22 Most Beautiful Things to Do in South Tyrol

Our 22 Highlights in South Tyrol on a Map

For better orientation, we’ve marked the top things to do in South Tyrol on a map for you.

Some highlights can easily be combined with each other, while others are a bit off the beaten path. For your first South Tyrol vacation, we recommend staying in one corner of the region and exploring the sights there.

You can always save the attractions that are farther away for your next trip to South Tyrol.

The Most Beautiful Lakes in South Tyrol

The mountain lakes in South Tyrol are seriously a highlight — incredible colors and mountain panoramas in the background make for stunning photo opportunities.

Lake Braies

What you need to know: Lake Braies (“Lago di Braies” in Italian) is located in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park and is the most well-known lake in South Tyrol. There’s a loop trail around the lake and you can row across it by boat. Since the lake sits at 1,494 meters, the water is usually not warm enough for swimming.

Is Lake Braies worth it? Absolutely! You can take amazing photos here. Keep in mind, though, that it’s always very crowded — getting there early is totally worth it.

Our tip for Lake Braies: If you enjoy hiking, set aside a full day and hike up to the Seekofel. The hike is challenging, but the view of Lake Braies from the top is fantastic!

Lake Carezza

What you need to know: Lake Carezza (“Lago di Carezza” in Italian) is a small lake in front of the Rosengarten mountain massif. It sits at an elevation of 1,520 meters and there’s a 1.2-kilometer loop trail around the lake. Swimming and boating are not allowed here — which is actually great, since that means no people cluttering up your photos.

Is Lake Carezza worth it? Definitely! The colors of the water and the landscape are absolutely breathtaking.

Our tip for Lake Carezza: Come early — especially if you’re driving, you’ll have a much easier time finding a parking spot. Bus line 180 from Bolzano also runs to Lake Carezza.

Lake Caldaro

What you need to know: Lake Caldaro (“Lago di Caldaro” in Italian) is a popular vacation spot in South Tyrol, situated in the middle of a wine region where you can swim — there are several designated swimming areas. A 7.4-kilometer loop trail also runs around the lake.

Is Lake Caldaro worth it? Yes. It’s a perfect spot for relaxing and swimming, and it’s especially great with kids.

Our tip for Lake Caldaro: Hike up to Leuchtenburg — from there you’ll have a great view of Lake Caldaro and the Adige Valley.

Our hotel tip for Lake Caldaro: Seehotel Ambach

Lake Resia

What you need to know: Lake Resia (“Lago di Resia” in Italian) is located in the far north of South Tyrol — almost at the border with Austria. What makes this lake special are the sunken villages beneath its surface and the church tower that still rises above the water. At six kilometers long, it’s the largest lake in South Tyrol.

Is Lake Resia worth it? Yes — the church tower rising out of the water makes for a seriously striking photo, and the lake is especially popular with water sports enthusiasts.

Our tip for Lake Resia: The loop trail around the lake is 15 kilometers long. We recommend renting a bike in Resia and cycling around the lake.
Also read our tips for cycling in South Tyrol

Lake Toblach

What you need to know: Lake Toblach (“Lago di Dobbiaco” in Italian) isn’t quite as well known as the other lakes in South Tyrol, but it’s no less beautiful. You can rent a boat, swim in the lake, or walk the 2.5-kilometer loop trail. A bike path also runs along the lake.

Is Lake Toblach worth it? Yes — the panorama is great and the lake isn’t overcrowded. We really loved it!

Our tip for Lake Toblach: Combine your trip to the lake with a visit to the Tre Cime, which are located nearby.

The Most Beautiful Mountains and Peaks in South Tyrol

Since South Tyrol is primarily a destination for mountain and hiking enthusiasts, here are the most beautiful peaks and mountain landscapes for hiking in South Tyrol.

Tre Cime

What you need to know: The Tre Cime (“Tre Cime di Lavaredo” in Italian) are a rock formation in the Dolomites and a very popular hiking area in South Tyrol. There’s a loop trail around the Tre Cime, but you can also see the peaks from the valley below.

Are the Tre Cime worth it? Yes — the views are fantastic. The area does get extremely crowded, so plan accordingly.

Our tip for the Tre Cime: It’s really worth spending a night in a mountain hut up near the Tre Cime. There are significantly fewer tourists in the mornings and evenings. For example, you can stay at the Rifugio Auronzo.

