Is your (South Tyrol) holiday already planned? With castles, mountains, cities and lakes all to be found here, it can be difficult to decide. Sabine today reveals her favourite destinations in South Tyrol. Which are the sights that are really worth seeing?

South Tyrol’s top ten attractions
Spring is on its way and the time for rest and recuperation is fast approaching. There are many ways to discover South Tyrol – each season has its own special character. Today I have put together my ten very favourite places and I hope you will share my enthusiasm!

1. A riot of colours: the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle
In their gleaming brilliant colours, garden landscapes from all over the world intermingle with idyllic viewpoints and babbling brooks – the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle near Meran guarantee a great day out for young and old alike. From spring through to autumn you can experience the splendours of the world of plants, arranged like an amphitheatre along winding paths around the waterlily pond. A walk through the varied plant life for me almost always ends high up in the “Garden of Lovers” – my own personal highlight!



2. Straight out of a picture book: the Fane Alm
The Fane Alm, a mountain pasture situated above Mühlbach in the Valser Valley in the Pfunderer range, is a treat at any time of year. In summer, the rustic village at the head of the valley is the starting point for numerous hikes ranging from easy to challenging – there is truly something for everyone. I love to end my hike on one of the sunny terraces!

When the first snowflakes turn the pastures into a winter wonderland, quiet descends upon the Fane Alm: only the crunching of the snow under my shoes can be heard in the silence. Then, after enjoying a warming tea in a cosy guesthouse, I zoom back down to the valley on my toboggan!

3. A trip back to the Middle Ages: the Haderburg Castle
What was it like to be a damsel, or even the lord of a castle? Find out at one of the numerous strongholds in the sunny south of South Tyrol. My favourite is Haderburg Castle, near Salurn. It takes about 20 minutes to climb the steep path up to the medieval Haderburg on the Weg der Visionen, the “Way of Visions”. This strikingly imposing structure has stood guard on soaring limestone cliffs since the 13th century. And, as no excursion is complete without a break, you can fortify yourself in the castle’s own hostelry, “Zum 18. Fass” with its knights’ hall. Kids and adults can also take part in an exciting medieval experience, while all visitors are rewarded with the spectacular views over Salurn and the Unterland region.
I have put together some more tips to savour in South Tyrol’s south here.

4. The early bird… sunrise walks
I have already written about my fascination for the peak known as the Aldein Weisshorn, but its summit is especially beautiful at sunrise. It’s best to plan this for autumn or late summer when the sun rises later and you don’t have to set off in the middle of the night. You hike along in the dark as the outline of the mountain becomes more and more visible on the horizon, then greet the sun from the summit cross at the top as it comes up behind the jagged mountain ridge... the early bird is truly rewarded!



5. A visit to “Frozen Fritz”
Ötzi, a.k.a. the Man from the Ice, in fact has numerous nicknames and is one of South Tyrol’s best-known attractions. His mummified body was discovered in 1991 by hikers on the Similaun glacier on the border between Italy and Austria: this mysterious (hi)story now attracts many visitors to Bozen’s Archaeology Museum. The glacier mummy can be viewed through a small window.



6. A natural wonder: the Partschins waterfall as the snow melts
The Partschins waterfall is just under 100 metres high and is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Alps. The interesting walk up to this inspiring place is suitable for all the family: as the roaring sound of the waterfall increases in volume, the beauty of the apple blossoms and the mountain scenery ensure the one-and-a-half-hour ascent goes by in a flash. As the snow melts, up to 10,000 litres of water a second thunder down into the depths, enveloping the whole area in a fine spray that on sunny days glistens with all the colours of the rainbow. The magic and energy of this place can be felt in every pore!



7. Enjoy life… on the Seiser Alm
There are many facets to enjoyment: the landscape, the outdoor experience and of course the culinary pleasures along the way. For me, the Seiser Alm – Europe’s largest high Alpine pasture – offers pure enjoyment: hiking, climbing, fixed rope routes, downhill and cross-country skiing, paragliding: there are (almost) unlimited activities available, while on days with good visibility the 360-degree view is unique.



8. Surrounded by majestic peaks: the Antholzer Lake
The idyllic Antholzer Lake, its turquoise-green waters surrounded by mountains, repeatedly lures me back to the Pustertal Valley. It is not as famous as the Pragser Wildsee Lake, yet is no less spectacular. I have enjoyed wonderful hikes in the Rieserferner Ahrn Nature Park around Lake Antholz: there is even a cross-country ski trail around the lake in winter – the mere thought is delightful!



9. A stroll through Meran and the “Belle Epoque”
The spa town of Meran welcomes you with its multifaceted charm, a mixture of Alpine and Mediterranean: it has something to offer in all weathers and at any time of the year. My personal favourite is to wander off and discover ever more new and inspiring places. The glamorous history of the former capital of Tyrol can be felt at every turn and, if you thought you knew all there is to know, try out the new guided city tours on your smartphone: they will take you along the “Path of the Fountains”, the “Way of the Poems”, or on a historical tour – there are sure to be some tips you will appreciate!

10. Driving the cattle down – a living tradition in South Tyrol
The months of September and October see the cattle brought down from the Alpine pastures to their homes in the valley. The animals are elaborately decorated for the occasion and their safe return to their home village is often celebrated with music and culinary treats. A unique and truly spectacular phenomenon in the Alpine region is transhumance, where the sheep are driven between the Austrian Ötztal Valley and the Schnals Valley in South Tyrol. This centuries-old tradition sees three to four thousand sheep, accompanied by shepherds and their dogs, being led across the glacier and over the border. A number of idyllic refuges are open along the way where you can stop and experience this special tradition.

Special tip: the Armentara Meadows in the Val Badia
No fewer than 61 different bird species have been counted on these 300 hectares of meadows in Val Badia. The Armentara Meadows extend between 1,600 and 2,000 metres above sea level and are definitely worth a visit! Of course, a visit means a hike up from the valley, signposted “Roda de Armentara”, which leads to these enchanting Dolomite meadows.


So, are your bags packed and ready for your next sightseeing trip to South Tyrol?
Yours from the heart, Sabine!