Trentino-South Tyrol

This dreamy region has lots to offer, both naturalistically and culturally. Its many towns and villages are picturesque, the Dolomites are simply stunning, castles are sprinkles all over and lush nature, clear lakes and rambling valleys seem to be waiting for you at every corner to enchant you.

If you love castles and art in general, you can check: Trauttmansdorff Castle, in the outskirts of Meran (with popular botanical gardens); Buonconsiglio Castle, in Trento (with beautiful frescoes and an entire section dedicated to Rembrandt); the Medieval hamlet of Canale di Tenno, in the hinterland of Lake Garda (practically an open-air museum with narrow alleys, ancient houses and wooden balconies with a 13th century charm); and Borgo Valsugana’s Arte Sella event (with concerts and theatre performances as well).

If you enjoy wine, the best towns to visit would be Andriano/Andrian , Appiano/Eppan, Termeno/Tramin and Vadena/Pfatten. If you are looking for a ski resort, then Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most fashionable in Italy and, back in time, also the favourite destination of Elisabeth of Bavaria (the famous “Sissi’, Empress of Austria), also because of its surrounding mountain environment (among the group of Brenta Dolomites, Adamello and Presanella glaciers).

If you want to embark on a scenic drive, get to the upper part of Val di Non, in Trentino region: it is a huge plateau with rolling fields and green forests, and the perfect place where to enjoy views over Bolzano/Bozen, Merano/Meran and over the whole of the Valley of the river Adige (eat apples while you are there, they are delicious).

If you enjoy lakes, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Site Dolomites’ Lake Prags is a must: you will find it amidst the grand mountain region of South Tyrol, among other numerous mountain lakes of ethereal beauty. According to legend, the gate (now blocked) at the south end of the lake could take you to the underworld. If you can, set aside an afternoon to go on the particularly popular walk around the lake. Another lake worth checking out is Lake Reschen, with a church spire of the former village of Graun that rises out of the water (you might even hear its bells ringing), especially popular with kite-surfers and perfect for hiking in the warmer seasons.

Official site of Tourism Board of Trentino
Official site of Tourism Board of South Tyrol