south tyrol travel pass

SouthTyrol Guest Pass

With the new southtyrol guest pass you can explore the beauties and sights of the region with a single ticket.

Numerous accommodation establishments in South Tyrol distribute the new SouthTyrol Guest Pass, also called Südtirol or AltoAdige Guest Pass, to their guests, which allows them to use all means of transport in South Tyrol. Exceptions are special trips, such as the shuttle service from Dobbiaco to the Three Peaks or the shuttle service from Dobbiaco to the Braies Valley and from Monguelfo to Lake Braies in summer. If your accommodation does not offer the Guest Pass, you can still use the South Tyrol Mobilcard or its variants, bikemobil Card and museumobil Card.

In addition to the use of all public transport, the SouthTyrol Guest Pass has also other benefits: admission to numerous museums and various local offers, which vary depending on your holiday destination. The issued pass must be validated at the blue validation machines in the bus or at the train stations at the start of each journey. Let's go!

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Map and getting there

Local public transport

South Tyrolean Transport Association

Not only busses,… 

South Tyrol Mobilcard

The Mobilcard allows you the right… 

bikemobil Card

When the bike rental points open in… 

museumobil Card

“M” like Museum and… 

Südtirol Alto Adige Guest Pass - Mobilcard

On tour free of charge by bus and train.

• The Guest Pass is not valid for the following lines: Seiser Alm Express (Bus Route 10), Almbus (Bus Route 11), Saltria-Monte Pana (Bus Route 12) and Nightliner (N170)
• Indicate first name, last name and length of stay on the back of the Guest Pass.
• The Guest Pass must be validated in public transport and in shuttle buses.
• In case of non compliance a penalty will be issued.

Discover the diversity of the museums in South Tyrol

• Völs am Schlern
• Tiers am Rosengarten
• Seis am Schlern
• Apartments & Residence
• Guesthouses
• Holiday on a farm
• Water relaxaction
• Cross-country skiing
• Tobogganing
• Snowshoeing & winter walking
• Ice skating

South Tyrol

• 2 Other destinations
• 3.1 History
• 3.2 Geography
• 3.3 Climate
• 3.4 People and culture
• 3.5 Trilingualism
• 3.6 Mass Media
• 3.7 Tourist Board
• 3.8 Magazines, events calendars
• 3.9 Holidays
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.2 By train
• 6.1 Value Card
• 6.2 MobilCard
• 6.3 By train
• 6.6 By bike
• 9.1 Currency
• 9.3 Tipping
• 9.4 Shopping
• 9.6 Bargaining
• 9.7 Opening hours
• 10.1 Restaurants
• 10.2 Imbiss
• 10.3 Vegetarian
• 11.3 Coffee
• 11.4 Glühwein
• 11.5 Spirits
• 11.6 Cocktails and aperitifs
• 11.7 Soft drinks
• 12.1 Hotels
• 12.2 B&Bs, Garni and Residence
• 12.3 Hostels
• 12.4 Camping
• 15 Stay safe
• 16 Stay healthy
• 17.1 Etiquette
• 18.1 Calling South Tyrol
• 18.2 Phones
• 18.3 Cell phones
• 18.4 Internet

South Tyrol ( German : Südtirol , Italian : Alto Adige , Ladin: Sudtirol ; also South Tyrol ) is the northernmost region in Italy , bordering Austria to the north and northeast, Switzerland to the northwest, and the rest of Italy to the south. Together with Trentino , it composes the northernmost Italian autonomous administrative region of Trentino-Alto Adige. This is also the only region in Italy where the majority of the population speaks German as their mother tongue (with the exception of the areas surrounding Bolzano/Bozen and Merano/Meran). Therefore, South Tyrol is officially bilingual, including all road signs, menus and media, and moreover even trilingual in the scenic eastern Ladin-speaking valleys.

This Alpine region can offer a lot of cultural highlights, both large cities and small picturesque storybook villages - and huge areas of wild nature, including the most important Italian national park, and many more regional parks, lakes, valleys and mountains. Here one finds the famous Dolomites (inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List ) and large important ski resorts near the Austrian border. Once a place of ethnic conflict, South Tyrol has emerged as an international model for inter-ethnic cooperation. German-speaking, Italian or Ladin, South Tyrolians are very proud of this grand accomplishment of inter-ethnic cooperation and compromise and serve as a model for the world. They are truly "European" in every sense.

Cities [ edit ]

Italian names are in italics .

• 46.5 11.35 1 Bolzano (German: Bozen) – the capital and the largest city of South Tyrol with culture, business, shopping and nature
• 46.8 11.933333 2 Bruneck ( Brunico ) – the easternmost town in South Tyrol with an important medieval castle
• 46.716667 11.65 3 Brixen ( Bressanone ) – until 1803 capital of the Bishopric of Brixen; one of the most culturally interesting towns in former Tyrol
• 46.666667 10.55 4 Glurns ( Glorenza ) – considered as the smallest town (place with Stadtrecht , right of city) in Italy and one of the smallest in Europe with its 800 inhabitants
• 46.566667 11.566667 5 Kastelruth ( Castelrotto ) – a small town about 20 km to the northeast of Bolzano. It serves as a nice base camp for exploring the adjacent Seiser Alm
• 46.633333 11.566667 6 Klausen ( Chiusa ) – picturesque town of artists between Bolzano and Brixen; also included in the list of "most beautiful Italian small towns"
• 46.666667 11.166667 7 Merano ( Meran ) – the former capital of the County of Tyrol (1418-1848) and health resort since centuries
• 46.566667 11.666667 9 St. Ulrich in Gröden ( Ortisei ) – Alpine town that looks like a village out of a fairy tale, with skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer
• 46.883333 11.433333 10 Sterzing ( Vipiteno ) – very important town near to the Brenner Pass ; its historical centre is included in the list of "most beautiful Italian small towns"

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 46.541111 11.644722 1 Seiser Alm ( Alpi Di Siusi ) – the largest meadow in the alps, with lots of hiking, and climbing trails
• 46.51672 11.50128 2 Völs am Schlern ( Fiè allo Sciliar ) - a historic village at the foot of the Sciliar mountain

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

It is known that people have lived here since the Stone Age - like Ötzi the Iceman, and the region was part of the Roman Empire from 59 BC until the Migration Period. From the 6th to the 9th century, the region was settled by the Bavarii together with the Langobards and the Romanised natives. As part of France and later the Holy Roman Empire, the region had a strategic importance as a bridgehead to Italy. Large parts of the province were donated to the Bishops of Trent and Brixen. After their caretakers, the earls of Tyrol (like Meinhard II of Gorizia-Tyrol) had gathered the province under their command, the region together with the valleys to the north was known as Tyrol.

In 1342, the earldom went over to the Bavarian dukes again when Emperor Louis IV voided the first marriage of Countess Margarete Maultasch. But already in 1363, the Wittelsbach released the country to the Habsburgs.

The Habsburgs ruled the region almost continuously until 1918, except from 1805–1814. In 1805, Austria was defeated by Napoleon and lost Tyrol to Bavaria in the Peace of Pressburg (Bavaria allied itself with Napoleon in the war). Tyroleans, led by Andreas Hofer, rose in rebellion against Bavarian rule. In 1814, Tyrol was transferred again from Bavaria to Austria at the Congress of Vienna .

In 1919, after the World War I, South Tyrol was annexed by Italy as a war prize. Italian-speaking government officials, soldiers, factory workers and other settlers were brought in by the Italian state, especially the Fascist regime, in an attempt to create an Italian-speaking majority in South Tyrol. This meant an increase of Italian-speakers in the region from 2.9% of the population in 1910 to 33.1% in 1953. The German culture and language were suppressed.

As a result of the Hitler-Mussolini-pact of 1939 between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, the German-speakers in the region were given the option to either keep their Italian citizenship and stay, but also lose their German heritage and language, or to acquire German citizenship and emigrate to the German Reich. Roughly 85% of German-speakers chose to emigrate to Germany, but due to the outbreak of WW2 in September 1939, few actually emigrated and most of the rest returned after the war. In 1943, Italy changed sides in World War II and the region was subsequently annexed by the Third Reich.

After World War II, the region was returned to Italy as a province, but with a great deal of administrative and legislative autonomy, starting in the 1970s and 80s. The bigger parties all accept the current status quo.

Geography [ edit ]

South Tyrol is the northernmost region of Italy and because of its history and location in the middle of the Alps it's still considered a Central European region although Italy is in Mediterranean (or Southern) Europe - it's also true that all regions in North-Eastern Italy consider themselves as Central European (and indeed they have more geographic similarities with Slovenia - which is considered fully Central European and on the southern part of the Alps - than with the rest of Italy). The region is composed of high mountains and their valleys. The best known part of South Tyrolean Alps are the Dolomites including Schlern (2,662 m) and Rosengarten (3,002 m). The Dolomites are in eastern South Tyrol while the highest mountains are in western South Tyrol with the Ortler Alps (highest peak - 3.902 m). The Dolomites offer some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the planet with their striking appearance, which has evolved over millions of years as erosion and weathering shaped what were originally under-sea coral reefs. They take their name from Deodat de Dolomieu, the French geologist who first described them. The most important river is the Adige/Etsch which flows into the Adriatic Sea while the Eisack and Rienz are the two most important of the Adige's/Etsch's tributaries in South Tyrol. The Adige trench runs north - south, dividing the western (known as the Brenta) and eastern Dolomites. The only river which doesn't flow into the Adriatic Sea is the Drava which passes through most of the Central European countries and enters the Black Sea.

Climate [ edit ]

There are a lot of different and strange climates inside South Tyrol - normally South Tyrolean climate is sunny and dry and warmer than on the northern part of the Alps. That doesn't mean that the climate has to be Mediterranean - as local tourist guides say. The climate is of continental type (hot summers and cold winters with ambiguous springs and autumns) influenced by Alpine characteristics - for example summer is the year's most rainy season. On the mountains and in upper valleys the climate is strongly alpine (very cold winters and fresh summers). During the winter and the springs in the valleys blows often the föhn - a strong wind which is normally warm in the winter and cold in the spring. Summers in the lower valleys (Bolzano and Merano surroundings) can be very sultry. Annual average temperature in Bolzano is 11.6°C and the extreme records there go from -17 to +40°C. On the upper valleys the temperature is considerably lower (annual average from 3 to 5°C). Winter is the better season for skiing, spring and autumn for hiking and visiting places and summer for hiking in the woods - pay attention to the weather conditions!

People and culture [ edit ]

South Tyrol is a region of multiple identities - South Tyrolean can differently feel themselves as Tyroleans, Austrians, of German ethnicity, Italians, Ladins or simply South Tyrolean - or "Altoatesini". Normally German-speaking people feel specifically South Tyroleans and Tyroleans on an historical level while Italian-speaking people feel mainly Italians or Italian-speaking South Tyroleans (or eventually "Altoatesini" - people from Upper Adige). Ladin-speaking people consider themselves as Ladins but historically as Tyrolean Ladins. Ethnic tension has been a major problem in the past, but nowadays ethnic tensions play themselves out more inside political parties. For the most part and particular within the younger generations all three groups coexist in relative peace and harmony with the Ladins playing the role of a kind of middle-man peace broker in the past. The success of multi-cultural South Tyrol is largely due in part to the generous cultural and political autonomy that the region has been granted by Rome with the seal of approval from Vienna.

For the descendants of native Tyroleans the national hero is Andreas Hofer who fought against the Revolutionary French in order to save their homeland's freedom. Other famous South Tyroleans are Walther von der Vogelweide – the most celebrated of the Middle High German lyrics poet who was supposed to have been born near Bolzano – and the Medieval poet Oswald von Wolkenstein .

German-speaking (but often without ethnic distinction) South Tyroleans have stereotypes in common with Bavarians – from the Italian point of view: Lederhosen (leather pants), sausages and a lot of beer. From Germany they are seen as Mediterranean, singers and wine drinkers. Alcohol is though a problem in South Tyrol's society for all ethnic groups – especially among the young.

South Tyrol has two unofficial anthems: one is the Tyrolean anthem - which is officially recognized in Austrian Tyrol - and the other is a famous song (known as "Bozner Bergsteigerlied" or "Südtirollied") which begins with the words " Wohl ist die Welt so groß und weit... " ( Surely is the world so big and wide... ). Ladins have also their own anthems (Gherdëina Gherdëina for the Gardena Valley and a general anthem of Ladins). South Tyrol participate every year to the Gran Prix der Volksmusik which is broadcast in Eurovision - its first participation has been in 2001 and has won every year since then. The most known folk group are probably the Kastelruther Spatzen . Pop and rock are the preferred styles by the young.

South Tyroleans are almost all Catholics and quite conservative - but it depends on the areas. In the most touristy developed regions and in cities or bigger towns people are more open. It's said that there is no big differences in behavior of Germans or Italians - forming a nice inter-ethnic regional identity, some tourists affirm that local Italians are a bit closer and different from other Italians.

Today the region is famous for its sporty people such as Isolde and Carolina Kostner , Armin Zöggeler (sled's world champion) or Ylenia Scapin . Other famous people include the former journalist and now European parliamentary Lilli Gruber . Italian athletes from South Tyrol often represent Italy in the Winter Olympics and have won many times. This draws an interesting parallel to the Quebecois of Canada.

Trilingualism [ edit ]

The majority of the South Tyrolean population is German-speaking and in some valleys it's the totality. The Italian-speaking population lives mainly in the Bolzano/Bozen urban area and other larger towns like Merano/Meran. Ladin-speaking people live in the Gardena and Badia Valleys. Keep in mind that all South Tyroleans are taught Italian and that almost all Ladins speak German. Italians tend to be monolingual depending upon where they live. All the road signs have to be bilingual (trilingual where Ladin is spoken), and normally the first name identifies the majority language in the area.

Mass Media [ edit ]

In South Tyrol there is a trilingual media panorama and international newspapers are easy to find (especially from Germany). There are no local newspapers in English but the most popular dailies are the Dolomiten (conservative) in German and the Alto Adige (independent) in Italian. Other dailies are the Neue Südtiroler Tageszeitung (liberal) and the Corriere dell'Alto Adige (independent) - the local edition of the Italian Corriere della Sera . The most popular edition of Alto Adige is on Sunday - Dolomiten isn't published on Sunday and at its place there is the Sunday tabloid Zett . The most important weekly is the ff (liberal) in German.

The Italian public broadcaster RAI has a broadcasting centre in Bolzano (called Sender Bozen in German, Sede di Bolzano in Italian and Radio TV Ladina in Ladin) which produces a trilingual program daily. The local radio of RAI (FM4) transmits in German, Ladin and Italian (news in Italian are transmitted on Radio 2). News in German every hour and news in Ladin two times a day. Many private radio broadcasters transmit in Italian, German or Ladin - a radio from Bolzano (Radio Tandem) transmits also for the immigrant population (Albanian, Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian).

Also television broadcasts in the three regional languages with five newscasts every day. News in Italian ( Telegiornale Regionale ) are broadcast in Bolzano and Trento and cover Trentino and South Tyrol and are on air at 14:00, 19:35 and at night with news only for South Tyrol. News in German ( Tagesschau ) at 20:00 and 22:10 and news in Ladin ( TRAIL ) at 19:55. German general programmes are broadcast every evening, on Thursday evening in Ladin and on Sunday morning in Italian. RAI Bolzano transmits on the regional frequency of the Italian State-run RAI3. Two private television broadcasters (Videobolzano 33 and TCA) transmit only in Italian (evening news at 19:30 on Videobolzano 33 and at 19:00 on TCA).

Tourist Board [ edit ]

South Tyrol Marketing Pfarrplatz, 11 (+39 0471 999999, [email protected] ) - Contacting the South Tyrol Tourist Board you can get information about the region and single areas and ask for catalogs and brochures.

Magazines, events calendars [ edit ]

Inside - events in South Tyrol bilingual (German, Italian) pocket calendar with all events in Bozen and in South Tyrol. The index is written in English. You can find it everywhere. Free. Also online available.

