19 Incredible Things to do in South Tyrol in the Summer
Here’s our definitive list of things to do in South Tyrol during summer. Discover the region’s famous natural attractions, beautiful towns, incredible wineries, epic hiking and the best food.
There are many places in Italy that could claim to be its most captivating; the coastlines of the Amalfi, the crumbling terracotta-hued streets of Bologna, the ancient marvels of Rome or Venice.
But in our humble opinion it’s South Tyrol, the alpine pocket in its northern reaches, that is the country’s most wonderful best-kept secret.
Here, where the jagged peaks of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites thrust upwards from emerald alpine lakes and quaint medieval towns, alpine traditions and the Mediterranean collide with influences from Italy, Austria, and Germany to create a wonderfully welcoming and enchanting destination for travellers.
To describe all that’s on offer in South Tyrol in just a few lines is almost impossible. For some, it’s a region made for outdoor exploits, where world-class hiking, skiing, and adrenalin-busting activities abound.
For others, it’s a place best devoured slowly, in delicate morsels at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants or in the luxurious wellness areas of equally luxurious accommodation.
What’s certain though, is that whatever your travel preference, there’s much to do in — and much to love about — Italy’s alpine region.
In this guide, we’re taking you through the best things to do in South Tyrol, including outdoor adventures, cultural highlights, and mouthwatering gourmet experiences, plus our mini travel guide and personal recommendations on where to stay and eat, how to get around, and more.
WHAT TO DO IN SOUTH TYROL IN THE SUMMER
WHERE IS SOUTH TYROL?
The beautiful province of South Tyrol (also known as Südtirol or Alto Adige) lies in the northernmost part of Italy, bordering Austria to the north. It’s made up of both high alpine peaks and mediterranean climes, with wholly contrasting landscapes and climatic conditions.
Picture imposing mountain peaks overlooking Mediterranean-style vineyards and villas!
The region has long been disputed amongst European powers. It fell under Austrian rule for centuries before changing hands during WW1, when it was annexed by Italy. The current autonomous region is home to three official languages, German, Italian, and Ladin, the local indigenous language.
The capital of South Tyrol is the beautiful city of Bolzano (Bozen).
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTH TYROL?
The best time of year to visit South Tyrol is either late Spring and early summer (June - July), or late summer and early Autumn (September and early October).
In late spring and early summer, wildflowers cover the meadows with bright bursts of colour even as the snow remains on the upper mountains, providing the most picturesque of backdrops to your explorations. In late summer and early Autumn, the crowds are much smaller across the region yet temperatures still comfortable. In autumn, the already beautiful landscapes pop with shades of yellow and orange.
If possible, we’d avoid the summer months of July - August as South Tyrol gets extremely busy with Italian and German holidaymakers on school holidays, as well as those travelling further afield.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN SOUTH TYROL?
This is a question we can’t adequately answer because we could happily spend forever in South Tyrol and still find places to discover and trails to hike.
That being said, it’s possible to enjoy the best things to do in South Tyrol in 7-days. This will allow you to enjoy a mixture of the regions natural beauty, day hikes, modern museums, and the local food & wine.
If you’re planning to enjoy a few overnight hikes in the Dolomites, as well as the main sights, 10-14 nights might be a better option.
However, if you’re planning to hit the region for photography only, five nights is achievable to see the South Tyrol highlights.
SOUTH TYROL HIGHLIGHTS
1. The stunning lakes of Lago di Braies & Lago di Carezza
2. The dramatic peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo
3. The exquisite wineries of Strada del Vino
4. The picturesque cities of Bolzano and Merano
5. Paragliding over the Dolomites
6. Sampling the best of South Tyrolean cuisine
7. The unique museums of Kronplatz
8. Health and wellness at Hotel Miramonti
THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH TYROL | EXPLORE THE NATURAL BEAUTY
South Tyrol, with the Dolomites as its backdrop, is filled with endless natural beauty.
From hiking the jagged peaks and verdant plains of the alpine region to wandering the rolling vineyards and picturesque lakes of the Mediterranean area, natural beauty is easy to come by.
Here are the best places to visit and things to do in South Tyrol lovers of nature.
#1 GO HIKING IN THE DOLOMITES
Home to picturesque mountain ranges and world-class hiking trails, South Tyrol is a hiker’s paradise.
We’ve already written a comprehensive guide to our favourite day hikes in the Dolomites, but in the meantime here are a few of our all-time faves:
TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO
The jagged monoliths of the famed Tre Cime di Lavaredo are potentially our favourite sight in the Dolomites. Nowhere else gives us that real sense of awe that these three towering peaks do, and a visit here should sit atop your ‘what to do in South Tyrol’ list.
