South Tyrol Road Trip by Campervan: The Perfect Route Through South Tyrol and the Dolomites

South Tyrol is a land of striking contrasts: rugged mountain peaks meet gentle vineyards, alpine meadows meet Mediterranean orchards, and historic castles meet modern mountain architecture. This unique blend is precisely what makes a road trip through South Tyrol and the Dolomites so special.

We explored South Tyrol by campervan and experienced some of the most beautiful landscapes, lakes, and mountain regions in the Alps. From Bolzano, via the Alpe di Siusi and the Anterselva Valley, to the Tre Cime, Lake Braies, and the spectacular Dolomite passes, this route takes you right into one of Europe's most impressive mountain landscapes.

In this post, we'll show you why a South Tyrol road trip by campervan is worth it, when the best time to visit is, which campervan is suitable, and which highlights shouldn't be missed on your route.

South Tyrol Road Trip: Contents

• 7 Reasons for a South Tyrol Road Trip.
• When is the best time for a South Tyrol Road Trip?
• Which campervan is suitable for South Tyrol?
• Our South Tyrol-Dolomites Road Trip Route
• Conclusion: Is a South Tyrol Road Trip worth it?

7 Reasons for a South Tyrol Road Trip.

The Landscape: Alps meet Mediterranean Lifestyle

South Tyrol captivates primarily with its extraordinary landscape diversity. Within a relatively small area, high peaks, deep valleys, vineyards, apple orchards, and alpine meadows alternate.

Alpine landscapes dominate in the north, while around Bolzano and along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, the Mediterranean climate becomes palpable. Apples, wine, and other agricultural products shape the cultural landscape.

And then, of course, there are the Dolomites: their distinctive rock towers and vertical walls have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009. A total of nine mountain groups have been recognized for their exceptional scenic and geological significance. Four of these sub-areas are located in South Tyrol.

This very mix makes a road trip so appealing: in the morning, you can stroll through vineyards, and a few hours later, you can be driving on a high alpine pass road.

Sports and Outdoor Adventures

If you love being outdoors, South Tyrol offers almost endless possibilities.

Hiking, climbing, via ferratas, mountain biking, road cycling, or skiing – the choice is huge. Families will also find plenty to enjoy with easier hiking trails, adventure activities, and excursion destinations.

The combination of a campervan and outdoor activities is particularly appealing: you can use your pitch as a base and then explore the region on foot or by bike.

The famous Dolomite passes are also an experience. The Gardena Pass and the Sella Pass, for example, are part of the well-known Sellaronda and connect some of the most impressive landscapes in the Dolomites.

South Tyrolean Cuisine and Italian Joy of Life

South Tyrol is also a culinary destination for connoisseurs.

The cuisine combines alpine traditions with Mediterranean influences. Dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen (half-moon pasta), speck (cured ham), and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) are on the menus, as are pasta, pizza, and Mediterranean dishes.

Stopping at an alpine hut or mountain refuge after a hike is particularly delightful. Add a regional drink, mountain views, and a plate of South Tyrolean specialties – it doesn't get more road trip than that.

In autumn, the Törggelen tradition adds a special culinary experience. Hikes, young wines, chestnuts, and rustic farm specialties are an integral part of the "fifth season" for many South Tyroleans.

Sights and Culture

South Tyrol isn't just mountains.

In Bolzano, you can stroll through the historic old town, visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology with the famous glacier mummy Ötzi, or drive to Runkelstein Castle.

This "picture castle" houses an exceptionally extensive cycle of secular frescoes from the Middle Ages. Around Bolzano, there are also numerous other castles, palaces, and historic residences.

This allows for a wonderfully varied road trip: hiking in the morning, culture in the afternoon, and Italian food in the evening.

Relaxation Between Mountains and Vineyards

After a long hike, a little relaxation is always welcome.

South Tyrol offers the perfect backdrop for this. Between vineyards, forests, alpine pastures, and mountains, it's easy to leave everyday life behind.

