10 beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol

I never miss the opportunity to visit South Tyrol.  

The autonomous province in northern Italy is home to the Dolomites along with dozens of fairytale towns and villages.  

In this post, I'll be sharing 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol Italy.  

Listing the best things to do in South Tyrol cities, towns and villages, consider this your personal local guide. 

One of the best places in Italy to visit, you can use this post to help plan your Italy trip.  

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A brief background 

The province’s full name is Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. Alto Adige is the Italian name for South Tyrol while Südtirol is the German translation. It is truly a region to add to your Italy bucket list.

Historically, the region of Tyrol was a county of the Holy Roman Empire. It was later split into North Tyrol (Austria) and South Tyrol (Italy) after World War I. This is why South Tyrol is a part of Italy and not Austria. 

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A bilingual province 

Given its history, it won’t be surprising to learn that most people in South Tyrol speak both German and Italian.  

Some of the population also speak Ladin (Ladino). It combines elements of Latin, as well as influences from neighboring Germanic languages, such as German and Bavarian. 

For me, it’s one of the most fascinating characteristics of South Tyrol. The moment you enter South Tyrolean territory, you immediately see street signs and directions written in both languages.  

For us living in northern Italy, visiting South Tyrol always feels like we’ve traveled across the border to Austria.  

Alongside the language, the architecture in many South Tyrolean towns and villages embraces an Alpine over Italian style. 

An autonomous province 

To address the cultural and linguistic diversity, autonomy agreements were established that granted South Tyrol a high degree of self-governance.  

These agreements outline the protection of linguistic and cultural rights for the German and Ladin-speaking populations. 

10 most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol 

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1. Bolzano/Bozen 

Bolzano (Bozen in German) is the capoluogo (capital) of South Tyrol as well as the name of the province. Situated in the Adige River valley and surrounded by the Dolomite Mountains, Bolzano is an unmissable South Tyrol city. 

With plenty of things to do, Bolzano is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol. 

Some of the city’s highlights include visiting Ötzi the Iceman, the 5,300-year-old mummy, visiting Walther Square and seeing Bolzano Cathedral. 

Come Christmastime, Bolzano transforms into one of the top Christmas destinations in Italy. Home to Italy’s oldest Christmas market, it has traditional gifts, food and festive decorations. 

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology (Museo Archeologico dell'Alto Adige - Südtiroler Archäologiemuseum), Via Museo, 43 
Walther Square (Piazza Walther)  
Bolzano Cathedral (Duomo di Bolzano/Dom Maria Himmelfahrt), Piazza della Parrocchia, 27

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2. Bressanone/Brixen 

Around 40 minutes' drive from Bolzano is Bressanone (Brixen in German). Bressanone, and nearby Vipiteno, is one of the best tows in South Tyrol.

The town has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries, including the Romans, Bavarians and Austrians.  

Its striking medieval city center has cobblestoned streets, historic buildings and impressive landmarks.  

Come to Bressanone to visit its 18th century Duomo, discover the Hofburg museum and to feast on smoked pork hock. 

One of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol, you’ll be glad you added Bressanone to your itinerary. 

Bressanone Cathedral (Duomo di Bressanone/Brixner Dom), Piazza Palazzo Vescovile, 1 
Hofburg Brixen Bressanone (Diözesanmuseum Hofburg), Piazza Palazzo Vescovile, 2

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3. Vipiteno/Sterzing 

The first thing you’ll notice about Vipiteno (Sterzing in German) is its size: it’s very small. 

Comprising the main street of Città Nuova (New City), Vipiteno is lined with colorful pastel-hued Alpine-style buildings. The architecture reflects a blend of Austrian and Italian influences, highlighting the region's unique cultural heritage. 

At the halfway point of Città Nuova is the Tower of the Twelve (Torre delle Dodici/Zwölferturm). Built between 1468 and 1472, the 46m granite clock tower is known for its striking facade and the midday bells. 

Vipiteno has another claim to fame, and that’s for its dairy goods. Renowned for its delicious butter, yogurts and much more, the Vipiteno Sterzing store is a must-visit to sample its products. 

Tower of the Twelve (Torre delle Dodici/Zwölferturm), Piazza Città 
Vipiteno Sterzing, Città Nuova, 48

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4. Merano/Meran 

Surrounded by the mountains of the Italian Alps, Merano (Meran in German) is another charming town in South Tyrol.  

Merano became a popular spa destination during the 19th century when the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand chose it as his winter residence.  

Today, thermal baths like Terme Merano attract visitors for their wellness activities. 

Merano’s castle

Merano’s other main attraction are the Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens (Trauttmansdorff- Die Gärten/I Giardini). 

Known for their diverse plant collections and thematic landscapes, the gardens and views of the surrounding mountains make it popular among visitors. 

Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens (Trauttmansdorff- Die Gärten/I Giardini), Via Lungo Rio Nova 

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Italy map

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5. San Candido/Innichen 

Situated in the Puster Valley and surrounded by the Dolomites is the small town of San Candido (Innichen in German). 

A hidden gem in South Tyrol, visitors like coming here to hike, ski and mountain bike. 
If that doesn’t sound like your thing, fear not. San Candido’s town center is small, but it packs a lot in.  

One landmark is the Collegiate Church of San Candido (Chiesa Madre dei Santi Candido e Corbiniano). Dating to the 13th century, the church reflects a Gothic architectural style and shouldn’t be missed when visiting San Candido. 

At Christmas, market stalls pop up around the town selling homemade gifts, local foods and plenty of vin brûlé. 

When it snows in San Candido, the town transforms into something quite special. Seeing the town dusted with snow makes San Candido one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol. 

Collegiate Church of San Candido (Chiesa Madre dei Santi Candido e Corbiniano/Stiftskirche Innichen), Cimitero Parrocchiale, Via Atto, 1 

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6. Castelrotto/Kastelruth  

Continuing the tour of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol brings us to Castelrotto (Kastelruth in German). 

Another small town in the province, Castelrotto is known for its prime location in the Dolomites and its traditional Tyrolean architecture. 

Castelrotto is also the gateway to the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), one of Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadows. It’s popular among skiers, hikers and panoramic view seekers. 

Stay in town 

During our stay in Castelrotto, we spent time exploring the small city center.  

As the town dazzled beneath the Christmas lights, we continued walking the cobblestoned streets and browsing the market stalls.  

The rest of our time was spent indulging in hearty Tyrolean dishes and drinking glasses of robust red wine. 

7. Ortisei/St. Ulrich  

Ortisei (St. Ulrich in German and Urtijëi in Ladin) is a town in the Val Gardena valley in the Dolomites. 

The town is probably one of the most popular destinations in South Tyrol. Surrounded by glorious alpine scenery, Ortisei sits at an elevation of about 1,236m (4,055ft) above sea level.  

Characterized by traditional alpine chalet-style buildings adorned with colorful facades and wooden balconies, Ortisei makes for a pretty picture. It's the town’s iconic architecture that makes Ortisei one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol. 

Stroll the picturesque town center, relax in a spa or indulge in your passion for winter sports. 

A destination made for winter activities 

The Val Gardena valley is renowned for its ski resorts, of which Ortisei belongs to.  

In winter, the region becomes a haven for skiers and snowboarders who come to enjoy the well-groomed slopes. In summer, Ortisei attracts outdoor enthusiasts keen to hike or bike the impressive terrain.  

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8. Corvara in Badia/Kurfar  

Nestled in the mountains of the Dolomites is the delightful village of Corvara (Kurfar in German). Its official name is Corvara but it’s usually referred to as Corvara in Badia. This is to distinguish it from other places with the same name. 

Like Ortisei, Corvara is popular among visitors interested in outdoor activities. The Dolomiti Superski area, one of the largest ski areas in the world, includes Corvara as one of its resorts. 

Throughout the year  

The Marmolada Glacier provides skiing opportunities during the winter and summer months in Corvara. As part of the Sella Ronda ski circuit, it offers a network of interconnected ski resorts around the Sella Massif. 

Personally, my husband and I didn’t partake in any winter activities in Corvara. Instead, we walked around town, took in views of the Dolomites and had lunch at the exquisite Hotel La Perla. 

Hotel La Perla, Strada. Col Alt, 105

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9. Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee  

Alpine lakes get no more beautiful, or popular, than Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee in German).  

Located in the Prags Valley of the Dolomites, Lake Braies sits within the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. 

Characterized by its translucent turquoise waters, dense forests and towering mountain peaks, Lake Braies is as dreamy as the photos. 

Popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol. 

Things to do in Lago di Braies 

Things to do in Lago di Braies depends on the time of year you plan to visit.  

Walking trails around the lake and hiking routes leading to panoramic viewpoints are doable in summer and winter. Boat rentals to go rowing on the lake won’t be available during a frosty winter when the lake is frozen. 

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10. Lago di Carezza/Karersee  

The final stop of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol is the mesmerizing Lake Carezza.

Lago di Carezza (or Karersee in German) is situated in the Val d'Ega valley near the village of Carezza. 

One of Lake Carezza’s most notable features is its incredible changing colors. Often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Lake’, its spectrum of color ranges from emerald green to deep blue. The colors result from the lake's clear water and the reflections of the surrounding forests and mountains. 

As my photos show, seeing this characteristic just isn’t possible during winter. But walking around the lake path and taking in the incredible view and backdrop made our visit 100% worthwhile. 

What are your thoughts on this list of the most beautiful places to visit in South Tyrol? Does it look like a province you’d like to visit in northern Italy? Let me know in the comments below or send me a DM on Instagram. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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