The surrounding peaks of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Dolomites, equally as impressive, tease and flirt with their visual grandeur, while the turquoise mountain lakes, verdant alpine plains and endless valleys provide a backdrop to one of the most beautiful natural sights we’ve ever seen.
The best way way to enjoy Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the epic surrounding landscape is via the 10km loop hike. Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, the imposing three peaks loom high above as you walk the circuit.
READ | We’ve written a detailed guide to hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, so we recommend checking that out here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Opening hours | Toll gates open 7am - 7pm
Cost | €30 per car
HIKE TO LAGO DI SORAPIS
The Dolomites are famous for their crystal clear lakes (hello Lago di Carezza!), but the turquoise hues of Lago di Sorapis are honestly something else (read our complete guide to the hike here).
It's distinctive colour and position in the foothills of the jagged Dolomiti peaks makes it one of the most picturesque in the region, and the 2-hour hike to Lake Sorapis is one of the best things to do in the Dolomites.
Commencing from the carpark on Passo Tre Croci (in between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Misurina), the trail ascends pretty steeply through dense pine forests.
It does involve some scrambling and metal chains at some points, but the first glimpses of the milky-blue Lago di Sorapis under the imposing Mt. Sorapis are absolutely worth the somewhat challenging journey to get there.
THE DETAILS
Where | Lago di Sorapis
Note | Swimming here is forbidden (and clearly signposted as such!).
HIKE TO THE VAJOLET TOWERS
Rising from the rocky Catinaccio group separating South Tyrol from Trentino are the otherworldly peaks of the Vajolet Towers (Italian: Torri del Vajolet), jagged teeth-like spires that tower over the landscape below.
The Torri del Vajolet are already a popular rock climbing spot, but the trail that leads to the Vajolet Towers base makes for an incredible (if not somewhat challenging) day hike in the Dolomites.
With the typically dramatic landscapes and scenery Südtirol is well-known for, without the insane crowds you’d find at other hotspots like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Vajolet Towers hike is a must-see on any Dolomites itinerary.
There are multiple routes you could take to reach these peaks - we’ve covered all of them in our comprehensive guide to hiking to the Vajolet Towers.
THE DETAILS
Where | Vajolet Towers, Dolomites
RELATED | Read our guide to the best day hikes in the Dolomites here
#2 VISIT THE STUNNING LAGO DI BRAIES
The most iconic alpine lake in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is famous the world over for its emerald waters, ubiquitous boat house, beautiful spruce pines forests and towering limestone peaks.
Unsurprisingly, it’s more impressive in 3D, and worthy of an sunrise visit to avoid the crowds and savour the beauty (save for the 100’s of photographers that scramble for the best vantage points, even in the early hours - it’s not known as Lago di Instagram for nothing!). On that, if you do decide to visit, please don’t be one of those people who breaks into the boatshed (there’s actually a €150 fee to shoot here) or the tied up boats for their shot.
If the crowds get a bit too much, take the picturesque 1 hour walk which follows the shores of the lake and provides picturesque views from almost every angle.
THE DETAILS
Where | Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee
Cost | 30min boat hire: €18, €150 photography fee for the boathouse
#3 EXPLORE THE RAINBOW LAKES OF LAGO DI CAREZZA
Perhaps our favourite lake in the Dolomites, Lago di Carezza (also known as Karersee in German), and its picture-perfect reflections of the Latemar range, have long made it a popular choice with tourists and photographers alike - and we have to admit that despite its buzz as an ‘insta-worthy’ destination, it really is one of our favourite places in the whole of South Tyrol and the Dolomites.
Probably more so than Lago di Braies.
The stunning emerald waters of Lago di Carezza are just a short drive from Nova Levante, and are best witnessed in the early morning just prior to sunrise. Watch the sun hit the top of the jagged limestone peaks of the Latemar range, before encasing the valley in a golden glow.
Once you’ve witnessed nature doing her thing, take the short 20 min walk around the lake, enjoying the fresh mountain air and misty spruce forests.
READ | We’ve written a complete guide to Lago di Carezza, which you can find here.
THE DETAILS
Cost | Parking is free for the first 15 min, then €1 per hour for each hour after that
#4 ADMIRE THE JAGGED PEAKS OF SECEDA
Stunning Seceda, with the peaks of Fermeda Towers jutting out from behind the Seceda mountain, is one of the most instantly recognisable in all of the Dolomites, and a must-visit on any South Tyrol bucket list.