Holidays [ edit ]

The best-loved holiday in South Tyrol is probably Christmas. The Christmas atmosphere begins the first Advent Sunday and the first Christmas-related unofficial holiday is on 6th December when the Nikolaus (St Nicholas) brings sweeties and small gifts to the children. In all South Tyrol there are ceremonies and the arrival of the Krampus - violent devils (be careful, they could hit if drunk). South Tyroleans celebrate Christmas on the eve night. Between Christmas and 6th January children dressed as the Three Kings (the Sternsänger , cantors of the star) go home to home to sing and collect money for charities. Differently as in other parts of Italy and commonly as in Catholic German-speaking countries, in South Tyrol the Whit Monday is a regional festivity. During Carnival ( Fasching in German) there are a lot of events. Here a list of official festivities (shops and offices are closed):

• New Year's Day ( Neujahr , Capodanno ), January 1 - shops are closed on December 31 afternoon too
• Three Kings' Day (Epiphany) ( Dreikönigstag , Epifania ), January 6
• Thursday Carnival's Day ( Fetter Donnerstag , Giovedì Grasso ), shops are closed in the afternoon
• Tuesday Carnival's Day ( Fetter Dienstag , Martedì Grasso ), shops are closed in the afternoon
• Easter ( Ostern , Pasqua ), variable (on Sunday) - date is the same as in other western countries. Also Easter Monday is holiday.
• Liberation Day ( Italienischer Staatsfeiertag , Giornata nazionale della Liberazione dal nazifascismo ), April 25 - nationalwide festivity although in South Tyrol American troops arrived on May 3, 1945.
• May Day ( Tag der Arbeit , Festa del Lavoro ), May 1
• Whit Monday ( Pfingstmontag , Lunedì di Pentecoste ), variable (end May, begin June)
• National Holiday ( Italienischer Staatsfeiertag , Festa della Repubblica ), June 2
• Assumption of Our Lady , August 15 ( Mariä Himmelfahrt , Assunzione - slang in both languages Ferragosto )
• All Saint's Day , November 1 ( Allerheiligen , Ognissanti ) - the night before many youths celebrate Halloween - it doesn't belong to the locale tradition
• St Nicholas ( Nikolaustag , San Nicolò ), December 6 - shops are open
• Immaculate Conception ( Mariä Empfang , Immacolata Concezione ), December 8
• Christmas ( Christtag , Natale ), December 25 - shops are closed on December 24 afternoon too
• St Stephen Day ( Stephanitag , Santo Stefano ), December 26

Talk [ edit ]

The official languages in South Tyrol are German and Italian , while Ladin is official in parts of the region and semi-officially recognized elsewhere. In general, everyone younger can speak and is taught Italian. One could say that most Ladin people can speak German as well but only a few Italian South Tyrolians can speak German depending on where they live. If they live in big cities they are unlikely to speak German. Really to get around outside of Bolzano or Merano one should speak German. All road signs and services to the public have to be provided in both languages. In the regional parliament deputies can speak their mother tongue and laws have to be published bilingual. The ancient Ladin language originated after the invasion of the Ancient Romans in the Alpine region. It is spoken in the Gardena and Badia valleys, and also in the Fassa Valley in Trentino and Cortina d'Ampezzo area in Veneto. Ladin has a fully official status in the valleys in which it's spoken and also in the capital it's common to see trilingual signs - but not road signs. It is a sister language of Romansh, still spoken in eastern Switzerland and Friulian, spoken in north-eastern Italy.

Every 10 years during the census South Tyrolean have to declare their ethnic affiliation in order to decide the percentage which has to be given at working places to German-, Italian- or Ladin-speakers. According to the 2011 census 69.41% declared to be German-speaking, 26.06% were Italian-speaking and 4.53% were Ladin-speaking.

Italian-speaking South Tyroleans live mostly in Bolzano - about 55% of the whole Italian-speaking population, and they are a majority in 4 other municipalities: its metropolitan area - the three metropolitan municipalities of Laives, Bronzolo and Vadena, and in the village of Salorno which borders Italian-speaking Trentino to the south. There are other big Italian-speaking communities in the most important towns such as Meran, Brixen, Sterzing and generally in the Wipp Valley. Ladin-speaking people are a majority in 8 municipalities and there are small minorities in Bolzano (0.71%), Brixen and Bruneck. German-speaking South Tyrolean are the dominant group in 103 of 116 municipalities - the most German-speaking village is Sankt Pankraz with a 99.81% German-speaking population. In general the more rural, the more likely the inhabitants speak German.

In everyday life most German-speaking South Tyroleans speak their local dialect, generally called Südtirolerisch , but this has a lot of varieties from location to location. The South Tyrolean German dialect is related to the Bavarian dialects spoken in Austria and Bavaria. Some loan words have been taken from Italian - especially bad words, though! A local Italian dialect exists only in the area of Laives in the Bolzano metropolitan area - here Italian-speakers of Trentinan ancestry speak a dialect of central Trentino mixed with local German dialect (this dialect is commonly called Laivesòt ). Only old Italian-speakers can speak the dialect (mostly Venetian) of origin being the others born in South Tyrol where the literary standard was the solution in order to communicate - however in local Italian there is a regional Venetian substrate as well as German influences. Ladin has no officially recognized literary standard - but it exists - and Ladins speak in South Tyrol two different dialects: Gherdeina and Badiot.

So, if you're going to go to South Tyrol it would be better to know some words of German instead of Italian, especially if you decide to visit villages and the mountains - in some valleys some local populations could have problems understanding foreigners speaking Italian, which is for them a foreign language too, particularly if they are elderly.

English is spreading fast and especially younger people can speak it, but this depends on their education level. English is a compulsory subject in South Tyrolean schools. In hotels, tourist offices and tourist places English is well known. In other places it would be better if you know some words of German (or Italian). French is not so popular but especially in Bolzano and other towns some young people can speak a little French.

Get in [ edit ]

Italian foreign ministry has a page [dead link] available also in English for entry documents required by foreign nationals. Because Italy is a signatory to the Schengen treaty there are no problems if you come with an Austrian or Swiss visa, as they are two member states of Schengen also - although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union .

There are no border controls between Schengen Agreement nations - so also the last controls at the border to Switzerland have dissolved.

By plane [ edit ]

The only airport in South Tyrol is the Airport Bolzano Dolomites in the capital city Bolzano . Nearest major hubs are Munich airport in Germany and Milano Malpensa Airport while other airports near South Tyrol are in Innsbruck , Austria and Verona . Low cost flights only to/from Verona , Treviso or Bergamo . Airport transfers are available. Normally Inghams offers direct flights from England in winter.

By train [ edit ]

South Tyrol is well connected, you'll most likely be coming from the rest of Italy via Verona or from the North via Innsbruck (Austria) and through the Brenner Pass. Free WiFi is available in the SAD and Trenitalia electric railcars, for which a one-time registration is required. These trains tend to be wheelchair friendly. The push-pull style Trenitalia trains that also operate in the region can be a challenge for the disabled, who need wheelchairs.

The main connection from the North is over the Brenner Pass from Innsbruck (Austria). There are good connections via Innsbruck from Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Zurich and the rest of North/Central Europe through these cities.

Passengers coming from Graz , or South-Central Europe ( Zagreb , Maribor ) may find the connection via Lienz in East Tyrol and into the Puster Valley ( Bruneck , Franzenfeste) useful. Its also possible to get in from Vienna this way, but connections are much less frequent.

It is often cheaper or necessary to buy two separate train tickets if coming from abroad (Austria, Germany, etc.) and then changing to a local train. The Northern most station in South Tyrol is Brenner and is exactly at the border. If you change trains here, you can buy local transportation tickets and the 'Value Card' at vending machines.

See 'Getting Around' getting around for more details.

By bus [ edit ]

South Tyrol is very well connected by bus mainly with Germany and Eastern Central Europe. Traveling by bus is cheaper than by train and it could be a good solution if you find what you are looking for. The local travel agency Gross organizes up to 12 bus connections every month between Bolzano and Munich (one-way ticket for €25). Almost every important city in Poland is connected with Bolzano through international bus connections - normally arrival is in Genoa . The Polish travel agency Wikel [formerly dead link] is the most known for this cheap connections. If you are coming from Romania your reference could be the Romanian CentroTrans travel agency which has also offices in England. Coaches from Romania stop in Bolzano but also in Brixen . In the Romanian website about bus stations you can find arrivals and departures from Romania/to South Tyrol at the Bolzano bus station. Connections with Slovakia from/to Bratislava are operated by the Eurolines agency [formerly dead link] in Bratislava. Connections with the Czech Republic are operated by the Tourbus agency (web site also in English available) with buses from Prague or Brno and other places. Prices are cheap - a return ticket from Brno to Bolzano costs €94. Tourist connections are also available from Southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland - this connections are operated by the German travel agency Südtirol Tours or by the Swiss Südtirol Express . In winter bus transfers between low cost airports in Northern Italy and tourist destinations are available - for this check on the official tourism board web site.

By car [ edit ]

You have to drive through South Tyrol, anyway, if you are coming from Germany to other part of Italy. The A22 motorway (also known as the Brenner Motorway ) passes through South Tyrol and splits the region into two sides - west and east. In Austria the Brenner motorway is coded as A13 and while identification road signs in Italy are green, in Austria and Germany, they are blue. In South Tyrol there are 8 motorway exits (two of them in Bolzano) while tool booths are only at 6 exits - in Sterzing you will pay for the remaining itinerary. For a car which goes from Neumarkt-Auer to Brenner you will pay €5.40 and from Bolzano South and Bolzano North €0.60 (March 2007). On the web site of the A22 society you can check the fare you might have to pay. The motorway charges a fee except in case of strikes involving the staff at the booths. For driving on Austrian motorways you have to buy the Vignette (available for a 10-days, 2-months and 1-year-validity) - for a car a 10-days-validity vignette costs €7.60 (2007). An exception is on the route between Innsbruck South and Brenner - here you have to pay €8 for the whole itinerary at the booths. German motorways are for free.

On the same side of the A22 motorway there is also the Statal Road 12 (known also as Abetone-Brenner ) which is for free. If you come from East Tyrol (nearest regions: Carinthia, Slovenia) you will pass the border at Winnebach and the route is for free, so it's also coming from Switzerland with the border at Taufers im Münstertal and from other mountain passes through South Tyrol like Reschenpass. You could have to pay a fee for passing the Jaufenpass on the Austrian side.

Get around [ edit ]

Almost all places are very well connected by train or by bus ( SII ) and roads are considered to be the best well-kept in Italy and road signs are not an exception or ambiguous.

Value Card [ edit ]

If you want to travel inside South Tyrol and up to Innsbruck or Trento by bus or by train you can buy the "Value Card" ("Wertkarte" or "Carta valore") for €5, €10 or €25 and you will pay less with this card which has validity only in South Tyrol - in other parts of Italy you have to buy a ticket at the train station every time. In major cities and their metropolitan areas this tickets can be bought also in general shops like bakeries, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, other retail stores and in the tourist offices. All dealers have identification stickers. In smaller places you can find them at bus stations. For more information check see the regional transport system website .

MobilCard [ edit ]

• The MobilCard [dead link] is a convenient and cheap way to get around the region. These cards can be bought in all sales outlets of the South Tyrolean transport association and in the various tourist associations in the region.
• The Mobilcard is available as a 3-day or 7-day ticket and is valid on all public transport in the South Tyrolean transport association.
• The Bikemobil Card is available as a day card, 3-day card and 7-day card. It enables a combined use of public transport from the South Tyrolean transport association and rental bicycles.
• The Museumobil Card is available as a 3-day card and a 7-day card and, in addition to using all public transport of the South Tyrolean transport association, enables free entry to around 80 museums throughout South Tyrol.

All main valleys are crossed by trains and the two regional main hubs are Bolzano and Franzensfeste, while the main train route is that which goes from North to South and vice versa - the international one. Bolzano is the major hub in the region and also serves between Southern and Central Europe. Throughout the province transfers are well timed and even regional service is frequent (hourly). From Bolzano you can catch a train which arrives up to Mals in the Vinschgau valley and from Franzensfeste there are the trains that bring you to Lienz in the East Tyrol, Austria and passes through the Puster Valley . Traveling by train is relatively cheap if compared to Austria or Germany yet trains are punctual, unlike many regions in Italy.

Railway Streches: There are four railway stretches in South Tyrol:

• Pustertal Line is a branch line from Franzenfeste to Bruneck and Innichen and continuing onward to East Tyrol in Austria.
• Meraner Line is a branch line that goes between Bolzano and Meran.
• Vinschgerbahn Line is a continuation of the Meraner Line .

Tickets: Train service is now split between a 'privatized' operation and the Italian state company Trenitalia . This is rather new and even confuses locals, hopefully the situation will change again soon, but for now its best to be careful which tickets you have for which train. There are three main types of tickets:

• [Long-] Distance Tickets either for Trainitalia or for DB/ÖBB Italia are normally issued for specific long-distance express trains like EuroCity Trains and may include connections to local trains. There are domestic and international variants. They are cheaper if bought in advance (online sales possible) and need to purchased for the specific train/operator.
• Single Tickets for regional trains (normally denoted with an 'R' or otherwise marked on the schedule), can be bought from point-to-point domestically. They are basically the same as the Value Card tickets, but may be easier for visitors for use.
• Value Card is indeed an amazing value, as it give a significant reduction over Single Ticket price. It is valid on all local and regional trains (including to Innsbruck in Austria). Cards are available in €5, €10 and €20 denominations from white vending machines and at sales points (train stations, small shops). You then need to validate the card before each journey by inserting it into a green stamping machine and entering the destination code where you're headed. The codes are posted by the machines in all stations and buses. Locals know the system takes some getting used to and are very helpful.

Travelling across South Tyrol from Mals (West) to Innichen (East) will cost about €14 and it's a travel of about 4 hours. The Value Card fare from Bolzano Central Station to Mals is €6.43 and it's a travel of about 2 hours - while from Bolzano to Innichen costs €8.22 and it's also travel of 2 hours. Between Bolzano and Mals or Innichen there are also direct connections during the day but travel time doesn't change. Reaching Innsbruck costs €12.78 and the travel lasts 2 hours. (All prices using the Value Card.)

Operators: The operating companies and train-types:

• Trenitalia operate mostly regional services on the Brennerlinie between Brenner and Bolozano and onward to the rest of Italy. They also operate some regional/local trains on the branch lines, including the occasional connection from Lienz in East Tyrol (Austria) via Bruneck and Franzenfeste to Innsbruck (in the northern part of Austrian Tyrol). Many trains are old and not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Trenitalia do operate some express trains (EuroCity, InterCity, espresso, EuroNight) from Bolzano south--Be sure to have a Distance Ticket if boarding one of these (aboard these trains regional tickets are worthless).
• DB/ÖBB Italia (Italian) is a partnership between Austrian Railways ( Ö sterreichische B undes b ahnen ) [1] , D eutsche B ahn (Germany) [2] and the Italian company Trenord (previously LeNORD). They jointly operate several daily EuroCity express trains that run Munich-Innsbruck-Brenner-Franzenfeste-Brixen-Bolzano-Verona/Milan/Venice/etc. You need a ticket specifically for these trains, Trenitalia tickets are not valid. Tickets are available (surcharge-free) aboard, at the public transportation vending maschines in South Tyrol or at specific DB-ÖBB offices and partner agencies in other Italian cities. Online, DB [3] [dead link] is the easiest place to buy them.
• Südtirol Bahn (also known as Vinschger Bahn[-operater] after their original stretch. Operates most of the trains on the Pustertalbahn : Franzenfeste-Bruneck-Innichen-Leinz (A), and many trains on the other regional lines Meraner Linie and Vinschgerbahn . Their trains are all comfortable, new, and accessible (as well as the majority of stations they serve).
• ÖBB Regional & S-Bahn operate local S-Bahn trains that connect perfectly to the Trenitalia regional/local arrivals and departures in Brenner (for onward travel to Innsbruck). Also they operate some trains to Innichen on the border to East Tyrol, where services connect to Südtirol Bahn trains on the Pustertal Line

The local public transportation website has all the details, and the only understandable trip-planner for the region.

Buses reach places that trains can't. South Tyrol has excellent bus connections inside the country with a very efficient transport system. Traveling by bus is not expensive and permit to go up to the most isolated village on the mountains. The major regional hub is at Bolzano bus station. From Bolzano depart buses to the places in the surrounding districts (metropolitan area and mountain villages) and to the most important distant towns. From the major local hubs (Meran, Brixen, Sterzing, Bruneck and Schlanders) depart buses to the nearest surrounding areas. On regional buses you can buy your ticket on board too - drivers sell also value cards.