Whether it's a wellness hotel, thermal spa, hay bath, or simply a quiet afternoon in front of the campervan: for us, relaxation is just as much a part of a South Tyrol road trip as hiking boots and mountain panoramas.

South Tyrol with the Family

South Tyrol is also an excellent destination for a family holiday.

Many hiking trails are family-friendly and lead to alpine pastures, playgrounds, or managed huts. There are also lakes, adventure parks, mountain railways, and numerous excursion destinations.

A classic for families, for example, is Lake Caldaro. If you prefer the mountains, you'll also find numerous tours of varying difficulty in the Dolomites.

Workation Between Mountains and Nature

Open your laptop, pour a coffee, and look at the mountains instead of a wall – this can also be combined well in South Tyrol.

Thanks to modern accommodation, coworking options, and good tourist infrastructure, the region is increasingly suitable for people who want to combine work and travel.

A workation is particularly interesting with a campervan: after work, you can head straight for the next hike, bike tour, or alpine pasture.

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

South Tyrol can generally be visited all year round. However, the best time to travel depends heavily on what you want to do during your road trip.

South Tyrol boasts more than 300 sunny days a year. At the same time, conditions vary significantly between the valleys and high alpine regions.

Spring: Quiet and Varied

In spring, South Tyrol slowly awakens from winter. In the lower altitudes, you can already hike and enjoy the blooming nature, while in higher regions, there may still be snow.

This time of year is particularly interesting for a road trip if you want to avoid crowds.

Summer: Perfect for Mountains and Lakes

From June to August, conditions are ideal for many hikes and outdoor activities. However, summer is also the most popular travel season.

Popular sights and Dolomite passes can get very crowded then. If you're traveling by campervan, you should reserve campsites and pitches as early as possible.

You should also consider important access restrictions in your planning. At Lake Braies, for example, a traffic regulation applies from July 1st to September 15th, 2026, between 9 AM and 4 PM. Campervans are only allowed to drive into the Braies Valley during this period with a corresponding online reservation or transit permit.

Autumn: Our Recommendation

If you ask us about the most beautiful time of year for a South Tyrol road trip, we would choose autumn.

Temperatures are often pleasant, long-distance visibility can be excellent, and the landscape transforms into a sea of gold, red, and brown.

Furthermore, the Törggelen season begins. Grape harvest, chestnuts, regional specialties, and cozy farmhouses make autumn a particularly enjoyable travel season.

Winter: South Tyrol as a Winter Road Trip

South Tyrol also has its charm in winter. The Dolomites transform into a spectacular winter wonderland, and numerous ski resorts offer winter sports opportunities.

For a winter campervan road trip, however, you should ensure you have suitable winter equipment, winter tires, and sufficient antifreeze.

Which campervan is suitable for a South Tyrol Road Trip?

Basically, almost any of our campervans or motorhomes are suitable for a road trip through South Tyrol. The deciding factors are primarily when you travel, how many people are coming along, and what activities you plan.

For hikers and couples, a compact campervan, like the VW California Beach or the VW California Ocean, can be perfectly sufficient. If you're traveling with family or want to transport a lot of sports equipment like bikes, skis, or a SUP, you'll benefit from more storage space and living area. Both are offered by the VW Grand California or the Knaus Van Wave.

Campervan or Motorhome?

A compact campervan has advantages, especially on narrow mountain roads and when looking for parking. You're flexible and can easily reach smaller towns. A larger motorhome, on the other hand, offers more comfort and storage space. Especially on longer trips or in bad weather, the extra space can be invaluable.

Do you need a shower and toilet?

That depends on your travel style.

If you primarily stay at campsites with modern sanitary facilities, you can do without an integrated bathroom.

If, however, you want to be as self-sufficient as possible, you should ensure sufficient fresh and waste water capacity, as well as a toilet.