The views from the top overlook many of the Dolomites most iconic and stunning peaks, including the Sella group, Sassolungo, and Mt. Schlern, as well as Alpe di Siusi.
There are a number of mountain huts at the summit where you can enjoy a food, coffee or beer (or all at once!).
To get to this epic vantage point, take the Seilbahn Seceda cable car from Ortisei (€32 return) to the top of Seceda and admire the views for yourself (we recommend taking the earliest possible cable car to enjoy the surrounds crowd-free).
Once at the top, follow trail #1 towards the epic peaks in front of you.
THE DETAILS
Where | Seceda
Cost | €32 return cable car from Ortisei
#5 HIKE IN FANES NATIONAL PARK
Fanes National Park is, in our opinion, the most underrated nature park in the whole of South Tyrol. As you enter the park, towering mountains and spruce pine forests surround you from all angles, providing the most memorable of drives.
Sharing our adventures on Instagram, our followers all commented that it looked a LOT like Yosemite National Park in the US, and we’d have to agree. (psst - are you following us over @thecommonwanderer yet? You should be!),
While there are a number of day and overnight hikes in the park, including one over the peaks and down to Lago di Braies, we recommend taking the day hike to Fanes Hütte to enjoy the best features of the park.
From Pederü Berggasthaus, start the 4-hour return hike towards Fanes Hutte. You can opt for the hiking path or the road; we’d recommend always choosing the hiking trail as the road is pretty boring and dusty.
The path follows a steep incline before flattening out in the upper valley. Here, the unique mountainscapes become more rugged and imposing, with the jagged peaks towering high above and all. Follow the path to the right, up a small incline through the forest, before the path again flattens out towards Fanes Hütte.
The hut, built in 1928, is the perfect location to enjoy a typical mountain meal - traditional Tyrolean dumplings with spinach, washed down with a Först beer.
Post lunch, continue the hike up towards Lago di Limo alpine lake, 30 minutes beyond Fanes Hütte for some more impressive views of the unique landscape. At this point, it’s time to turn back to the direction you came, slowly making your way back down towards the car park at Pederü.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park
Cost | From £32 - £72, depending on calendar season, tourist season, and room type
Stay | We spent the night at Fanes Hütte, and definitely recommend it - best mountain hut we’ve stayed in, ever!
#6 WANDER THROUGH ALPE DI SIUSI
Alpe di Siusi is one of those ’too beautiful to be real’ type places. Honestly, your jaw will be pinned to the green pastures around you as you admire the views here.
The largest alpine meadow in Europe is home to iconic views of rolling hills and alpine huts of the Dolomites.
Best enjoyed for sunrise, we suggest hiking into the meadow and cabins before watching the sun rise behind the mountain peaks in the distance. Our friend and South Tyrolean local @guiligartner suggests hiking to Adler Lodge Alpe or Malga Sanon for the best photography location.
You’re not actually allowed to drive into Seiser Alm unless you’re staying in the area or have a local permit (and it’s a whopping €150+ fine if you do!), so we suggest parking at Compatsch and walking into the meadow at your own pace.
THE DETAILS
Where | Alpe di Siusi, Selva di Val Gardena
Stay | If you want to stay in the meadow, we recommend Adler Lodge Alpe
Tips | Don’t get fined €150 for driving in - hike into the area instead!
THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH TYROL | HIKING & ADRENALIN
Whether it’s a lung-busting hike in the wild mountains, the chance to paraglide over the dramatic peaks and valleys, or testing your mettle on the ropes of Via Ferrata, adventure is never far away in this part of the world.
These are our favourite adrenaline-inducing things to do in South Tyrol.
#7 PARAGLIDING OVER MONTE ELMO
Of all the experiences we’ve had in South Tyrol, paragliding over the unique landscapes and quaint towns of the Dolomites stands out.
It wasn’t always this way.
Leading up to the flight, one half of TCW was quietly shaking with fear, convinced her life was about to end in the skies above South Tyrol.
As it turns out, she needn’t have worried; paragliding is actually incredible calm and relaxing, and oh so exciting. And doing so above a UNESCO World Heritage-listed marvel such as the Dolomites is quite the experience.
Setting off from the windy, clouded peak of Monte Elmo, we floated high above the Puster Valley, admiring the jagged peaks of the Dolomites on one side, and the snowy mountains of Austria on the other.
