Trentino-Alto Adige or Trentino-South Tyrol

In English, the region is known as Trentino-South Tyrol or by its Italian name Trentino-Alto Adige. Alto-Adige is in the north, which corresponds to the province of Bolzano, and Trentino in the south, which corresponds to the province of Trento. This is a very unique region in Italy because it is autonomous. This desire for autonomy is rooted in the peoples’ desire to preserve their language and traditions after centuries of being at the crossroads of wars.

South Tyrol has been tugged and pulled for centuries between the Celts and Romans and, during the last four hundred years, Italy, Germany, Austria and France. Its history is complex and marked by the interplay of these various cultures and political forces. So you will experience a blend of different cultures when you travel to this outdoor paradise. South Tyrol was granted significant autonomy within Italy through the 1972 Autonomy Statute, which granted linguistic, cultural, and administrative rights to the German-speaking minority. It has its own parliament and government, and German and Italian are both official languages. The region is known for its strong economy, tourism industry, and preservation of its distinct cultural identity.

South Tyrol is in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the region and in Europe. With its majestic peaks, scenic valleys, and numerous hiking trails, there are endless opportunities for hiking, trekking, mountain biking, and climbing and skiing during the winter. In the winter months, South Tyrol transforms into a winter wonderland. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding are also popular activities. The region has a network of cycling paths and mountain bike trails suitable for all levels of riders. E-biking is also popular, allowing cyclists to effortlessly explore the hills and valleys of the region.

South Tyrol is known for its excellent wines, particularly its crisp white wines such as Gewürztraminer, Pinot Bianco, and Müller-Thurgau. Take a wine tour through the vineyards of the South Tyrolean Wine Road, visiting wineries and tasting rooms to sample the local wines and learn about the winemaking process.

Indulge in the delicious cuisine of South Tyrol, which blends Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Sample traditional dishes such as Schlutzkrapfen (stuffed pasta), Speck (cured ham), Knödel (dumplings), and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake). Don't forget to try the region's famous apple strudel and other delectable desserts. You can unwind and rejuvenate in South Tyrol's thermal spas and wellness centers. Relax in natural hot springs, indulge in spa treatments inspired by local traditions, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Your choices to enjoy nature, food and culture are endless in this breathtaking slice of natural beauty.

Festivals in 2024

January

6-7: Val di Fiemme World Cup, in Val di Fiemme and Val di Cembra

April

Mid-April - June: The Crocus Blossom. In the South Tyrol high Alpine pastures when spring arrives once the snow has melted away, the blossoming of the Alpine crocuses is a marvelous spectacle

5: Long Live Queen in Teatro Cristallo, in Bolzano

May

25: White Wine Festival, in Brixen

June

June - July: The Mandrea Music Festival, in Arco. An annual music festival taking place in Trentino by Lake Garda in Italy since 2012

12: Alta Pusteria International Choir, in Südtirol

28-7 July: Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige

July

15-27: Bolzano Danza, in Bolzano. This is an international contemporary dance festival

25: Festival di San Giacomo, in Predazzo

August

The first three weekends in August, the Egna Street Artist Festival. Egna, also known as Neumarkt, hosts an annual street artist festival where performers showcase their talents in music, theater, and visual arts worldwide.

10-11: Traditional Village Festival, in Percha

22-25: Rosadira Festival in Cortina d’Ampezzo

30: Chocolate Festival, in Welsberg-Taisten

November

8-12: Merano WineFestival, in Merano

December

Mid-Nov - December: Bolzano Christmas Market

Favorite Cities to Visit

  • Stilfserjoch National Park

  • Bolzano - A trip to the South Tyrol Archeological Museum is worth a trip to this charming town, the capital city of the Province of South Tyrol. At the museum, you will see Otzi the Ice-Man, a 3,500-year-old mummy discovered in 1991. Don’t miss the Gothic Cathedral. If you are visiting in December, you will be in store for a treat. Bolzano is famous throughout Italy for its Christmas market.

  • Trento

  • Arco

  • Merano

  • Riva del Garda

  • Brunico