Important: Wild camping is not allowed in South Tyrol or Italy. However, there are numerous pitches and campsites for campers. According to the official tourism website, certain motorhome pitches are designated for stopovers of up to 72 hours; for longer stays, a campsite is recommended.

The official South Tyrol website also provides an overview of campsites and motorhome pitches in various locations.

Our South Tyrol-Dolomites Road Trip Route

Our route connects Bolzano and the South Tyrolean mountains with some of the most spectacular destinations in the Dolomites.

Route:

Bolzano → Tierser Alpl → Rasen-Antholz → Lake Braies → Tre Cime → Croda da Lago → Lake Sorapiss → Sella Pass → Rosengarten → Bolzano

Important: This route is not exclusively a South Tyrol round trip. With Croda da Lago and Lake Sorapiss, it also leads into the Dolomite region around Cortina d'Ampezzo in Veneto. This is precisely why it is excellently suited as a South Tyrol and Dolomites road trip.

Bolzano – Starting Point of the Road Trip

Our South Tyrol road trip begins in Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol.

The city is the perfect introduction to the region, as alpine and Mediterranean influences meet here particularly clearly.

A stroll through the old town with its arcades is a must, as is Waltherplatz, Bolzano Cathedral, and a visit to the Archaeological Museum with Ötzi.

The surrounding area is also worth exploring: from Bolzano, you can reach vineyards, castles, and numerous hiking areas.

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 backdrop for nature lovers.

The pitches are suitable for tents, campervans, and motorhomes, offering comfort amidst nature.

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

The campsite is also an ideal starting point 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 – Hiking in the Rosengarten Group

From Bolzano, we continue into the Dolomite region around Tiers and the Rosengarten Group.

The Tierser Alpl hut is located at an altitude of around 2,440 meters and is a popular destination for hikers. The alpine surroundings offer spectacular views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks.

The hike to the hut is not a short stroll and should be prepared for accordingly. Good hiking boots, sufficient water, and a realistic assessment of your own fitness are essential.

Hike to the Tierser Alpl Hut on the Alpe di Siusi

Rasen-Antholz: Mountain Lakes and High Mountains

Next, we head to the Anterselva Valley.

Rasen-Antholz is primarily known for its impressive mountain scenery and Lake Anterselva. The valley offers both leisurely hikes and more challenging alpine tours.

For a road trip, the region is ideal because you'll find some peace here after the tourist hotspots.

Our tip: Plan at least half a day for the Anterselva Valley and enjoy the landscape without time pressure.

Lake Braies - One of the Most Famous Lakes in the Dolomites

Lake Braies is undoubtedly one of South Tyrol's most famous natural destinations.

The turquoise-green mountain lake is located in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. A walk around the lake is significantly less demanding than many high alpine hikes and is therefore also suitable for a relaxed road trip day.

Tre Cime: Landmark of the Dolomites

The Tre Cime (Three Peaks) are one of the most famous landmarks of the Dolomites and for many, the highlight of a road trip through the region.

A classic hike leads from the Auronzo Hut over the Paternsattel to the Tre Cime Hut and back via the Langalm.

The landscape is spectacular – however, you should not underestimate the tour. Weather, altitude, and trail conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

As with Lake Braies, the same applies here: during the heavily visited summer months, you should inform yourself in advance about access roads, parking options, and possible shuttle services. The South Tyrolean tourism website explicitly states that access to particularly sensitive destinations in the UNESCO World Heritage site is sometimes restricted for motorized vehicles.

Croda da Lago: Dolomites Beyond the Big Classics

After the Tre Cime, we continue towards Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The Croda da Lago group is located in the Ampezzo Dolomites and offers a fantastic combination of mountain lakes, green alpine pastures, and striking rock faces.

Particularly worth seeing is Lake Federa, framed by impressive Dolomite peaks.

For us, this section was a beautiful contrast to the more famous hotspots: less "bucket list," but all the more genuine Dolomite feeling.