Also the smallest and most isolated mountain village is well connected through a well-kept road. In South Tyrol there are three kind of roads: local roads, provincial roads ( SP/LS meaning Strada Provinciale / Landesstraße ) and statal roads ( SS meaning Strada Statale / Staatsstraße ) - however provincial and statal roads are run by the regional government of South Tyrol. Highway A22 is a toll road and paying is compulsory. In South Tyrol police seems to be much less tolerant than in other parts of Italy, so pay attention and keep to the rules.

Traffic signs are always very precise and the usage of pictographs is more common than in other parts of Europe since in South Tyrol two or three languages have to be used. In most parts of South Tyrol signs are written in the German/Italian order, while in Bolzano and other smaller Italian-speaking areas in Italian/German. Also complimentary information is bilingual. In the Ladin-speaking valleys road signs are trilingual - Ladin/German/Italian.

Speed limits are:

• 130 km/h on highways (green traffic sign);
• 110 km/h on freeways (blue traffic sign - similar to a free highway);
• 90 km/h on single-lane roads (blue traffic sign);
• 50 km/h inside cities (after the white traffic sign on which is written the place name).

Italian laws allow a 5% tolerance on local speed limit and fines are generally very expensive.

Motorbikes should drive always with the headlights on, for other vehicles that applies only outside cities. In mountain roads there are a lot of accidents involving bikers - so pay attention.

The tolerated limit of alcohol is 0.50g/L in blood. Being above this limit is thus illegal and can entitle you an expensive fine and license withdraw and maybe also a night in jail. Also driving after having taking drugs is illegal. All passengers are required to wear their seat belt and children under 10 must use the back seat.

By bike [ edit ]

South Tyrol has one of the most developed bike trail systems in Italy and especially in the valleys you can reach most of the towns in the region and also in the surrounding regions. Along bike trails there are a lot of lay over points. The majority of bike trails begin in Bolzano/Bozen. On the web site of the regional government you can find the maps of the bike trail systems in South Tyrol divided by districts or Bezirke.(German and Italian). In this region are different shops for the rental of bicycles, if you want come or extend your tour from the Veneto Region is recommended Venetian shop in Mira that can arrange with a small fee: deliver pickup, drop off and customized logistics support for move of your luggage/bike.

See [ edit ]

Picturesque villages and mountainside churches.

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ], currency [ edit ].

As South Tyrol is a part of Italy and consequently of the Eurozone, the official currency is the Euro. The best rates for changing money are offered by banks. Nobody will accept foreign money anymore, though at the time of national currencies, German Marks and Austrian Schillings were quite accepted.

Costs [ edit ]

The prices are a bit higher than the Italian average but it depends on the area - and for example they are in any case cheaper than in the United Kingdom. Most touristy developed areas are more expensive than the regional average. For example, accommodations in the Bolzano metropolitan area town of Laives are cheaper. There is big differences also in prices between hotels of the same category - so a three star hotel could have similar prices to four but also two star hotels. Four and five stars hotels could ask more than €100 for a night staying but two stars hotels ask less than €40 (except in highly touristy developed areas). If you want to save money avoid to reserve a room in famous places and prefer near but less popular locations. Youth hostels are cheap if you see that the quality is much higher than European standards.

Tipping [ edit ]

In South Tyrol tipping is not so common - however in tourist areas it's quite normal and accepted. If you also were satisfied of the service you could round up the bill.

Shopping [ edit ]

South Tyrol is the souvenir paradise: loden, traditional hand-crafts and regional delicatessen. Especially if you want to buy some delicatessen like speck (a kind of smoked ham) , dairy products, confectionary, apples, bread, honey or wine, grappa and apple juice you can find them also in supermarkets where they are far cheaper than in tourist shops - but they have a greater choice. All typical products from South Tyrol have a distinction mark within is written "Südtirol". It's to note that also typical meals are to be found frozen in supermarkets like e.g. spätzele, knödel and schlutzkrapfen. A local company called Nägele produces a lot of popular juices but also local coke and spetzi (coke mixed with lemonade). You can find the South Tyrolean coke in glass bottles in some supermarkets and in their store in Algund near Meran. The most famous South Tyrolean biscuits are probably the wafers of Loacker: in Bolzano there is an official store which sells all kind of Loacker biscuits.

ATMs [ edit ]

ATMs in South Tyrol are called Bancomat. They are widespread and you will find them even in smaller, rural villages. The majority of shops, restaurants and hotels accept ATM cards and credit cards.

Bargaining [ edit ]

Bargaining is absolutely not common and considered strange - only with the immigrant pitchmen is possible to bargain.

Opening hours [ edit ]

Opening hours can be different in tourist destinations and in towns. In tourist places during high season shops are open also on Sunday for example. Seasonal sales begin first in the valleys and after in tourist places. Normally in Bolzano winter sales begin around 7th January and summer sales after the 15th August. On Sunday shops are closed - sometimes hypermarkets in Bolzano are open.

• Supermarkets (in Bolzano and major centres): 08:00 – 19:00 (sometimes until 19:30, on Saturday sometime until 18:00)
• Supermarkets (in other centres, also some chains in Bolzano): 08:00/08:30 - 12:30/13:00 in the morning and 15:00-19:00 in the afternoon
• Hypermarkets (in Bolzano): 08:30/09:00 - 20:00
• Department stores: 08:30 - 19:30
• Small and middle shops: 08:30/09:00 – 19:00/19:30
• Petrol stations: along the highways usually 24 hr a day, along the freeway Bolzano-Merano 06:00-23:00

Eat [ edit ]

South Tyrolean cuisine is typically Austrian (Tyrolean) with Mediterranean influences but today also Italian stereotyped specialties like pizza and pasta with Bolognese sauce are offered as local dishes in Tyrolean-style restaurants - however portions are big and flavor sometimes better than in other parts of Italy. Chives here is almost everywhere.

Typical South Tyrolean products include Speck (a kind of smoked ham), a lot of sorts of bread, strudel, apples and a lot of pastries. During Christmas typical cakes are Zelten and Christstollen.

The regional dish par excellence is the Knödel . Knödel are bread balls with speck or other ingredients, and were a complete meal in the past. There are also sweet knödel which are made with apricots ( Marillenknödel ), with plum ( Zwetschgenknödel ), with chestnuts ( Kastanienknödel ).

Other known entries include specialties such as Herrengröstl (potatoes, beef, onions, speck), Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancake with raisin and sugar), Gulaschsuppe (typical dish in all of Central Europe), Schlutzkrapfen (a kind of dumpling with spinach or other ingredients), Spätzle (a kind of spinach dumpling), pork roast or sausages with sauerkraut.

In pubs and cafés snacks are offered - among them there is a local invention called Bauerntoast ( farmer's toast ), which is toasted local rye-bread stuffed with speck and cheese (sometimes also with salami or small tomatoes) and dished with ketchup and mayonnaise.

Bread is very important and there are a lot of local bakery chains. In the Bolzano area there are e.g. Lemayr, Eisenstecken, Franziskaner, Hackhofer. In bakeries it is possible to buy cheap sandwiches and pastries. Bakeries operate also in supermarkets - here prices are even lower.

Restaurants in small places close very early (around 21:00), while in major centers and tourist areas the kitchen closes around 22:00/23:00.

Restaurants [ edit ]

In Bolzano and major towns there are a lot of different kind of restaurants including ethnic specialties. In the most conservative parts of South Tyrol the only choice is the Gasthof , the typical Austrian-style restaurant with local dishes. The most traditional are quite cheap but there are some Gasthof which was transformed into a luxury local restaurant. A meal could cost between €8-12. Menus are written in German and Italian, sometimes also in English. In all restaurant in South Tyrol menus are at least bilingual, while in the more expensive restaurants menus are normally also written in English and in some places also in Dutch. It's common to split up the bill in a group, except in very expensive restaurants.

Imbiss [ edit ]

'Imbiss' means fast food, and is what you will see on the sign of stands that sell primarily sausage (Wurst) and fries (Pommes Frites). Sausages will include Bratwurst, which is fried and usually a boiled pork sausage. In South Tyrol, the variant known as Currywurst is very popular. It is a sausage chopped up and covered in spiced ketchup, dusted with curry powder. Imbisse are found in major centres and on the roads. They are cheap. Beer and often harder liquor are available in most. 'Döner Kebab' is lamb or chicken with Turkish origins stuffed into bread, similar to Greek Gyros and Arab Schawarma. In Bolzano it's very popular and was imported from Austria and Germany by Montenegrin immigrants years ago - Bolzano is maybe the first city in Italy where a kebab stand was opened. There are a dozen kebab stands there. In other towns kebabs are more difficult to find. McDonald's has a location only in Bolzano.

Vegetarian [ edit ]

Vegetarianism is not common but many restaurants offer dishes which don't contain meat. A lot of hotels and restaurants offer a vegetarian menu for their guests, but only Bolzano has more choices with restaurants for vegetarian diets.

Drink [ edit ]

The legal drinking age in South Tyrol is 18. Local alcoholic drinks include wine and beer. Nightlife can be found mainly in Bolzano - other towns are a bit more sleepy, but you can find discos, disco pubs and pubs in major centres and in tourist areas. However, the most popular ones are in the Bolzano metropolitan area. Pubs are open until 01:00 or 02:00 in the morning and begin to be full of people after 20:30-21:00 on Saturday. Discos are open until 06:00 and people go there around midnight.

Beer [ edit ]

Beer in South Tyrol is a very popular drink among all ages. The local brewing company Forst is the leader in South Tyrol. Forst produces six kinds of beer and the Premium is the most known and drunk. In South Tyrol there are also small brewhouses (pubs that produces their own beer). In Bolzano the Bozner Bier is very popular and can be found only in the pub in which it's made and in a restaurant.

In pubs and restaurants you could have a big choice of beers, the majority of which is imported - especially from Germany. In some hypermarkets in Bolzano there is a big choice of local and export beers also from Australia, Japan and Mexico. Normally there is no price difference between local or export beers in pubs or restaurant - however Guinness could be a bit more expensive. Irish pubs are spreading in all South Tyrol and especially in the capital.

Wine [ edit ]

South Tyrol is a renowned wine producer. The three most known local types are Lagrein and Magdalener both from Bolzano and Gewürztraminer from Tramin. Especially in the south of South Tyrol there are a lot of cellar in which you can taste the wine from producer. Other sorts of wine include pinot blanc or vernatsch. Despite the fact that South Tyrol has one of the smallest vineyard surfaces in Italy it's considered to be in the top 5 regions in quality.

Coffee [ edit ]

South Tyrol is the ideal place for people who love coffee. Here you can find typical Italian espresso and Viennese cappuccino, or Irish coffee and American coffee. Normally small bars offer only Italian-style coffee and in some cases German coffee, though. The best American coffee can be found at McDonald's in Bolzano (ask for take away if you want to have the paper glass) for only €0.90 - here you can drink the cheapest coffee in South Tyrol. Coffee in South Tyrol is the most expensive in Italy with an average of €1 for an espresso (in the Bolzano city centre or in exclusive bars also €1.20) but it's far less expensive than in neighboring Austria or in Germany.

Glühwein [ edit ]

If you are visiting South Tyrol in winter you can drink the very popular Glühwein ( mulled wine ), a spiced wine served very hot to comfort you in the cold of winter. You can find it especially in the Christmas markets or in ski resorts' après ski.

Spirits [ edit ]

In South Tyrol there is a big production of grappa which is very good quality. However, in South Tyrol you can find all kind of spirits.

Cocktails and aperitifs [ edit ]

The most popular local cocktail is the Flieger which is Red Bull and vodka and it can be red (with strawberry vodka), black (with raspberry vodka) or white (with normal vodka). The aperitif time begins at 17:00 but a lot of people drink an aperitif also in the night. The most popular drink is Veneziano which is white wine and Aperol.

Soft drinks [ edit ]

In South Tyrol you can find all kinds of soft drinks but the most popular soft drinks are Spezi (pronounce: "sh-peh-tzi") which is a cola-lemonade mix and Spuma which is an aromatic soda, very similar to Austrian Almdudler (which sometimes also can be found).

Sleep [ edit ]

South Tyrol is a tourist region and all options for accommodation are provided. You can find without problems hotels, B&Bs, youth hostels, campings and farm holidays. Tourist offices can help you in finding your ideal accommodation. During the Christmas market period accommodations are full in fast all the region - advanced reservation is required.

Hotels [ edit ]

International hotel chains like Best Western, Sheraton and Steigenberger have franchises in South Tyrol, most of them especially in Bolzano. In South Tyrol there is a local international chain for wellness hotels which has locations also in Austria, Croatia and in the Czech Republic and it's called Falkensteiner. Among hotels are included e.g. luxury, international, typical, big, small, and cheap hotels. There are a lot of pensions (small familiar hotels) and gasthofs (restaurant with rooms for guests). Quality is very high also in small 1-star pensions, so price are not the cheapest in Europe. Category is given in stars (from 1 to 5 where the 5-stars are the most expensive).

• Granpanorama Hotel StephansHof 4-star hotel. St. Stefan 12, Villanders • Tel. +39 0472 843 150 • Fax +39 0472 843 348 • [email protected]

B&Bs, Garni and Residence [ edit ]

B&Bs are more common as Garnis which are very closed but they are more similar to small hotels. Residence are small apartment houses which offer most times also breakfast.

Hostels [ edit ]

In South Tyrol there are six youth hostels ( Jugendherbergen in German, Ostello della Gioventù in Italian) which are budget accommodations but have high standards. They are good places to get to know other travellers. Of these six hostels, four are international youth hostels and two are independent hostels.

There are hostels in Bolzano, Meran, Brixen, Toblach, Salorno and Neumarkt.

Camping [ edit ]

In South Tyrol there are a lot of campings with a lot of services - so they could be a bit more expensive than in other parts of Europe.

Farm [ edit ]

One other possibility in South Tyrol is the holiday on a farm ( Ferien am Bauernhof ). Here the farm is a small familiar company and it's simple to find farmers which made a guest house in their farm. Farms with beds can be found also in city or town outskirts.

Learn [ edit ]

In South Tyrol there is an international and trilingual (English, German, Italian) university - the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano , which was founded in 1997. In Bolzano there are a lot of students from all over the world. The university has also a location in Brixen (Faculty of Education) and Bruneck (Major in Tourism Management). The university has a very important library.

In Brixen there is also the High School of Theological Studies , while in Bolzano there are also other colleges like the Academy of Music and the College for Health-Care Professions.

There are also Italian and German courses provided by the University in Bolzano.

Work [ edit ]

If you know both German and Italian, finding a job in South Tyrol will be a cakewalk.

If you are a citizen of an EU member state, you can start work right away, but if you're a non-EU citizen, you have to get a work permit from the Italian authorities.

Stay safe [ edit ]

South Tyrol is one of the safest regions in Italy and in Europe. There is practically no violent crime. You only need to be careful of pickpockets in crowded places.

Venturing out of town for outdoor activities, especially in winter, there are dangers related to cold weather and mountaineering . Know what you are doing. Especially note the danger of avalanches .

If you need the police, call 113.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

South Tyrolean hospitals and health service are among the top ranked in Italy and for emergencies call 118. There are no dangers for your health.

The tap water is of exceptional quality and safe to drink throughout South Tyrol.

Respect [ edit ]

Given the region's close cultural association with Austria, some of the various respect tips found in the Austria article may come in handy.

South Tyrol is unique in that it is Italy's only German-speaking region. First-time visitors may be surprised at this, but the best thing to do is to just appreciate Italy's cultural and regional diversity.

There are some who advocate for the secession of South Tyrol and want the region to join Austria . Support for secession has declined, but you should refrain from discussing the issue with those who are committed to the cause.

When communicating with German-speakers, try not to use Italian place names for towns in the region, and vice versa for Italian-speakers.

As is the case in all German-speaking societies, Nazism is a societal taboo in South Tyrol. Never shout Nazi phrases like "Sieg heil" or perform the Nazi salute in public, even as a joke. It is extremely vulgar.

