and the emotion you feel at 3000 metres above sea level will be a beautiful memory.

One of the attractions in South Tyrol, and therefore a must on the list of ten things to do, involves a tour of the Christmas markets. The charm of Christmas is palpable in the air and attracts many tourists every year. They are a real institution and are well organised. You can enjoy strudel, mulled wine and pretzels as you stroll among the little wooden houses displaying wooden and woollen objects. Creative workshops and Father Christmas will create an unforgettable fairytale atmosphere.