Towards the end of our flight, our guides, Michael and Leo, sent us into an adrenaline-inducing tailspin before landing comfortably in the green fields of Sesto - an experience we’ll both never forget.
THE DETAILS
Where | Monte Elmo (Helm), Sexten
Cost | €160 per person
Book | Book directly through the Cumulus Club Sexten by calling local pilot Michael Rogger at +39 348 7047158, or email at info@appartements-michael.com
Tips | It can be cold up in the sky, so wear layers
dolomites hiking | 7 of the best Dolomites day hikes
#8 TRY A VIA FERRATA ON THE GRAN CIR PEAK, ALTA BADIA
Hiking to the summit of Gran Cir for sunrise is, in all senses, tough.
There’s the uncomfortably early start, the incredibly steep ascent, the somewhat uncomfortable via ferrata sections, and the final push to the peak.
Yet the sunrise, and view, make the hike unequivocally worth it.
Starting at 4am (depending on the time of year, it could be earlier or later depending on sunrise times), the hike starts from Passo Gardena (Rifugio Frara) before snaking its way up a scree gully towards the summit. From here, there’s a mix of hiking, scrambling and rock climbing to get to the Gran Cir peak just in time for sunrise.
From the summit, the sunrise is truly spectacular. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the Dolomites surrounding you, including the Sella Group, Sassolungo, and the Monte Antelao and Pelmo.
The hike is perfect for those who seek a little more adventure in their hikes, as well as to witness what may just be the best view in the Dolomites.
On the way down, stop in at JimmiHütte for a delicious South Tyrolean breakfast.
Alternatively, there are many via ferrata available throughout South Tyrol region, including around Tre Cime.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rifugio Frara, start of Gran Cir hike
Tips | Wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring a head lamp if summiting for sunrise
WHAT TO DO IN SOUTH TYROL | PICTURESQUE CITIES & TOWNS
Quaint, enchanting, and nestled into the foothills of the ever-present mountain ranges, South Tyrol’s medieval villages and towns are so much more than just bases for winter skiing or summer hiking adventures.
From thousand-year old cobblestoned streets to fairytale-like piazzas perfect for people-watching with spritz in hand, the towns of South Tyrol are a unique and alluring insight into rural alpine life.
If you’ve got more time up your sleeve, we’d also recommend checking out the beautiful smaller towns and villages, like San Candido, Chiusa, Ortisei, and Brunico, which are all worth a wander around! Here are a few of our must-see towns in South Tyrol:
#9 EXPLORE THE REGIONAL CAPITAL OF BOLZANO
The South Tyrolean regional capital of Bolzano is one of those undiscovered European gems that you’ll fall in love with and never want to leave.
The centrepoint of trade between Italy and Europe during the Middle Ages, Bolzano is now the confluence of Italian and German/Austrian culture, which is evident just about everywhere throughout the city.
The heart of Bolzano is the picture-perfect medieval old-town, complete with ancient cathedrals and wide open squares, narrow passageways, pastel-coloured houses, bustling market stalls and al-fresco dining. Outside of town, the green hills and craggy peaks present perfect hiking opportunities.
Then there’s the food, which offers the best of Italian and German cuisine (including great gelato), while the aperitivo culture is alive and well - afternoons in Bolzano are best spent people watching over an Aperol Spritz or two.
For a small city, there’s a lot to do, the best of which we’ve listed below;
Piazza Walther | Bolzano’s main square is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon aperitivo while people-watching and admiring the pretty surrounds
Via Argentieri | The most beautiful street in Bolzano, the historic via Argentieri is the place to shop and enjoy traditional south Tyrolean architecture
Bolzano Duomo | The showpiece of Bolzano’s medieval old town and a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Bolzano’s Duomo is a must-see. Keep an eye out for the gargoyles, reminiscent of the Notre Dame in Paris
Markets at Piazza delle Erbe | Bolzano’s old town is also home to its famous markets, selling everything from fresh produce and local meats, to herbs and spice and homemade candy. Although markets in larger European cities are generally tourist traps, these markets have a more authentic feel to them
BOOK | If you’re keen to see more of the city, take this guided walking tour through the historic centre.
THE DETAILS
Book | Bolzano guided walking tour
#10 MAKE TIME FOR PRETTY MERANO
Our visit to Merano was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise.
You see, we knew absolutely nothing about this city before arriving, but were immediately blown away by its leafy promenades, elegant Villas, and stunning historic centre.
Nestled amongst the towering ranges of Ortles and Giogaia di Tessa in the Adige Valley, Merano enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year — yep, you read that right! — due to its unique position and microclimate.
