South Tyrol

Trip preparation

The nature has formedthis country and its people tremendously. South Tyrol is a mountainous regionwith unique views and sites worth seeing. The provincial and cultural contrastskeep South Tyrol lively with its tradition and development lying closelytogether. South Tyrol has more than 500.000 habitants under which are Germans,Italians, and Ladins.   Arrival All good things are easy to access. How to reach South Tyrol in thequickest manner and move around with or without your own car you will discoverhere. By air South Tyrol’s one and only airport lies inBolzano. The nearest airports surrounding South Tyrol are in Innsbruck which issituated in the north, and Verona situated in the south. Airports further away such as Bergamo,Treviso, Vienna and Munich are situated more than 200 km away (about four hourstrain travel) from South Tyrol. From 25€you can reach South Tyrol highly conveniently from the airports Bergamo, Verona and Innsbruck by using the low-cost-bus transfer. By rail & bus For those who prefer toleave the car at home and decide to reach the destination with public transports,can travel quickly by choosing between train and bus.

Traditions and Culture

South Tyrol is a country where three different languages are spoken. Germans, Italians and Ladins all live together in South Tyrol. The 500.000 inhabitants have adapted to the Alpine and Mediterranean lifestyles. Many legends form South Tyrol and give the country character which changes its nuance according to perspectives. Customs & traditions South Tyrol’s side valleys have for centuries been barely influenced by the external world. It’s history and traditions have been passed along from generation to generation and are still praised today. South Tyrol has no folklore, therefore lived customs are considered amongst village communities as being conscious of traditions, religion and the wish to maintain time-honored traditions. Especially towards the uttermost clerical holidays the spectrum around Christian and Pagan uses of religious traditions such as “klöcklen” and “Scheibenschlagen” up to “hecken” and “Pecken” are extremely high.

By bus

Public local transport: www.sii.bz.it Train between Bolzano and Mals: www.vinschgerbahn.it Mobilcard- A ticket enabling the use of all public transportation of the South Tyrol integrated transport system: www.mobilcard.info

By car

Whether you choose to travel along the Brennermotorway or one of the newly tarred national roads or even decide to cross theAlps by driving along one of the popular passes, South Tyrol is reachable fromall directions with your own car. Hertz- Bolzano Tel. +39 0471 254 266 www.hertz.it Avis- Bolzano, Brixen, Merano Tel. +39 0471 212 560 www.avisautonoleggio.it Maggiore- Bolzano Tel. +39 0471 971 531 www.maggiore.it

Experience and enjoy

Active in South Tyrol In South Tyrol spring starts earlier than anywhere else. At the end of February during the time at which the ski session is at its busiest in the mountains- the Dolomites, the “Isarco valley” and “Alpine valley of the Adige” show signs of spring starting, enabling one to walk through 17,000 km of natural, marked trails. Late in the fall the “Törggelen- hikes” are a highpoint in South Tyrol. From simple walks in the highlands to demanding hiking tours between glaciers and alpine lakes. To obtain a unique feeling of warmer sun, inviting mountain peaks and lovely forest trails, one can cross the Alps from the north to south on a mountain bike. But this is far from being everything, 600 km of varied cycling paths, extremely steep slopes and hasty cliff descents welcome you there. Out of precisely this reason South Tyrol attracts many bike fans yearly. For some it’s about the challenge, for others it’s a pleasure and for certain it’s all about the adventure, whilst the experience of South Tyrol’s nature is always present during this activity. South Tyrol is an area also very popular for its winter sports, offering a high variety of activities: Those who love extreme sports meet on the “Ortler” whilst ice-climbing, in “Sarntal” whilst doing ski tours or in “Alta Badia” whilst freeriding. Families explore the ski resorts in ”Seiser Alm” with the family ski teacher or go sledging on one of the 130 sledging trails of the region. For those who want to enjoy the nature, can find a peace of mind whilst snowshoeing in “Würzjoch” or have a go at Nordic skiing on one of the 1300 km trails on the Dolomite. To start the day in the morning you can also go tracking on one of the 1200 km tracks of the Dolomite super ski-carousel. On top of that you can have picnics in powder snow, enjoy nightly slope strolls or watch the stars in rustic huts.

Sights

Culture within South Tyrol is very diverse, the trilingual region combines the best out of the inhabitant’s cultures. The Alpine coziness meets the Mediterranean flair in the northernmost province Italy’s, from down to earth to Dolce Vita. In South Tyrol, culture also means history which can be seen through the illustration of a numerous amount of churches and castles or for those who want to see a more modern culture there is a wonderful contrast shown in the contemporary art and architecture.

Events

Nature and culture have always been two different major aspects in South Tyrol. For example, the programs offered in concerts, festivals and exhibitions take place in the most beautiful surroundings. Such as “the Val Badia jazz festival” (≈17.07-27.08), “Südtirol jazz festival Alto Adige” (≈24.06-03.07) or exhibitions in “Val Seneles” to the glaciers.

Food

The Alpine-Mediterranean variety of the South Tyrolean kitchen, offers the best of both worlds. Between foods of the classic Italian kitchen such as pizza and pasta, the native dishes such as knödel (dumplings) or Kaiserschmarrn (pancake with raisins) remind us of Alpine kitchen traditions. The passion for delicious and healthy nutrition has always been present within South Tyrol which is also a reason why the food is made using high-quality raw materials. This passion is reflected by how sacredly the recipes are protected and that they are passed on each generation guarding the unique culinary. The quality symbol “Quality South Tyrol” stands for South Tyrolean origin and tested quality by agricultural products and foods.