Although…South, Tyrol is a region of Northern Italy. It borders further north with Austria and west with Switzerland. It reminds me more of Austria and less of Italy and there is a reason for that.
At the end of World War I, Italy took over South Tyrol from Austria under the Treaty of Saint German in 1919. The Italian fascists attempted to purify the population and shortly thereafter Hitler and Mussolini reached an agreement. Germany would accept those who wanted to live in the Third Reich.
Most people remained in South Tyrol but retained their identity. After the war, the Allies decided that Italy would retain South Tyrol. Austria and Italy agreed on the terms which included that German and Italian would be used equally in public life, German would be taught together with Italian in local schools, and retained German surnames which would have been Italianized, there would be an autonomous Parliament and government and other special rights for residents of South Tyrol.
South Tyrol is an area of exceptional natural beauty, with forests, spectacular lakes and of course the Dolomites, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MY TOP 3 INSTAGRAM SPOTS
San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges
San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges
San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges
Accomondation – During my stay in South Tyrol, I was lucky enough to stay at the magnificent San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges with tree houses and chalets around a lake and surrounded by 40 hectares of forest. The journey continued to Castelrotto Village and the minimal Schgaguler Hotel with breathtaking views of the Dolomites.
Food
Transportation – If you do not have your own or a rented car, you will need to use the public transport. You can reach all the sights and villages in the area by local public transport in a comfortable, fast and environmentally friendly way.
Going to South Tyrol can be a little difficult without a car – which makes it a destination for real travellers! If you do not want to rent a car, there is another way.
By Air:
Alto Adige’s only airport is outside Bolzano, serving domestic flights only. There are daily flights from Rome to Bolzano. The nearest international airport is in Verona, 150 miles from Bolzano. From Villafranca Airport in Verona, a 20-minute bus ride from Verona Central Station (Porta Nuova) takes you and from there you can take the train to Bolzano.
Alternatively, there are direct bus transfers to Bolzano and other cities of South Tyrol from Milan Malpensa, Bergamo and Verona airports.
By Train:
Traveling by train is one of the best ways to travel to Italy and yet accessible. As the Italian rail network connects most major cities, this is probably the best way to get to Alto Adige. From Verona, only 90 minutes by train to Bolzano. There are also direct trains from Rome and Florence (Campo di Marte). From Milan or Venice, you have to change the train to Verona, but you still have a relatively easy (but long) journey.
South Tyrol Travel Tips
Days Needed: 4-5
Best Season: There is no right time to visit South Tyrol because the area is beautiful all year round. However, it also depends on the activities you want to do.
Country: Italy (Capital City Rome)
Currency: Euro (in most places accept credit cards)
Language: Almost 80% of the population speaks German. But you can also talk in Italian.