Fourth place in the Top Ten Places to be: South Tyrol
A guide through the holidaymakers' paradise south of the Brenner Pass
30 March 2021
Holidaymakers in Northern Italy immerse themselves in a different world. Awaiting them is a magnificent natural landscape, an ambience that combines the Alpine and the Mediterranean, and numerous historical sights. According to the survey of Falstaff TRAVEL readers about the top ten destinations in Europe, the region south of the Brenner Pass makes it to fourth place. And rightly so: the province impresses with breathtaking glaciers, glittering mountain lakes and picturesque old towns.
At the moment, entering Italy is not exactly easy due to the pandemic. Compulsory testing and quarantine are on the agenda. But an improvement is in sight; because after Easter, the measures in Austria's diverse neighbouring country could be relaxed again somewhat.
The paradise for active vacationers and wellness lovers
Many people probably know South Tyrol as a health resort. But there is so much more to the Italian province than healing places and relaxation. Because sporty active people also find their happiness there. From the Dolomites, to the Ortles group and gentle hills in the south: the mountain landscape is ideal for climbing or mountain bike tours, challenging hikes and leisurely walks in Italy's nature. The Dolomites in particular attract countless holidaymakers every year with their striking jagged peaks, pinnacles and table mountains. The architect Le Corbusier, as well as the mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner already agreed: the mountain group is the most beautiful structure in the world. In 2009, the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view of the Three Peaks (in the eastern Dolomites) is particularly beautiful in the evening atmosphere. If you want to go high, the Marmolata, the highest mountain in the mountain group, is the place to be. Because with its 3343 meters height it offers a spectacular panoramic view over the region.
If you want to experience some culture in addition to the breathtaking mountain ranges, it's best to pay a visit to the enchanting town of Merano. It's almost like being on a continent of its own, with three-thousand-metre peaks alternating with vineyards, alpine flowers with palm trees and farms with modern architecture. Merano is known above all as a spa town of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and at the same time it delights with a particularly ideal climate in which apples, wines and palm trees all feel equally at home. Picturesque alleys tempt you to go shopping and the brilliant high trail to discover the Texelgruppe. And in between there are historical buildings, such as centuries-old castles and fortresses.
Pure life takes place in South Tyrol's capital Bolzano. There, Mediterranean flair meets the alpine ambience of the Dolomites. But the region of Bolzano is also known for its wine region, which stretches from the Sarntal to Salurn. Holidaymakers will find idyllic villages, wonderful fragrant apple meadows and historic buildings. Quiet side valleys, secluded mountain villages and the lively provincial capital make the northern Italian holiday feeling perfect.
The west of South Tyrol, the Vinschgau Valley, also has a lot to offer. For example the Ortler, which with its 3905 metres is the highest mountain in the province. And also otherwise the landscape is very rich in contrasts and interspersed with art and cultural treasures. Particularly mysterious is the sunken church in the middle of the Reschensee, whose steeple still rises out of the water. A ride on the Vinschgerbahn, which takes you past countless castles and sun-drenched valleys, is also popular.
Bruneck, another region worth visiting in South Tyrol, is characterized by its vast forest and meadow landscapes, as well as majestic mountain ranges. The centre of the Pustertal valley convinces with the lively city of Bruneck, idyllic valleys and the Kronplatz, a highlight among the ski resorts in South Tyrol.
Culinary highlights can be found in the Brixen region, which is characterised by the finest wine, chestnuts and apples. High mountains, gentle hills and picturesque valleys surround the landscape and combine South Tyrolean tradition with Italian flair. Bressanone/Brixen is particularly popular with holidaymakers, as easy hikes to challenging mountain tours can be combined. And hikers can also discover nature trails and traces of traditions. By the way: a tradition that is typical for South Tyrol has its origin in Bressanone. The so-called "Törggelen", where every year in autumn the young wine is tasted together with the finest specialities of the region in Buschenschänken.
