Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino Alto Adige Sudtirol
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This top ten list covers the mountain towns, lakes and valleys that make Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol one of Italy’s most scenic regions. From the emerald waters of Lake Braies to the slopes of Val Gardena, it’s a landscape shaped by the Dolomites and alpine traditions. The cities of Trento and Bolzano add a cultural mix of Italian and Austrian heritage.
You’ll also find remote towns like Glorenza and San Candido, and peaceful lakes such as Tenno and Riva del Garda. The region blends outdoor life, natural beauty and cultural contrasts. |
Val Gardena, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
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Lake Braies
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Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is one of the most photographed lakes in the Alps, known for its emerald-green water and mountain backdrop. Wooden rowboats and a historic boathouse line the shore.
The circular walking path around the lake takes about 90 minutes and offers changing views of the peaks and forest. It’s especially popular in the early morning. Located in the Braies Valley, the lake is reachable by car or bus. Visitor numbers are limited in summer to preserve the area. |
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Trento
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Trento is the capital of Trentino and combines Renaissance architecture with mountain views. Its most famous building is the Buonconsiglio Castle, once home to prince-bishops.
The historic centre has pastel-painted façades, lively squares and cafés. The city played a major role in the Council of Trent, which shaped European history. Trento is a transport hub with trains to Verona, Bolzano and beyond. It’s compact, walkable, and offers a good base for exploring nearby valleys. |
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Bolzano
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Bolzano (Bozen) is the capital of South Tyrol and a cultural blend of Italian and Austrian influences. It’s known for its tidy streets, alpine scenery and multilingual character.
The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is home to Ötzi the Iceman — a 5,000-year-old mummy found in the Alps. The city also has castles, markets and riverside walks. Bolzano has good train connections and mountain access. It’s a year-round destination with a strong sense of identity and history. |
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Val Gardena
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Val Gardena is a stunning valley in the Dolomites with three main villages — Ortisei, Selva and Santa Cristina. It’s famous for skiing, hiking and woodcarving traditions.
In winter, it’s part of the vast Dolomiti Superski area. In summer, cable cars open up scenic trails with views over jagged peaks and flower-filled meadows. The area has hotels, spas and family-run lodges. It’s a good choice for active travellers seeking world-class alpine scenery. |
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Riva del Garda
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Riva del Garda sits at the northern tip of Lake Garda and combines alpine and Mediterranean features. The old town has narrow lanes, a lakefront castle and plenty of cafés.
The lake is popular for windsurfing, sailing and swimming, while inland trails lead into the surrounding cliffs and olive groves. Riva is easily reached from Trento or Verona. It’s a lively resort with both cultural and outdoor attractions. |
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Lake Tenno
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Lake Tenno is a small, intensely turquoise lake above Riva del Garda. It’s surrounded by woodland and fields, and its colour changes with the light and weather.
A walking path circles the lake in under an hour, and there are beaches suitable for swimming in summer. It’s less developed than nearby Garda. The medieval village of Canale di Tenno is a short walk away. The lake is ideal for a relaxing afternoon or picnic spot. |
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Bressanone
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Bressanone (Brixen) is one of South Tyrol’s oldest towns, set at the junction of two rivers and framed by alpine peaks. Its baroque cathedral and bishop’s palace dominate the centre.
The town has arcaded streets, painted façades and a calm, lived-in feel. It’s also known for Christmas markets and cultural events. Bressanone is on the train line between Bolzano and the Brenner Pass. It’s a pleasant stop with good food, history and scenery. |
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Rovereto
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Rovereto lies in a broad valley south of Trento and is known for its cultural life and war history. It was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and still shows that influence.
The town’s MART museum of modern art is one of the most important in northern Italy. The large bell outside town is a monument to peace and memory. Rovereto is served by train and close to Lake Garda. It’s a good stop for those interested in art, history and architecture. |
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Glorenza
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Glorenza (Glurns) is the smallest town in South Tyrol and one of its best preserved. Enclosed by intact medieval walls, it has stone arcades, towers and peaceful cobbled streets.
It’s located in the Vinschgau Valley, near the border with Switzerland and Austria. The surrounding area is known for apples, castles and panoramic cycling routes. Glorenza is best reached by car or bus. It’s a quiet place full of charm and historical interest. |
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San Candido
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San Candido (Innichen) lies in the upper Puster Valley, close to the Austrian border. It’s a ski resort in winter and a walking and cycling base in summer.
The Romanesque collegiate church is one of the most important in the region. The village also has shops, spas and alpine-style hotels. San Candido is linked by train to Brunico and Austria. It’s ideal for families and couples looking for an active mountain holiday. |
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