Are you looking for the best things to do in South Tyrol but not sure where to start? No need to worry cause I’ve got you covered! I’ve visited the area of South Tyrol in the Dolomites now 5 times and every single time I discover a new incredible place!
There’s a lot of beautiful places in Italy. There’s the coastal towns of Cinque Terre or the romantic allure of Venice. But if there’s once place that truly stole my heart it’s the Italian Dolomites and especially the region of South Tyrol.
Every single time that I arrive I feel super excited and I can’t wait to discover even more amazing places in this region in the future.
With it’s jagged rose-colored peaks the mountains of the Dolomites are a true sight to behold! With every single turn that you make you’ll be astounded by their beauty and especially their grandeur. With mountain peaks towering up to 3000 meters high it’s hard to imagine that you can find yourself on top of one of these!
The region of South Tyrol offers something for everyone. There are the tranquil alpine meadows where you can go for a stroll or enjoy some of the best restaurants in South Tyrol. For the thrill seekers there’s an abundance of spectacular hikes that will leave you breathless both literally and figuratively. And besides all of that you’ll find yourself driving past emerald lakes, quaint towns and castles immersed in the rolling green hills.
Honestly, even just writing this article makes me want to jump in my car and drive back to South Tyrol! And I am 100% sure that if you visit this wonderful region for the first time you’ll immediately want to book your next holiday here!
In this guide I will take you through the best things to do in South Tyrol. Summing everything up in just a few lines simply isn’t possible so expect a lengthy article with a ton of information! This guide will include a ton of fun outdoor activities, unique hotel stays, wonderful gourmet experiences and my personal favorite places to visit and photograph!
29 Spectacular Things To Do In South Tyrol
The Dolomite Alps are spread out over different regions in Italy. The Dolomites are located in the regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Friuli Venezia Giulia, covering an area shared between the provinces of Belluno, Vicenza, Verona, Trentino, South Tyrol, Udine and Pordenone.
I know, it can seem very difficult very fast but I promise you it’s not!
In this article I will only talk about the best things that you can do in the province of South Tyrol so you don’t end up driving 3 hours every single day.
I’ll also make a distinction within several kind of activities in regards of nature lovers or city hoppers. I really meant it when I said that South Tyrol has something for everyone!
🥾 The best things to do in South Tyrol for outdoor enthusiasts
South Tyrol is a true hikers paradise! I already wrote an article about all of the best hikes in the Dolomites but here I will list my top recommendations for South Tyrol!
📆 When is the best time to go hiking in the Dolomites
The official hiking season usually starts in June and ends somewhere halfway through October. Before and after that it is still possible to visit the Dolomites and to enjoy some of the more easy hikes but the higher hiking trails will most likely be covered in snow.
My 3 favourite months to hike in the Dolomites are as followed
- June – Temperatures are slowly rising, meadows are covered in beautiful wildflowers and the amount of tourists is still ok.
- September – Still warm but towards the end of the Summer you’ll find a lot less tourists here. During this month you also have a high chance of seeing cloud inversions.
- October – This is the ideal month if you want to photograph the Fall foliage in the Dolomites. Then again you can already encounter snow on some of your hikes.
Essential tips for hiking in the Dolomites
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, preferably mountain trail shoes. A lot of the trails can be rocky and uneven and you don’t want to loose your balance.
- Pack for 4 seasons: even in the Summer months it can be very cold if you start hiking in the early morning. Make sure you’re wearing layers so you can easily take something on or put on an extra layer if you’re taking a break.
- If you want to sleep in one of the rifugio’s during high season you need to book well in advance.
- Make sure to arrive early at the most popular hiking trails to ensure you have the best experience.
- Bring polarised sunglasses with you if you plan on hiking in the snow. Otherwise you risk of becoming snow blind.
- Bring a small first aid kit with you. You can always hurt yourself during a hike and it’s important that you’re able to disinfect wounds as fast as possible.
- Almost all of the hiking trails are well marked but make sure to plan your route on maps.me as well.
- Head Lamp – One of the ost amazing things to do in the Dolomites is to go on a sunrise or sunset hike! But you have to come prepared and bring a head lamp with you so you can get safely on or off the mountain in the dark.
