Rosengarten (Catinaccio) group in the Dolomites, Trentino-South Tyrol.
Introduction
Trentino-South Tyrol (known as Trentino-Alto Adige in Italian and Trentino-Südtirol in German) is one of the five autonomous regions of Italy. The region was part of the Holy Roman Empire from the 8th century, then the Austrian Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until its annexation by Italy in 1919.
One third of the population speaks German as their first language, mostly in the northern province of South Tyrol, where the proportion rises to two thirds of German speakers. A small minority (4%) in the Dolomite Mountains also speaks Ladin, a Rhaeto-Romance language that is not spoken anywhere else. Two minor dialects of Southern Bavarian have survived in the remoteness of Trentino: Mòcheno (aka Fersentalerisch), spoken in three towns of the Mocheni Valley, and Cimbrian (aka Zimbrisch), spoken in a few villages in the south of Trentino.
The region offers some of the best skiing and hiking areas in Italy.
Cuisine
Trentino-South Tyrol's cuisine is a delightful fusion of Italian and Germanic influences, showcasing hearty alpine flavours. Key dishes include canederli (bread dumplings) and spätzle (spinach pasta), both often served with speck, the region's distinctive smoked ham. Polenta is a staple, frequently accompanying game meats or local fish like trout. The area is renowned for its cheeses, with Vezzena and Algunder being notable varieties. For dessert, apple strudel reigns supreme, reflecting the region's abundant orchards. These dishes, along with specialties like carne salada (cured beef) and smacafam (a savoury cake), embody the unique culinary heritage of this mountainous region, blending rustic traditions with high-quality local ingredients.
Bolzano, nestled in the stunning Dolomites, is a fascinating blend of Mediterranean and Central European cultures where Italian and German influences harmoniously coexist. The city boasts the remarkable distinction of being home to Ötzi, Europe's oldest known natural mummy, who is over 5,300 years old and can be viewed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. The medieval centre features the magnificent Piazza Walther, dominated by a Gothic cathedral with its distinctive green and gold roof and 65-metre bell tower housing 25 bells. Visitors can explore the charming Via dei Portici, a street lined with Gothic-style arcades, pastel-coloured buildings and taverns, whilst the vibrant Piazza delle Erbe hosts a 500-year-old daily market overlooked by an elegant 18th-century Neptune Fountain. The city's rich artistic heritage is exemplified in the Dominican Church, which houses some of the finest Giotto School frescoes in South Tyrol.
Merano, a charming medieval town in South Tyrol, boasts an impressive array of historical and natural attractions, including Europe's oldest spa promenade, the Tappeiner Promenade, which has been delighting visitors for 150 years. The town's medieval heritage is beautifully preserved in its 13th-century Portici shopping district and the imposing Powder Tower, which offers panoramic views over the Burgraviato valley. The architectural jewel of the town is the Church of St. Nicholas, whose construction spanned more than 160 years and features one of South Tyrol's oldest star-vaulted ceilings from 1440. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the award-winning botanical gardens at Trauttmansdorff Castle, home to 80 different garden worlds and a Caribbean palm beach. Local culinary specialities include speck (a type of cured ham) and regional wines, which can be savoured in the numerous restaurants along the historic Laubengasse.
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Italy, stand as one of Europe's most spectacular mountain ranges. These dramatic limestone peaks, with their distinctive pale grey hue and jagged spires, create an otherworldly landscape that has captivated travellers for centuries. Spanning across three regions of northern Italy—Trentino, Alto Adige, and Veneto—the Dolomites offer year-round adventures, from world-class skiing in winter to remarkable hiking and climbing in summer. The area is also steeped in fascinating cultural heritage, where Italian, German, and ancient Ladin influences merge to create a unique blend of traditions, cuisine, and architecture. Picture-perfect alpine meadows, crystalline lakes, and charming mountain villages dot the landscape, making the Dolomites an unmissable destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking the authentic charm of the Italian Alps.
Stelvio National Park, established in 1935, stands as the largest protected area in the entire Alpine region, spanning an impressive 134,620 hectares (505 sq mi) across four Italian provinces. This remarkable park showcases diverse landscapes ranging from glaciers and alpine pastures to dense forests and waterfalls, stretching from 650 metres to a staggering 3,905 metres above sea level at the mighty King Ortles peak. Visitors can spot abundant wildlife including golden eagles, rock partridges, ibexes, chamois, badgers, mountain hares, marmots, stoats, and rare flora such as the glacier buttercup that thrives above 3,500 metres. The park offers year-round activities, from family-friendly hikes along ancient water irrigation channels called "waalwege" to challenging mountain tours, whilst history enthusiasts can explore old Venetian sawmills, traditional cheese dairies, and WWI military ruins. The park's extensive network of marked hiking trails, spanning approximately 250 kilometres, provides access to breathtaking vistas and is frequently featured in the prestigious Giro d'Italia cycling race.
: Local interest
: Moderately interesting
: Outstanding place
: Must-see in the country
: Top cities in Europe