South Tyrol: A paradise in the Italian Alps
South Tyrol is dotted with beautiful mountains and lakes.
I, blogger George, recently flew across South Tyrol and discovered a few things that I would like to tell you about today.
The Alps are a major highlight in South Tyrol. In terms of area, Italy has the largest share of the Alps. They are divided into three zones: Western Alps, Central Alps and Eastern Alps. South Tyrol is located in the Central Alps. South Tyrol is dotted with beautiful mountains and lakes.
The Dolomites are known as the heart of the Italian Alps. They stretch from Alta Pusteria to the Adige Valley. The peaks reach up to 3,300 m high and continue to fascinate tourists and locals alike. The highest peak in the Dolomites is Punta Penia at 3,343 m. In winter, the Dolomites are ideal for skiing and winter hiking, as they form an ideal piste. The picturesque lakes, such as the Karer See or the Pragser Wildsee, are ideal for hikers. Another popular excursion destination is the Völser Weiher pond or the Three Peaks, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.
There is also plenty to discover and explore in Val Venosta/Vinschgau. A very popular destination for tourists and locals alike is Lake Reschen, or rather the sunken tower in Lake Reschen. It is considered a landmark of the Venosta Valley and is both magical and fascinating. But its history is surprising and exciting, because in 1950 Lake Reschen was dammed and over 670 hectares of land were flooded. The people who lived in the village of Graun were forced to emigrate. Today, the tower in Lake Reschen is a listed building and a real crowd-puller.
The many Waalwege, which are hiking trails, in the Vinschgau Valley are also a real pleasure for young and old. They run along the old waterways without any significant gradients. The irrigation channels were used to irrigate the fields until the 19th century.
Now that we’ve discussed the Waalwege, let's quickly move on to the Stilfserjoch National Park, which is also well worth a visit. It is one of the largest nature reserves in the entire alpine region. Torrents, green forests and high peaks form the landscape of the national park around the Ortler-Cevedale group.
The road to Stelvio Pass is also a popular route for anyone with a passion for cars and motorcycles. The winding mountain road is the highest pass road in Italy and, with its 48 hairpin bends on the South Tyrolean side, is considered one of the most impressive roads in the world, which is why it is also known as the "Queen of Alpine Roads".
Many of the attractions and events can be reached by the Venosta Valley Railway, which also takes you on a panoramic ride through the Venosta Valley. Through the large windows, it offers a fantastic view of the South Tyrolean natural and cultural landscape. The train crosses the valley from Merano to Malles, passing Castelbello Castle and Juval Castle, the marble blocks of Laas and the mystical Tartscher Bühel near Mals.
As you have seen, South Tyrol and the Italian Alps are a must-see destination. The Hanswirt offers a fantastic starting point for all your excursions and a relaxed return to the heated pool and the 5 different saunas. Afterwards, let our restaurant team spoil you, so you can truly enjoy your time in South Tyrol and the Italian Alps.
Talk to you soon!
Your blogger George