- Trekking Poles – Ever since I got my first pair of trekking poles I can’t even imagine hiking without them!
1. Hike the circular trail of the Tre Cime
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit is by farone of the most popular things to do in the Dolomites and one that you absolutely shouldn’t miss if it’s your first time visiting the South Tyrol region. The hiking circuit is located in the Tre Cime National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There are many different hiking trails in the Tre Cime National Park but this one definitely offers the best view over the Drei Zinnen. The hike starts at the infamous rifugio Auronzo and takes about 4 hours in total to complete. If you’re a photographer you might want to calculate in an extra hour cause you’ll be in for a real treat during this spectacular hike.
I totally recommend starting this hike early in the morning cause it’s one of the top things to do in the Dolomites. Start walking at sunrise and you’ll have a wonderful time without hundreds of other people.
The hiking trail starts at rifugio Auronzo and to get here you need to go through a toll booth. The cost for a regular car to go up is €30 and the toll road is open from 7am to 7pm.
Hiking Distance – 10km (6.2 miles)
Elevation – 340m
Route Type – Loop Trail
Duration – 3,5 hours
Level – Moderate. There are two “steep” inclines but they don’t last long!
Parking Lot – Rifugio Auronzo
Best time to visit – This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Dolomites so it’s best to start hiking as early as possible. From 10am there can be a very long line to get up to rifugio Auronzo with your car.
Season – June until the end of October
📖 VIEW THE FULL BLOG POST: Hiking The Tre Cime Di Lavaredo Circuit
2. Get in all of the best views in South Tyrol during the Col Raiser to Seceda Hike
The Col Raiser to Seceda hike is one of my favourite hiking trails in the Dolomites. You’ll start your hike up with a steep incline at the Col Raiser cable car (in high season you can take the cable car up but you would miss a lot of stunning viewpoints if you do that!).
After that you’ll walk through a stunning pine forest and then you’ll be surrounded by insane mountain ranges everywhere that you look. I was in awe (and out of breath) the entire hike up and this is the number 1 hike I recommend to people if they”re looking for a more unique approach to the Dolomites.
In the end you’ll walk up along the Seceda ridgeline where you’ll end at the well known viewpoint. In total this hike takes around 4 hours to complete, for us it just took a little longer cause I was knee deep in snow for half of the hike up.
Hiking Distance – 17km (10.5 miles)
Elevation – 1100m
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 6.5 hours
Level – Moderate to Hard
Parking Lot – Col Raiser gondola
Best time to visit – It’s a pretty long hike but if you’re up for it you should do this hike so you’re either at the top for sunrise or sunset!
Season – June until the end of October
📖 VIEW THE FULL BLOG POST – Col Raiser to Seceda Hike
3. Discover this unique hiking trail in South Tyrol with the Val Fiscalina to Drei Zinnen Hike
Val Fiscalina is a beautiful valley located in the township of Sesto and the starting point for one of the most impressive hikes in the Dolomites. This hiking trail is at its best from Spring to early Fall and we were actually greeted by a thick blanket of snow.
This did make things a little more complicated and it certainly made us a lot slower but I would do this hike again in a heartbeat in the Summer months.
You’ll start by walking through a beautiful forest and from here you walk up next to a little river stream until you reach the valley underneath the Drei Zinnen hut.
The total hike should take around 5 to 6 hours without snow :).
Hiking Distance – 17km (10.5 miles)
Elevation – 1000m
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 6,5 hours
Level – Moderate to Hard
Parking Lot – Parkplatz Fischleinbodenhütte
Best time to visit – I would start this hike in the morning so you’ll have plenty of time to complete it. During the Summer months you can even combine it with the Tre Cime Circuit since you’ll arrive at the Drei Zinnen Hut.
Season – June until the end of October
📖 VIEW THE FULL BLOG POST – Val Fiscalina to Drei Zinnen hike
4. Gran Cir Via Ferrata – One of the best things to do in South Tyrol for the adventure seekers!
The Gran Cir Via Ferrata has to be one of my favorite hikes in the Dolomites due to the spectacular views you get to witness when you reach the top.