Etiquette [ edit ]

In South Tyrol there is an Austrian style mixed to Italian etiquette: for example when entering and leaving public places South Tyrolean always say Grüß Gott or Buongiorno when arriving Auf Wiederschauen or Arrivederci when leaving. Don't say ciao or hallo to people you don't know. It's very impolite. Don't raise your voice or shout in public, especially on public transportation, as this is considered extremely impolite and aggressive. Eye contact is very important if introduced to someone or toasting. When toasting say prost in German or cin cin in Italian - normally, Italian-speakers use both.

Complete nudity is forbidden in public especially if there are children, but it's common to see topless women in beaches and recreational areas.

When eating knödels, note that because they should be tender, if you use a knife for eating them you are saying to the cook that the knödels he/she cooked are not good.

If you are walking in the mountains, it is common to greet the people you meet.

Connect [ edit ]

Calling south tyrol [ edit ].

International code for Italy is +39 while the code for South Tyrol is 047. The final number is 1 for the Bolzano area (0471), 2 for the Brixen area (0472), 3 for the Meran area (0473) and 4 for the Bruneck area (0474). Also calling from abroad you have to put the 0 of the local code.

Phones [ edit ]

Public phones are available in the offices of telecom. Phone boxes are to be found on street and from phone boxes you can also send SMSs. Phone boxes usually operate with prepaid cards which can be obtained from kiosks and tobacco/newspaper stores (German: Trafik , Italian and local German dialect: Tabacchino ).

Phone numbers have an area code followed by the phone number itself. Mobile phone numbers use the prefix prefix without 0 and the first two digits being 32..., 33.., 34.., 38... Toll-free numbers are denoted by 800, numbers starting with 166 or 899 are usually expensive lines.

In the tabacchini you can buy also prepaid cards for calling outside Italy. Especially in Bolzano there are a lot of phone centers run by immigrants where you can phone.

Cell phones [ edit ]

South Tyrol has a perfect GSM and 3G (UMTS) network coverage of nearly 100% in the valleys, in remote mountainous areas you might have problems.

In Italy there are not so much cell network providers which are only four: TIM, Vodafone, Wind and Tre (3G). There is no big difference between them and they are all expensive related to other European countries. In Italy there was a fee for prepaid cards - after a consumer fight this was outlawed.

Internet [ edit ]

You can find internet cafes mainly in Bolzano. Hotels in cities do normally have internet terminals, more expensive hotels provide internet access in the rooms itself.

Go next [ edit ]

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12 Things to Know Before Visiting South Tyrol & the Dolomites

UPDATED: November 26, 2023

Longing to explore the sunny side of the Alps? If you’re one of the lucky few jetting off to this hidden gem, you’ve come to the right place…

In case you haven’t heard, South Tyrol — also known as Südtirol or Alto Adige — is beyond a doubt Italy’s best-kept secret. This Alpine-Mediterranean jewel crowning the far north teems with more cultural diversity and contrasting natural beauty than anywhere else in Europe.

Whether you’re looking to trek in the Dolomites or unwind poolside in sun-drenched valleys, below are 12 things to know before visiting South Tyrol (with plenty more travel tips tucked in).

⇒ Plan Your Visit: Grab our South Tyrol + Dolomites Travel Guide

CONTENTS OVERVIEW

1. Adventure in South Tyrol is Tailor-Made For You

2. hike the waalwegs & promenades, 3. buongiorno or guten morgen, 5. if you want to explore freely…rent a car, 7. farm fresh food is everywhere, 8. accommodations are surprisingly affordable, 9. south tyrol is europe’s apple basket, 10. venture beyond the vino, 11. a sun-drenched paradise with mountain-size mood swings, 12. matters of money, bonus: south tyrol’s 5th season, a land so fiercely enchanting you’ll be back, ensure a positively awesome trip to south tyrol.

We’ve spoken with several travelers wishing to vacation in South Tyrol, but worry the lofty beauty of the Alps and Dolomites is beyond their reach given their older age or fitness level. Nothing could be further from the truth.

South Tyrol makes its breathtaking scenery available to EVERYONE. Thanks to state-of-the-art lift systems set across the region, the young and old, skilled and unskilled, can partake in a multitude of activities among the peaks in every season.

In fact, the second oldest cable car in Europe is in South Tyrol. The San Vigilio Cable Car in Lana was built in 1912. Obviously renovated since then, it allows hikers to take in the full majesty of Mt. Vigiljoch — one of South Tyrol’s most enchanting mountains.

The best part about South Tyrol’s lift systems is they give you the freedom to decide the level of difficulty on every hiking outing. You can purchase one-way tickets, ascend portions of a mountain or simply ride up and down for the views.

With nearly 10,000 miles of trails in the region, maximize your time in the mountains. Take advantage of the lifts whenever you can.

⇒ READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Seceda

Not all travelers like the idea of a cable car swiftly whisking them up several thousand feet. If that’s you, don’t despair. In many areas, you can hop in a funicular to carry you up and down the mountainside without ever leaving the Earth.

For those worried about possibly becoming lost trekking in the vast mountainous landscapes. Don’t be. South Tyrol even takes care of that for you. Maps are readily available in tourist offices and near trailheads. Furthermore, trails are clearly marked with abundant signposts directing your next step. We have never had an issue finding a destination, but before venturing into South Tyrol’s sprawling wilderness you should clearly understand how to properly read trail signage.

We have had cell phone reception in most places, but do not count on it in the remote mountainous areas. That said, we strongly recommend only pulling out your phone for the occasional photo.

Holidays in South Tyrol should be your time to reconnect with nature, family and friends. Office emails can wait.

⇒ READ MORE: Treks in the Dolomites – Your Guide to the Epic Sights of Alpe di Siusi

When visiting South Tyrol, you could easily spend all of your time in the heights of the Dolomites, but the natural splendor South Tyrol offers goes well beyond the famous jutting peaks. Wandering along South Tyrol’s  Waalwegs  is a must.

We adore hiking these paths. They follow ancient water channels that gently ease up the Alps through countless orchards, vineyards, forests and meadows.

While meandering, you’ll enjoy the melody of snow-born water flowing at your feet and encounter crumbling castles, wayside shrines , quaint churches and farms and every other storybook scene you can imagine. Waalwegs offer the ideal way to immerse yourself in South Tyrol’s colliding Alpine and Mediterranean landscapes. You can find them throughout the mountains and valleys around Merano and the Venosta/Vinschgau region.

⇒ GET INSPIRED: Discover the Best Hikes in the Dolomites

South Tyrol also possesses some of the most beautiful promenades in all of Italy. A few of our favorites are located in Merano and Bolzano.

These easy-walking trails expose you to an indelible blend of natural beauty and medieval architectural marvels. You can spend a day wandering them or less than an hour as you might wander past an inviting cafe with the perfect setting to simply sip a drink and bask in the sun.

⇒ READ MORE: Promenading in Merano: Italy’s Most Enchanting Walk

If you’re in the early stages of planning a visit to South Tyrol, you may be wondering why there is a German phrase in an article about a region in Italy.

Nearly 70% of South Tyroleans speak German as their first language while 25% speak Italian and 5% speak Ladin. The result of this linguistic plate of spaghetti is that you’ll encounter road signs, menus and more featuring both German and Italian.

Additionally, you’ll see and hear an ancient Rhaeto-Romance language called Ladin while venturing through the Dolomites. As an example:

• St. Ulrich (German)
• Ortisei (Italian)
• Urtijëi (Ladin)

All are the name of the same town. Signs posted in the Dolomites feature all three languages.

Sound confusing? It’s not if you prepare a bit before arriving.

While you really don’t need to know much German or Italian to enjoy your visit to South Tyrol, you’ll get more out of your trip if you familiarize yourself with keywords and phrases . Most locals are bilingual so they will appreciate you making the effort. We recommend picking the language that comes easiest to you and sticking to it throughout your trip. This will simplify everything from navigating roadways to ordering “vino” or “wein”.

By the way, if you are interested in learning German or Italian ( or practically any language for that matter ), we highly recommend Babbel. We purchased lifetime access at 50% Off and love learning with it. The app is both fun and addicting!

4. Sip Wines of the Alpine Kind

South Tyrol, known by many as the “land of wines”, could also be known for elevating winemaking into an art form. Over the last 3,000 years, South Tyrol’s wine artisans perfected practices to help vines flourish on the mountainsides. Arbored vineyards now tumble along sun-kissed slopes producing award-winning wine and scenery that would make Monet blush.

While you should no doubt indulge in the well-known classics of this region such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, broaden your wine horizons by uncorking lesser-known Alpine wines native to South Tyrol. This includes Lagrein, Vernatsch (also commonly referred to as Schiava) and Gewürztraminer.

Gewürztraminer, originally from Tramin, a sleepy wine village in southern South Tyrol, is an aromatic and expressive white wine unlike any other. Be sure to try a glass or bottle of Gewürztraminer from the “Queen of Gewürztraminer”, Elena Walch . It is one you will remember.

Another white you may not be familiar with, but you should definitely seek out while visiting South Tyrol is Pinot Bianco (also known as Weissburgunder). A close relative to Pinot Grigio, South Tyrol (Alto Adige if you prefer the official Italian designation for the region) produces the best Pinot Bianco in the world. You can read more about our encounter with this delightful wine during our visit to Nals Margreid Winery .

If you’re like us and are looking to do more than simply sip wine with your meals, make sure to schedule the time to venture along the South Tyrolean Wine Road. This picturesque road winds through several wine villages where you can embark on tastings at some of the finest wineries in the world.

⇒ READ ABOUT OUR STAY ALONG THE WINE ROAD: Romancing the Vine at Donà Winery

South Tyrol’s public transportation system is affordable and world-class. Buses and trains can take you throughout much of South Tyrol. During South Tyrol’s busiest seasons, public transit is the most convenient way to travel not to mention budget- and eco-friendly. However, if your heart is set on freely exploring South Tyrol, we recommend renting a car. This allows you to discover the countryside at your own pace and explore off-the-beaten-path gems others miss. Based on our experience, Discover Cars offers the best car rental deals, but that may vary depending on your travel preferences and circumstances.

Navigating the roads in South Tyrol is fairly straightforward. And with today’s navigation apps, you can get step-by-step voice directions to take you anywhere without any hassle.

Driving in the Alps and Dolomites for those not used to mountain roads may seem scary at first thought. But thanks to South Tyrol’s safety-focused roadway designs, one can become comfortable with mountain driving rather quickly. The mountain roads will naturally require greater concentration; however, several waysides exist along the roads allowing you to pull over to take a break or let others pass.

Anyone with a bit of common sense and some pre-trip planning can easily handle Italian roads. To help out, we put together a Driving in Italy Guide you can quickly reference while on Italy’s roadways.

6. Embrace Alpine Wellness

One of the more alluring aspects of South Tyrol is how it mends the mind, body and soul. The immense natural beauty, joyful celebration of cultural traditions and Alpine lifestyle invite you to slow down and soak in your immediate surroundings.

Embrace this invitation. You will not regret it. We’ve always found South Tyrol’s slow travel and slow food appeal hard to resist even when we’re pining for the view over the next mountaintop.

South Tyrol is a haven for health and fitness enthusiasts. Beautiful spas and resorts, both rustic and contemporary in style, dot the landscape allowing you to reap the benefits of Alpine wellness.

If staying at a spa and resort is not your speed or in your budget, you can still take advantage of South Tyrol’s curative powers at places such as Terme Merano.

⇒ DISCOVER WELLNESS DESTINATIONS WE RECOMMEND HERE

Additionally, South Tyrol offers an experience unlike anywhere else with its farm stays. More than 1,600 farms , under the ‘Red Rooster’ seal of quality, allow you to connect with rural life in South Tyrol. You can stay in charming guesthouses and partake in the joyful rigors of farming or simply sit back and admire the idyllic scenery from your balcony.

Few things do more to restore your wellbeing than waking up at an Alpine farm to the distant clang of cowbells and church bells echoing across a mountain valley.

South Tyrol is the culinary star of Italy — possessing more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other part of the country. And unlike many parts of the modern world, the vast majority of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and taverns you will visit while in South Tyrol are family-owned.

South Tyrol’s delicious blend of Tyrolean, German and Italian cultures, launches you on a delectable dining journey brimming with tradition and creativity. Much of South Tyrol’s cuisine is strongly rooted in a farm-to-table custom thanks to the predominance of small-scale farms throughout the region. It’s not uncommon for a South Tyrolean to personally know the farm behind her every meal.

While hiking in the mountains, be sure to feast at traditional Italian mountain huts called rifugios. These cozy, chalet-like establishments offer some of the most flavorful mountain dishes on the planet.

With each bite and sip you take in South Tyrol it’s clear they cherish high quality over high quantity. This culinary edict is born from a deep cultural connection to the land and old traditions. South Tyrolean farmers symbolize the unbreakable bond to the past by adorning a traditional blue apron as they work.

A vacation in South Tyrol is not complete without devouring hearty Alpine culinary delights like smoked speck and dumplings, called canederli or knödel. Combined they make a savory dish known as speckknödel, which is also served as a soup.

Speck is one of South Tyrol’s most revered foods and is integral to countless Alpine recipes, not to mention one of our favorite companions to pizza. Not familiar with speck? It is a smoked, cured ham born from blending traditional Northern European smoking methods with the outdoor curing practices of the Mediterranean. We enjoy speck with breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between.

Of course, no one should visit South Tyrol without satisfying their sweet tooth. A tasty dessert you’ll come to crave is Buchteln — a traditional South Tyrolean marmalade-filled pastry served in vanilla cream.

Since we are on the topic of sweets, another delight you must try from South Tyrol is the crisp wafers and snacks from Loacker.

Founded in 1925 in Bolzano , Loacker’s mountain-size goodness isn’t a surprise considering the Dolomites sit in their backyard. Their products honor classic family traditions using only the best natural ingredients without any artificial colors or flavors. Adding some Loacker goodies to your backpack before hitting a trail is always a sweet move.

Want to try them before visiting South Tyrol? You’re in luck. Visit our shop to find our favorites.

Numerous farmers’ markets take place throughout South Tyrol offering the ideal introduction to local specialties. Take the time to browse these markets. You’ll discover a variety of homemade breads and rolls, fragrant herbs, syrups, jams, as well as exceptional Alpine craftsmanship with unique items such as hand-woven baskets, wood carvings , traditional attire, religious artifacts and holiday decor.

Beyond the streetside markets, plan to visit a Pur Südtirol store. With locations in Bolzano, Merano, Brunico and Lana, these stores showcase a treasure trove of South Tyrolean goods. Inside you can browse more than 1,800 products from local farms.

⇒ YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Speckfest – A Mountain-size Celebration Not to Miss

In our experience, nothing comes close to matching the quality we receive for our dollar than the accommodations in South Tyrol. We have stayed at hotels, inns and resorts throughout Europe and North America, but the value we receive in South Tyrol is ALWAYS far superior.

Whether splurging on a 5-star resort or lodging at a budget-friendly guesthouse, South Tyroleans go above and beyond in their hospitality. You can stay at an authentic rustic farmstead perched on a mountainside for as little as 30-50 € per night. There is no better way to connect with the rural culture and traditions of South Tyrol.

Travel Tip: An effective strategy for budget-conscious travel in Italy — or anywhere else, really — is to secure free accommodation by looking after the homeowner’s pets while they’re away. Discover how this service works by reading a TrustedHousesitters review. This is an especially wonderful option for remote workers to consider.

⇒ FIND TOP-RATED SOUTH TYROL ACCOMMODATIONS HERE

Any discussion about the wonders of South Tyrol without mentioning apples would be reckless. They are everywhere. The delicious fruit has been grown in South Tyrol for more than 1,300 years. Today, more apples come from South Tyrol than any other region in Europe. They are celebrated for their intense flavors and colors.

Rambling through South Tyrol’s apple orchards is an aromatic journey filled with scenery made to steal your breath. You’ll be tempted to steal a bite too, but keep your hands to yourself. You can visit any market to load up the deliciousness the apple trees drop to the valley floor.

While you’re in South Tyrol make sure to pour yourself a glass of the region’s apple juice (called apfelsaft). The smooth sweetness it imparts on your lips will call to you long after you’ve left. It is a worthy alternative to wine any day.

Another apple-born gem you must try is traditional apple strudel (apfelstrudel). South Tyroleans typically enjoy this treat in the afternoon or after dinner as a dessert. However, we enjoy it whenever we can get our hands on it.

