South Tyrol (Alto Adige)
South Tyrol is Italy's German-speaking province — and a fascinating cultural mix. Here, German and Italian are spoken (and Ladin in the Dolomite valleys), the cuisine mixes dumplings with pasta, and the architecture jumps between Tyrolean wooden balconies and Mediterranean palazzi.
Bolzano (Bolzano)
The provincial capital unites both cultures: The Laubengasse (Portici) with its medieval arcades is the main shopping street, the Fruit Market (Piazza delle Erbe) offers local specialties. In the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology (€9) lies Ötzi, the 5,300-year-old glacier mummy — one of the most sensational archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Merano (Merano)
Elegant spa town with Therme Meran (25 pools, €15/day), the Tappeinerweg (Europe's most beautiful promenade, 4 km above the town), and the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle (€15) — one of the most beautiful garden complexes in Europe.
South Tyrolean Cuisine
Perhaps Italy's most exciting culinary culture: Schlutzkrapfen (Tyrolean ravioli), Speck (smoked raw ham, much finer than prosciutto), dumplings in all variations, Kaiserschmarrn for dessert — and a Lagrein or Gewürztraminer from local production. In the Buschenschänken (Törggelen season in autumn), there are chestnuts and young wine.
💡 Tipp
The Christmas markets of Bolzano, Merano, and Brixen are among the most beautiful in Europe — mulled wine, crafts, South Tyrolean specialties against an alpine backdrop. Best time: late November to just before Christmas (afterwards too crowded).