For those of you who have never done a via ferrata don’t be discouraged. It’s only a very short part of the hike where you need the help of a chain to climb up the mountain and you don’t need any gear to complete this hike. It is however a very steep hike so if you have trekking poles, definitely bring them with you for this one. I didn’t and I regretted it the entire way up.
Even though that it’s a rather short hike you really shouldn’t underestimate it. The climb up is pretty brutal and in all honesty I didn’t even make it all the way up. Like I said before I didn’t bring my trekking poles and my backpack was way too heavy from all of the camera gear that I was dragging with me. But along the way up I found this amazing spot from where I could admire the sunrise as well.
Hiking Distance – 4.5km (2.8 miles)
Elevation – 474m
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 3 hours
Level – Moderate to Hard
Parking Lot – Passo Gardena, which is accessible from Val Gardena or Val Badia along the paved serpentine SS243 road. The parking lot adjacent to Rifugio Frara on the Sella side is gated and requires payment as early as 7 am. After your hike, you can pay using cash, or cards, at the parking machine. However when I was there at the end of October the railing was open the entire time and payment wasn’t required.
Best time to visit – This is one of those hikes where you really want to be at the top for sunrise. It was simply magical to watch the sun light up the valley below. It was truly an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring your headlamp with you if you embark on this adventure in the dark.
Season – June until the end of October depending on the snowfall.
📖 VIEW THE FULL BLOG POST – HIKING THE GRAN CIR VIA FERRATA
5. Grab a bite at Geisler Alm on the Adolf Munkel Trail
This fun hiking trail in the Dolomites is one that you can enjoy with the entire family! The trail starts and ends at the mountain hut Zanser Alm and I highly recommend you to grab a bite here either before or after your hike.
The main goal of this hike is to reach the picturesque Geisler Alm in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The Adolf Munkel Trail will lead you through a forest and across alpine meadows. All the while admiring the Geisler/Odle group from the foot of these spectacular mountains.
Hiking Distance – 9.2km (5.7 miles)
Elevation – 378m
Route Type – Loop Trail
Duration – 3 hours
Level – Easy to Moderate
Parking Lot – Zanser Alm
Best time to visit – I highly recommend starting your hike in the afternoon so you can be at Geisler Alm for sunset and see the peaks light up by the sunlight.
Season – June until the end of October depending on the snowfall.
6. Marvel at the beauty of Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee is one of the most beautiful and also most Instagrammable places in the Dolomites! No trip to South Tyrol is complete without paying a visit to this magical place.
During my road trip I saw a lot of lakes, but none of them come even close to the beauty of Lago di Braies! This is one of the few places that looks even better in real life than on any photograph. It’s safe to say that this is one of THE best places to visit in the Dolomites.
How to get there – Lago di Braies is very easy accessible. The most convenient way to get here is by car. There is a big parking lot right next to the lake (€6/hour) and from there it’s only 5 minutes walking to the pier.
When to go – Due to it’s accessibility it can get very crowded at Lago di Braies very early on. I opted to go for sunrise and arrived about 20 minutes before the actual sunrise! This is also the time when the water is still and you can clearly see the reflection. For a mere 5 minutes the mountain tops will light up in orange-pink tones which is a magical sight not to be missed.
Insider tip – This infamous pier is located behind a boathouse which only opens around 9.30am. The place was already buzzing with people at 7am so I can’t even imagine what it would be like 2,5 hours later! There is no direct way to access the pier when the boathouse is closed. If you really want to take photos on the pier itself you either have to wait until the boathouse opens and hope for the best or you can reserve a 1,5 hour time slot with them to take photos.
Insider tip 2 – Do yourself a big favor and walk around the entire lake. It’s a rather short hike but as soon as you leave the area of the boat house you’ll also leave almost all of the crowds behind!
📖 VIEW THE FULL BLOGPOST – Lago di Braies Guide
7. Wander through the Alpine meadow of Alpe di Suisi, also known as Seiser Alm
If there is one place in the entire Dolomites area that I wish that I had spent more time in, it’s this one! Alpe di Suisi is by far the BEST and one of the top places to visit in South Tyrol.
