South Tyrol Road Trip: Dolomites, Vineyards & Pizza!

South Tyrol is a small region with huge contrasts – mountain peaks and vineyards, alpine meadows and olive groves, castles and ski resorts. For centuries, the South Tyroleans have lived in symbiosis with nature. There are no fences or walls separating their fields or gardens. We got to experience the almost boundless freedom of South Tyrol in a campervan. Now, we'll tell you why you absolutely need to take a South Tyrol road trip too.

South Tyrol Road Trip: Contents

7 Reasons for a South Tyrol Road Trip
When is the best time to visit?
Which campervan is suitable?
Itinerary: South Tyrol Road Trip
Conclusion: South Tyrol Road Trip

7 Reasons for a South Tyrol Road Trip

Scenery

The special thing about South Tyrol is its natural beauty. Within a small area, travelers encounter fascinating geographical differences: while potatoes and corn are grown in the north and east, apples are harvested in the west, and wine is produced in the east.

Sports Activities

South Tyrol isn't just home to many sports enthusiasts looking for via ferratas, cycling elevation gains, and mountain climbs. Across South Tyrol, you'll find riding stables and golf courses with diverse offerings. Whether in winter, summer, high season, or low season – families with children, friends, and extreme athletes will all find something to enjoy in South Tyrol!

Cuisine

The distinctive taste of South Tyrolean cuisine is based on rustic heartiness, spiced with Mediterranean lightness. The development and awareness of the quality of local products have shaped contemporary South Tyrolean cuisine in recent years. Enjoyment is a way of life in South Tyrol, whether it's simple dishes in mountain huts, Italian cuisine in pizzerias, original dishes in trendy restaurants, or haute cuisine in one of the many Michelin-starred establishments.

Sights

From the 5,000-year-old glacier mummy Ötzi to the most magnificent secular fresco cycle of the Middle Ages at Runkelstein Castle in Bolzano – South Tyrol has a lot to offer. From splendid castles and palaces along the South Tyrolean Wine Road to ultra-modern masterpieces by renowned architects at Kronplatz. In South Tyrol, you can discover cultural treasures alongside nature.

Relaxation

South Tyrol's spectacular mountains, gentle slopes, and wide valleys allow you to connect with nature with all your senses. Walking barefoot helps you reconnect with nature and feel yourself, while a typical South Tyrolean hay bath recharges your batteries. Treat yourself to a break from everyday life and relax.

Family

A variety of excursion destinations, hikes, family ski resorts, and adventure parks are worth visiting for both adults and children. In summer, a family holiday in South Tyrol is perfect for a trip to Lake Caldaro or one of the many family-friendly hikes that lead to huts with meadows and playgrounds.

Workation

Blue skies and mountains in sight, instead of sitting in an office in the city. More and more people are choosing mobile work and traveling alongside it. Digital nomads are inspired by a lifestyle focused on the essentials in South Tyrol all year round, making it a renowned travel destination. Thanks to co-working spaces throughout South Tyrol, remote work is very appealing.

When is the best time for a South Tyrol Road Trip?

South Tyrol enjoys around 300 sunny days a year. No wonder it's a popular destination all year round. However, hiking and mountain sports enthusiasts will find something to enjoy throughout the year, especially from May to October. In spring, there are fewer visitors in South Tyrol, so many hiking trails remain quiet. Summer is very suitable for high-alpine hikes, but the peak season for hiking is autumn. The outdoor temperatures are pleasant, and the long-distance views of the mountains are spectacular. In the colder seasons, you can discover the beautiful winter landscape on various winter hiking trails around Bolzano and Merano.

Which campervan is suitable for a South Tyrol Road Trip?

Many campervans or motorhomes would be suitable for a South Tyrol road trip. It all depends on what time of year you're traveling and how many people you're with. Your sports activities – like road cycling, golfing, or ski touring – could also be decisive in choosing the best camper model for your trip.

If you want to be independent of campsites and plan to do some self-sufficient camping for a few days, we would recommend a motorhome with full amenities. Will you be staying mostly at campsites and pitches with sanitary facilities? Then a camping holiday without a built-in bathroom and toilet would suffice.

Still unsure? Here are a few more articles that can help you make the right decision for your campervan or motorhome!

Itinerary: South Tyrol Road Trip

Bolzano
Tierser Alpl Hut
Rasen-Antholz
Lake Braies
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Croda da Lago
Lake Sorapis
Sella Pass
Rosengarten Group
Bolzano

Bolzano

Your South Tyrol road trip begins in the capital city of Bolzano. The city is located in the heart of South Tyrol and is an ideal starting point for numerous excursions. The old town with its arcades, the market square, and the cathedral are well worth a visit. From Bolzano, you could also explore the wine region around Lake Caldaro or take a trip south to Merano and further to Lake Caldaro.