Top addresses in South Tyrol
From ski slopes to Buschenschänke: you should not miss these addresses.
Skiing at Kronplatz, Bruneck
Via Reiperting, 27, 39031 Brunico BZ, Italy
crownplace.com
Plan de Corones is one of the most popular ski areas in South Tyrol and also the heart of the small town of Brunico. The gently sloping mountain impresses with a fantastic 360° view of the summit and wide slopes on which there are 119 kilometres of slopes and 32 modern lifts. Skiing professionals, beginners and occasional skiers will easily find the right descent.
Hofschank Aichnerhof, Bressanone/Brixen
S. Leonardo, 94, 39042 Bressanone BZ, Italy
aichnerhof.com
In the 250-year-old farmhouse, the Buschenschank Aichnerhof welcomes its guests with a fantastic view of the Eisacktal valley and the Brixen valley basin. They offer lamb from their own farm, vegetables, herbs and seasonal fruit. Another highlight is the variation of house sausages and bacon, which are produced in-house. In autumn the Aichnerhof offers the traditional "Törggelen" (see above).
Lake Kaltern, Bolzano
There are more than 170 natural lakes throughout South Tyrol, the majority of which are located at an altitude of over 2000 metres. But only a few of them are suitable for swimming due to the cold water temperature. Except for Lake Kaltern, near Bolzano. The largest alpine lake in South Tyrol measures about 28 degrees in summer and can therefore be used perfectly for swimming and sunbathing.
3 of the most beautiful hotels in South Tyrol
Those who are active also need relaxation. The following hotels offer wellness at the highest level.
Eco Hotel Saltus
Freigasse 8, 39050 Jenesien, South Tyrol, Italy
Tel: +39 0471 155 1190
hotel-saltus.com
Not far from Bolzano, the Eco Hotel Saltus is enthroned at an altitude of 1100 metres directly on the edge of the forest of Jenesien. The nature hotel captivates with sophisticated aesthetics, noble comfort and environmentally conscious relaxation. Amidst strong tree trunks and a canopy of treetops, the 100% chemical-free Forest Spa is located and impresses with an exclusive bathing world, saunas and its own yoga room. From the hotel there are over 300 kilometres of hiking trails leading into one of the most beautiful nature reserves in South Tyrol.
Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort
Valiaresstrasse 44, 39030 San Vigilio di Marebbe, South Tyrol, Italy
Tel: +39 0474 501036
myexcelsior.com
Near Bruneck, in the heart of the Dolomites, you will find the Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort. The family-run house offers a quiet location and exclusive privacy. Active holidaymakers can take advantage of the award-winning mountain adventure programme or dare a climbing tour on the outer wall of the Dolomites Lodge. The highlight of the resort is the Dolomites Sky Spa with panoramic infinity pool, panoramic saunas and a dedicated relaxation area for adults. The gastronomy, which mixes South Tyrolean traditional cuisine with Mediterranean elements, provides culinary experiences.
Feldhof DolceVita Resort
Town Hall Street 4, 39025 Naturno near Merano, South Tyrol, Italy
Tel: +39 0473 666366
fieldyard.com
The Feldhof DolceVita Resort is located between a breathtaking natural landscape and a fascinating world of peaks in Naturno near Merano. With 315 days of sunshine a year, the luxury accommodation is perfect for relaxing and exploring the South Tyrolean mountains. The extensive wellness offer is an oasis of well-being and convinces with a stone pine bio sauna and a salt stone sauna, all of which offer a panoramic view of the natural landscape of South Tyrol. The Dolce Vita flair is rounded off by a fine wine bar and South Tyrolean delicacies from the region.
Picture Credits: Eco Hotel Saltus, Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort, Feldhof DolceVita Resort, kordula vahle / Pixabay, flyupmike / Pixabay, rottonara / Pixabay, Peter Toporowski / Pixabay, cesmak / Pixabay, photosforyou / Pixabay, susanne906 / Pixabay, Manuel Fink / Pixabay
