Admire striking mountain peaks and Lake Resia from a holiday home in South Tyrol!

South Tyrol is an Alpine region in northern Italy with spectacular highlights, such as glaciers and the rugged beauty of the Dolomites. You can also visit one of the majestic waterfalls of almost 100 metres high, plunging along a lush mountain wall or into a gorge. From a holiday home in South Tyrol, you can enjoy a unique winter walk across the frozen Lake Resia with its church tower rising out of the ice, and in the weeks before Christmas Bolzano transforms into a sparkling fairytale.

Iconic highlight from your holiday home in South Tyrol: Lake Resia

Perhaps the best-known reservoir in Tyrol is Lake Resia, recognisable by a church tower rising from the water. Due to the construction of a dam, the surrounding village of Graun was demolished and flooded, with the church as its only witness. The tower and its reflection in the lake form an eye-catching sight you will not tire of quickly. In summer it is wonderful to walk around the lake along the Reschen Pass, and several cable cars take you up to panoramic heights. Winter is just as enchanting, with the opportunity to walk across the snowy lake towards the obelisk-like tower. Kite surfing is possible in summer, but stand-up paddling or renting a pedal boat also promises a special experience, simply because of the mystical views.

Stelvio National Park

The highest mountain peak of South Tyrol is located in Stelvio National Park, a protected nature reserve. Its extensive trail network, with different elevations and fitness levels, makes it an accessible hiking paradise. Rugged mountains, glaciers, as well as lush valleys and streams create a varied Alpine world. Follow stage 4 of the Ortler High Mountain Trail across a glacier and enjoy a good meal at a mountain hut along the way. This trail, from the Zufallhütte hut to the Pizzinnihütte hut, does require a lot of fitness and Alpine experience. More suitable for the average hiker is a walk up to the glacier and back down to the Zufallhütte.

For a hike with the whole family, the Goldsee route is ideal. This path winds at 2,700 metres altitude and provides information about the flora, fauna, and the history of the area.

Enjoy the atmosphere and cable car of Bolzano

That South Tyrol is a border region between Italy and Austria becomes clear in the city of Bolzano. German and Italian influences—visible on signs at cafés, restaurants, and traffic signs—form a harmonious mix. Arcaded streets with mountain backdrops shape the town, and in December Bolzano turns into a lively Christmas market with local specialities and concerts. A fun activity you should not miss from your holiday home in South Tyrol is the cable car, which offers stunning views for more than ten minutes. Upon arrival, you board a small train that takes you further up for beautiful walks at the top.

Visit the Ötzi Museum

Also in Bolzano, you can visit the famous Ötzi Museum, dedicated to the mummy found in a glacier in 1991. This Ötzi, a hunter more than 5,000 years old, still lies in the position in which he was found. You can also admire the equipment he carried, as well as his remaining clothing. Initially, people thought he was a mountaineer who had met his end during a climbing adventure. The discovery turned out to be unique: a prehistoric man revealing valuable secrets about the Stone Age.

Take a walk through the UNESCO geopark Bletterbach Gorge

During a mountain getaway, it is a fun change of scenery to walk through a gorge. In South Tyrol you will find a geopark with UNESCO status: the Bletterbach Gorge. From the car park in Aldein you descend into this canyon with steep rock walls, and after a half-hour walk you reach a waterfall. Afterwards you walk back up, returning to the starting point.

Tip: keep in mind that this gorge is very popular, so start your walk in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds.

The most beautiful waterfalls to visit from your holiday home in South Tyrol

Admire the other waterfalls South Tyrol has to offer as well. The Partschins Waterfall, for example, is easily accessible with a shuttle bus, ideal for families with small children. You can also reach it on foot via beautiful forest paths, though it requires a steep climb. The effort is worth it, as this waterfall—nearly 100 metres high—is the highest in Tyrol. A lovely attraction on the southern border of South Tyrol is the Varone Waterfall, where water rushes through a narrow gorge. Walk a little further into the cave and you will see the impressive volume of the waterfall. Wear waterproof clothing and shoes, as this spot can get quite wet. The park that gives access to the cave also features a beautiful botanical garden. To visit Cascate del Varone, take the bus from Riva.

Geisler peaks: the jagged mountain backdrop in the Dolomites

South Tyrol partly covers the striking mountain massif of the Dolomites, where you will also find the Geisler peaks. Experienced climbers like to scale the summits, but you can also opt for a recreational and scenic walk around the ridge. Unlike many places in the Alps, the mountain meadows here do not rise gently; they end abruptly at the foot of almost vertical, vegetation-free rock faces. The contrast with the green hills and valleys is truly magnificent.

Tip: take a short walk from the village of St. Magdalene via the picturesque church in the valley and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Rent a holiday home in South Tyrol

The Alps spark the imagination, and in South Tyrol you will experience some of the most beautiful mountain hikes: from the Stelvio Pass to the photogenic Dolomites. A famous attraction is Lake Resia, with its church tower standing above its submerged base. Also intriguing is the Ötzi Museum, telling the story of the historic discovery of a mummy. Would you like to admire this ‘ice man’ and learn more about the Stone Age? Book a holiday home in South Tyrol and plan a visit to Bolzano.