When was your last ‘wow’ moment? Not the kind when you spot a sweet deal on Amazon, but a true jaw-dropping kind. The kind that stirs a deep sense of wonder and awe inside of you — etching a permanent place in your soul.

If you’re like us, explorers at heart, these are the moments we live for. It’s why we travel. And it’s probably why Italy tops your travel wish list.

If you’re looking for Italy vacation ideas there’s no shortage of breathtaking places and sights to consider. But it’s the Italy you likely don’t know that will draw more “wows” from your breath. And forever change your wanderlust heart.

Meet South Tyrol — Italy’s Best Kept Secret

South Tyrol — also called Südtirol and Alto Adige — is an autonomous province crowning the far northern edge of Italy. It’s a land of astounding contrasts. A mountainous jewel alive with medieval castles, storybook villages, pristine lakes and miles upon miles of adventure by foot, bike or ski.

Here, traditional Austrian charm cascades into classic Italian flair, and soaring snow-kissed Alpine ranges crash into lush Mediterranean valleys punctuated with palm trees, orchards and vineyards for as far as the eye can see. The outcome is striking. And for us, no place does ‘wow’ better. Period. 

For centuries South Tyrol was under Austrian rule. After World War I, the region changed hands so to speak when it was annexed by Italy — yielding a gift to travelers. A delicious blend of German and Italian culture now greets you at every corner. If you ever wondered how to enjoy both a German and Italian experience on a single European trip, South Tyrol is the answer.  

Whether you crave exhilarating outdoor excursions, wish to unwind in pure poolside bliss or long to embark on a culture-filled adventure, South Tyrol lays it all at your feet. After one visit, you’ll understand why we consider it Italy’s best kept secret. And like us, you may just rip up the rest of your travel wish list.

We put together the following highlights to give you a sense for the sights and adventures waiting for you in South Tyrol.

Journey Into the Medieval Heart of Europe

Few things capture the imagination like an imposing castle towering from an even more imposing mountainside. South Tyrol has no shortage of them. The region swells with 800 castles, ruins and fortresses — more than any other area of Europe. If dragons ever flew surely it was over South Tyrol. 

South Tyrol’s ancient strongholds provide a jaw-dropping way to plunge yourself into the Middle Ages. Hiking trails abound to and around many of the castles.

Enjoying them from up close or from afar is equally fascinating. And when it comes to photo opps, you’ll no doubt be tempted put your camera into overdrive.

Touring these monuments from another time always leaves us awestruck. A walk through centuries-old halls where kings, queens and knights once roamed conjures a spellbinding glimpse into the heart of medieval Europe.

One of our favorite stony haunts is the Tirol Castle. Perhaps the most historically-significant fortress in South Tyrol, Tirol Castle rises above a deep ravine in Dorf Tirol. It was once the ruling seat of the Counts of Tyrol whose iron-throned influence gave the entire region its name. Below its ramparts, lies a sweeping panorama of apple orchards, vineyards and the rich greenery of the Etschtal valley.

After your visit, be sure to enjoy a drink or two at Biergarten am Schlossweg — a beer garden perched under a grape canopy where you can view Tirol Castle and Brunnenberg Castle through the vines. On our last visit here, we also devoured a savory plate of South Tyrloean bacon dumplings (Speckknödel) — a hearty medieval dish that goes back to at least the 13th century.

Read More: Claiming the Throne at Trostburg Castle

Transport Yourself to a Simpler Time

Under the watchful eye of many South Tyrolean fortresses, lie quaint villages seemingly lost in time. These precious jewels spring up from fertile valleys and hillsides nearly as much as the area’s vineyards and orchards. Each one provides its own medieval charm within a picturesque setting.

For us, villages in South Tyrol strike the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Strolling crooked cobblestone streets unspoiled by the grip of modern life is a welcome break from rigorous hiking. Cozy cafes will encourage you to slow down, take a sit and chat with a local or two. There’s no better way to get a touch for what it’s like to live among truly historic and natural wonders. 

If sleepy mountain villages are not your speed, South Tyrol’s capital, Bolzano, offers plenty of vibrancy with lively streets, markets, pubs and shops all wrapped in old world beauty. The city reveals centuries of influences and bears a history rivaling Rome with Ötzi — an ancient man on display who was lost in ice for more than 5,000 years. Read our post about visiting Bolzano to learn more about what there is to see and do in South Tyrol’s most cosmopolitan city.

Alpine Adventure Beyond Measure

If outdoor adventure is your go-to drug, nothing will get you higher than South Tyrol. And we mean that literally. The medley of Alpine and Mediterranean climates creates a wild-hearted playground unlike anywhere else on Earth. 

On any given day you can breezily roam through vast prairies and forests, trek skyward to stare at the stoic faces of jutting stone giants or smile wildly while hiking under palm-drenched promenades that meld into mountain-born vineyards.  

South Tyrol welcomes the wandering spirit with wide open arms. Every turn here reveals your next adrenaline rush or moment of zen. Deciding how to spend your time will be your biggest challenge.

If you prefer to spin through paradise, hop on a mountain bike and break a sweat in the Dolomites. Widely celebrated as Europe’s most beautiful mountains, its jagged peaks could be ripped right from the pages of Tolkien’s most fantastical tales.

