Trentino Alto-Adige South Tyrol
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Latest page update: 25 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol
Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol features some of Italy’s most refined alpine hotels, combining traditional architecture with contemporary design and exceptional hospitality. In the Dolomites, Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano is one of the region’s most celebrated properties, offering luxurious rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and close access to ski slopes and hiking trails. Nearby, Hotel La Perla in Corvara in Badia blends Tyrolean style with elegance, featuring warm interiors, an extensive wine cellar and mountain views from every angle. Adler Lodge Alpe on the Alpe di Siusi plateau is another standout, offering an eco-luxury retreat with private chalets, panoramic spa facilities and a strong focus on nature and sustainability.
In Ortisei, Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof combines alpine charm with modern refinement, featuring a large wellness centre and restaurant highly regarded for local cuisine. Also in Ortisei, ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti provides direct access to the ski lifts, with extensive wellness facilities and landscaped gardens in the heart of Val Gardena. In Selva di Val Gardena, Hotel Granbaita Dolomites offers an elegant mix of traditional design and modern luxury, with a spa, pools and easy access to the Sellaronda ski circuit.
In Trentino, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti near Pinzolo is among the most acclaimed properties, known for its impressive architecture, vast spa and focus on sustainable luxury. Further south near Riva del Garda, Lido Palace offers lakeside elegance with Belle Époque architecture, contemporary interiors and a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Lake Garda.
In Merano, Hotel Terme Merano stands out for its connection to the town’s thermal baths, offering modern design, multiple pools and a central yet peaceful location. Completing the selection, Castel Fragsburg near Merano combines a romantic hillside setting with fine dining and panoramic views over the Adige Valley, making it a defining example of South Tyrolean hospitality at its highest level.
In Ortisei, Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof combines alpine charm with modern refinement, featuring a large wellness centre and restaurant highly regarded for local cuisine. Also in Ortisei, ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti provides direct access to the ski lifts, with extensive wellness facilities and landscaped gardens in the heart of Val Gardena. In Selva di Val Gardena, Hotel Granbaita Dolomites offers an elegant mix of traditional design and modern luxury, with a spa, pools and easy access to the Sellaronda ski circuit.
In Trentino, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti near Pinzolo is among the most acclaimed properties, known for its impressive architecture, vast spa and focus on sustainable luxury. Further south near Riva del Garda, Lido Palace offers lakeside elegance with Belle Époque architecture, contemporary interiors and a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Lake Garda.
In Merano, Hotel Terme Merano stands out for its connection to the town’s thermal baths, offering modern design, multiple pools and a central yet peaceful location. Completing the selection, Castel Fragsburg near Merano combines a romantic hillside setting with fine dining and panoramic views over the Adige Valley, making it a defining example of South Tyrolean hospitality at its highest level.
Where is
Where is Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol?
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The region of Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol is the northernmost of Italy's twenty regions.
It has two international borders: one with Austria to the north and the other with Switzerland to the north-west, while its two Italian regional borders are with Veneto to the east and Lombardy to the south and south west. Two autonomous provinces govern the region with Bolzano Province (colloquially known as South Tyrol) in the north and Trento Province (known locally as Trentino) to the south. The region's capital is the city of Trento. |
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Regione Autonoma Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
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Regional capital: Trento
Population: 1,082,116 (in 2024 - source) Size: 13,607 km² Provinces: 2 Highlights: Bolzano, Lake Tenno, Val Gardena, Riva del Garda |
What People Ask About Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol
Is Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol?
How do I get to Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol?
What is Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol known for?
When is the best time to visit Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol?
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Discover
Discover Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol
Geography
The slightly confusing names of the provinces and the region itself act as a pointer to a history that has seen this area governed by different countries with different languages at different stages.
For simplicity, all of the town names on this website are the Italian versions but nearly every town in the region has an alternative German name which is often given priority on street signs or culturally among the people.
Geography plays an obvious part in that with the borders to Switzerland and Austria but politics have also contributed; just over a hundred years ago, the region was part of the Austrian/Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1919 when a post-World War One treaty saw it transferred to Italy.
For simplicity, all of the town names on this website are the Italian versions but nearly every town in the region has an alternative German name which is often given priority on street signs or culturally among the people.
Geography plays an obvious part in that with the borders to Switzerland and Austria but politics have also contributed; just over a hundred years ago, the region was part of the Austrian/Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1919 when a post-World War One treaty saw it transferred to Italy.
Stunning Alpine scenery
Trentino Alto-Adige/Sudtirol is a mountainous region of the Southern Alps and the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. It's characterised by its dramatic Alpine passes and lakes, making it a magnet for hikers and activity holidaymakers.
