South Tyrol - The magic of diversity

Lush vineyards in sight, even in summer, of snow-covered peaks; castles and quaint, log-built farmhouses; the most varied gastronomy combining all that is best of the simple and substantial Alpine fare and the light, aromatic Mediterranean cuisine; the happy coexistence of two – in places three – ethnic groups, languages and cultures; likewise the harmonious melding of old tradition and modernity: these and many more features provide visitors with an immense variety of activities and places to discover.

Dolomites
To quote the world-famous South Tyrolean mountaineer Reinhold Messner: “South Tyrol’s mountains between the Ortler and the Dolomites are not the world’s highest or most dangerous mountains, but they are its most beautiful.” The Brenta Dolomites adjoin the Ortler massif and like their better-known counterparts in the east of South Tyrol, they are equally pale with rugged peaks, razor-sharp walls and sheer rock faces. Momentous forces in the earth’s crust lasting over 200 million years created this wonder of nature. The Dolomite rocks were formed mainly from dead corals, seashells and magnesium on the floor of the Tethys Ocean. These haunting mountains are steeped in legend, sagas which tell of witches, nymphs and hobgoblins, wild men, mysterious enchanted realms, among them the story of King Laurin and his Rose Garden.

Tirol Castle
The old health resort of Meran has retained much of its belle époque charm and offers plenty of attractions for families. Tirol Castle is sited on a mountainside with a commanding view of the Meran valley basin and the entrance to the Vinschgau valley system. The castle was built in 1140 by the Lords of Vinschgau who subsequently called themselves the Counts of Tirol. They gradually extended their sway over large areas to the north and south of the Brenner and eventually the entire region of Tirol took its name from the castle. Today it accommodates a museum recounting the recent history of South Tyrol and is a venue for numerous cultural events. There is a hospital for sick and injured raptors in the courtyard and once a week eagles, hawks and falcons perform aerial acrobatics for spectators.

Trauttmansdorff Castle
The botanical gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle were recently voted ‘Italy’s most beautiful garden’. Plants from all over the world grow here, and pathways guide visitors through the scented theme-based gardens, the Garden of the Senses, the Japanese Garden, the hill planted with cactuses and other succulent plants, an olive grove and vineyard, a water garden etc. Empress Elisabeth of Austria twice spent the winter months at the castle and loved to promenade among these gardens. The South Tyrol Museum of Tourism is accommodated in the castle and in a lively and interesting manner documents the development of the region as a tourist destination over recent centuries.

Therme Meran
This modern thermal springs complex situated in the heart of Meran beckons with numerous pools, saunas, a spa, beauty and fitness centre as well as a bistro. There is an extensive sunbathing lawn nestling among Mediterranean vegetation and the impressive architecture bears the signature of South Tyrol’s star designer, Matteo Thun.

Ötzi – in the South Tyrol Archaeological Museum
Once-upon-a-time in South Tyrol’s mountains, in fact 5,300 years ago ... a man climbed up into the icy heights of the Schnals glacier and met a tragic death. In 1991 he was found and recovered together with his clothing and equipment, including his bow and arrows and a unique axe, providing us with a snapshot of life in the Bronze Age. He can be viewed with his belongings in the South Tyrol Archaeology Museum in Bolzano, along with numerous other exhibitions documenting the life and times of our ancestors.