The Dolomites comprise 18 peaks spread across 350,000 heavenly acres. Thanks to South Tyrol’s state-of-the-art lift systems, outdoor adventure in the Dolomites is available to every age and experience level. On every outing, we meet travelers in their 70s and 80s vigorously enjoying the hiking trails. Alpine air enlivens the adventurous spirit no matter your age.

Beyond thrills and breathtaking views, the Dolomites offer incredible cultural excursions. You can witness the unrivaled woodcarving craftsmanship of the locals and discover captivating legends such as the witches of Schlern Mountain. For us, this part of South Tyrol is most enchanting when the valleys are ablaze with autumns colors and the peaks stand even bolder.

Read More: Hiking Where Witches Once Roamed

If biking at Alpine altitudes seems a bit too lofty, consider pedaling and sipping your way through 16 wine villages dotted along the South Tyrolean Wine Road. Biking enthusiasts here will not run out of trails. And with 300 days of sunshine each year, you won’t consider South Tyrol scenic, but heart-pounding spectacular. We guarantee it.

A hiking outing every visitor should try is along ancient irrigation canals called Waalwegs. Carved into mountains sides, these ancient pathways ascend easily and wind through miles of meadows, forests, vineyards and orchards. With each step you’ll bounce along to the soothing song of running Alpine water. And you’ll encounter everything from castles to churches to the curious calls of cuckoo birds and the comforting clangs of cowbells.

Food & Drink Fit for a King

Wine lovers, foodies and beer buffs will uncover plenty to savor in South Tyrol. It is Italy after all. But then again it is so much more. The region is considered Italy’s culinary star — boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else.

Thanks to the mixture of northern and southern European cultures, each sip and bite in South Tyrol can launch you on a distinctive journey. Firmly rooted farm-to-table traditions tantalize the taste buds with a fusion of Italian, Tyrolean, German and mountain-born flavors.

If you’re hungry for straight up traditional Italian, you don’t need to venture further south. We’ve enjoyed our fair share of authentic pasta dishes, zesty pizza and and sweet desserts such as gelato. However, your time in South Tyrol would not be complete without devouring hearty Alpine culinary delights like smoked speck and of course apple strudel.  

On a recent hike, we stopped at the Schgaguler mountain hut — an inviting rustic gem set off a trail in Seiser Alm (also known as Alpe Di Siusi) in the heart of the Dolomites. Here we ordered a bowl of Speckknödelsuppe. The dish consists of speck-flavored dumplings in a clear broth. It was the perfect companion to a day in the mountains. A serving of a knödel dish promises to satisfy any adventurer’s hunger.

Wine. Wein. Vino.  Beer. Bier. Birra!

The wine gods have been blessedly kind to South Tyrol.  But that hasn’t come without a lot of work. Over the last 3,000 years South Tyrol’s wine artisans perfected techniques to grow and tend to vines on steep slopes. The result? Scenery that is nothing short of a living, breathing masterpiece. High elevation vineyards flow down sun-kissed mountainsides producing some of the highest regarded wines in the world.  

Crisp mineral-dominate whites such as Gewürztraminer, Sauvingnon Blanc and Pinto Grigio are among the region’s most popular wines, but you’ll also discover heavenly reds such as Lagrein and Pinot Noir. In fact, Italy’s top three rated Pinot Noir wines come from Alto Adige (South Tyrol wine estates use the Italian name for the region on their wine labels).

Read More: Divinely Alpine – Exploring the Wines of Elena Walch 

If wine isn’t your beverage of choice when dining or unwinding, do not fret. South Tyrol has a craft brewing tradition that goes back more than 1,000 years. Alpine water fresh from mountain springs serves as the foundation for producing beers with distinct character and flavor. The perfect frosty partner to any meal or thirst-induced adventure. 

A popular brewery we like to visit  is Forst in Algund / Lagundo. Set in the shadow of a lush mountainside, Forst offers a variety of high-quality beers. You can kick back and sample them in the brewery’s restaurant or beer garden.

While Forst is the largest local brewer, you can also visit microbreweries such as Pfefferlechnerkeller (yes, that is the real name) in Lana or Gassl Bräu in Chiusa / Klausen. Both produce remarkably tasty craft beers and offer a full menu of well-paired South Tyrolean dishes.

Steepled in History

The only structures possibly sprouting from the South Tyrolean countryside more than castles are churches and shrines. South Tyrol possesses an astonishing number of fascinating historic religious sites to explore and photograph. Faith here is celebrated in immensely grand ways as well as with the most subtle expressions. 

Taking the time to discover and admire the unique architectural, artistic and historic importance of religion to South Tyrol through the centuries is one of the more rewarding activities we’ve enjoyed on our visits. 

From towering spires to interiors flourishing with centuries-old frescoes and intricately crafted wood carvings, the beauty offered by South Tyrol’s largest cathedrals and its smallest chapels always instills a sense of wonder. Even more impressive is how for more than a thousand years the people of this area took care to harmonize spirituality with the natural surroundings.