Alpe di Siusi

What you need to know: The Alpe di Siusi is the largest alpine meadow in Europe and one of the top highlights among things to do in South Tyrol. It’s located near the Grödner Valley, northeast of Bolzano. Here you’ll find plenty of hiking trails and mountain huts to stop at — and you can even spend the night up on the Alpe di Siusi.

Is the Alpe di Siusi worth it? Yes — the mountain panorama and the views are truly a dream for anyone who loves the mountains, though it’s always well-visited too.

Our tip for the Alpe di Siusi: Cable cars up to the Alpe di Siusi depart from St. Ulrich and Seis.

Hotel tip for the Alpe di Siusi: Hotel Schmung

Seceda

What you need to know: Seceda is a mountain peak, alpine meadow, and top highlight in the Grödner Valley. It’s one of the most famous places to visit in South Tyrol, largely due to the unusual shape of the peak — you can get spectacular photos here. If you’re visiting South Tyrol in summer, Seceda is a popular hiking area, and in winter it’s great for skiing.

Is Seceda worth it? Definitely. Great views and photos are guaranteed here.

Our tip for staying near Seceda: The cable cars to Seceda depart from St. Ulrich. There we recommend the B&B Villa Angelino.

Rosengarten

What you need to know: The Rosengarten (“Catinaccio” in Italian) is a mountain range in the Dolomites and a popular hiking region in South Tyrol. Great starting points for hiking in the Rosengarten are the Kölner Hütte and the Paolina Hütte.

Is the Rosengarten worth it? Oh yes! We love the views and hikes up here.

Our tip for the Rosengarten: Combine a hike in the Rosengarten with a visit to Lake Carezza, since both are close to each other.

Stelvio Pass

What you need to know: The Stelvio Pass (“Passo dello Stelvio” in Italian) is a mountain pass between the Vinschgau in South Tyrol and Lombardy. It’s known for the highest mountain pass road in Italy, which winds through 48 switchbacks.

Is the Stelvio Pass worth it? Yes — the panorama is simply spectacular and absolutely not to be missed.

Our tip for the Stelvio Pass: Nearby stands the Ortler, which at 3,905 meters is the highest peak in South Tyrol — though the hike to the summit is only for very experienced mountaineers.

Kronplatz

What you need to know: Kronplatz (“Plan de Corones” in Italian) is especially a standout destination in South Tyrol in winter. Here you can enjoy great skiing, stop in at the K1 for après-ski, or admire the architecture of the Messner Mountain Museum.

Is Kronplatz worth it? Yes, especially for skiers. From spring through fall, you can also go hiking here.

Our hotel tip for Kronplatz: Garni Bachlerhof is located in Reischach, at the foot of Kronplatz, and is a great base for skiing.

Schlern

What you need to know: The Schlern (“Sciliar” in Italian) is one of the most famous peaks in the Dolomites. Its distinctive shape is visible all the way from Bolzano. From the Alpe di Siusi you can see it up close. The hike to the Schlern is moderate and a real highlight among things to do in South Tyrol.

Is the Schlern worth it? Yes — if you enjoy hiking, it’s a fantastic destination. But it also makes a great photo subject from below.

Our tip for the Schlern: The hike to the Schlern starts at the Compatsch parking lot. You need to arrive before 9:00 AM to find a parking spot.

Earth Pyramids of Lengmoos

What you need to know: The Earth Pyramids (“Piramidi di Terra del Renon” in Italian) are an unusual rock formation near Oberbozen. They were formed by moraine clay deposits from the late Ice Age. In addition to the Earth Pyramids in Lengmoos, there are others nearby — for example, in Platten near Bruneck and in Terenten.

Are the Earth Pyramids worth it? Honestly, they’re okay. They look pretty cool, but we didn’t find them particularly spectacular.

Our tip for the Earth Pyramids: Combine the trip to the Earth Pyramids in Lengmoos with a hike on the Rittner Horn.

The Best Cultural Highlights in South Tyrol

If you want to experience some culture alongside the many natural attractions in South Tyrol, you’re in luck — there’s plenty to discover here. Here are our recommendations!

Old Town of Bolzano

What you need to know: Bolzano is the capital of South Tyrol and, in our opinion, the most beautiful town in the region. The top highlight is the Laubengasse with its charming building facades and small shops. The historic center also has many beautiful churches, narrow alleys, and great restaurants.

Is the old town of Bolzano worth it? Definitely! We love strolling through the streets here.

Our tip for the old town of Bolzano: Nadamás is a popular spot for an Aperol Spritz, and Wirtshaus Vögele is a great place for a delicious meal.

