Visit South Tyrol: Alpine Beauty, Dolomites & Wine

Ready to visit South Tyrol? Imagine a place where Alpine drama meets Mediterranean ease, where the Dolomites pierce the sky and vineyards slope gently toward sun-drenched valleys. This northern Italian gem, also known as Südtirol, is where you hike to castle ruins in the morning, sip crisp whites at an Alto Adige winery by lunch, and end the day with smoked speck and handmade Schlutzkrapfen in a mountain hut. With 300 days of sunshine a year and a rich mix of Italian and Austrian traditions, visit South Tyrol once, and you’ll be planning your return before the trip ends.

Visit South Tyrol Italy: What to do and see?

1- Wander around the magical Lake Braies

Lake Braies doesn’t just live up to the hype, it blows right past it. Tucked deep in the Prags Dolomites, this alpine lake stuns with glassy turquoise water and jagged peaks that look like they were built for postcards. Rent a rowboat, hike the shoreline trail, or just stand still and soak in the silence, every angle is a jaw-dropper. If you visit South Tyrol, missing this spot isn’t an option.

2- Explore Bolzano

Bolzano is where old-world charm meets Alpine cool. Stroll cobbled streets lined with medieval arcades, peek into pastel-painted buildings, and swing by the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to meet Ötzi, the 5,000-year-old iceman who’s basically the region’s most famous local. It’s also a hotspot for Bolzano wine tours, thanks to the local Lagrein and Santa Maddalena wines that pair perfectly with a sunny piazza lunch. With its perfect blend of history, wine, and city energy, it’s no surprise this gem tops the list of things to do in Bolzano.

3- Feel the charm of Alpine Merano

Visit Merano Italy and you’ll see how seamlessly alpine beauty blends with Mediterranean flair. This elegant spa town is all about slowing down, think palm-lined promenades, thermal baths with mountain views, and long afternoons spent sipping something crisp. Stroll the stylish Wandelhalle, with its Viennese architecture and rotating cultural events, or dive into one of the many Merano wine tours in the surrounding vineyards.

4- Visit the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle

Experience peak relaxation at the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano, where terraces spill over with everything from cacti and olive trees to alpine wildflowers. This botanical wonderland blends Mediterranean ease with mountain freshness, and every path comes with a view. It’s not just pretty, it’s one of the absolute highlights when you visit South Tyrol.

5- Walk to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) are pure drama, three jagged giants rising from the heart of the Dolomites. They’re one of South Tyrol’s most iconic sights, drawing hikers, climbers, and photographers from around the world. The trails here deliver nonstop views, high-alpine energy, and that unmistakable feeling of standing somewhere truly epic. If you’re planning to visit South Tyrol, this is one for the bucket list.

6- Discover the vineyards along the South Tyrolean road

Follow the South Tyrolean Wine Road and you’ll hit a dream route if you love wine, winding through sunlit vineyards, hillside villages, and cellar doors pouring glasses of Lagrein, Sylvaner, and Schiava. This isn’t just a scenic drive; it’s one of the most breathtaking wine regions in the world. Whether you’re swirling reds in a centuries-old Alto Adige winery or sipping crisp whites with a mountain view, this is South Tyrol at its most delicious.

7- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val Gardena

Val Gardena is where the Dolomites show off. Known for its jagged peaks, sweeping ski runs, and deep Ladin roots, this valley is a year-round stunner. Winter turns it into a snow-covered playground with world-class slopes, while summer draws hikers, climbers, and anyone craving fresh air and insane views.

8- Visit the Castles of South Tyrol

Castle-hopping in South Tyrol feels like stepping into a fantasy film set. Tyrol Castle, perched above Merano, tells the story of the region’s medieval power, it’s where the name “Tyrol” was born. Head deeper into the Ahrntal valley and you’ll hit Castle Taufers, a fortress with over 60 rooms still furnished and echoing with history. With alpine backdrops and winding roads connecting them, these castles aren’t just scenic, they’re alive with legends, old stone, and stories that shaped the region.

9- Ski or snowboard the legendary slopes of Alta Badia

Skiing in South Tyrol hits different, wide, perfectly groomed slopes, epic backdrops, and lift systems that link it all together like clockwork. In Alta Badia and nearby resorts, the snow is reliable, the scenery outrageous, and the après-ski comes with local wine and Ladin specialties. From fast runs to scenic cruises, this is winter at its most dialed-in.

10- Explore the Stelvio National Park

Stelvio National Park is Italy’s largest, and it doesn’t hold back. Think glacier views, roaring waterfalls, dense pine forests, and trails that zigzag through some of the most dramatic alpine terrain in Europe. From easy walks to full-day climbs, the park serves up wild beauty at every turn, all wrapped in crisp mountain air and silence you can feel.

11- Plan a getaway to San Vigilio di Marebbe

San Vigilio di Marebbe delivers pure Tyrolean atmosphere without the crowds. Wooden chalets, quiet valley trails, and thick forests set the tone, while the nearby Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park opens up a world of alpine lakes, wildflowers, and high-altitude hikes. It’s a peaceful, scenic gem that deserves a spot when you visit South Tyrol.

Good to know before visiting South Tyrol