South Tyrol - land of the mountains
Hiking and climbing in the Dolomites
„Tirolis pars meridionalis“ - The southern part of Tyrol
The alpine region South Tyrol begins south of the Brenner pass and ends at Salorno. There are many things which make South Tyrol unique in the Alps: its both alpine and Mediterranean life style, the Dolomites, long palm-tree bordered promenades through picturesque towns, the solitary life of mountain farmers and the vibrant cities of Bolzano/Bozen and Merano/Meran, the swimming lakes of Caldaro/Kaltern und Monticolo/Montiggl, rock sculptures like the Catinaccio/Rosengarten, the Sella group and the Three Peaks (Drei Zinnen) and many more.
South Tyrol may also be described as the ideal symbiosis of alpine and Mediterranean, of nature and culture and of spontaneous and reliable.
Experience steep rocks, snow-capped peaks, idyllic villages, majestic castles, romantic mansions, fine wine, aromatic bacon (Speck), crunchy farmer's bread (Schüttelbrot), fragrant chestnuts…
The history of South Tyrol...
During the Middle Ages, Tyrol was part of the duchy of Bavaria and inhabited by Bavarians, Lombards and Rhaeto-Romans. After it had been united by the counts of Tyrol, in 1363 it became part of the House of Habsburg and, consequently, belonged to the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation until 1806. Up until the first World War, South Tyrol was part of Austria. During the post-war peace negotiations South Tyrol, in other words the southern part of Tyrol, was assigned to Italy and subsequently "Italianised".
In 1972 South Tyrol was given the status of "Autonomous Province" within Italy. Due to the special protective measures granted to the population of German and Ladin language, South Tyrol has become a role model for the autonomy of ethnic minorities: after a conflict-ridden past the different ethnic groups have learned to live peacefully side by side.
South Tyrol - land of three languages...
The many-sidedness of the South Tyrolean population can be observed not only in the people's character but also in their languages: German, Italian and Ladin are spoken in South Tyrol.
Approximately 70% of the local population is of German mother tongue, while about 25% are Italian speakers and roughly 5% speakers of Ladin. German and Italian are the official languages in South Tyrol; Ladin is only used as an official language in some parts of the region.
The equal rights and status of all three linguistic groups are guaranteed by the so-called Ethnic Proportional Representation, in order to make sure that none of the three groups is discriminated against in the allocation of public sector employment, government housing etc. In spite of the three official languages, an additional 40 dialects are spoken in South Tyrol: from sub-Bavarian vernacular to southern Italian dialects.
Traditions and culture in South Tyrol...
Many valleys of South Tyrol are still significantly characterised by old traditions and customs which have developed over many centuries and now still mark the inhabitants' lives: Theatre, myths, traditional weddings, village bands and folk-dance associations, the Egetmann Carnival parade in Termeno/Tramin and the many Carnival traditions in the Venosta/Vinschgau valley, the Sacred Heart (Herz-Jesu) bonfires on mountain peaks, the witches' dance on the Erbe/Würzjoch pass, quill embroidery, transhumance, chestnut roasting (Törggelen) in autumn, Christmas traditions and markets and many more customs make for a truly fascinating cultural background.
A paradise for holidays and hiking...
South Tyrol is the ideal destination for anyone looking for relaxation. Active holidays are among most visitors' favourites: every year, many tourists enjoy the plentiful hiking, climbing and skiing possibilities in our mountains.
Roughly 30 ski resorts span from the Ortler Skiarena in the west to the Dolomiti SuperSki, the world's largest ski carousel in the east of South Tyrol. A total of 1,200 km of slopes can be explored with just one ski pass.
Equipped with a harness and rope, you can climb craggy peaks and marvel at impressive panoramas and steep mountain trails. With over 16,000 km of hiking trails, you are sure to reach your destination. And for those who want more, there are 300 three-thousanders waiting to be climbed. If you're looking for pure nature, many trails lead through a total of seven protected natural parks and the Stelvio/Stilfser Joch national park.
Wherever you go, nature is all around you.
Facts and figures on South Tyrol...
Surface: 7,400 m² (80% are classified mountainous; only 8% are habitable)
Inhabitants: approx. 500,000
Official languages: German, Italian and Ladin
Cities/towns:
Bolzano/Bozen (approx. 100,000 inhabitants)
Merano/Meran (approx. 36,000 inhabitants)
Bressanone/Brixen (approx. 17,000 inhabitants)
Brunico/Bruneck (approx. 14,000 inhabitants)
Chiusa/Klausen (approx. 5,000 inhabitants)
Vipiteno/Sterzing (approx. 6,000 inhabitants)
Laives/Leifers (approx. 15,000 inhabitants)
Glorenza/Glurns (approx. 900 inhabitants)
Sunny days per year: 300
Flora: The sub-Mediterranean parts o the valleys are characterised by vineyards and the occasional palm tree, while higher alpine regions are dominated by thick coniferous and deciduous forests up to an altitude of partly glaciated areas.
National and nature parks: Stelvio/Stilfser Joch national park, Sciliar-Catinaccio/Schlern-Rosengarten nature park, Gruppo di Tessa/Texelgruppe nature park, Puez-Odle/Puez-Geisler nature park, Fanes-Senes-Braies/Fanes-Sennes-Prags nature park, Monte Corno/Trudner Horn nature park, Dolomiti di Sesto/Sextner Dolomiten nature park and Vedrette di Ries-Aurina/Rieserferner-Ahrn nature park.
The highest mountains in the land of the Dolomites: Some of the 300 three-thousanders...
- Ortler (3,905m)
- Marmolata (3,343m)
- König peak (3,851m)
- Cevedale (3,769m)
- Zufáll peak (3,757m)
- Palla Bianca/Weißkugel (3,739m)
- Monte Zebrù (3,735m)
- Similaun (3,599m)
to name just a few... Click here to read more about the Dolomites...
Tourist and cultural highlights in South Tyrol...
South Tyrol's celebrities...
- Ötzi: Ötzi, the "Iceman", is probably the most famous South Tyrolean - Read more
- Reinhold Messner: “I am what I do” – the world-famous mountaineer...
- Norbert Rier: The singer of the "Kastelruther Spatzen" is the number one figurehead of South Tyrolean folk music.
- Andreas Hofer: The freedom fighter who defeated Napoleon and the Bavarians.
- Gustav Thöni: The world-class skier from Trafoi is one of the most successful athletes in Italy.
- Luis Trenker: The all-round talent from the Gardena/Gröden valley is famous for his achievements as a writer, actor and director.