Hotel tip for Bolzano: Parkhotel Laurin

Trauttmansdorff Castle

What you need to know: Trauttmansdorff Castle is located in Merano and is especially well known because of Empress Sisi — she visited the castle on multiple occasions. Today you can tour the interior rooms. For us, though, the real highlight is the stunning garden that surrounds it.

Is Trauttmansdorff Castle worth it? Yes, especially if you’re interested in castles and Empress Sisi.

Our tip for Trauttmansdorff Castle: Admission to the castle costs 16 euros, and you can buy your ticket online on the Trauttmansdorff website.

Merano Thermal Baths

What you need to know: The Merano Thermal Baths are a famous thermal spa right in the heart of Merano, offering everything a wellness lover could wish for. Twenty-five pools alone — that says it all, doesn’t it? The thermal baths also include a hotel, the Hotel Therme Meran.

Are the Merano Thermal Baths worth it? Yes, definitely — especially if you’re not staying at a wellness hotel in South Tyrol.

Our tip for the Merano Thermal Baths: A day ticket costs 26.00 euros. With sauna access, you’ll pay 39 euros. You can find all the details on the Terme Merano website.

Tirol Castle

What you need to know: Tirol Castle is located in the village of Tirol, near Merano, and a little further downhill stands Brunnenburg. A lovely footpath leads from the village of Tirol up to the castle, and inside you’ll find the State Museum of Cultural and Regional History.

Is Tirol Castle worth it? Yes — the museum is also a great option for a vacation with kids.

Our tip for Tirol Castle: Admission costs 10.00 euros. You can add an audio guide for a small extra fee. More information can be found on the Tirol Castle website.

Church of St. Johann in Ranui

What you need to know: The St. Johann Church (“Chiesetta di San Giovanni a Ranui” in Italian) is one of the most popular photo subjects in South Tyrol. The small church is located near the village of St. Maddalena. Photographed from the viewpoint, you’ll get a stunning shot with the Dolomites in the background.

Is the San Giovanni Church worth it? For photographers, yes. However, you have to pay 4 euros to access the church — in our opinion, that’s not really worth it.

Our tip for the San Giovanni Church: Unfortunately, the area has become very touristy. Don’t plan to spend too much time here — just stop by for photos and move on.

Church of St. Valentin

What you need to know: The St. Valentin Church (“San Valentino” in Italian) is our under-the-radar pick in South Tyrol as an alternative to the San Giovanni Church. It’s located near the villages of Seis and Kastelruth. With the Dolomites as a backdrop, it’s a wonderful spot for photography.

Is the Church of St. Valentin worth it? Yes — you’ll need to tackle a small uphill stretch to get there, but it’s definitely worth it!

Our tip for the Church of St. Valentin: The path to the church starts in the village of Seis, which is also the starting point for the Alpe di Siusi. So you can easily combine both spots in one trip.

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

What you need to know: The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is home to the famous mummy of Ötzi — the Iceman. He was discovered in the Ötztal Alps in 1991 and, at around 5,300 years old, is the oldest mummy in the world. The museum is located in the center of Bolzano.

Is the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology worth it? Yes — the glacier mummy is truly remarkable and the museum is absolutely fascinating.

Our tip for the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: Admission costs 13 euros. You can reserve a ticket up to three days in advance on the museum’s website — that way you won’t have to wait as long in line at the entrance.

Appiano

What you need to know: Appiano is a municipality southwest of Bolzano, best known for its wine production. Highlights in Appiano include the main village of St. Michael and the Wine Road.

Is Appiano worth it? Yes — with all its vineyards, Appiano is absolutely beautiful.

Our tip for Appiano: From Appiano, it’s a quick trip to the popular Lake Caldaro and the Montiggler Lakes — pack your swimsuit!

Hotel tip for Appiano: Appius Design Suites B&B – one of our top picks for a small hotel with a pool in South Tyrol.

Old Town of Brixen

What you need to know: The old town of Brixen (“Bressanone” in Italian) is, in our opinion, almost as beautiful as the one in Bolzano. The narrow alleyways, charming building facades, and impressive cathedral make Brixen one of the most beautiful towns in South Tyrol.

Is the old town of Brixen worth it? Oh yes — we love the relaxed vibe of the city center.

Our tip for the old town of Brixen: At Pupp Cafe you can enjoy great coffee, ice cream, and pastries — and it’s a really comfortable place to sit.

Hotel tip for Brixen: Soley Suites – a wonderful boutique hotel in South Tyrol!