It’s a spa town of high repute; its thermal springs bring visitors from all over to soak up some of the famous South Tyrolean wellness and relaxation.
A walk through the well preserved old town will take you back in time, as will a ride on the historic Merano - Tirolo chair lift.
Although it’s a little out of the way, especially for those of you focused on experiencing the best of the Dolomites, Merano is well worth a night or two.
Here are some of the best things to do in Merano:
Stroll the old town | The old-town of Merano is postcard perfect. Take via Portici towards St. Nicholas church, before heading back towards the river, stopping at the famous Kurhaus
Take the historic chair lift to Tirolo | This historic, single passenger chairlift (€6 return) , is a fun way to see a panoramic view of Merano and the surrounding mountains
Tappeinerweg Trail | A famous and beautiful walk above the city for good reason, the Tappeinerweg trail is best enjoyed in the golden light of the afternoon
Terme Merano | Super popular (this is a spa town after all), Terme Merano is the place to come for the soothing waters of Merano’s thermal springs. You can also organise other wellness options, such as massages, or enjoy views over the town from it’s terrace
THE DETAILS
WHAT TO DO IN SOUTH TYROL | FOOD & WINE
We’ve come to learn that South Tyrolean cuisine is some of our favourite anywhere in the world, and no visit to South Tyrol is complete without sampling some of the finest fare this region has to offer.
Here are some of our favourite places to visit in South Tyrol for good food and wine.
#11 ENJOY THE BEST OF SOUTH TYROLEAN FARE AT ALPINN
AlpiNN restaurant, perched atop the Kronplatz mountain near Brunico, is a must-visit for lovers of exceptional, fresh fare.
The brainchild of South Tyrollean chef and culinary legend Norbert Niederkofler, AlpiNN serves lunch and aperitif to hikers, bikers, skiers, and everyone in between using produce and wine sourced exclusively from the surrounding mountains and valleys; part of Norbert’s famous ‘mountain to plate’ philosophy.
If the quality of food isn’t enough, the views from AlpiNN are some of the best in the region, with panoramic vistas overlooking the Dolomites from 2,275m.
We tried a number of dishes during our visit to AlpiNN, and can safely say that whatever you select will be incredible.
Stand out plates for us included the risotto with wild garlic and wood sorrel (€18) and the gloriously fresh trout (€18), all washed down with a mountain Spritz (South Tyrol’s version of an Aperol Spritz) or local wine.
THE DETAILS
Where | AlpiNN, on Kronplatz Mountain
Cost | €18-25 for mains
Opening hours | 9:30am - 4:30pm each day. Cableway closes at 5pm!
#12 EAT WITH A VIEW AT OBERHOLZ
The recently opened Oberholz Alpine hut, a short chairlift ride away from the town of Obereggen, is a contemporary restaurant with incredible panoramic views of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Dolomites.
Designed like the branches of a tree, and with views out over the valley below it was, like so many places in South Tyrol, designed to be in and of the nature surrounding it - something we love in this part of the world!
Oberholz is home to some seriously world-class cuisine, using ingredients from South Tyrol to create simple, wonderful mountain food. We enjoyed the burrata plate with fresh tomatoes, while the main of alpine mushroom risotto was particularly mouth-watering.
But the best thing about the restaurant is, of course, the views. In summer, enjoy a beer or wine on the sun terrace overlooking the ridiculous view, before hiking (or taking the cable car) back down.
To get to Oberholz, jump aboard the panoramic chair lift from Obereggen to the peak for around 10 minutes (€14.50). A cheaper alternative is to hike to Oberholz (which makes the food all the more rewarding) from Obereggen, following the short steep but easy path for around 2 - 3 hours to complete.
THE DETAILS
Where | Oberholz Alpine Hut, Obereggen
Cost | €8-12 for appetisers, €16-24 for mains
Opening hours | Summer 8:30am - 6pm every day. Winter 8:30 - 4pm every day
#13 WINE TASTING AT MANINCOR ESTATE
“Wine is an emotion. It has a soul, and can be very touching,”
These are the words that Sophie, Countess and co-owner of the Manincor Winery imparts on us as we make our way around the grounds of the estate. Her passion for wine and all that comes with it is incredibly evident, as is her — and the family’s — commitment to biodynamic, organic wine farming and production process.
It’s a wonderful philosophy for a winery named Manincor, Latin for ‘hand on heart’.
We’d recommend a visit to Manincor for their delicious wines alone, but in this day and age it’s so important to use our buying power to support business that truly care about the impact they have on the earth too.
