The region of South Tyrol is located in the northernmost point in Italy, bordered by Austria to its north and Switzerland to the west – it is the only region in Italy with trilingual road signs (Italian, German and Ladin), and most locals actually speak German. Mountains dominate this landscape, including the Dolomites and Ortler Alps. Its lush fertile valleys are dotted with apple orchards and vineyards, as well as hundreds of medieval castles and churches. There are over 20,000kms of well-marked hiking trails, 1,200kms of ski trails and hundreds of biking trails and climbing routes.
BOLZANO/BOZEN
At 265m above sea level and surrounded by mountains, the city of Bolzano (Bozen) is the capital of South Tyrol. The city has an Italian-Austrian character, enhanced by its narrow cobblestone streets, Habsburg-era churches and bilingual signages. Located along one of the most important routes running from the Mediterranean to northern Europe, it is an ideal base for exploration of the South Tyrol region. Bolzano is home to the famous Ötzi, a well-preserved frozen mummy of a man who lived around 3,300 BCE, now housed in the South Tyrolean Archeaological Museum in town. It’s also home to renowned mountaineer Rheinhold Messner who’s conquered all seven summits. He’s since built 5 Mountain Museums scattered around South Tyrol – the
closest to Bolzano is in Firmian, set dramatically within the ruins of Castle Sigmundskron.
AROUND BOLZANO
Hiking The hills surrounding Bolzano are excellent for walks and hikes, and there are plenty of themed walks to choose from. The hills above the city are crowned with pathways bordered by Mediterranean vegetation, interspersed with plots of apple orchards and vineyards. Walkers can participate in Törggelen – an autumn tradition along the “wine road” (Weinstraße) that involves long walks from farmhouse to farmhouse, tasting new wine and local delicacies. An interesting trail is the Keschtnweg (Chestnut Trail) which connects Bolzano to Bressanone across the Valle Isarco
(Eisacktal Valley) and up to Renon mountain above Bolzano, and into the valley as far as Castle Roncolo (Runkelstein). The route passes many traditional mountain inns and old, sweet chestnut (castanea sativa) groves along the 60km trail; the trail can be hiked in individual sections ranging from 2-4 hours long. The best time to hike is in autumn during harvest (and Törggelen) season. The 2-hour long Ritten Theme Walkway traverses the Renon (Ritten) plateau, an area famed for its summer retreats. This easy walk is accessed from the village of Soprabolzano (Oberbozen), which can be reached by cable car or bus from Bolzano, and gives walkers an insight into the characteristics of the high plateau, from fascinating earth pyramids to the old Emperor’s roads. The earth pyramids are soil erosions, resembling mud spikes that protrude from the forest, creating a geological