Mountains and valleys, apple blossom and rustling forests, a fondness for dumplings and bold culinary experimentation, typical country folk and iconoclasts: South Tyrol contains more contrasts than almost any other region in Europe! Sabine investigates and shares her thoughts:
South Tyrol, a land of contrasts
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of South Tyrol? Daring adventures among mountains and glaciers? Relaxing as you sip a veneziano on the piazza in the Mediterranean surroundings of Meran? Winter days spent on freshly groomed ski slopes? White-blossoming apple trees or leisurely cycle rides through idyllic forests? We all associate Italy’s northernmost province with quite different things. For me, my homeland is above all rich in diversity! And South Tyrol is surely one of Europe’s leading regions when it comes to contrasts.
South Tyrol’s architecture: from original to… modern!
The local architectural legacy consists of castles, palaces, monasteries and churches, but there is plenty more besides: those who regularly pass through South Tyrol’s mountains and such untouched areas as the Schnals or Ulten valleys will also know the rustic, traditional mountain farms that, with their dark wooden shingles and colourful geraniums decorating their little windows, reflect the life of the occupants. The wooden floors in these houses creak as you step on them, with a feeling of nature still inside. Yet the immediate vicinity is often also home to modern architectural showpieces: hotels and
wineries in particular (as well as numerous private individuals) have opted for novel, contemporary architecture that makes its mark yet nevertheless manages to blend conceptually into the South Tyrolean landscape.
South Tyrolean cuisine: from classical to… innovative!
Your taste buds will also be tickled in two or indeed three different ways here: on the one hand there are the popular local classics such as Knödel (dumplings) or Schlutzkrapfen (pasta pockets), while on the other there are such Italian all-time favourites as pizza and pasta – and then there are a number of creative chefs who not only continually surprise their guests with innovative and imaginative creations and visions but are also frequent recipients of toques and Michelin stars, with around 20 restaurants honoured in the 2022 Michelin Guide. This puts South Tyrol in a highly respectable third place in Italy when it comes to award-winning cuisine. So it’s no wonder that culinary delights are literally on the menu for any holiday in South Tyrol!
South Tyrol’s hiking trails: from adventurous to… leisurely!
The local hiking trails are also of course rich in opposites! Depending on the season, the
holiday region and your own personal preferences, South Tyrol can offer walking pleasures for everyone. :-) Leisurely strolls along forest trails or paths that follow ancient irrigation channels; easy and not-quite-so-easy hikes over Alpine pastures with delightful destinations; or tough mountain and summit tours that can last several days – no matter what your preference, there is something for everyone here, whether in
springtime as Mother Nature awakes and blossoms, in the ever-changing, radiant
summer months, in the bright colours of
autumn or in the romantic surroundings of
winter. In the towns, the villages, in the mountains, amidst the forests or down by the lake: there is truly always a choice between leisure and adventure.
The South Tyrolean lifestyle: from traditional… to urban!
But what about the South Tyrolean way of life? Are people here more influenced by old traditions, or are they more open-minded? South Tyroleans themselves would probably say the former: in fact, both tendencies can be observed, especially in the last few years. While on the one hand there is close observance of traditional customs and festivals, such as the Carnival and Krampus processions, the folk festivals held by the Schützen (old-established militia companies) and the music bands, or church festival days, there are – especially in the cities – many new and more urban trends that have escaped the typical South Tyrolean clichés and are redefining culture here. The local art, music, literature, fashion and theatre scenes in particular are areas where numbers of people are boldly breaking new ground.
The private hosts of South Tyrol: hospitality that is simply… heartfelt!
And, among all the wonderful contrasts that South Tyrol has to offer, our
private hosts form an integral part of the bigger picture – and can be found right in the midst of it all: some in the city, others down in the valleys or up in the mountains! Some lodgings are more traditional, while others are ultra-modern – but all have one thing in common: your hosts will know best where to go and what to do; where the next weekly market or festival is being held; where to go for your next ski tour, great views included; where to find the best homemade dumplings or the most original pizza in the local area; where the sightseeing is particularly magnificent or which wine you should definitely try. Your private hosts are ideal for an individual holiday – and are also the go-to people for lots of valuable (insider) tips in this land of contrasts!
Yours
from the heart, Sabine