⇒ READ MORE:   South Tyrol Apples – Mountains of Goodness in Italy

While it will be tempting to complement all your meals with South Tyrolean wine, we’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t tell you about South Tyrol’s hay milk (“heumilch”). It is the elixir of the mountain gods. And another must-try while visiting South Tyrol. If you’re not wowed after your first sip, the onslaught of the modern world has left your palate as dull as a butter knife.

Of course, when the milk is out of this world, it’s only natural that the cheese would follow suit. With over 200 varieties to savor, here’s a list of acclaimed South Tyrol cheeses to get you started.

Cheese aficionados will not want to miss a visit to DEGUST Cheese Shop. Founded by a Michelin-starred chef, DEGUST specializes in producing choice cheeses from small dairy farms in South Tyrol. The shop is located just minutes away from South Tyrol’s revered Abbey of Novacella — a nearly 1,000-year-old winery and monastery that is a must-see.

Be sure to order a Hugo cocktail while relaxing on the slopes of South Tyrol. This world-famous drink was invented by a South Tyrolean in Naturns. It is a refreshing must-sip no matter when you visit.

Those looking for a libation that packs a bit more punch than wine or a cocktail should definitely order a spirit called “Grappa” . Distilleries in South Tyrol produce grappa from the pomace of grapes (stems, skins, etc. left over after pressing). Many South Tyroleans enjoy grappa after meals to promote digestion. A dash of it is also commonly added to espressos.

When it comes to quenching your thirst after a grueling outdoor excursion, the water from South Tyrol’s pristine mountain springs is a godsend. We consider it the best in the world.

Before heading out on hikes, we fill up our water bottles with water from Plose or Meraner Minerlwasser. The purity of South Tyrol’s water elevates the sensation of refreshing to a new level. If you forget to add a bottle to your backpack, you can order the water at any of the mountain huts along the trails.

South Tyrol bathes in 300 days of sunshine per year. All that heavenly light bestows on travelers an Alpine-Mediterranean oasis ripe for adventure and relaxation.

But even with its sunny disposition, South Tyrol’s weather can be a bit unpredictable. This should be no surprise considering majestic Alpine peaks punctuate nearly every corner. Travelers simply need to be mindful of this when embarking on outdoor adventures.

It’s best to pack rain gear or snow gear depending on when you’re visiting. Rain can occur anytime during the spring, summer and fall. Snow is less predictable. However, if you are visiting anytime from October through May there’s a chance you’ll be encountering old man winter.

We were once caught in a spring rainstorm while hiking along a Waalweg. When we set out on the trail, it was a picture-perfect day with just a few clouds lingering above us. Two hours later that all changed. The rain came out of nowhere. An ungodly amount of it. Then it turned to snow. We were forced to sprint for 15 minutes to a hut set off the trail.

Fortunately, the host at the hut removed the chill from our bones with ample amounts of Schnapps. That, of course, led to another unanticipated adventure: hiking back to the trailhead on liquor-challenged legs.

Much of South Tyrol’s beauty stems from opposing forces of nature. It’s important to wear the proper gear and be mindful of weather conditions as we noted above. That means hiking in sandals isn’t wise and venturing onto questionable cliffs or unmarked areas is just plain stupid. You don’t need to risk injury or your life to capture that next rock star Instagram photo.

Our South Tyrol Travel Resources includes a packing list that helps ensure you stay safe while consuming South Tyrol’s great outdoors. At a minimum, we recommend tossing an umbrella or compact poncho in your backpack when visiting in the spring, summer and fall. We genuinely want you to have the adventure of a lifetime and that means using common sense and respecting nature.

The currency in South Tyrol is the Euro. We recommend obtaining Euros from an ATM (called Bancomat) or bank when in Italy. ATMs are abundant. Even in South Tyrol’s most quaint villages. The majority of shops, restaurants and hotels accept ATM cards and credit cards. Don’t bother exchanging your cash at an exchange booth in an airport as you will not receive the best deal.

If you’re ever not clear on the true cost of an item when looking at its price, download a money-converting app onto your smartphone. There are plenty of free ones in your app store.

South Tyrol is incredibly credit card friendly. In most cases, you can get by at all times by using a credit card with a chip. However, we recommend carrying some cash as it’s much easier when making a purchase at a street or trailside food stand or at any of the many open-air markets you’ll no doubt want to explore.

If you’re visiting during the holiday season, bring cash to South Tyrol’s Christmas markets. None of the stalls accept credit cards from our experience.

When selecting a credit card for your trip be sure to understand if it charges international transaction fees. We recommend using a card that doesn’t charge any, but you may have a card that offers other perks that outweigh any fees incurred while visiting South Tyrol.

Since we’re talking about money you may be wondering how expensive it is to visit South Tyrol. The region is surprisingly affordable. Prices are only slightly higher than in Italy on average. You can find a wealth of accommodations fitting a wide range of budgets and tastes. If you want to save money easily, simply stay off the beaten path in less touristy areas.

Tipping is not expected in South Tyrol; however, it is common to round up the bill if you had a pleasant experience.

Since we’re talking about nature, let’s discuss seasons. South Tyrol has five of them. All are immeasurably enjoyable in their own way, but there is one that stands apart from the others: Törggelen . Törggelen is an age-old tradition that celebrates South Tyrol’s wine harvest. It begins in October and ends around the start of the Christmas season.

During Törggelen, South Tyrol’s farmers introduce their new wines. These festive celebrations include pairings with roasted chestnuts and traditional South Tyrolean dishes. And best of all, live music inspires a jovial atmosphere that is as infectious as the wine being poured.

If you can time your South Tyrol vacation during Törggelen, you’ll get to experience a historic cultural treasure that rivals the scenery around you. Hotels and inns book up fast during the Törggelen season so be sure to secure your accommodations well in advance. Tip: Pair your Törggelen experience with a transhumance festival , which also takes place through autumn.

The final thing we’d like to share with you is a friendly word of caution. After visiting South Tyrol, you may just fall in love. Hard. South Tyrol is a place where the land, the people and their passions capture your heart. Forever.

If you’re like us, you may toss out your travel wish list and put South Tyrol at the center of all your adventures.

Don’t fret trying to see all of South Tyrol during your visit. You won’t be able to. Pick 2 to 3 main areas to explore and trust that you will be back.

Creating a list of things to see and do while vacationing in South Tyrol could swallow up all the pages on the Internet, but we hope the insight above helps you embark on an unforgettable trip. Follow us on social media to discover more of the wonders of South Tyrol.

Finally, if you have crafted a South Tyrol itinerary, but are not positive it’s the best it could be, we can help. We know how overwhelming it is to make an itinerary with second and third-hand sources.

If you’re concerned about missing key destinations, experiences and hidden gems, our itinerary review service will better align your interests and smooth out logistics to maximize your time and money during your travels in South Tyrol. Click here to learn more about our South Tyrol Itinerary Review Service.

About KATE & vin

Kate and Vin are South Tyrol + Dolomites travel specialists and the founders of Throne & Vine. They're dedicated to helping travelers discover and visit the most beautiful region in the Italian Alps.

27 thoughts on “12 Things to Know Before Visiting South Tyrol & the Dolomites”

Hi, my husband is a big military buff and I was curious if there were any tours available around Hitler & the Nazis traveling through South Tyrol?

Hi Michele – I am not aware of any specific WWII tours, but I am a military buff as well and have collected some articles about South Tyrol during World War I and World War II. I will email them to you as they provide details on sites you can see, etc. Fierce battles were fought in the Dolomites in WWI and parts of South Tyrol were also impacted by WWII.

This is a wonderful post filled with all the reasons I love Südtirol. I’ve been twice to this area and am planning to go back in 2019 — but for a longer period of time. I love Kastelruth and San Vigilio di Marebbe!

Thank you! Glad to hear you have been twice and our going back next year! We always tell every traveler once is not enough. South Tyrol always pulls you back!

I’ve never heard of South Tyrol but looking at these photos,really looke like a paradise. The perfect view from the vine yard, the stunning mountains, the locals, and their delicious foods are indeed worth a try.Everything sounds perfect here! Thanks for sharing!

How incredibly gorgeous. Your shots of the outdoors are spectacular. I’m not familiar with South Tyrol, but I’m really excited about the delicious wines, dishes and desserts. Out of curiosity, what is Ladin? How easy is it to get around as an English speaker? Very informative. Great article!

Thank you! It is very easy to get around as an English speaker. Knowing some German or Italian helps make it more rewarding. Ladin is an ancient language that originated from Latin. Hope you get to visit. You’ll love it!

Hello, my husband and I absolutely luv Sth Tyrol. We visited in 2019 and used Bolzano as our base, after travelling from Milan by train. We are not confident driving in Italy as we’re from Australia and we drive on opposite side of road and car. I found your website after listening to the Untold Italy podcast, which was very informative. We had booked to return last year, but sadly cancelled due to COVID. Have travelled all over Italy, but this area is incredibly beautiful and we hoot to return as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’m enjoying reading your travel tips and inspiration. Thx again, Karen, Sydney Australia 😄

Thank you Karen for taking the time to share such a lovely comment! Thrilled to hear you and your husband plan to return to South Tyrol once this madness is all over! If you have any questions as you plan your next adventure, please feel free to reach out.

I have always wanted to visit the Alps. This is a side of them I didn’t even know existed. Thanks for sharing. The Speck sound yummy and with some local wine, it sounds like heaven. Now I can’t wait to visit.

Great photos. I never knew they spoke so many different languages there. I also definitely need to visit to get some of those wines!

Oh wow…that looks beautiful. We are headed to Italy in the summer and will be trying to add this to our destination list now.

Never heard of South Tyrol but you really got me with what it can offer to enjoy during a vacation. I really love the view of the mountains that is so relaxing, the delicious food and wine, and the very welcoming people here. I really love this very informative post of yours, thanks for sharing!

I’ve never heard of this but you sold it to me well. I’ve fallen in love with South Tyrol. I just love this type of way of life— Farm to table, slow down, nature, hikes and whatnot— wine. I love it already. Definitely taking my family here for next vacation.

We’re so excited you’ve decided to make South Tyrol your vacation! If you haven’t accessed already, be sure to take advantage of our free South Tyrol Travel Resources Library. It’s packed with useful tips to make planning easier and save you time and money! Please let us know if you have questions as you plan your trip. You’re going to never want to leave South Tyrol!

Only last summer, end of summer actually, we were in Tyrol in a beautiful small town called westerndorf. Then we spent a few more days in Innsbruck and surroundings. and boy did we enjoy? It is definitely a haven for photography. We also did not find language was any constraint. I can say that most people we interacted with spoke English.

South Tyrol looks really beautiful! I especially love that there are lots of places to go to for food and wine! Thanks for the ATM tip too!

I love the South Tyrol region, one of my favourite places in Europe for hiking, good food and photography. Its not over touristy so I usually come here once every two years. Just totally fell in love with this region and cant wait to get back there. Love your photos, making me wanderlusting again at work 😀

South Tyrol certainly is a well kept secret. I’d never heard of it before this post! It looks so magical. I’m a total mountain-lover, so this is my kind of destination. Add in wine and it’s a dream! 😉 Thanks for sharing!

What wonderful images. I think we forget that in general, field to fork is a way of life for farming communities around the world. It’s great to be reminded from time to time – and to try the foods that haven’t really changed in centuries.

Ah I did not know that South Tyrol people speak German, partially. I love the idea of trying wines native to the area, apart from of course, Pinot Grigio, one of my favorite kinds of wine. The region looks gorgeous!

You made fall in love with Tyrol. I regret not having ventured into Tyrol during my 17 days holiday in Italy some years back. The wine scene is indeed tempting, need to time my next visit in the 5th season if ever it happens. 🙂

I had no idea that South Tyrol existed and now I want to go! Italy has always been on my “list” of places to go, but with the mountains this adds a whole new layer. Between the wine, the farm to table fare and the beauty of nature…sign me up!!!!!

I thought you had me at the wines. But then I read on and stumbled upon Loacker. How I miss the best wafer in the world!!! As the commercial goes: “Loacker che bontà” – seriously!! And then, when I thought nothing could make me salivate more, I read the words roasted chestnuts. And a deep nostalgia for fall in northern Italy hit me. Thank yu for the good memories (now I’m hungry!).

Wow, I’ve never heard of South Tyrol before but I’m very interested now. I’m glad the hiking trails are clearly marked as I’m terrible with directions!

300 days of sunshine sounds so much like home. The images of South Tyrol are unbelievably beautiful. Wonder if English is an acceptable language there?

Many South Tyroleans speak English, but it is not as common as in other parts of Italy. The fun is setting English aside and trying to get by on German or Italian! Very easy to enjoy your time in South Tyrol without having to be fluent in either one.

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Advantage cards in South Tyrol

Discovering the region with the means of public transport is worthwhile in all cases! In South Tyrol, there are countless advantage and guest cards allowing you to use all means of public transport for free and to benefit from many other advantages.

Particularly during the main season, there is a lot of traffic on the roads in South Tyrol. In order to avoid traffic jams, you can comfortably switch to the means of public transport in South Tyrol. With modern trains, cable cars, city and regional busses, most of the localities can be reached easily and quickly. Also, you can enjoy the wonderful landscape during your trip and do not have to pay attention to the traffic and the street.

A trip with the means of public transport in South Tyrol is not only convenient; it is also free in many cases. More and more tourist offices offer advantage cards for the guests of their member companies, allowing them to use all means of public transport in South Tyrol for free. Frequently, the local cable cars or chairlifts can be used for free or at reduced prices too.

If you do not spend your holiday in a partner hotel or apartment house, you can buy the Mobilcard or the Museumobil Card and save much money during your holidays.

Culture, shopping & a varied weekly programme

With the advantage cards you can also visit the museums on site for free or to have free access to more than 90 participating museums in South Tyrol. Some guest cards also include a varied activity and entertainment programme for kids and adults.

Other cards guarantee special discounts and reductions in recreational facilities, swimming pools or in participating shops. A complete list of all advantages and user conditions is available in the respective tourist office or in your accommodation.

On our portal, you will find an overview of the most important guest and advantage cards in South Tyrol, as well as interesting information about the single cards.

Advantage cards

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• Art & Culture

Rest of the world

South Tyrol, Italy: A Haven in the Italian Alps

July 5, 2023

South Tyrol, Italy, is a haven for outdoor-lovers. Photo by Diana Simon

Backdropped by the Dolomites and Italian Alps, Italy’s South Tyrol—also known as Alto Adige—is a must-visit for travelers who love the outdoors. In winter, South Tyrol is ideal for skiing and snowboarding; in the summer, it’s perfect for those who love hiking and biking.

But you don’t have to be sporty to fall in love with South Tyrol! Dotted with charming towns, boasting breathtaking scenery, and renowned for its wines, this off-the-beaten-path region bursts with fascinating places to discover—even for non-athletes.

Want to head to South Tyrol? Here’s a guide to help you plan your trip, including where South Tyrol is located, how to get there and around (even without a car!), which local foods and wines to try, and some of Alto Adige’s must-see sights and must-do activities.

Table of Contents

Where is Alto Adige?

The northernmost region in Italy, Alto Adige (meaning “Upper Adige,” and named after the river that runs through it) borders Switzerland and Austria. It’s also known as Sudtirol, or “South Tyrol,” thanks to its location in the southernmost part of Austria.

One of the two regions making up Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige was part of Austria until the end of the World War I. A predominantly German-speaking region, it has signs in German, Italian and in a language called Ladin, spoken by about 30,000 of the residents.

South Tyrol is divided into eight different districts. Bolzano (in German, “Bozen”) is the capital and largest town.

South Tyrol is situated in the northernmost part of Italy.

How can I get to South Tyrol?

Getting to South Tyrol can be a  little tricky without a car—which is what makes it an off-the-beaten path destination! But it’s not impossible. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can also get there…

Alto Adige’s only airport is outside of Bolzano, and serves only domestic flights. Daily flights run from Rome to Bolzano.

The nearest international airport is in Verona, situated 90 miles (150km) from Bolzano. From Verona’s Villafranca airport, a bus runs every 20 minutes to the main train station in Verona (Porta Nuova), and from there, you can catch the train to Bolzano.

Alternatively, there are direct bus transfers to Bolzano and other South Tyrolean towns from the airports at Milan Malpensa, Bergamo, and Verona. These transfers must be booked at least 48 hours ahead of time, and prices start at €44, one-way. More details  here.