The Seiser Alm measures over 56 km² and is Europe’s largest expanse of high alpine meadowland.
How to get there – There is a road leading all the way up to Alpe di Suisi BUT it is closed for cars from 9am to 5pm. You can however still go up with the cable car if you like to visit during these hours. What I would do is drive up for sunrise, park your car at the parking lot in Compatch (€18 in cash) and you can drive back down whenever you want.
When to go – As mentioned before if you want to go by car either go before 9am or after 5pm.
📖 READ THE FULL BLOG POST – ALPE DI SIUSI TRAVEL GUIDE
9. Watch the sunset over Val di Funes
If you’ve ever Googled images of the Dolomites, chances are high this post card perfect place popped on your screen! Val di Funes is a beautiful valley and one of the best areas to visit in the Dolomites. It’s also a beautiful places to stay during Summer in the Dolomites if you’re into photography or looking for some of the most best photo spots!
How to get there – If you’re just passing by to capture the most famous viewpoint then the easiest way is to go by car. The little village you’re looking for is Santa Maddalena. Here you’ll be able to simply walk around and take stunning photographs!
📖 READ THE FULL GUIDE – VAL DI FUNES TRAVEL GUIDE
10. Wander around the emerald lake Carezza
Karersee, also known as lake Carezza or lago di Carezza is a small alpine lake in the Dolomites. It’s famous for its calm and drak green coloured waters and the beautiful mountain panorama in the background.
You’ve probably seen this photograph already all over Social Media. Nevertheless it is worth the hype and its place in this list of best photography spots in the Dolomites.
How to get there – Karersee is easy to reach by car and is actually a pretty touristic place. You can leave your car at the nearby parking lot (to pay) or if you’re visiting in the early morning or late afternoon you can easily find a spot alongside the road to park. If you’ve parked your car on the parking lot you’ll have to go through a manmade tunnel to access the lake.
When to go – I would really advise you to come here early morning. I visited Karersee after first going to Val di Funes and on my way to Venice. Needless to say that by 1PM the place was swarming with tourists. Nevertheless it was still possible to take beautiful photos!
Important to know – The entire lake is surrounded by a fence which clearly states every few meters that you can’t go over it! The fine for doing so is €41! Please respect this and don’t be an asshole.
11. Watch the sunrise at Lago di Landro
This is another easy find right in the middle of the Tre Cime National Park, one of the best areas to visit in the Dolomites.
During the Summer months you can swim in the lake but of course now during Fall it was a little too cold for that :). There’s free parking spaces right next to the lake so it would be pretty much a crime to not take the time to stop here for at least a few minutes!
If you’re on your way to hike the Tre Cime and you’re coming from either Dobbiaco or Sesto you’ll pass by this lake!
12. Stop at Lago Antorno before driving up to Tre Cime
You’ll find this beautiful lake right before you drive up to rifugio Auronzo! Plus it’s also the starting point for a beautiful hike in the Dolomites that will lead you all the way up to the Tre Cime! There’s a ton of free parking space available right at the lake and it’s at its most beautiful during Fall season when the larches turn yellow and orange!
The ideal moment to visit and to photograph lago Antorno is during sunrise when the mountain peaks of the Tre Cime light up in a beautiful pink hue.
13. Explore Stiergarten, a unique thing to do in South Tyrol
This is one of those hidden gems in the Dolomites, one that will offer you incredible views over the entire Tre Cime National park once you reach the top!
To do so during Summer months is rather easy, there’s a cable car (the one called Tre Cime in Sexten) going up and from there it’s only a short hike to the top. During Fall season however all of these cable cars are closed so the only way to reach the top is to hike up. The hike starts down at the start of the Tre Cime cable car but thrust me, the views are worth the hike!
14. Discover Peitlerkofel, a hidden gem in South Tyrol
The beautiful Peitlerkofel reminds me a little of the mountain range up at Seiser Alm. Only, this one is way less famous! The easiest way to reach Peitlerkofel is to go by car. It will lead you up a winding mountain road and provide you with stunning vista’s over Val di Funes.