The SchartnerAlm near Bolzano is our top tip for camping enthusiasts. With first-class facilities and a fantastic location in the South Tyrolean Alps, it offers an ideal setting for nature lovers.

The pitches are suitable for tents, campers, and motorhomes, providing comfort amidst nature.

Modern facilities such as sanitary blocks, washing machines, and a supermarket cover all needs.

The campsite is also an excellent base for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. With an inviting bistro, a pizzeria, a gourmet restaurant, and a hospitable team, SchartnerAlm offers an unforgettable camping holiday in the South Tyrolean mountains.

Tierser Alpl Hut

The Tierser Alpl Hut is a popular destination for hikers. The hut is located at an altitude of around 2500 meters and can be reached from the village of Tiers in about three hours. From the hut, you have a magnificent view of the Sella Group and the Rosengarten Group.

Hike to the Tierser Alpl Hut on the Seiser Alm

Rasen-Antholz

The municipality of Rasen-Antholz is located on the northern slope of the Puster Valley, which rises from Rasen to the Staller Saddle, where it merges into East Tyrol. The Hochgall, at 3471 m, is the highest point in the municipal area. The high plateau south of Rasen is named Antholz Valley after its main town.

The municipality offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails: from leisurely family hikes, such as around Lake Staller or via ferratas on Monte Piana, to challenging alpine tours for experienced mountaineers.

Lake Braies

Lake Braies is a beautiful alpine lake south of Bruneck. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. The lake is a wonderful starting point for numerous mountain tours in the area, as well as for the Dolomite High Trail No. 1. If you want to take it slower, the 4 km long lakeside path along the beach is ideal. The popular circular hike around this beautiful mountain lake is a nature experience for the whole family.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, to the world-famous landmark of the Dolomites, is a true classic among hikes. From the Auronzo Hut over the Paternsattel to the Tre Cime Hut (2,405 m) and back to the Auronzo Hut via the Langalm. The hike takes about three hours for 7.6 kilometers and 230 meters of elevation gain.

Croda da Lago

This wonderful mountain hut in the heart of the Ampezzo Dolomites is nestled in the lush green of high pastures and surrounded by beautiful larches, dwarf pines, and stone pines.

The hut is located at the foot of the imposing Croda da Lago mountain. From here, you can admire the striking Becco di Mezzodì, which is reflected in the impressive Lake Federa, just a stone's throw from the hut.

Lake Sorapis

You have to see this lake! The four-hour hike to Lake Sorapis is one of the most beautiful tours in the Dolomites. The lake is world-renowned for its intense colors, from blue to aquamarine. The colors are particularly beautiful in summer.

We recommend for the hike: good footwear, definitely sun protection (most of the path is in direct sun), and a safety rope for children.

Sella Pass

The Sella Pass, 12 km from Canazei, connecting the Fassa Valley with the Gardena Valley, is one of the most famous mountain passes in the Dolomites. From here, you have a magnificent view of the towers of the Sella Group and the Mesules Peninsula with its 3,181-meter high peak.

The area is suitable for numerous activities, such as skiing on the Sellaronda slopes, for alpinists, or for families with children. Cross-country skiers also get their money's worth on the well-groomed trails in the region. Road cyclists can gain elevation on the mountain roads, while motorcyclists can enjoy the winding mountain passes. Hiking enthusiasts have a wide selection of routes for all difficulty levels.

Rosengarten Group

The Rosengarten Group is a small southeastern mountain range in the Dolomites. The highest peak is the 2887-meter high Pelmo.

Who doesn't know them, the Vajolet Towers? The slender rock needles of the Rosengarten are probably the most famous trio in the Dolomites, on par with the Tre Cime, and a paradise for pleasure climbers. Many short climbing routes of moderate difficulty lead up the three towers.

The great Rosengartenspitze (east face), Punta Emma, and the overhanging west face of the Rotwand are other great routes. In addition, the Rosengarten and its sub-areas offer numerous other wonderful climbing destinations that provide equally fantastic alpine experiences away from the crowds.

Conclusion: South Tyrol Road Trip

We had a blast on our South Tyrol road trip. It was the perfect mix of nature experiences, sports, and delicious food. If you're looking for a destination that offers all three in one, we recommend heading to South Tyrol in a campervan! Experience boundless freedom and beautiful scenery!