Lake Sorapiss: Turquoise Highlight

Lake Sorapiss is one of the most spectacular mountain lakes in the Dolomites.

Its intense turquoise-blue color makes it one of the most popular photo motifs in the region. At the same time, the hike to the lake is more challenging than many photos suggest.

Depending on the route, you should plan several hours of walking time and definitely wear good footwear.

Our tip: Start early in the morning. This not only helps you avoid some of the crowds but also allows you to hike in more pleasant temperatures.

If you're with children, carefully assess the route, especially exposed sections. A safety rope is no substitute for alpine experience and should only be used as appropriate for the situation.

Sella Pass: Spectacular Pass Road

From the eastern part of the Dolomites, our road trip leads back towards South Tyrol.

The Sella Pass is a must-see.

The pass connects the Fassa Valley with Val Gardena and offers spectacular views of the Sella Group and the surrounding Dolomite groups.

The Sella Pass is not only popular with campervan travelers. Road cyclists, motorcyclists, hikers, and winter sports enthusiasts are also drawn here.

Together with the Gardena Pass, Pordoi Pass, and Campolongo Pass, the Sella Pass is part of the famous Sellaronda.

With a larger motorhome, you should definitely check the current traffic situation and possible restrictions on the pass roads before your journey.

Rosengarten Group: Finale in the Dolomites

Finally, we head to the region around the Rosengarten Group.

The distinctive rock towers and peaks are among the most famous landscapes in the Dolomites. Especially at sunset, the rocks reveal their famous reddish hue.

The Vajolet Towers are among the most famous formations of the Rosengarten Group and are a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

The Rosengarten Group is a UNESCO World Heritage site and lies within the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park.

Small fact check for the original article: Mount Pelmo does not belong to the Rosengarten Group. The highest peak of the Rosengarten Group is the Kesselkogel at 3,002 meters. Mount Pelmo, on the other hand, is located in the Dolomites of Belluno.

Tips for Your South Tyrol Road Trip by Campervan

To make your road trip as relaxed as possible, we have a few practical tips for you.

Book campsites early

Especially in July and August, popular campsites are quickly fully booked. If you want to head for a specific spot, you should reserve early, especially during peak season.

Don't spontaneously stay everywhere

Wild camping is not allowed in South Tyrol. Therefore, use official campsites and pitches.

Stay flexible with your campervan

Don't plan your route too tightly. Especially in the Dolomites, weather, traffic, construction sites, or closed pass roads can change your plans.

Start early

For popular destinations like Lake Braies, the Tre Cime, or heavily frequented Dolomite passes, an early start is worthwhile.

This not only improves the parking situation but also makes for a much more pleasant hike.

Use public transport

Not every destination has to be reached by campervan. South Tyrol has a well-developed public transport network, and the official tourism website explicitly recommends combining campervan trips with bus and train.

Especially for heavily frequented excursion destinations, this can be the more relaxed alternative.

Conclusion: Is a South Tyrol Road Trip Worth It?

Definitely!

Our South Tyrol road trip was the perfect mix of mountains, nature, sports, culture, and culinary delights.

We particularly loved the incredible diversity: strolling through Bolzano's old town in the morning, stopping at an alpine hut for lunch, and standing in front of the Tre Cime or at Lake Braies the next day – this combination makes a road trip through South Tyrol and the Dolomites so special.

Those traveling by campervan enjoy an extra dose of freedom. At the same time, you shouldn't be tempted by the idea of "limitless" camping: wild camping is not allowed, and some particularly popular natural destinations are now subject to access restrictions.

With a little planning, however, the region can be wonderfully explored by campervan.

Our tip: Take your time, don't plan every day completely, and leave enough room on your route for spontaneous detours. Because that's often where the most beautiful road trip moments happen.

South Tyrol and the Dolomites are, therefore, a perfect travel destination for anyone who wants to combine camping, hiking, spectacular landscapes, and good food.