Traveling by train isn’t just one of the best ways to get around Italy, but it’s affordable, too. (Don’t miss our post on how to travel Italy by train !). As the Italian rail network connects most major cities, this is probably the best way to get to Alto Adige.

From Verona, it’s only a 90-minute train ride to Bolzano; there are also direct trains from Rome and Florence (Campo di Marte). From Milan or Venice, you’ll need to switch trains in Verona, but it’s still a relatively easy trip.

How can I get around South Tyrol?

It’s easier than you might think, even without a car! The region has a very well-organized public transport system . The Mobilcard, valid for one, three or seven days at the price of €15, €23, or €28 respectively, gives you access to all the region’s public transport, including the buses, regional trains (along four separate lines), and ccable cars. Tickets can be purchased at tourist offices, hotels and automatic ticket machines in railway stations.

Another great way to travel around Alto Adige? By bicycle! The region offers the Bikemobil card, which gives you unlimited access to South Tyrol’s integrated transport system, as mentioned above, as well as the use of a rented bicycle. Similar to the Mobilcard, you can purchase one for either one, three or seven days. More details available on the official  website .

Getting around the region by public transport is easier than you might think, thanks to the Mobilcard and Bikemobil cards.

Where can I stay in South Tyrol?

From luxury hotels to apartment rentals, there’s a huge range of accommodation in South Tyrol. However, we’re all for staying in an agriturismo, or “farm-stay” (here’s  everything to know about staying in an agriturismo !). Staying at an  agriturismo  in South Tyrol won’t just give you an authentic experience, but will let you experience the region’s unspoiled countryside. Check out the  Red Rooster  website to sort through a wide variety of farm-stays, ranging from family-friendly to organic farms.

What should I eat and drink in South Tyrol?

Typical dishes.

Thanks to Alto Adige’s Austrian heritage, the cuisine in South Tyrol is distinctly different from the other regions in Italy. White cabbage, potatoes, and bread show up often, as does the flavorful cured and smoked pork—called speck—that’s labeled IGP, denoting its geographical origins. (Find out  exactly what IGP and DOP foods really are! ).

Every year, there is a lively speck festival held in Santa Maddalena, a small town in Val di Funes ; the festival features a farmer’s market, local artisanal products, freshly baked local breads, music, and of course, tastings of speck. It’s usually in early October, so check before you go.

A plate of speck, a popular antipasto in South Tyrol. Photo by Benreis (Wikicommons)

One typical dish in Alto Adige that uses speck: canederli, bread dumplings made with leftover bread and, sometimes, cheese. Canederli can either be served in a broth or with melted butter and grated cheese.

As you drive through Alto Adige, you’ll notice (aside from the mountains!) endless stretches of apple orchards, usually ripe for picking at the end of September and early October. So make sure you taste apple juice and the indulgent apple strudel, a sweet way to end a South Tyrolean meal!

Canederli in broth is a typical food found in the South Tyrol.

Regional wines

Alto Adige is renowned  for exceptional wines, including the white varieties of Riesling, Müller Thurgau, and Sylvaner, along with the reds Vernatsch and Pinot Nero.

Want to taste some of the best local wines? Check out what’s considered to be one of Italy’s top wine routes, the  Sudtirol Weinstrasse (or “Wine Road”). Situated in the valley of the River Adige, the route starts northwest of Bolzano and heads south to the town of Salorno. Each May and June, the villages along the route hold various wine-related events, culminating with a night of open cellars.

What is there to do in Alto Adige? 

Alto Adige boasts numerous hiking trails, the perfect summer activity. Photo by Diana Simon

Best time of year to visit South Tyrol

South Tyrol is a paradise for those who love nature, outdoor activities and, of course, to  #takewalks ! With more than 8,000 miles (13,000km) of trails, it has a hiking route for everyone—regardless of ability. And with summer’s mild weather and striking views, all you need are some decent walking shoes to enjoy the region’s best offerings.

Biking is another popular activity, and the region has  numerous routes to choose from . Wine-lovers can even cycle the South Tyrol Wine Road (here are  three different route options !).

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a ski slope for you in South Tyrol. Those looking for some extreme slopes should check out Saslong (Gröden), an exhilarating challenge with a 57 percent gradient; Pordoischarte (Dolomites) thrills with a spectacular, steep descent.

As the holidays approach, don’t miss the Christmas markets in Bolzano, Brunico, Merano,and Vipiteno. With the scent of balsam, lit-up Christmas decorations, and stall after stall selling vin brûlée and handicrafts, the markets make the festive season even more magical.

What sights should I see in South Tyrol?

There are so many gorgeous sights in South Tyrol, we can’t name them all  in one post. But here are four of our favorite spots to help you get started.

The 1950 creation of the artificial Lake Resia submerged the entire town of Graun. Today, the only evidence left is the striking church steeple emerging from the lake. The haunting scene makes Lake Resia a popular attraction in Val Venosta (Vinschgau). In summer, it’s also great for kitesurfing.

The striking church steeple on Lake Resia. Photo by Diana Simon

Stelvio Pass

The drive up Stelvio Pass, built from 1802 to 1825 by the Austrian empire, isn’t for the faint-hearted! With its 48 hairpin turns, Stelvio pass is one of the world’s most dangerous roads. It’s also one of the highest paved routes in Europe, clocking in at 9,000 feet. As you can imagine, the views from here are breathtaking! For those who love a challenge, the  Stelvio Bike Day , held annually, closes the pass to car traffic from 8am to 4pm to make it a route for bicyclists only.

Tyrol Castle

Situated near Merano, Tyrol Castle, formerly the home of the Counts of Tyrol, now is the headquarters of the South Tyrol Museum of History. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle served as the political headquarters until the 15th century; it was so important, in fact, that it gave its name, Tyrol, to the entire region. Today, its lovely courtyard, along with its intricate Romanesque portals and frescoes in the chapel, make it a must-visit.

Lake Carezza

A stunning Alpine lake in the Val d’Ega, 19 miles (30km) from Bolzano, the lake’s name means “Rainbow Lake” in Ladin—thanks to its beautiful shades of colors. The small lake’s water comes solely from underground springs… and, of course, melted snow.

Have you been to South Tyrol? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

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Itineraries , Podcast episodes

Episode #128: how to spend 5 days in south tyrol and the dolomites.

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Listen to “How to Spend 5 Days in South Tyrol and the Dolomites” on Spreaker.

Many visitors try to squeeze a trip to the Dolomites and South Tyrol region into a day trip from Venice, but that is only going to give you the tiniest taster of what this incredible region has to offer. Most of us have limited time, so we look at some itinerary ideas from a local, to spend 5 amazing days in this magical region during your trip to Italy. 

Show notes We talk to South Tyrol local Franziska Weingut Donà, whose family run the Donà Winery a gorgeous idyll set amidst jaw-dropping scenery with stunning views of the Dolomites, where you can stay as well as enjoy a wine tasting of their exceptional wines. As well as the incredibly stunning mountains, lakes, and pastures this area has to offer, we talk castles and sunken towns, apple strudel and edible flowers, and amazing alpine wine and cider. 

What you’ll learn this episode

• The Donà winery is in Appiano which is close to the South Tyrol capital Bolzano and in the backyard of the Dolomites. As well as the extraordinary mountain views they are also next door to a beautiful castle (there are many castles in Appiano)
• Appiano is a very small region and the northern-most region of the province of South Tyrol, crossing the border to Switzerland and Austria
• Franziska’s mother tongue is German. Before the First World War, they were part of Austria and after became part of Italy. Her grandfather, for instance, was called Franz, and after the move to becoming Italy, his name was changed to Francesco – so a huge life change. Then for more than 70 years, they were able to speak their mother tongue German, and also speak Italian. The South Tyroleans are a great mixture –  a mixture of the German straightness and the Italian Dolce Vita
• South Tyrol has great public transport. The trains and buses are very timely and organized and you can access Bolzano quite quickly from Venice or Milan. But visiting the South Tyrol it really is best to have a car as so there are so many more places around and up the mountains that if you have a car, it’s so much easier to get to
• Although it is on the border to Switzerland and Austria, the landscape of South Tyrol is not quite what you would see there – the Alps you might imagine – the Dolomites are very different and unique. They are mountains that are like giant stones standing tall in the landscape
• Franziska believes (as do we) that everyone should see the Dolomites at least once – as it’s such a unique and epic experience
• In the Dolomites, you have the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi – a green plateau 2000 meters up, and is just pure nature. There’s just nothing much up there apart from the meadow, the mountains, some cows, and a few huts. And because it’s so huge, you feel quite free and so powerful when you are up there
• There is a huge number of churches in the region. For instance, in Lana a small town of only 10K people, there are 24 churches. The farmers are very important for South Tyrol and many farms built their own little churches, so you’ll find many scattered around the region
• A lot of people want to go on a day trip from Venice to the Dolomites, which is great but there are so many places to see you barely touch the sides. If you can take any longer it is well worth it. We’ve chosen 5 days for an example itinerary because sometimes people have maybe two weeks to travel through Italy and if they’re focusing on Northern Italy, they can take in maybe Venice,  Milan, and some of the lakes – and then include some time to explore this exceptional area

Franziska’s Recommended 5 Day South Tyrol Itinerary 

First of all, she suggests checking out the south of South Tyrol, which is where her family winery Weingut Doná is based, in Appiano, and is home to the 3 castle tour. The tour starts behind the Winery Weingut Doná. It’s a two hours walk and when you reach the top, where Castel Hocheppan   is situated, you are rewarded by a beautiful 360° view and a castle with a fascinating history. You can see Bolzano, the Dolomites, and the surrounding countryside and vineyards. The castle is fairytale-like, with its turrets, set in a square over-looking the valley. As well as the castle there is a church with paintings and a wonderful herb garden. If you are up there with the children, there are farm animals and you can see how the farmers live. There’s also a Tavern up there so you can grab some lunch or a glass of beer or wine. It’s a pretty easy walk but you can also go up by car and get a little bit nearer to have a small walk and enjoy lunch up there. To continue on the 3 castles tour, you can then you can go to the other castles Boymont and Korb with more amazing views, farms, and history along the way.

In the afternoon you can then head to Kalterer (Caldaro) Lake, which is just 10 minutes by car. It’s a natural bathing lake, surrounded by vineyards. The South of South Tyrol is very Mediterranean and sunny so it’s not as cold as you might expect.  Appiano, it’s just 270 meters up – so not so high – so you have mountains in the South Tyrol but the valleys and the foods grown there are not so high and so are pretty warm. If you come in summer, when it gets really hot – then you can head to the lake to cool off in the water after you’ve done your hike up to the castle – or just go into the mountains to enjoy the cooler temperatures up. there! 

Spend a whole day at the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi – the highest Plateau in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. At 2000 meters above sea level, you will find this green, lush paradise sourrounded by the Dolomite stone mountains and find yourself deep in nature, peace, and an unforgettable landscape. You cannot go up there by car – you need to go up on the cable car, which you can get from Seis am Schlern (Siusi allo Sciliar). It’s beautiful and so silent and you can walk up to the mountains some more – to higher peaks or you can just walk around – meaning it’s accessible to almost everyone. 

Gostner Schwaige is an alpine hut (refugio) just a 20 minute (easy) walk from the cable car. It is an incredible alpine hut where you can stay or get food – – the term Schwaige has been used to denote a mountain hut and it is used in the alpine territory since the middle ages. Franz produces dishes only from the local area, using a huge variety of edible flowers from the garden tended by his mother. They are also famous for their hay soup served in a bowl made of bread and their dumplings which are large (tennis balls size)  served with different things depending on seasons etc – it can be made with cheese, with ham, with spinach, with fruit and served with butter, gorgonzola, salad, in a soup – a huge variety ot things. It also has incredible views of one of the Dolomites – the Schlern (Sciliar Massif). It’s pretty small with around 10 tables outside so in high season you should probably book, though out of season – June for example, you could just turn up or maybe wait 5/10 minutes. 

Franziska suggests spending the whole day up on the plateau to make the most of it – so go up at 9 am and come down when the sun is going down.

A day to spend in Bolzano – the capital of South Tyrol. When you are in South Tyrol you simply have to go to Bolzano – an amazing city with a special flair – charming, beautiful, and innovative, and full of interesting history. Here you can see clearly the South Tyrolean mixture of German and Italian living together, interweaving the cultures. 

It is around 3 hours to Venice and also 3 to 4 hours to Milan by car. Milan to Bolzano is also under 4 hours by train. 

At Bolzano, you can have interesting shopping, and unusual and pretty architecture to admire – particularly the churches. As well as the weekly farmers market at Bolzano, there is a fruit market every day with flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

It is also home to the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology which is dedicated to one of the most famous and most important mummies in the world: Oetzi (Ötze ), the Iceman.  In 1991, a partly revealed and partly ice-covered human body was found by a couple from Nuremberg (Germany) at the Similaun Glacier in the Oetztal Alps. The place of recovery is located at more than 3,000 meters above sea level and only 92.55 meters from the Austrian border, on Italian territory. After decades of research, we now know that Oetzi was 1.58 meters tall, lived around 3300 BC, and was fatally injured by an arrow when he was about 46 years old. You can see what he was wearing and even eating. 

Close to Bolzano is the Messner Mountain Museum Firmian , one of the museums in the region dedicated to Reinhold Messner, the famous mountaineer, explorer, and author from South Tyrol – and the centerpiece museum. Messner made the first solo ascent of Mount Everest and was the first climber to ascend all fourteen Himalayan peaks over 8,000 meters above sea level. He was also the first to cross Antarctica and Greenland with neither snowmobiles nor dog sled and crossed the Gobi Desert alone (for a change of scenery no doubt). Not only is this museum set in a castle taking back to the middle ages (Sigmundskron Castle), but it also houses a fascinating and vast collection, and sometimes he even appears at the museum, so if you’re lucky enough you might see him.

Fransizka suggests heading to one of her favorite spots, enjoying some wonderful food, and doing a bit of exploring on this day. A couple of her favorite places to head to for amazing sites and views are Corvara and Renon. 

From the town of Corvara, you can access the three peaks in the Dolomites – Tre Cime. These are Cima Piccola (“little peak”), Cima Grande (“big peak”), and Cima Ovest (“western peak”). You can head up there the whole year, for quite easy hiking and as it’s in the middle of the Dolomites, you’re always surrounded by spectacular views. 

Renon, a town above Bolzano, is home to a unique natural phenomenon – its earth pyramids . They are naturally made, very tall pyramids of earth, like shards, with a rock atop. A truly unique sight, special to South Tyrol – They originate from glacial rocks, and the higher they are, the thinner they get, ending usually with a stone topper. They are constantly evolving and eroding, and each may collapse and make way for new formations.

Now it’s time to try some of the local specialties!!

South Tyrol, like all of Italy, has a strong food culture.  They have great cow cheeses, speck ( a ham unique to the region, knödel (dumplings), wine, apples, and gorgeous Apple Strudel.

You will find many local restaurants and especially small local restaurants as you explore the region and they are all likely very good.

The knödels are dumplings made of bread which can be made in a huge variety of ways. Make them with spinach, so they are green, make with speck ham, make them with cheese or cover with a cheese sauce (maybe gorgonzola) or with butter. You can even make them sweet, like with apricots and fresh cheese like ricotta

Wine is an important part of South Tyrol and they have many vineyards. They have three autochthone vines, the Gewürztraminer, Vernatsch and Lagrein. These are the three that originate from the area bu they also have many other wine grapes growing there. They do have a special terroir for Pinot Noir, for example, because they like cold nights and hot days as well as Merlots, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They produce around 50% red wine and 50% white wine – like Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris). The rest of Italy tends to grow more red than white, while it’s evenly split here and the red wines they do grow are more light red – not heavy wines, but strong.

Along with the wine, they grow a lot of apples in the region and make not only cider but their famous apple strudel. Theirs uses their unique locally grown apples, cinnamon, and raisins. 

Merano is beautiful and is a very important food city also for South Tyrol, with a very mild climate and many flowers and plants growing there that you would not expect – like kiwis, lemons, oranges, and even bananas. 