Having spent some time learning about their commitment to sustainability and working with the land and climates around them, we’d also recommend stopping in for a tour or wine tasting to discover this unique, inspiring business yourself!
THE DETAILS
Where | Manincor Wine Estate, on South Tyrol’s Strada del Vino
Book | Book guided tours and/or wine tasting direct with Manincor, contact details here
#14 TRY A SOUTH TYROLLEAN COOKING COURSE AT RIFUGIO UTIA BIOCH
Rifugio Utia Bioch is one of those ubiquitous alpine huts that dot the mountains of the Dolomites. A rustic, timber-cladded cabin adorned with colourful summer flowers overlooking the vast rocky peaks, which beckons hikers and bikers with its large sun terrace, great food and fully stocked wine cellar.
But Rifugio Utia Bioch also offers up something a little different. On top of serving delicious South Tyrollean cuisine, it also runs cooking classes for those keen to learn how to cook simple, delicious local fare. People like us!
We joined a class, keen to to learn how to cook two very local and very tasty dishes - Schlutzkrapfen, a ravioli type dumpling filled with spinach and ricotta and served with parmesan and chives, and Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake served with applesauce and cream.
Chef Hubert took us through the ingredients, preparation and cooking instructions before it was Mim’s turn to cook up a storm.The results were utterly delicious, eaten with an amazing view while delightfully washed down over some of owner Marcus’ best local wine.
If you’re keen to enjoy a cooking class in the sky, be sure to book in advance directly with the Rifugio.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rifugio Utia Bioch, Badia
Cost | €50 - 80 depending on menu/recipe, and other inclusions
Book | Book well in advance to allow for preparation. By email: info@bioch.it or call +39 338 4833994
How to get there | Head to the town of San Cassiano and take the cable car to Piz Sorega, then take a short walk to Rifugio Ütia de Bioch to enjoy some authentic South Tyrolean cuisine
THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH TYROL | CULTURE AND WELLNESS
Travellers might flock to South Tyrol to admire the jagged peaks and hike its sweeping mountainscapes, but they end up staying for the vibrant culture and quaint towns that have flourished in its valleys.
From onion-domed churches to modern galleries, ancient cavemen to cutting-edge architecture, rolling wine estates to a luxurious array of wellness treatments; there’s plenty to do, see, taste, soak up, and enjoy in South Tyrol.
#15 EXPLORE THE LUMEN MUSEUM OF MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
The recently opened Lumen Museum of Mountain Photography is a one-of-a-kind space dedicated to mountain photography.
Built into the old cableway station, this architecturally-designed building takes you through the history of mountain photography, as well as adding modern-day elements (the mirror room is the best room in the building!) across four floors.
For those of you that are into photography, the range of exhibits intertwined with the contemporary design make Lumen Photography Museum a must-do in South Tyrol.
THE DETAILS
Where | LUMEN Museum of Mountain Photography, Kronplatz
Cost | €17 per adult
Opening hours | Open 10am - 4pm, Monday - Sunday
How to get there | Take the cable car to the summit of Kronplatz - €19 return
#16 VISIT THE MESSNER MOUNTAIN MUSEUM CORONES
Another of Kronplatz’s architecturally designed museums is the Messner Mountain Museum Corones.
Designed by famed architect Zaha Hadid, Messner Mountain Museum Corones is curated by famous mountaineer, Reinhold Messner, and is dedicated to traditional mountaineering and mountain history of the Dolomites and Alps.
Surrounded by incredible views of the Dolomites and with a cantilevered viewing platform showcasing the best views, the museum is well worth an hour of exploring.
THE DETAILS
Where | MMM Corones, Kronplatz
Cost | €10 per adult
Opening hours | Open 10am - 4pm, Monday - Sunday
How to get there | Take the cable car to the summit of Kronplatz - €19 return
#17 SEE ÖTZI THE ICEMAN IN BOLZANO
The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano is home to Ötzi the Iceman, Europe’s oldest natural human mummy, who was found in 1991 buried in a glacier in the Öztal Alps, in South Tyrol.
Ötzi walked the planet some 5300 years ago, and apparently died in a small battle in the Alps. His body was discovered buried to his torso in at an elevation of 3,210 metres (10,530 ft) on the east ridge of the Fineilspitze in the Ötztal Alps on the Austrian–Italian border, and he became an instant media sensation after his discovery.
The find allowed scientists to thoroughly examine his body to give humanity a great understanding of prehistoric (Chalcolithic) Europeans, including their diet, health and climatic conditions.