There are several hikes possible here but the most famous one is the circular hike around the Peitlerkofel. It’s a nice alternative to the always crowded Tre Cime Loop trail and also very impressive! The best place to park your car and also the place where most of the day hikes start is Wurzjöch.
15. Make a quick stop at Lake Missurina
Lago Misurina is one of the most popular and well known lakes in South Tyrol.
Lago di Misurina is the largest natural lake of the entire Cadore, a historical region in the province of Veneto. It’s often referred to as the ‘pearl of the Dolomites‘ and its crystal clear water reflects the mountain ranges surrounding it such as: Tre Cime, Cadini, Sorapiss and Cristallo.
Besides being absolutely stunning Misurina is also known for something else. It’s said that the air here is of such high quality due to a special microclimate that it can help with respiratory problems.
16. Watch the sunset on Passo Gardena
If you’re staying near Val Gardena you definitely need to pay a visit to the Passo Gardena. It’s one of the best and easiest places to visit in South Tyrol and not that crowded during the day either.
From here you’ll have a spectacular view over the Gardena valley, the Sella group and you can even see all the way to the Seceda ridgeline!
🥘 The best things to do in South Tyrol for foodies & gourmet enthousiasts
17. Enjoy a wonderful dinner at Flurin
The classy restaurant Flurin is located in Glorenza, the smallest town in South Tyrol. Here you’ll be able to sit down and relax in their luxurious suede sofa’s and indulge in a wonderful 3 or 4 course menu.
They also have a room where you can go for just a cocktail and some bites but if you have the time I highly recommend booking a table!
Their monthly menu is constantly updated and they work together with local farmers to make sure they only serve food that is both biological and of the highest quality.
Cost – €50 to €60 for a menu without wine.
Book – Make sure to book your table well in advance. Call +39 0473 428136 or send an email to info@flurin.it.
18. Enjoy a luxury picknick with MONS at Lake Dobbiaco
If you’re visiting the area around Lago di Braies or the Tre Cime National Park you have to have lunch or dinner at Tilia! Chris Oberhammer is the chef behind this amazing restaurant where a home-inspired cuisine places special emphasis on the products, flavours and colours of the region.
And if you really want to have a unique experience you can try out their new concept MONS. A stylish and modern day picnic that is mouth watering delicious. You can book your requested picnic online and simply pick up your basket/backpack at the restaurant.
The options for where you can enjoy your picnic are endless but lake Dobbiaco is pretty close and a beautiful place to sit down and relax.
Cost – €40 per person
Booking – Make sure to book well in advance by either calling +39 335 812 77 83 or send an email to info@Ttilia.bz
19. Indulge in beautiful dishes with edible flowers at Gostner Schwaige
Gostner Schwaige has to be my favourite restaurant in the entire Seiser Alm region! The term Schwaige is used to indicate a mountain hut that is completely self sufficient and only serves produces that are homemade. Well this is definitely the case here and Gostner Schwaige is proudly run by the Mulsner family.
On their farm Aussergost you’ll find a big garden filled with flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. Everything you can think of will be turned into juice, jam, tea, chutney and many more. So get ready to enjoy delicious self-created dishes with handpicked edible flowers such as a flower salad or hay flower soup!
Cost – €18 to €30
Booking – Make sure to book your table well in advance at info@gostnerschwaige.com
20. Enjoy South Tyrolean cuisine with a view at AlpiNN
AlpiNN restaurant is one of the most impressive restaurants in South Tyrol when it comes to location. Perched on top of a mountain cliff in Kronplatz you will definitely have lunch with a view!
I can tell you that eating at AlpiNN is a true experience but make sure that when you make a reservation you ask for a table at the window. This way you’ll see the incredible 360° views and some random paragliders passing by.
After lunch make sure to stop by LUMEN, a beautiful and modern museum about mountain photography.
Cost – €18 to €30
Book – Make sure to book a table in advance, especially if you want to sit next to one of the panoramic windows. You can easily book a table online.
21. Have lunch at a typical South Tyrolean mountain hut
The Rauch Hütte is a typical mountain hut in the middle of the Alpe Di Siusi valley, offering an incredible view over the mountains. It’s the perfect place to have lunch after one of the many hikes that you can do in this area.