Wayside shrines have a rich history in South Tyrol. These haunting creations abundantly appear along hiking paths with many also elegantly nestled in nooks throughout village neighborhoods. On our treks we’ve always found them an inviting surprise. They seem to welcome you out of nowhere — poetically watching over the trail or road.

A place for weary travelers to rest and pray, even the oldest shrines are still carefully attended to by local residents. The wide array of sizes, shapes and materials used to construct shrines touchingly showcases the talents and  devotion of the community.

Many of these religious markers hold candles, rosaries, photographs and thoughtfully-crafted carvings. Quite often native flowers encircle a shrine intimately blending them in with the natural beauty of the landscape.

Getting by on Italian or German?

Anyone concerned with choosing which language to brush up on before visiting South Tyrol need not worry. While the vast majority of people speak German, signs and menus are in both Italian and German. Many South Tyroleans are bilingual as well. In some valleys, you’ll even encounter South Tyroleans speaking Ladin — an ancient language that originated during the Roman empire.

In reality, knowing German or Italian basics well isn’t necessary as enough tools exist today to help travelers get by. However, adventures in South Tyrol are more enjoyable if you know key German and Italian phrases to help converse with the locals and other travelers.

Here’s a simple German language guide we put together to help on your trip. 

When to Go to South Tyrol

No matter the season you choose to visit, your time in South Tyrol will create fiercely enduring memories. The kind that will call you back. The busiest season is summer as tourists mainly from Germany, Italy and the U.K. arrive in large numbers. But winter is also plenty popular for the snow-bound adventurer. South Tyrol boasts 30 ski resorts.

While summer in South Tyrol is spectacular, we think the best time to visit is the spring and fall. Specifically, late May and early June or September through October. You’ll have much more of the Alpine-Mediterranean wonderland to yourself. And you’ll still have nearly every opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors on foot or bike.

Plus, you’ll save money on your trip as prices tend to come down. Just be prepared for a bit more unpredictable weather if you’re venturing into the higher altitudes. Spring and late fall can still bring snowfall to the mountain peaks. You’ll also want to know the lift system operating dates if spending the bulk of your time in the Dolomites.

Wine lovers may find autumn most appealing as a number of festivals take place celebrating the season’s harvest. You’ll also be able to wander through vineyards and orchards flush with autumn colors not to mention ever enticing aromas. It’s an experience unlike any other.

As mentioned, a winter trip is best suited to those looking to partake in sports like Alpine skiing. If you visit during December you can treat yourself to a postcard perfect setting for the holidays. Traditional Christmas markets (Christkindlmarkt) abound this time of year, allowing you to discover an abundance of handmade creations that will take your holiday decorating to a whole new level.

Read More: Brixen, Italy – Alpine Charm Adorned in Light

How to Reach South Tyrol

Getting to South Tyrol is relatively easy even though the region does not have a major international airport. The closest major airport is located in Innsbruck, Austria an hour north of South Tyrol. 

Nearby major cities where we’ve found the best airfare deals include Munich, Milan and Venice. From each of these cities it takes under 3 hours to reach South Tyrol. Other major cities nearby include Salzburg (2.5 hours), Zurich (4 hours) and Verona (1.5 hours).

After landing you can make the trip to South Tyrol by car, train or shuttle bus. Regardless of your starting point the journey is pleasant and scenic. Our preference and recommendation is to rent a car. The freedom to hop around South Tyrol at your own pace is ideal. Italy and all if its neighboring countries drive on the same side as the U.S.

It’s worth noting that parking in South Tyrol and navigating its roads and highways is fairly straightforward. And with today’s modern GPS units you can get step-by-step voice directions to take you anywhere without any hassle.

If you’re planning to rent a car be sure to check out of our article on driving in Italy. It is full helpful tips that will make sure you’re ready for stress-free driving in Italy.

If you prefer to use public transportation while in South Tyrol, you can pick up a Mobilcard at your hotel, transportation hubs or tourist offices. This affordable card provides quick access to South Tyrol’s stellar public bus and rail networks for 1, 3 or 7 consecutive days.

Ready to Create Your Own Adventure?

The abundance of culture, activities and sights in South Tyrol borders on ridiculous. One could never cover it in a single blog post or even a lifetime of blogs posts. However, it’s our hope as you explore Italy vacation ideas that you stamp South Tyrol on your travel wish list…preferably at the top. A hidden treasure of wows awaits you.

We developed our FREE South Tyrol Travel Resource Library to make planning your escape to South Tyrol easy. It’s jam packed with:

• Insider Tips
• Checklists
• How-to Guides
• Key Phrases to Know
• Transportation Options
• and Much More!

Our resources are based on personal experience and are designed to save you time and money to ensure a vacation of a lifetime in South Tyrol. 

To discover more about South Tyrol and our adventures in this true hidden gem, be to subscribe to our email updates. We live and breathe South Tyrol and you’ll find it shows in the stories we tell. 

Through Throne & Vine, you’ll fall in love with the region and find the resources necessary to plan an unforgettable trip to Italy’s best kept secret. We look forward to seeing you on the trails and by the poolsides!

If you have a South Tyrolean adventure or tip you would like to share, please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!

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