The museum showcases a permanent exhibition of Ötzi and his artefacts, including his copper axe, a bow and arrow, a knife, snowshoes, antibacterial mushrooms, as well as other small items, and is well worth a visit to see excellent example of a mummified ancestor.
THE DETAILS
Where | South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Bolzano
Cost | €9 per adult
Opening hours | Open 10am - 6pm (last entry at 5:30pm), Tuesday - Sunday. Open every day in July, August and December
#18 ENJOY WELLNESS AT THE HOTEL MIRAMONTI
Hotel Miramonti’s motto is "hard to find, hard to forget", and after our visit to this magnificent hotel, nestled in the forests high above Merano, we’d have to agree.
This family-run hotel is the definition of luxe, with 43 modern yet understated rooms overlooking the valley and Merano below. Our room was almost larger than our apartment in Budapest, and we thoroughly enjoyed spreading out, making ourselves at home and enjoying the views.
The hotel is best known for its incredible wellness centre. Its insta-famous infinity pool hangs over the valley below, with views out over the surrounding mountains (unfortunately, thick fog prevented us from seeing these views!), while the Onsen pool, forest bath and hot tub are the perfect spots to sit back and relax.
There’s also a forest sauna, yoga and exercise rooms, as well as a very calming quiet room overlooking the valley, perfect for switching off. The hotel also offers forest bathing - guided walks amongst nature in their local forest.
Led by head chef Massimo Geromel, and with incredible panoramic views, the restaurant is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a glass of local red, while sampling some of the region’s delicious local fare.
If you’re looking to splash out and enjoy the finer side of South Tyrolean life, a stay at Hotel Miramonti is highly recommend.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via S. Caterina, 14, 39010 Avelengo
Book | Hotel Miramonti
How to get there | There’s no public transport to Miramonti, so you’ll need your own car, or alternatively, your own helicopter(!) as the hotel also has a helipad on the grounds….!
#19 DRIVE OVER PASSO GARDENA
South Tyrol is the ultimate road trip destination, with winding roads carving through the stunning countryside all the way from 500m up to the 3,000m + high mountains.
While many of the roads and passes stand out - mostly notably the road leading up to Tre Cime di Lavarado, and the Sella Pass, nothing quite comes close to the tight hairpins and epic views of Passo Gardena.
At an elevation of 2,136m above sea level, the pass connects the valleys of Gardena and Badia with the mountains of Sella and Selva standing imposingly on either side.
The pass is best completed during the sunset hours, when the surrounding mountains glow orange, and the crowds (read cards and cyclists) have reduced in number.
The pass is also a great starting point for many of the regions best hikes, including the Pizes de Cir (Gran Cir) hike.
THE DETAILS
Where | Passo Gardena, Corvara
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SOUTH TYROL
WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH TYROL
South Tyrol is littered with a great range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, Airbnbs and alpine huts.
Accommodation in the region can be quite expensive, so we recommend budgeting for a minimum of €100 per night.
AIRBNB & GUESTHOUSES
Great quality apartments and guesthouses are a dime a dozen in South Tyrol, so you’re in luck if you’re looking for some more independent, self-contained options for your time here.
BOOK | Search for your perfect airbnb here, and perfect guesthouse here.
We’ve also written a comprehensive guide to Airbnb to help you book the best, cheapest and safest accommodation, every time.
HOTELS IN SOUTH TYROL
We’ve written a comprehensive guide to where to stay in the Dolomites with the best hotels, guesthouses and rifugios (read it here.)
Hotels in South Tyrol range from extravagant 5* luxury (see Hotel Miramonti above), through to traditional, simple alpine guesthouses (Albergo/Gasthof). The quality of hotels and guesthouses in South Tyrol is some of the best anywhere in the world, and hospitality is highly valued here - so don’t expect a run down, uncomfortable room, even at 3*.
One things to note is that accommodation in the region is not cheap - expect to pay upwards of €100 per night for 3* accommodation (including breakfast).
BOOK | Search for availability, the best rates or book your stay in South Tyrol using Booking.com
RIFUGIOS
Rifugio/Alpine Huts are ubiquitous here in the mountains of South Tyrol, and are a great place to embrace the alpine culture that exists within the region. Some of the best nights we’ve enjoyed in South Tyrol have been in a rifugio, enjoying hearty food, schnapps and a decent night’s sleep after a hard days walking.
The majority of rifugios in South Tyrol are privately owned, and need to be booked well in advance online (old school, no booking.com here!)