During the winter it offers some of Italy's best ski resorts among which are Madonna di Campiglio, Canazei and Ortisei, while the summer months see these same resorts teeming with life as tourists seek to take in the fresh mountain air and incredible scenery.
During the winter it offers some of Italy's best ski resorts among which are Madonna di Campiglio, Canazei and Ortisei, while the summer months see these same resorts teeming with life as tourists seek to take in the fresh mountain air and incredible scenery.
The two main cities: Trento and Bolzano
The aforementioned Trento and Bolzano are the region's two major cities; Trento famous for its medieval streets and Buonconsiglio Castle while Bolzano attracts visitors from all over Italy for its Christmas market and international travellers who come to see Otzi the 3,500 year old "Ice-Man" at the South Tyrol Archaeological Museum.
Smaller cities
The region can boast further cities with their own distinct characters such as Bressanone, Brunico, Merano and Rovereto. A common thread among the cities are neatly-appointed streets with colourful buildings giving them a bright, welcoming appearance.
Smaller towns such as Vipiteno, Glorenza, Moena and San Candido have managed to combine the medieval world with the modern to great effect and visits to each are well-rewarded.
Smaller towns such as Vipiteno, Glorenza, Moena and San Candido have managed to combine the medieval world with the modern to great effect and visits to each are well-rewarded.
Beautiful lakes
Despite Trentino Alto-Adige/Sudtirol being landlocked with no coastal areas, you're never too far away from the water and indeed, from some of the most breathtaking scenery in Italy. Not only are there a great many lakes, but they offer a variety of features.
Among the most beautiful are Lake Braies on which you can take part in water activities during the summer or simply enjoy the views while hiking in the winter, while the stunning Lake Tenno with its crystalline waters resembles a Caribbean island at times.
Among the most beautiful are Lake Braies on which you can take part in water activities during the summer or simply enjoy the views while hiking in the winter, while the stunning Lake Tenno with its crystalline waters resembles a Caribbean island at times.
Lakeside resorts
The northern end of Italy's Lake Garda is in the region with its wonderful lakeside town of Riva del Garda, while holidaymakers flock to the town of Molveno and its eponymous lake for spectacular panoramas and excellent facilities.
Among the beautiful there is also the quirky and none more so than Lake Resia where a submerged clock tower will leave you scratching your head as you drive past. The Lake has recently been given a huge publicity boost with the Italian hit TV show Curon filmed there and a fictitious story built around it.
Among the beautiful there is also the quirky and none more so than Lake Resia where a submerged clock tower will leave you scratching your head as you drive past. The Lake has recently been given a huge publicity boost with the Italian hit TV show Curon filmed there and a fictitious story built around it.
Mountain passes and expansive parks
It is though, nature that rules in this region. Mountain passes such as Val Gardena, Passo Sella and Plan de Corones will leave you awestruck while the huge open spaces of Stelvio National Park, Adamello-Brenta Nature Park and Puez-Geisler Nature Park are just a few that offer endless possibilities for healthy recreation.
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Things to Do
Things to Do in Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol
- Bolzano and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology serve as the cultural gateway to the region, home to Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy discovered in the Alps. The town combines Austrian and Italian influences in its architecture, cuisine, and bilingual signage, with a historic centre and mountain views.
- Trento and the Buonconsiglio Castle reflect the region’s Renaissance heritage, with the castle housing frescoes and museums tracing the history of Trentino. The city includes the Cathedral of San Vigilio, elegant piazzas, and is known for its role in the Council of Trent and Alpine Baroque art.
- Val Gardena and the Dolomites offer dramatic peaks, ski slopes, and summer hiking trails, with towns like Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena. The area is part of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites and is also home to the Ladin language and traditions, visible in woodcarving and folk festivals.
- Merano and the Trauttmansdorff Gardens blend alpine scenery with a mild microclimate, once favoured by Empress Elisabeth of Austria. The town features spa facilities, art nouveau architecture, and riverside promenades, while the gardens include terraced paths, exotic plants, and views of the Texel mountains.
- Riva del Garda and Lake Garda lie at the northern tip of Italy’s largest lake, where mountains meet water. Riva includes a lakeside castle, windsurfing beaches, and access to hiking and cycling routes through the surrounding cliffs and valleys, with ferries connecting to towns along the lake.
- Alpe di Siusi and the Sciliar Plateau form the largest alpine pasture in Europe, with sweeping grasslands framed by jagged peaks. The area is ideal for walking, cycling, and winter sports, and features traditional alpine huts offering local food, along with cable cars linking to nearby villages.
- Brixen (Bressanone) and the Diocesan Museum present one of the oldest towns in the region, with a baroque cathedral, cloisters, and colourful streets. The Hofburg Palace houses religious art collections, and the town sits at the confluence of two rivers beneath the Plose mountain area.