The South Tyrolean don’t eat a lot of meat but when they do, they prefer the best and will have local and high-quality beef, veal, pork and lamb. The meat will come from animals grazing in the local areas which adds to the exceptional quality. South Tyrol is a nice place to have a car because you can just drive around and you will stumble across beautiful places everywhere. Many enchanting small towns – towns with just a thousand or two thousand people living there. Some places with people just living up in the mountains or down in the valleys – and you can find incredible food to try wherever you go from the huge range of produce that is grown and farmed there. 

Spend a day at Resia Lake, which is in the north of the region, in the Curon district, near the border of Switzerland and Austria.

The man-made Resia Lake and is huge – with a surface area of 10 km is and has a circumference of 15.3 km, with a maximum depth of 45 meters when full, and containing 120 million cubic meters of water. During its construction in 1950, the entire town of Curon and most of Resia/Reschen were flooded, which destroyed 163 houses and 523 hectares of land. Today, there is only the protruding church steeple from the water’s surface that is left as a reminder of the old town of Curon. It’s a beautiful, eery and fascinating place to visit. It’s very much a  mountain town and you can feel like you’ve stepped back 50 years when you visit Resia.

The water itself can often be quite turquoise. Franziska loves to go there in September as Fall/Autumn has begun, so you have the contrast of the reds, oranges, and yellows against the turquoise water. 

There are many activities going on around the lake – water skiing, kit surfing, you can hire bikes or go hiking, or you can just sit back and enjoy the quiet and the natural environment.

About our guests – Franziska Weingut Doná

Franziska Doná is from Southtyrol (South Tyrol) – a magical, little region in the very north of Italy.

She is the daughter of a Winemakers Family and has a sister and two brothers.  When she was young she loved traveling around the world, then 10 years settled back down in South Tyrol. 

She loves nature, hiking, the mountains, the grapes, as well as good food and wine, She loves to work with people and enjoys her role renting holiday apartments in South Tyrol. 

The Donà Winery property, along with its own private winery, also offers wonderful accommodation. It is located on the South Tyrolean Wine Road close to the new Eppan golf course. The winery provides an idyll of quietness amidst vineyards with a view of the fascinating mountain world of the Dolomites.

You can find the Donà Winery on these channels:

• Website: www.weingut-dona.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/weingutdona
• Email:  [email protected]

Places mentioned in the show

• Appiano – also known as Eppan an der Weinstraße, an area of South Tyrol in northern Italy, southwest of Bolzano
• Hocheppan Castle – also known as Appiano Castle, gorgeous place to visit, with amazing views
• Three Castles Walk – Appiano Castle, Castel Boymont (Schloss Boymont) and Castel Corba (Schloss Korb)
• Bolzano – the main city in South Tyrol and one of our 35 of the best cities to visit in Italy
• Seis am Schlern/Siusi allo Sciliar – alpine village where you can get the cable car to Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm
• Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm – a Dolomite plateau and the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow in Europe. Located in Italy’s South Tyrol province in the Dolomites mountain range, it is a major tourist attraction, notably for skiing and hiking
• Corvara – where tourism visit began in the Alta Badia (High Badia) at the foot of the Sassongher mountain
• Tre Cime (the three peaks of the Dolomites) – the three peaks, from east to west, are Cima Piccola (“little peak”), Cima Grande (“big peak”) and Cima Ovest (“western peak”)
• Marmolada – the highest mountain of the Dolomites
• Gostner Schwaige – alpine hut on Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, producing dishes only from the local area with a huge variety of edible flowers
• Schlern – one of the Dolomites also known as Sciliar Massif, which looks like a rhino horn
• South Tyrolean Museum of Archeology – a museum all about Otzi (Oetze) the iceman
• Lana – town in the Etschtal (Etsch Valley) with over 24 churches known as the California of the Alps
• Castle Firmian & Messner Museum – a medieval castle that houses a museum dedicated to Reinhold Messner
• Corvara – great place to go hiking the 3 peaks
• Renon – famous for its natural earth pyramids
• Lake Resia – also known as Reschensee – a man-made lake near the border of Austria and Switzerland in the Curon district

Food & Drink

• Vernatsch – an important grape variety to South Tyrol
• Gewürztraminer – a grape variety used in white wines, and performs best in cooler climates
• Lagrein – a red wine grape variety native to the valleys of South Tyrol
• knöde l  – a local kind of dumpling made with white bread and eggs
• terroir – a French term used to describe the environmental factors that affect a crop’s phenotype, including unique environment contexts, farming practices, and a crop’s specific growth habitat
• speck – a dry-cured, lightly smoked  ham  produced in South Tyrol
• apple strudel – known as an Austrian dish, the South Tyrolean apple strudel is special due to their apples and made with cinnamon and raisons
• rifugios – a mountain hut where you can stop for a break and some food
• Ötzi the Iceman – the natural mummy of a man who lived between 3400 and 3100 BCE, discovered locally in 1991 – and to which the South Tyrolean Museum of Archeology in Bolzano is fully dedicated
• autochthon – from ancient Greek, the concept of autochthones means the indigenous inhabitants of a country

Resources from Untold Italy

• Discover the Best things to do in the Dolomites , the Best towns in the Dolomites and Where to stay in the Dolomites and find out more about Bolzano and other Northern Cities in Best cities to visit in Italy and more interesting destinations to discover in Hidden gems in Italy – off the beaten path from north to south
• Listen: to previous episode on South Tyrol and the Dolomites –  Episode #085 Hiking the Dolomites and Episode 64 Stunning South Tyrol and the Dolomites and to discover more fantastic destinations in Northern Italy in Episode #114: Welcome to Emilia Romagna , Episode #055: Picturesque Piedmont – lesser known region of wine and truffles! and Episode #032: A love letter to Brescia
• Join our exclusive Untold Italy Insiders to help plan your trips, come together with fellow travelers, to share travel finds and inspiration, and learn more about bella Italia!
• How to plan a trip to Italy – our article that takes you step by step through trip planning so you can plan an amazing trip full of memories you’ll cherish forever
• Italy Travel Planning – our FREE online community where you can ask questions and get inspiration for planning your trip
• Travel shop where you’ll find items mentioned in the show

Planning a trip to Italy?

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• Country & People
• Nature & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Relax & Feel Good
• Ski & Winter
• // Terme Merano
• // Alpine Road of Romanesque Art
• // Sissi in Merano
• // The sunrise walk
• // Forest bathing
• // Asfaltart
• // Farming 2.0
• // Wedding Castles
• // Marlinger Waalweg
• // Wine tasting
• // Winter and Nature

• // Deutschnonsberg
• // Dorf Tirol
• // Hafling - Vöran - Meran 2000
• // Lana and Environs
• // Marlengo
• // Parcines, Rablá and Tel
• // Passeiertal Valley
• // Schnalstal Valley
• // Tesimo - Prissiano
• // Ultental Valley
• // Search for and book Accommodation
• // Catalogues
• // Reach South Tyrol
• // Experience and Advantage Cards
• // Public Transport
• // Holiday Offers

Holidays 360° - Discover South Tyrol with the new Mobilcard

To travel with the outstanding South Tyrolean public transport has its own charm. You can make journeys to the countryside or the cities, take hiking-tours with different starting and ending points, or simply enjoy the scenery. The Mobilcard allows you to travel throughout South Tyrol for a whole week, for three days or for one day. The card enables the owner the use of all public means of transportation belonging to the South Tyrol Integrated Transport Network:

• Regional trains (not Eurostar/Intercity) in South Tyrol (Brennero – Trento, Malles/Mals – San Candido/Innichen)
• All town and extra-urban bus services
• The cable cars to Renon/Ritten, Maranza/Meransen, San Genesio/Jenesien (currently closed), Meltina/Mölten, Verano/Vöran and Colle/Kohlern
• The narrow-track railway on the Renon/Ritten Mountain and the cable railway up to the Mendola/Mendel Mountain
• One return journey using the Swiss Post Bus from Malles/Mals to Müstair

Travel Tyrol

Austria travel blog, the austrian tyrol: discover a country within a country.

Tyrol is a western federal state of Austria in the heart of the Alps. The region is one of Europe’s most popular winter and summer destinations. It attracts nature lovers, culture junkies, and active tourists who like to spend their holidays in a place that is steeped in tradition. Use this guide to discover the Austrian Tyrol and plan your next trip.

Living in Tyrol is a continuous journey of discovery for us. We’ve seen a lot and learned a lot in the 10+ years we’ve had the privilege to live here. The result is this condensed guide to Tyrol to help orientate you if you’ve never been before or to discover something new on a return trip.

Table of Contents

Fast Facts About Tyrol

A large part of North Tyrol is dominated by the Inn Valley with Innsbruck at the centre. West of Innsbruck lies the Tyrolean Oberland , encompassing this part of the upper Inn Valley and all its side valleys. Everything east of Innsbruck, excluding East Tyrol, is known as the Tyrolean Unterland .

Did you know?

There is also a South Tyrol , but it belongs to Italy. While this post is all about the Austrian Tyrol, there is an Italian extension of the region. South Tyrol was given to the Italians after World War 1 and is now an autonomous state in Italy where the Tyrolean culture is still very much alive.

North Tyrol Destinations

Popular cities and towns along the inn valley.

• Innsbruck – The capital of Tyrol is sometimes also called the capital of the Alps. With the Nordkette mountain range towering over it, a visit to Innsbruck is a unique alpine-urban experience. The city’s old town, with the famous golden roof at its centre, is filled with gems of the Habsburg era in Austria.

Things to Do in Innsbruck

• St Anton am Arlberg – Surrounded by the biggest ski area in Austria, St Anton am Arlberg is especially popular among winter sports enthusiasts.
• Kufstein – Home to the impressive Kufstein Fortress, this town welcomes you as you cross the German border from Munich.

Things to Do in Kufstein

• Hall in Tirol – Not far from Innsbruck, Hall in Tirol has a beautifully preserved medieval old town.

Beautiful Side Valleys of the Inn

• Ötztal – A 65 km long valley and home of Sölden, the most popular village in Tyrol among overnight guests in winter. It was near Sölden where scenes of the Bond movie Spectre were filmed, resulting in a unique Bond experience called 007 Elements in the mountains above Sölden. It’s also in this region, on the border with Italy, where the famous iceman Ötzi was discovered. You can find out all about him at Ötzidorf in Umhausen, where a walk to the Stuiben Falls is also a highlight. The Hochgurgl/Obergurgl ski area is near the end of the Ötztal and the Area 47 adventure park at the beginning.

Things to Do in Ötztal

• Pitztal – Home to Austria’s highest mountain lake, the Rifflsee, and North Tyrol’s highest mountain, the Wildspitze at 3,768 m. The Pitztal Glacier at the foot of the Wildspitze is also Austria’s highest ski resort.
• Wipptal with Stubaital – The Brenner Pass that connects the Austrian Tyrol with South Tyrol and the rest of Italy, goes through the Wipptal. However, it is the Stubaital, a side valley of the Wipptal near Innsbruck, that is better known as a winter and summer destination for nature lovers. There are four ski resorts in the Stubaital, with the Stubai Glacier being the main attraction. In summer, you can walk along the Stubai High Trail or do a multitude of day hikes. The Alpine coaster at Mieders is a big family favourite in summer.

Skiing on the Stubai Glacier

• Zillertal – The widest side valley of the Inn is easy to reach from the A12 highway between Innsbruck and Kufstein. The main town of the Ziller Valley is Mayrhofen, about 23km from the entrance to the valley at Fügen. The Zillertaler Alps are home to numerous mountain attractions, hiking trails, and ski resorts, including the Hintertux glacier.

Hike to the Olperer Hut

• Alpbachtal – The village of Alpbach near the end of this valley has been named Austria’s prettiest village on more than one occasion. From here, you have access to the Ski Jewel Alpbachtal Wildschönau resort with over 100 km of pistes. In the autumn, the village of Reith im Alpbachtal hosts one of the most impressive Almabtrieb festivals when they welcome the cows home from the mountain pastures after the summer.

Visit an Almabtrieb in Tyrol

• Brixental – A 30 km long side valley of the Lower Inn Valley in Tyrol laced by beautiful villages such as Kitzbühel, Brixen im Thale, and Kirchberg in Tirol.

East Tyrol Destinations

With a surface area of only 2,020 km², East Tyrol is small in comparison to North Tyrol. It is separated from North Tyrol by a short 9,5 km border where the federal state of Salzburg Land meets up with South Tyrol.

Lienz, the capital of East Tyrol, is worth a visit for its pretty old town and the Bruck Castle that towers over it. A large part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, which includes the Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, is also in East Tyrol.

Austrian Tyrol in Winter

Some things to look forward to in Tyrol in winter are:

• Over 100 ski resorts
• Around 3,400 piste kilometres – 2,000 km easy, 2,600 intermediate, and 600 difficult
• Almost 750 km of toboggan runs
• Approximately 4,000 km of cross-country skiing trails

Austrian Tyrol in Summer

Visitors to the Austrian Tyrol in summer have access to:

• Almost 24,000 km of marked hiking trails
• Around 1,400 mountain huts or ‘alms’ offering food and drinks
• Mountain bike trails totaling 5,600 km
• Over 5,000 alpine climbing trails, 3,000 sport climbing trails, 1,500 bouldering trails, and 100 via ferratas.
• 18 golf courses

Best Time to Visit Tyrol

There isn’t a good or bad time to visit Tyrol – it all depends on what the purpose of your visit is. To give you a better idea of what the optimal times are for different activities and experiences in Tyrol.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Austrian Tyrol is famous for a number of things, including Iceman Ötzi and Swarovski crystals. It is here in the Ötztal Alps on the border of Italy and Tyrol, where the glacier mummy who lived more than 5,000 years ago was found in 1991. It’s also here, in the village of Wattens near Innsbruck, where Daniel Swarovski and his three sons began producing Swarovski crystals in 1913.

Tyrol is a western federal state of Austria and is made up of North and East Tyrol. It shares borders with Germany, Switzerland, and Italy as well as other Austrian federal states including Vorarlberg, Salzburg Land, and Carinthia. The region called South Tyrol is not in Austria, but an autonomous province in northern Italy.

No, Tyrol is not in Germany but in Austria. However, it does share a border with the German state of Bavaria. Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is about 145 km from Munich, the capital of Bavaria.

No, Tyrol is not a country but one of nine federal states of Austria. The popular winter and summer tourist destination in the heart of the Alps shares borders with Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. The capital of Tyrol is Innsbruck.

*Disclosure*

Having fun in Austria, and then writing about it is hard work 😆 . That’s why some links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use any of them to make a purchase. It’s totally cool if you don’t. I love to help anyway. If you do, it will help us discover another part of Austria to write about.

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Südtirol Pass abo+

There's nothing like starting young. And we'll make sure you get there.

Südtirol Pass abo+ tickets are personalised, annual smart cards or electronic tickets for pupils and students. They are based on a fixed-rate, annual fee and can be used flexibly for unlimited journeys throughout the entire südtirolmobil network and on regional trains all the way to Trento.

Please note that abo+ tickets are not valid on cross-border train services (Brennero/Brenner – Innsbruck and San Candido/Innichen or Versciaco/Vierschach – Lienz), do not include the transport of bikes or pet s and can neither be used on Nightliner  bus journeys nor on long-distance or high-speed rail services.

In order to validate your ticket, you must check in your Südtirol Pass abo+ at the start of each journey. If you are aged 14 or over, you must also be able to show valid proof of ID at the request of the train or bus staff.

Apply for or renew your Südtirol Pass abo+

Summer abo+: key info at a glance

The only payment you have to make for your Südtirol Pass abo+ is an annual fee that covers all individual journeys throughout the year. All you need to do is check in  when boarding a bus or train.

The reduced annual fee of 20 EUR is available to:

• pupils and students attending primary, middle and secondary school,
• full-time vocational training school students,
• anyone undergoing basic training in the social sector and
• apprentices under 18 years of age attending a vocational training school (who are still under 18 on 31 December of the school year in question)

Passes at an annual fee of 150 EUR are available to:

• university students,
• apprentices aged 18 (who will have turned 18 by 31 December of the school year in question)
• anyone attending evening classes and
• anyone undergoing basic training in the social sector.

Who is entitled to a Südtirol Pass abo+? All pupils and students:

• who are not yet 28 years old at the time of applying,
• who live and/or go to school or study in South Tyrol,
• who study at a higher education institution or are undergoing basic training in the social sector in South Tyrol.