HOW TO GET AROUND SOUTH TYROL
CAR
We highly recommend hiring a car for the duration of your stay in South Tyrol - it makes reaching all the wonderful natural attractions very easy, and gives you far more freedom than public transport.
We’d recommend hiring a car in Bolzano, which is pretty much the gateway to your Dolomites adventures. Alternatively, you can hire a car at any arrival point in the surrounding regions and cities.
READ | Our 7-day Dolomites road trip itinerary
Expect to pay anywhere between £80 - £200 for 7-days car hire, excluding insurance (depending on car type).
We generally use RentalCars.com to book rentals - check prices and availability for Italy here
BOOK | Check prices and dates for car rental here
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If you’re not keen to hire a car, the public transport system in South Tyrol is exceptional - the region is very well connected via a system of buses, regional trains and cable cars.
Organise yourself a South Tyrol Mobilcard, for one, three or seven days, and gain access to all the other transport options throughout the region.
Tickets can be purchased at tourist information centres, hotels, and ticket machines.
THE DETAILS
What | South Tyrol Mobilcard
Cost | €15, €23, or €28 respectively for 1, 3 and 7 days
HOW TO GET TO SOUTH TYROL
Despite its location high in the Alps of Northern Italy, the Dolomites are very well connected to major transport hubs.
In our opinion, the best (and most environmentally friendly) way to get to the Dolomites within central Europe is via train, as the rail network throughout the region is exceptional, and trains regularly stop at Bolzano, the starting point for our Dolomites itinerary.
If you’re arriving from further abroad, flying may be the best option.
TRAIN
If you’re travelling via train from Germany, Switzerland or Austria in the north, or Italy in the south, get off at Bolzano station, the main hub for the region.
For more information on local public transport, click here.
TIP | If arriving by train, you can organise the South Tyrol shuttle to pick you up and drop you at your accommodation.
This initiative, which encourages people to leave their car at home and travel by more environmentally friendly means, allows travellers to book transfers to accommodation online at www.suedtiroltransfer.com/en.
FLY
Although it’s not possible to fly directly to the Dolomites, three airports exist within a three hour drive to the main attractions, while three major international airports are between 4-6 hours away.
We’ve arrived into both Venice and Munich, and both were easy options to get to the Dolomites.
If flying, we suggest arranging car hire from your arrival airport, or catching a train/shuttle bus to Bolzano to start your Dolomites road trip.
The closest airports include:
Verona Villafranca International Airport - Italy | 2.5 hours
Marco Polo International Airport, Venice - Italy | 2.5 hours
Innsbruck - Austria | 2 hours
Other major international airports within 4-6 hour radius include:
Zurich Airport – Switzerland | 5-6 hours
Malpensa Airport – Milan, Italy | 4-5 hours
Munich International Airport – Germany | 3-4 hours
BOOK | Check dates and prices for flights here
TIP | There are several daily Shuttle buses to South Tyrol from the airports of Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich, Treviso, Venice, Verona, Bergamo and Milan Malpensa. Learn more here.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN ITALY
Whatever you do, don’t travel through Italy without travel insurance, even if you’re the most experienced traveller.
Whether it be a hiking injury, car accident, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Italy, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues!
BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads
SOUTH TYROL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Travelling through South Tyrol comes with a unique set of needs. To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
Reusable water bottle | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!).
Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean on hikes without destroying the planet!
Hand sanitiser | not something we’d actually recommend normally, but when hiking it can be a bloody great investment
READ | check out our eco-friendly packing guide to travel through Italy consciously and comfortably
PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY SOON?
Check our these essential posts to help you have the best Italy trip ever:
DOLOMITES | Our Dolomites Travel Guide, Top things to do in the Dolomites, Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, Where to stay in the Dolomites, How to get to the Dolomites
DOLOMITES DESTINATION GUIDES | A guide to Val di Funes, A complete guide to Alpe di Siusi, How to visit Lago di Carezza, our guide to Lago di Braies,
HIKES TO REMEMBER | 7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites, including the famous Tre Cime De Lavaredo loop, Violet Towers hiking guide, Hiking to Lago di Sorapis, Cadini di Misurina
SOUTH TYROL | 19 amazing things to do in South Tyrol during Summer, plus everything we love about the beautiful South Tyrol region
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Grab the presets we use on every photo here
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE THE BEST OF ITALY WITH THESE POSTS!
We visited South Tyrol in partnership with Visit South Tyrol. As always, musings and opinions are very much our own!
Some of the links on this guides to the best things to do in South Tyrol are affiliate links.
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