- Lago di Braies and the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park provide one of the most photographed lake scenes in the Dolomites, with turquoise water surrounded by forest and steep cliffs. Wooden boats can be rented on the lake, and paths lead around the shore and up into the surrounding mountains.
- Madonna di Campiglio and the Brenta Dolomites are known for ski resorts and mountain trails within the Adamello Brenta Natural Park. The town hosts alpine events and connects to panoramic paths like the Vallesinella waterfalls, as well as cable cars to viewpoints over limestone peaks and glacier valleys.
- Glorenza (Glurns) and the Walled Town are found near the Swiss border, known as the smallest town in South Tyrol with intact medieval walls. It includes arcaded streets, a historic centre, and access to the Vinschgau Valley, where orchards and castles line the path towards the Reschen Pass.
Tours and Activities
Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol Tours and Activities
What to Eat
What to Eat in Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol
- Canederli – Large bread dumplings made with stale bread, milk, eggs, and speck or cheese, boiled and served in broth or with melted butter. Found across both Trentino and South Tyrol, they are rooted in peasant cooking and vary by valley and season.
- Speck Alto Adige IGP – Lightly smoked, dry-cured ham made from pork thighs seasoned with juniper, garlic, and bay leaves, then air-aged in the mountains. It’s served thinly sliced on wooden boards or used in pasta and dumpling dishes across the region.
- Spätzle – Small, irregular dumplings made with flour, eggs, and spinach or herbs, boiled and tossed with butter, cream, or speck. Of German origin, they are common in South Tyrolean homes and mountain inns, especially in areas with strong Germanic ties.
- Strangolapreti – Soft dumplings made from bread, spinach, eggs, and cheese, usually boiled and served with melted butter and sage. A typical dish from Trentino, their name means “priest stranglers” and reflects both humour and rustic origins.
- Polenta e funghi – A dish of soft polenta served with sautéed wild mushrooms, garlic, and herbs, often accompanied by melted cheese or stews. It highlights local mountain ingredients and is widely eaten in both valleys and alpine refuges.
- Zelten – A dense fruitcake made with rye flour, nuts, dried fruit, and spices, traditionally prepared at Christmas. It varies from town to town, with richer versions including candied peel, and is often decorated with walnut halves before baking.
- Carne salada – Salted and marinated beef, usually served raw in thin slices with rocket and parmesan or grilled and served warm. A speciality of Trentino, particularly Arco and Rovereto, it dates back centuries and was originally used to preserve meat.
- Knödel di barbabietola – Beetroot-flavoured bread dumplings found in parts of South Tyrol, often served with cheese sauce or browned butter. These visually striking dumplings are a creative adaptation of the classic canederli, reflecting regional variety.
- Tirtlan – Fried pastries filled with sauerkraut, spinach, or potatoes, popular in the Val Pusteria and other German-speaking areas. A snack often prepared for festivals and markets, they’re crisp on the outside and soft inside, served hot with local cheese or meats.
- Apfelstrudel – Apple strudel made with thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, cinnamon, and nuts, rolled and baked until golden. Served warm with cream or custard, it is a classic South Tyrolean dessert influenced by Austro-Hungarian traditions.
Photo Gallery
Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol Photo Gallery
Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations
1. Lake Braies
2. Trento
3. Bolzano
4. Val Gardena
5. Riva del Garda
6. Lake Tenno
7. Bressanone
8. Rovereto
9. Glorenza
10. San Candido
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
1. Lake Braies
2. Trento
3. Bolzano
4. Val Gardena
5. Riva del Garda
6. Lake Tenno
7. Bressanone
8. Rovereto
9. Glorenza
10. San Candido
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol
By Rail: Trentino-Alto Adige is served by Trenitalia and regional operator SAD, with key rail connections passing through Trento, Bolzano, Merano, and Bressanone. High-speed trains link Trento and Bolzano with Verona, Innsbruck, and Munich, while local trains connect mountain towns and valleys. Journey times are approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Verona to Bolzano and about 3 hours from Venice to Merano with changes.
By Road: The region is easily accessible via the A22 Brenner Motorway, which runs from Modena to Innsbruck, passing through Trento and Bolzano. Driving times are around 1 hour from Verona to Trento, 2 hours from Innsbruck to Bolzano, and 3 hours from Milan to Merano. Scenic alpine roads provide access to the Dolomites and valley towns. Public parking is available in city centres, resort areas, and near trailheads and cable car stations.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The region is easily accessible via the A22 Brenner Motorway, which runs from Modena to Innsbruck, passing through Trento and Bolzano. Driving times are around 1 hour from Verona to Trento, 2 hours from Innsbruck to Bolzano, and 3 hours from Milan to Merano. Scenic alpine roads provide access to the Dolomites and valley towns. Public parking is available in city centres, resort areas, and near trailheads and cable car stations.
