Trentino Alto Adige sightseeing includes Alpine vistas and medieval history. During winter alpine sports reign. During summer hiking and biking are popular. Sightseeing for non-sports people include charming towns and fine wines to enjoy the pleasant air and views.
Trentino, along with Alto Adige, which is also known as South Tyrol, are the two provinces which make up the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. It is designated an autonomous region under Italy’s constitution.
For more about Trentino Alto Adige sightseeing read the travel guide below.
Trentino Alto Adige Travel Guide Map
Trentino Alto Adige is located in northeastern Italy. It is above the region of Veneto. It borders Switzerland and Austria. Trentino is renowned for its mountains, the Italian Dolomites, which are part of the Alps.
Trentino Alto Adige Travel Guide Video
For more information about Trentino Alto Adige sightseeing and planning a trip to Northern Italy watch the video below.
Trentino Alto Adige Sightseeing Highlights
Hiking, skiing, and other outdoor mountain activities are popular things to do in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The region’s culture is a mix of German, Austrian, and Italian. This combination makes the architecture, food, ans culture unique to Italy.
Bolzano
Bolzano is the capital of Alto Adige, also known as South Tyrol.
The town of Bolzano is the gateway to the Dolomites. During winter it is full of skiers. During summer hikers roll in. Both seasons it is a popular weekend destination.
Bolzano is also know for its Christmas market, The market fills Piazza Walther, which is the central piazza. The town sets up a small outdoor ice skating round around the corner from the piazza on the corner of Via dei Grappoli and Piazza del Municipio.
Bolzano is now the home of Otzi the Iceman. Found in the Museum of Archaeology Bolzano, Otzi is a glacier mummy from the Copper Age dating back 5,300 years ago.
Lake Carezzao
Although located in the mountains most of Lake Carezza’s water is supplied by underground springs. The lake is spectacular because of its unique rainbow gradients and it is easy to access. No need to hike or have a long walk there. It is a small lake. The reflections of the Dolomite mountains behind make it a marvelous place to be and to take pictures.
There’s a walkway around the lake which takes about half an hour to complete. Note that you can’t swim or get close to the water as the lake is fenced.
Lake Resia
Lake Resia is manmade built in 1950. Up until then there were three lakes in this area: Lake Resia, Lake Curon and Lake San Valentino alla Muta. When the reservoir was dammed after the construction of the dam wall (1947-1949), the locality of Curon Venosta as well as much of Resia were flooded and destroyed.
The only remnant of old Curon is the steeple of a submerged 14th-century church, which still towers out of the waters and is nowadays a historical landmark. The lake is famous for this sight, which is a clue that people once lived here. It is also draws many who want to see this sight.
There’s a ferry boat nearby that takes visitors on a 30-minute tour around the lake. It’s a lot of fun for kids and a good picnic spot. The path that circumnavigates the lake is popular with walkers and cyclists. There are small towns at either end.
Merano
Merano is charming village located about an hour and half from Bolzano in the Italian Alps. The town’s Christmas market is popular. It’s river includes a nice walking path.
Outside Merano is the medieval Tyrol Castle. From the 11th to 15th century the castle was where the Counts of Tyrol lived, which gives the area its name. Today the castle is the South Tyrol Museum of History.
To reach the castle is about 30 minute walk from closest parking. The walk is quite beautiful with vineyards and mountain views along the way.
Stelvio Pass
The mountain pass between Bolzano and Switzerland climbs to 9,000 feet with 48 hair pin turns. This makes the pass popular among those who are drawn to high mountain roads. The Stelvio region is the only summer skiing destination in Europe making it popular.
Trento
Trento, the capital of the region, is the perfect destination to plan a vacation to the area. Trento secured its place in history when the Council of Trent met and deliberated here from 1545 to 1563. Prompted by the Protestant Reformation, the council laid down the rules and forms of the Counter-Reformation that shaped subsequent Roman Catholic doctrine into modern times.
The Council met in what is one of Trento’s sightseeing highlights, the Duomo. Attached to the Duomo is the Palazzo Pretorio, where the Diocesan Museum is located. The collection provides insight into the history of local wood carving and sculpture artistic styles and techniques.
Strolling along the streets of Trento Via Belenzani is a must walk to admire the painted facades.
From 1814 through World War I Trento was part of Austria. In 1914 it became part of Italy. Inside the Castello del Buonconsiglio is the Museum of the Risorgimento, which chronicles Italy’s struggle to become a unified independent country free of the Austro-Hungarian Emprire.
Vipiteno Sterzing
Vipiteno (Sterzing in German), a charming town in South Tyrol, Italy, is nestled in the Alps near the Austrian border. Due to its German and Austrian history its sightseeing is unique in Italy.
- Zwölferturm (Tower of the Twelve): This iconic 15th-century tower, standing at 46 meters, is the symbol of Vipiteno. It divides the old and new parts of the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Alps if you climb to the top.
- Historic Old Town: The main street, Via Città Nuova (Neustadt), is lined with colorful medieval buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. The arcades (portici) are perfect for a leisurely stroll, showcasing South Tyrolean and Italian architectural charm.
- Monte Cavallo (Rosskopf): A short cable car ride from Vipiteno takes you to this mountain, ideal for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. It offers stunning views and trails for all levels, plus a family-friendly adventure park.
- Our Lady of the Marsh Church (Maria in der Au): This Gothic church, located just outside the town center, features beautiful frescoes and a serene setting, reflecting the region’s rich religious history.
- Local Cuisine: Savor South Tyrolean specialties like speck (cured ham), canederli (dumplings), and apple strudel in traditional restaurants such as Gasthaus Pretzhof. The weekly farmers’ market is a great spot to sample local cheeses and wines.
These highlights blend history, culture, and outdoor adventure, making Vipiteno a gem in the Alps. .
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