The oldest ice mummy in the world, the largest high mountain pasture in Europe, the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the smallest town in the Alps and the warmest bathing lake in the Alps: these are just a few of the special features that South Tyrol offers its guests on holiday in an apartment or room.

Holidays on a farm in South Tyrol

Every visitor to South Tyrol immediately notices how unique the region is. Not quite Italian and not typically German either, with its snow-capped mountain peaks over palm-lined promenades, and listed buildings next to modern architecture. It is a meeting of opposites – in nature, culture, cuisine and everyday life. This mixture is characteristic of the area, its history and its approximately 530,000 inhabitants. A total of three languages ​​– German, Italian and Ladin – are officially spoken in South Tyrol. Rural customs and traditions are practised and preserved, but innovations are also promoted. Farmer's 'Speck', Alpine cheese and a glass of South Tyrolean red wine are part of the afternoon snack, while just as important are the quick "espresso", the homemade 'gelato' and the 'aperitivo' at the end of the day.

An eventful history

South Tyrol's chequered history goes back far into pre-Christian times and has left its mark on the entire region. Part of the Habsburg Empire since 1363, South Tyrol was granted to Italy after the First World War. Its comprehensive autonomy, achieved in 1969, is today regarded as exemplary worldwide, as is the harmonious coexistence of ethnic minorities. A number of museums, churches and castles - the latter of which there are more than 400 of - give guests the opportunity to delve deeper into the exciting history of the area and to experience it up close.

Nature in the starring role

With its 7,400 km², South Tyrol with the province capital of Bolzano is one of the largest provinces in Italy. It borders Switzerland to the west and Austria to the east and north. In a climatically privileged location on the south side of the Alps, people and nature can enjoy around 300 days of sunshine a year. Orchards and vineyards merge into dense deciduous and mixed forests before Alpine pastures, Dolomite peaks and glacial worlds spread out at higher altitudes. The mild climate, which is particularly evident in the southern valleys, favours a vegetation of palm trees, oleanders, cypresses and vines reminiscent of Mediterranean regions. In summer, bathing lakes and clean streams invite you to take a refreshing dip in their waters. Those who prefer a more Alpine feel will enjoy the lush green pastures and mighty peaks that exceed the 3,000-metre mark more than three hundred times in South Tyrol. The undisputed king of the Alps is the Ortler at 3,906 metres high. There are also a total of eight nature and national parks in South Tyrol. It doesn't matter which beautiful corner of the province you choose, nature is the star of the show on a holiday in an apartment or room in South Tyrol.