Enjoy the typical South Tyrolean cuisine, Mediterranean food or local meats from the grill. All of the food served here is homemade and regional. The Rauch Hütte has been run by the same family for years and now its 4th generation holds down the forth.
Cost – €15 to €25
Book – For lunch make sure to be there around 12am and for dinner you’ll have to book a table by sending an email to rauchhuette@rolmail.net.
🏰 Top things to do in South Tyrol – Culture, castles & cities
22. Visit LUMEN Museum
LUMEN Museum is a modern mountain photography museum perched on top of Kronplatz.
Spanning four floors LUMEN offers the possibility to experience the history of mountain photography from its beginnings until the present as well as displaying the art of mountain-photographers from all over the world.
The curated program stands out due to its interdisciplinary character: alpinism, tourism, politics, spirituality and history — the subject mountains is examined from different perspectives.
Cost – €17
Opening hours – Monday to Sunday from 10am until 4pm
23. Stroll through the smallest town in South Tyrol
Glorenza is the smallest city in South Tyrol. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy and fascinates visitors with its medieval atmosphere.
Founded some 700 years ago, Glorenza/Glurns has played an important role as a fortress and trading centre over the centuries. A completely preserved city wall with three defiant towers still surrounds and protects this picturesque medieval town.
24. Marvel at the castles surrounding Merano
Merano and its surroundings are home to some of the most beautiful and picturesque castles in South Tyrol
Some of my personal favorites:
Tyrol Castle – The castle has served as the site of a museum since the early 1980s. Since 2003, Tyrol Castle houses the South Tyrolean Museum of History. Next to the castle there is a falconry with a nursing ward for birds of prey.
Monteleone Castle – A splendid castle amidst colorful vineyards high above the municipality of Cermes. It is deemed to be the landmark of the village. Doing a hike along the Marlengo Waalweg path will offer you a fantastic view on the castle.
Schloss Kastelbell – Located in the Val Venosta valley this wonderful castle is enthroned on a massive rock above the eponymous village. Castelbello Castle will reopen in May 2022 for the spring exhibition, the guided tours are offered during the summer months.
25. Learn the history of Lake Resia and its world famous submerged bell tower
Lake Resia is one of the most mythical lakes in South Tyrol and is mostly known for its church steeple emerging from its icy waters.
The iconic scene has even inspired a book and a Netflix series named Curon.
But with the lake temporarily drained, locals have been able to see the final traces of Curon, a village once home to hundreds before it was flooded to create a hydroelectric plant in 1950.
During the winter time it is possible to walk up to the church tower across the ice.
❄️ Best things to do in South Tyrol in the Winter
26. Go on a snow hike in Merano
One of the best things to do in South Tyrol is to go hiking! And yes, you can even do this activity in the Winter! Especially on a warm and sunny day you’ll be able to enjoy nature at its most beautiful.
For this particular hike we started at the parking lot in Falzeben and hiked up to the Kuhleitenhütte. The total distance was around 15km and the view from the top ridge was absolutely breathtaking!
TIP – Grab lunch at the Kuhleitenhütte for a true South Tyrollean experience!
27. Go sledding down Meran 2000
One of the most fun winter activities in South Tyrol is sledding, also known as tobogganing. I had the pleasure of joining in on all of the fun and had the best time!
On Meran 2000 you’ll start sliding down from Piffing and 3km later you’ll end up back at the Falzeben parking lot.
These days it’s obligatory to wear a helmet when tobogganing;
28. Go skiing or snowboarding
South Tyrol is a true paradise when it comes to winter sports and you’ll be able to slide down the slopes with some of the most spectacular backdrops!
29. Enjoy the SPA facilities at Miramonti Boutique Hotel
South Tyrol is home to some of the most stunning luxury hotels and Miramonti Boutique Hotel sure is one of them! This 5 star leading hotel of the world offers an incredible panoramic view from every single room.
But their outdoor heated pool truly takes the cake. This infinity pool will make you feel like you’re swimming towards the moutains and you can also relax inside in one of their comfortable lounges.
Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings.
Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.
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