Nearest International Airports:
- Verona Airport (Aeroporto di Verona Villafranca): Located about 90 kilometres south of Trento, the drive takes roughly 1 hour. It serves various Italian and European destinations.
- Innsbruck Airport (Flughafen Innsbruck): Approximately 120 kilometres north of Bolzano, reachable in about 2 hours via the Brenner Pass. It offers seasonal flights and good access to alpine regions.
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo Orio al Serio): Around 200 kilometres from Trento, with a driving time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It serves many low-cost European routes.
Private Transfers
Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and direct way to travel within Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol or to reach the region from other parts of northern Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken straight to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to manage train connections or navigate mountain roads.
Private transfers in this area can link key destinations such as Bolzano, Merano, Trento, and Bressanone, as well as popular alpine resorts across the Dolomites. They also offer easy access to major airports including Verona Villafranca Airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport, and Innsbruck Airport in Austria. Whether travelling for skiing, hiking, or exploring the valleys and mountain towns, private transfers provide a practical and time-efficient option throughout the region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Private transfers in this area can link key destinations such as Bolzano, Merano, Trento, and Bressanone, as well as popular alpine resorts across the Dolomites. They also offer easy access to major airports including Verona Villafranca Airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport, and Innsbruck Airport in Austria. Whether travelling for skiing, hiking, or exploring the valleys and mountain towns, private transfers provide a practical and time-efficient option throughout the region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Trento Province
Molveno, Trento Province
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Bolzano Province
Bolzano, Bolzano Province
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Trentino Alto-Adige South Tyrol by Category
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Major Cities and Towns of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
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Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
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Castles of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Lakes of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
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Major Cities and Towns of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Mountain Areas of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Orange Flag Towns of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Parks of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Pretty Villages of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Scenic Towns of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Ski Resorts of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Things to see in Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
Trentino Alto-Adige South Tyrol Destinations A-Z
Ala
Andalo
Arco
Bleggio Superiore
Bolzano
Braies
Bressanone
Brunico
Caderzone Terme
Campitello di Fassa
Campo Carlo Magno
Campo Tures
Canale di Tenno
Canazei
Castelrotto
Chiusa
Cles
Corvara
Dobbiaco
Egna
Folgaria
Fontanazzo
Funes
Glorenza
Lake Caldonazzo
Lake Cavedine
Lake Cei
Lake Lases
Lake Lavarone
Lake Ledro
Lake Levico
Lake Molveno
Lake Toblino
Lake Tovel
Ledro
Levico Terme
Madonna di Campiglio
Malles Venosta
Merano
Mezzano
Moena
Molveno
Nago
Ortisei
Paneveggio
Passa Gardena
Passo Sella
Pinzolo
Plan de Corones
Plan de Gralba
Prato allo Stelvio
Puez-Geisler Nature Park
Rango
Rasun di Sotto
Renon
Resia
Riva del Garda
Rovereto
San Candido
San Lorenzo Dorsino
San Martino di Castrozza
San Valentino alla Muta
San Vigilio di Marebbe
Santa Cristina in Val Gardena
Selva di Val Gardena
Sesto
Siror
Siusi allo Sciliar
Stenico
Tenno
Torbole
Trafoi
Trento
Val Gardena
Val di Fassa
Valle Aurina
Vigo di Fassa
Vipiteno
Andalo
Arco
Bleggio Superiore
Bolzano
Braies
Bressanone
Brunico
Caderzone Terme
Campitello di Fassa
Campo Carlo Magno
Campo Tures
Canale di Tenno
Canazei
Castelrotto
Chiusa
Cles
Corvara
Dobbiaco
Egna
Folgaria
Fontanazzo
Funes
Glorenza
Lake Caldonazzo
Lake Cavedine
Lake Cei
Lake Lases
Lake Lavarone
Lake Ledro
Lake Levico
Lake Molveno
Lake Toblino
Lake Tovel
Ledro
Levico Terme
Madonna di Campiglio
Malles Venosta
Merano
Mezzano
Moena
Molveno
Nago
Ortisei
Paneveggio
Passa Gardena
Passo Sella
Pinzolo
Plan de Corones
Plan de Gralba
Prato allo Stelvio
Puez-Geisler Nature Park
Rango
Rasun di Sotto
Renon
Resia
Riva del Garda
Rovereto
San Candido
San Lorenzo Dorsino
San Martino di Castrozza
San Valentino alla Muta
San Vigilio di Marebbe
Santa Cristina in Val Gardena
Selva di Val Gardena
Sesto
Siror
Siusi allo Sciliar
Stenico
Tenno
Torbole
Trafoi
Trento
Val Gardena
Val di Fassa
Valle Aurina
Vigo di Fassa
Vipiteno
