“Alpine heart, Italian soul, and just the right amount of wine in between.”
There is no other place in Europe that blends alpine views with Italian flair quite like South Tyrol. Mountain air mixed with the scent of fresh basil, and vineyards (some full of apples) all over de sides of the hills. Add to that some of the kindest people you’ll meet, and you have a destination that will make you come back, over and over.
A taste of the border
To check-in into the Mediterran atmosphere, Restaurant Patauner is your perfect place to start. It’s a family-run gem tucked between Terlan and Bolzano. The menu is a perfect reflection of South Tyrol itself, half Austrian comfort and half Italian finesse. Schnitzel or gnocchi? As a true Italian-at-heart, I didn’t hesitate for long.
Did you know: South Tyrol may serve perfectly cooked Italian food, but just over a century ago it wasn’t part of Northen Italy. The region belonged to Austria until 1919, when it was annexed by Italy after World War I. That’s why you’ll still hear German spoken and why the menus proudly feature both knödel and gnocchi.
The restaurant itself has been in the same family for over a hundred years, and you can feel the legacy in every detail. Florian, the current owner, continues a tradition that began in 1664. It’s a place where locals gather for lunch, and those places are usually the best places to eat out.
Next stop: Nals Margreid Winery, the perfect way to dive headfirst into South Tyrol’s love affair with wine. This cooperative unites 138 winegrowers who cultivate 160 hectares of vineyards across the region. From elegant Pinot Biancos to bold Lagreins, every sip tells a story of altitude and sunlight.
Wine fact: Because of the dramatic elevation changes (some vineyards sit at 200 meters, others at over 900) South Tyrol produces both crisp alpine whites and rich, full-bodied reds. It’s a region where you can literally taste the mountains.
A high class stay
Nestled in the forest near Merano, Hotel der Waldhof (a 4-star superior hotel) blends modern design with South Tyrolean charm. You’ll already be looking forward to that first swim in the morning in the magic infinity pool with a view you’d like to say good morning to every single day. But first, let’s have dinner.
Hotel der Waldhof
Via Mayenburg 32
39011 Lana BZ, Italy
Gardens, gourmet, and golden apples
Mornings at Waldhof start the way every morning should: with strong coffee, fresh breads, yogurt with fruit and superfoods, and even a juicer waiting for you at the breakfast buffet. Make sure you arrive at the breakfast in time, because you’ll definitely want to try it all. We took our time before heading to the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff, South Tyrol’s most popular botanical attraction.
We wandered through cactus gardens, the “Garden of Love,” and even a giant birdhouse filled with singing tropical birds. With the mountain peaks of Merano in the background, it felt surreal, like stepping into a painting. By the time we left, our step counter already read 7,000.
Michelin-starred Kuppelrain
A Michelin-starred masterpiece in Kastelbell that completely won us over. Run by the Trafoier family since 2001, Kuppelrain feels like stepping into someone’s home, if that someone were an award-winning chef and had chique table settings. Every dish celebrates the valley’s flavors with creativity. And the desserts by pâtissière Nathalie Trafoier are works of art. You can even buy some chocolates to bring back home. This way, you can share the Michelin taste again with friends and family.
Kuppelrain
Via Stazione 16
39020 Castelbello BZ, Italy
Food fact: Most of South Tyrol’s finest restaurants are family-run, often for generations. That warmth translates directly to the plate, you’re not just dining, you’re being welcomed.
Apple tasting with a sommelier
Surrounded by the apple orchards of the Vinschgau Valley, we learned how to properly feel, smell, and taste different apple varieties. After this tasting we know for sure: we’ll never look the same way at apples again. Do you also smell the kiwi?
Apple fact: South Tyrol grows over 10% of all Europe’s apples. The “VIP” association unites 1,500 local growers, a shining example of small-scale agriculture done big.
Walk and relax
Not every hike needs to leave you breathless (well, except for the views). The Tappeiner and Gilf Promenades above Merano offer the perfect mix of beautiful paths and ease. Can you find all the benches engraved with poetry?
Culture note: These promenades were designed by a local doctor in the 19th century who believed walking in mountain air was the best medicine. He might’ve been onto something.
After our stroll, we swapped hiking boots for swimwear at Therme Meran. Set in the heart of the city, this thermal spa offers outdoor pools, a natural pond, and wide lawns perfect for naps in the sun. Add the optional sauna and wellness zone, and you’ve got the perfect alpine reset.
High-end culinary experience in the hills
We ended our trip at Pramol Alto, perched high above the vineyards of Eppan with jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites. It’s not (yet) Michelin-starred but mark our words: it’s only a matter of time. Especially a green star is written in the stars.
Pramol Alto
Perdoniger Straße 9, 39057
Appiano sulla strada del vino BZ, Italy
The kitchen celebrates local produce and Mediterranean lightness. The non-alcoholic pairing was something special: house-made infusions that matched the dishes perfectly, sometimes even in ingredients. For those going the classic route, the wine pairing was also a great match.
Before leaving, you have to get a bottle of their homemade hot chili sauce. Another souvenir to enjoy the taste of South Tyrol at home.