Südtirol Pass abo+ tickets for underage Italian citizens living abroad who are registered in the A.I.R.E. (register of Italians living abroad) of a South Tyrolean municipality can be applied for via e-mail to: [email protected]

All applications for a first issue or the annual renewal of a minor's Südtirol Pass abo+ must be submitted by their parent or legal guardian.

Südtirol Pass abo+ holders aged 18 and over must apply online and in their own name.  Please note: an online application that has already been made cannot be cancelled.

abo+ for pupils and high-school students: Applications for a first issue or the annual renewal of a Südtirol Pass abo+ must be submitted between 1 May and 31 December or by 31 March of the following year.

abo+ for university students: Südtirol Pass abo+ tickets for university students do not have a pre-determined application deadline: They can be applied for and/or renewed at any time throughout the year and are generally valid for 380 days from the date of application.

If your school or higher education institution is not listed in the system, you can request for it to be added to the list during the online application process by clicking on the appropriate button. You will receive an e-mail as soon as your school has been registered, after which you can continue with the application process.

You can use our online services and apply for your Südtirol Pass abo+ and its renewal with or without a digital access keys: either through SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) or using your Carta dei Servizi/Bürgerkarte pass and reader.

• by SEPA Direct Debit,
• by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or pagoPA while applying for your ticket online,
• by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or pagoPA through your user account or using the appropriate online banking services (authorised banks only; giro transfers excluded),
• at any authorised südtirolmobil ticket counter. Please note that when paying at a ticket counter, you will need to show your Südtirol Pass abo+.

While your Südtirol Pass abo+ does not need to be activated separately before its first use, the annual fee must have been paid in full in order to start using it.

When you apply for your pass, we recommend setting up a personalised user account to benefit from a variety of online services:

• check the status of your Südtirol Pass abo+,
• check any journeys with paid additional services,
• activate or deactivate paid additional services,
• block your card and order a replacement,
• change your payment preferences,
• change your address and other data.

Südtirol Pass portal

If your Südtirol Pass abo+ ticket is issued for the first time, you can pick it up from the secretary's/administrative office at your school.

If your school or higher education institution is not located in South Tyrol, during the online application process you can choose at which südtirolmobil ticket counter or sales point to pick up your ticket.

abo+ for pupils and high-school students: All Südtirol Pass abo+ tickets for pupils and high-school students are valid until 15 September of each year. Online renewal and payment of the annual fee for the following school year is available from as early as 01 May of each year. If you are applying for a new Südtirol Pass abo+, you can start using your ticket from 01 September at the earliest provided that you have paid the annual fee. Your abo+ will then be valid until 15 September of the following year.

If you haven't renewed your Südtirol Pass abo+, it will expire on 15 September and a notification will be displayed on the ticket validation machines. 

If you have applied but not yet paid for your Südtirol Pass abo+ to be renewed, it will be blocked and a notification displayed on the ticket validation machines saying that your credit has run out ("Euro 0") from 16 September. You will be able to use your Südtirol Pass abo+ again as soon as the annual fee has been paid.

abo+ for university students: Südtirol Pass abo+ tickets for university students do not have a pre-determined validity: They can be applied for and/or renewed at any time throughout the year and are generally valid for 380 days from the date of application.

Every time you board a bus or train, remember to check in at the blue ticket validation machine, otherwise your ticket will not be valid. Checking in is easy: To validate and use your abo+ ticket, simply hold it in front of the sensor.

Train journeys: If you are travelling on directly connecting trains, there's no need to check in a second time at the station where you change trains. Passengers on a regional train departing from a train station south of Trento and on their way to South Tyrol who have a regular train ticket to Trento and a Südtirol Pass abo+ do not need to alight at Trento and check in to validate their ticket.

Train journeys Innsbruck – Brennero/Brenner and Lienz – San Candido/Innichen: The train stations of Innsbruck, Sillian and Lienz (Austria) are equipped with ticket machines where you can check in and validate your abo+ ticket from Brennero/Brenner or San Candido/Innichen, respectively. Remember to buy a separate ticket for your journey within Austria.

If your Südtirol Pass abo+ is lost, stolen or damaged, you can order a replacement at the price of 20 EUR. 

If your Südtirol Pass abo+ is not visibly damaged but worn out and/or no longer functional due to a defect, you can order a replacement from any südtirolmobil  sales point free of charge.

When ordering a replacement, please let us know where you'd like to pick up your new ticket. Replacements can be requested:

• by any parent or legal guardian or by the ticket holder themselves (if they are 18 or over) online through their user account,
• by the secretary's/administrative office of the ticket holder's school (if located in South Tyrol),
• through our südtirolmobil Service and Information Centre on +39 0471 220 880 (Mon-Fri: 8:00-18:00),
• at any authorised südtirolmobil ticket counter or sales point.

If your school, higher education institution or university is not located in South Tyrol, you can pick up your replacement ticket at any authorised sales point .

Paying for a replacement ticket:  If you use our SEPA Direct Debit system, the cost of your replacement ticket will be added to your next invoice. Alternatively, you can pay for your replacement ticket at any südtirolmobil  sales point within 15 days. Failure to pay for your replacement ticket will result in the ticket being blocked.

Your Südtirol Pass abo+ is a personalised, annual ticket that must be checked in at the start of each journey in order to be validated. It is non-transferable and may not be used by another person. If you are aged 14 or over, you may be required to also show valid proof of ID at the request of a member of staff.

Regardless of the reason why, if you do not have your Südtirol Pass abo+ on you (e.g. because you have lost it or forgotten it), you must buy a valid ticket for that journey.

Any misuse of your Südtirol Pass abo+ will result in the immediate confiscation of your pass. The duration of the confiscation can range from one month to a maximum of one year and is determined by the competent provincial authority. During that time, it is neither possible to apply for a new Südtirol Pass abo+ nor to order a replacement.

To benefit even more widely from your Südtirol Pass abo+, you can have it equipped with a function to pay for additional services that you may need: either with our pre-paid system that can be topped up or "re-filled" as you go or by direct debit from your bank account. You can use it:

• to pay for transporting bicycles ,
• to pay for transporting a pet ,
• to travel on Nightliner  bus services (Nightliner fares apply)
• and on cross-border train services to Innsbruck or Lienz; regional trains only. All journeys within Austria are charged at the official VVT/ÖBB rate. If you have an ÖBB-Vorteilscard, simply register it in your user account to claim your discount.

Please remember to validate your ticket: If you have activated the payment function of your Südtirol Pass abo+, you can validate and use your ticket just like a standard Südtirol Pass. When travelling on a regional train, please remember to enter the code of your destination into the ticket validation machine and to confirm your selection, otherwise your ticket will not be valid. A list of all train station codes can be found next to the blue ticket validation machines.

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Experiences & events, on-site mobility.

Well connected at all altitudes: the public transport system links the valley with the mountains and the towns with the mountain villages

A sustainable holiday is all the more relaxing when mobility on-site is guaranteed. If you are travelling to South Tyrol without a car, you can be sure that you can easily reach your destination or accommodation by bus or train. The bus and train timetables are carefully coordinated so that there is always a connection from the train stations to the surrounding towns and villages and you can complete the last leg to your accommodation by public transport. Simply hop on board and enjoy the bus journey through the vineyards, villages and idyllic countryside.

Want to travel from the city right up to the mountaintop? Easy access to the higher-altitude towns and villages has a long-standing tradition in South Tyrol. The cable cars in the region will transport you up to the mountain villages and starting point for various walks in just a few minutes, all year round.

Accomodations with the Südtirol Guest Pass

Keen to take advantage of public transport to discover South Tyrol? It’s all possible thanks to the Südtirol Guest Pass! Many participating accommodations offer this card, which is included in the room price and provides unlimited and free access to all means of transport across South Tyrol. Depending on the holiday region, the Südtirol Guest Pass includes different benefits - from free admission to South Tyrol's museums to free events. To discover all the advantages, ask for further information to your hotel.

The transport system in South Tyrol

The südtirolmobil combined system simplifies the use of public transport with one single ticket.

Public transport mobility across South Tyrol is merged within the südtirolmobil   combined system, bringing together city and overland lines, city buses and regional trains on the rail network of South Tyrol (between Brenner/Brennero and Trento). The public transport in South Tyrol comprises more than 200 bus lines, 4 train lines, 5 cable cars, one funicular and narro-gauge railway.

A few minutes up to the top

Lift access to the mountains has a long-standing tradition in South Tyrol. The lift facilities today are suitably innovative and spectacular to reflect this.

Work began early on in South Tyrol to secure comfortable and safe access to the higher-altitude towns. The Kohlerer Seilbahn cable car began operation in 1908. This is one of three cable cars in total which links Bolzano/Bozen with the surrounding summer holiday resorts. The second cable car was installed in 1912 from Lana to the Vigiljoch pass. This is still operating today. A great deal has happened since then. 

Unique cable cars

The biggest.

the Sulden Cable Car can transport 110 people in each of its four gondolas, so 440 people at a time, making it one of the largest cable cars in the world.

The highest

the Schnalstaler Gletscherbahnen cable car glides from 2,011 metres (Kurzras/Maso Corto) to 3,212 metres (Grawand), home to Europe’s highest altitude mountain hotel.

The longest

the journey from Bolzano/Bozen to Ritten/Renon by cable car is 4,560 metres long.

The most beautiful

“A cable car can be beautiful”, says Arch. Arno Gapp who designed a glass cube for the cable car from Latsch/Laces to St. Martin im Kofel/San Martino al Monte.

The cable car from Bolzano/Bozen to Kohlern/Colle opened in 1908 and its thus considered asa the world's oldest. It was invented by Josef Staffler, a pioneer in the tourism industry and innkeeper from Bolzano.

The most scenic

The cabrio cable car from Tiers/Tires to Frommeralm mountain hut in the Dolomites region of Eggental opened in 2022. It's Italy's first cable car boasting a roof terrace.

Local public transport in the mountains

Panoramic mountain views on a wide range of trails, running along historical irrigation canals or at higher altitudes. South Tyrol offers every kind of hiking tour, also more leisurely ones for your family. You'll find here some hiking tips and trails that can be easily reached by public transport.

How to reach the most beautiful places

Pragser tal valley.

From 10.7. to 10.9.2023 the Pragser Tal valley can only be reached between 9.30 AM and 4.00 PM by public transportation, on foot, by bicycle or on presentation of an online - reservation or a valid transit permit. Exceptions: Transit permits for customers of restaurants, shops and other service providers in the Pragser Tal valley are issued. The customers pay a deposit of 20 €, which will be credited against consumption. Holidaymakers visiting the Pragser Tal valley receive a travel permit for the entire duration of their stay.

Pragser Wildsee lake

From 10.7. to 10.9.2023 the Pragser Tal valley can only be reached between 9.30 AM and 4.00 PM by public transportation, on foot, by bicycle or on presentation of an online - reservation or a valid transit permit. The shuttle service to Pragser Wildsee lake (routes 439 and 442) requires advance online booking and prepayment. Once the shuttle is fully booked, you can no longer access the lake by shuttle.

Plätzwiese high plateau

From 10.07. to 10.09.2023: If you are driving to the Plätzwiese high plateau in your own car, you must arrive before 9.30 AM or after 4.00 PM (charges apply). The parking space in Brückele / Ponticello can be reserved online. The public bus route 443 takes visitors directly from Welsberg or Toblach/Niederdorf to the Plätzwiese high plateau. No reservation required. 

Three Peaks/ Auronzohütte mountain hut

From 03.06. to 15.10.2023 , a shuttle bus runs from Toblach/Dobbiaco to the Auronzohütte hut as an alternative to the toll road. Note: During the whole period the shuttle bus must be booked and paid online in advance. Unsold tickets can be purchased at the Toblach/Dobbiaco bus and train station.

Fischleintal valley

From 11.06. to 08.10.2023 the Fischleintal valley can only be reached by shuttle bus Sexten/Sesto - Fischleintal (from Sexten/ Sesto), on foot, by bicycle or - with the exception of temporary closures in the period from 9 AM to 4 PM. No reservations are required for the Sexten/Sesto- Fischleintal valley shuttle bus. For visitors from outside Sexten/ Sesto, we recommend taking the public bus route 446 from Toblach/Dobbiaco - Innichen/San Candido. You can change to the Fischleintal Shuttle at the valley station of the Helm/Monte Elmo cable car in Sexten/Sesto.

Dolomite passes

In addition to being popular destinations, the Dolomite passes are also starting points for experiencing this unique landscape of the Dolomites. The best way to do so is without a car: You can explore the passes in a sustainable way by walking, cycling, taking the cable car or public transport and enjoy the Dolomites for many years to come. Plan your tour via high-Alpine passes here .

The Karersee lake

The Karersee lake, which is located directly beneath the Karerpass, is easily accessible via public transport. Hikers can reach the lake on foot in summer and also in winter. Getting to Karersee lake 

Seiser Alm high plateau

The Seiser Alm  near Bolzano/Bozen is the largest high alpine pasture in Europe and boasts unrivalled views of the Dolomites. In the calming silence and pure air, enjoy hiking, climbing and biking in summer, and skiing, cross-country skiing or a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride in winter.

The road to the Seiser Alm nature reserve is closed to private cars from 9 am to 5 pm. You can get there using the cable car from Seis/Siusi or by bus from Kastelruth/Castelrotto.

This way to the Seiser Alm high plateau

Pfelders/Plan in the Passeiertal valley

In Pfelders/Plan , a picturesque mountain village at the end of the Passeiertal valley, people enjoy strolling or enjoying a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Families in particular appreciate the quiet atmosphere in the midst of the Texelgruppe Nature Park for hiking or cycling tours in summer and downhill skiing in winter. Cars and motorbikes must be parked in the large car park in front of the village entrance; this parking regulation is in effect for cable car users.

You can travel between the car park, the village and the lifts with the "village express", a train on wheels, as well as via shuttle buses or horse-drawn carriages.

Vigiljoch pass near Meran

A true oasis of tranquillity, where tradition and innovation meet, is located on the Vigiljoch pass above Lana near Meran/Merano. South Tyrolean star architect Matteo Thun, who works in Milan, designed the Vigilius Mountain Resort, a sustainable design hotel. Time-honoured and modern elements have always been effortlessly combined on the Vigiljoch pass. As always, the only connection up from the valley is the Vigiljoch cable car.

Ritten high plateau

Thanks to a sustainable development plan, the Ritten high plateau and the Rittner Horn mountain can be easily and comfortably accessed via public transport. There is plenty of parking near the valley and mountain stations: You can therefore leave your car there and continue your journey by public transport, walking or cycling. You can reach the Rittner Horn mountain from Bolzano/Bozen by cable car. Once you reach the top, take advantage of the Rittner Bahn railway, take the bus to get around, or just take a leisurely hike. The Rittner Seilbahn cable car, which transports guests to the Rittner Horn mountain, can also be reached by public transport.

Getting to the Ritten high plateau

Lake Antholz & Staller Saddle pass

Reach the  Lake Antholz  and  Staller Saddle  mountain pass in a comfortable and sustainable way with our 2-lake-shuttle and look forward to numerous activities around the alpine pass as well as the nearby Obersee lake without actually touching the steering wheel of your car!

18.06.2023 – 30.09.2023 : daily

Here you can find the shuttle  timetables  for the  different stops :

• Südtirol Arena  ->  Platzl am See  ->  Obersee
• Südtirol Arena  ->  Platzl am See
• Obersee  ->  Platzl am See  ->  Südtirol Arena
• Platzl am See  ->  Südtirol Arena

Car-free experience on the Dolomite passes

In addition to being popular destinations, the Dolomite passes are also starting points for experiencing this unique landscape of the Dolomites. The best way to do so is without a car: You can explore the passes in a sustainable way by walking, cycling, taking the cable car or public transport and enjoy the Dolomites for many years to come.

Carsharing - car rental in South Tyrol

Are you looking for a means of supplementing the public transport?

Cost-effective, flexible, time-saving and environmentally-friendly. Carsharing Südtirol Alto Adige offers cars for hire in various locations across the area. Find a carsharing vehicle close to you!

Register - Book - Drive. Once you have registered, you can reserve the vehicle you want via your carsharing account. Your hire car will be available for the booked time and from the booked station. 

Do you want to test an e-vehicle? The "Carsharing Südtirol Alto Adige" vehicle fleet includes two electric cars which are available for regular use.

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