Sights in South Tyrol
South Tyrol reveals its most beautiful sides
South Tyrol welcomes you with sunshine in its heart, varied landscapes and a lightness that reaches you instantly. From the Renon plateau, a quiet view opens onto mountains, forests and towns. Everything lies close together, yet every corner follows its own rhythm.
The Weihrerhof on Lake Costalovara is the ideal starting point for these gentle and lively discoveries. And for those who wish to go a little deeper, you’ll find a few South Tyrolean hidden gems further down the page, places you don’t look for, but simply stumble upon.
The Weihrerhof on Lake Costalovara is the ideal starting point for these gentle and lively discoveries. And for those who wish to go a little deeper, you’ll find a few South Tyrolean hidden gems further down the page, places you don’t look for, but simply stumble upon.
Bolzano from a bird’s-eye view
Distance 15 km
The Renon cable car connects the calm of the mountain with the pulse of the city. In just a few minutes, you glide over rooftops and treetops down to Bolzano. Once you step into the city, the familiar interplay of Italian elegance, South Tyrolean rootedness and charming alleys unfolds, full of little surprises.
A touch of the Mediterranean along the Wine Road
Distance 20 km
Further south, the mild charm of the South Tyrolean Wine Road becomes unmistakable. In Appiano, Caldaro and Termeno, vineyards, forests and castles sit naturally side by side. Between them shimmer the Monticolo Lakes and Lake Caldaro. On warm days, a refreshing swim is just as tempting as a glass of wine by the water.
Merano – a city with a light step
Distance 29 km
From Bolzano to Merano feels like just a breath. The spa town is elegant, sunny and steeped in history. Strolling through the arcades, you can still feel the echo of the old county. The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle unfold like a world trip in seven kilometres, and the Merano Thermal Baths offer warmth, stillness and space to breathe.
The Sarentino Valley for mountain and nature lovers
Distance 20 km
If you seek quiet and untouched nature, you’ll find both in the Sarentino Valley. The people here live their traditions and crafts with a charming wink, and they love to tell the stories of their unique feather-quill embroidery. The landscape is wide, aromatic, and perfect for hikers who prefer authentic trails and crisp mountain air.
And at the end of the day: arriving
Wherever your discoveries lead you, the day ends with a feeling of home on Lake Costalovara. The water sparkles, the meadow exhales gently and the Weihrerhof gives you that soft I-am-back feeling that only a true retreat can offer.
And as evening settles in, the wish often arises to wander a little further, to those quiet corners where South Tyrol reveals itself softly. Below you will find our favourite hidden gems of South Tyrol. Places that don’t call out loudly, but whisper. Small paths, quiet nooks, big moments.
And as evening settles in, the wish often arises to wander a little further, to those quiet corners where South Tyrol reveals itself softly. Below you will find our favourite hidden gems of South Tyrol. Places that don’t call out loudly, but whisper. Small paths, quiet nooks, big moments.
Villandro Mine – underground into history
Distance approx. 35 kmOld galleries, wooden pit props and the smell of rock: at the Villandro Mine you step into the world of historic mining. Guided tours shed light on the darkness and tell of ore veins and hard work—a quiet, striking experience between mountain and valley. Afterwards, back on the surface, meadows and wide views over the Isarco Valley invite you to linger.
Lasa Marble Quarry – the white gold of Val Venosta
Distance approx. 90 kmLasa marble is famed for its purity, fine-crystalline structure and exceptional durability—valued in architecture and art. Modern extraction began in 1883 with stonemason Josef Lechner. On the Jennwand massif at about 1,600 m in Stelvio National Park, the marble is mined underground. From May to October, guided tours include an introductory film, a ride on the historic inclined railway to the Lasa Marmo works, and the highlight: walking through the Brüchler adit to the Weißwasser quarry to see extraction up close.
Bletterbach Gorge – South Tyrol’s “Grand Canyon”
Distance approx. 45 kmIn Monte Corno Nature Park near Aldino and Redagno, Bletterbach Gorge reveals 250 million years of Earth history: 8 km long, up to 400 m deep, with layers of porphyry, sandstone and limestone containing fossils and dinosaur traces. Waymarked routes start at the Aldino Visitor Centre along the streambed and, if you wish, on to Corno Bianco. Along the way: sculpted rock, small waterfalls, rich flora and fauna. Helmets are mandatory in the gorge (rental on site).
Runkelstein Castle – the “painted castle” above Bolzano
Distance approx. 17 kmPerched on a spur at the mouth of the Sarentino Valley, Runkelstein Castle (1237) was transformed in 1385 by the Vintler brothers, wealthy Bolzano merchants, into a refined summer residence. It is renowned for Europe’s largest cycle of secular medieval frescoes: courtly love, jousting, and literary scenes from Tristan and Isolde to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, a unique window onto courtly life.
FAQ – Sights in South Tyrol & Hidden Gems
What are the main sights in South Tyrol?
Popular sights in South Tyrol include Bolzano, Merano, the South Tyrol Wine Road, peaceful lakes and the mountain landscape of the Renon plateau. Everything is close and easy to reach.
Which sights are close to the Renon?
Nearby you’ll find Bolzano, the Sarntal Valley, the Earth Pyramids and several viewpoints. Merano and the Wine Road are also ideal for day trips.
Why is Renon a good base for exploring South Tyrol?
Renon is central and quiet. From here you can reach cities, mountains and lakes within a short time, making it perfect for discovering many sights in South Tyrol.
What are the best hidden gems in South Tyrol?
Quiet forest paths on Renon, small mountain farms, little-known viewpoints and secluded lakes. These places show South Tyrol at its most authentic.
Which sights in Bolzano are worth seeing?
The Arcades, the Archaeology Museum, Walther Square and the Museion are popular highlights. Bolzano is only about 15 kilometres from the Weihrerhof.
Why is the South Tyrol Wine Road so special?
It links vineyards, castles and villages like Appiano, Caldaro and Termeno. Lakes, forests and Mediterranean light make it one of South Tyrol’s most scenic regions.
Which sights in Merano should I not miss?
Trauttmansdorff Gardens, the Merano Thermal Baths and the historic centre are among the must-see attractions. Merano is around 40 minutes away.
Which nature sights in South Tyrol are ideal for quiet outings?
The Sarntal Valley, the Earth Pyramids on Renon, the Monticolo Lakes and Lake Costalovara offer tranquillity and untouched nature.
How can I reach Bolzano’s sights quickly from Renon?
The Renon cable car takes you to Bolzano in about twelve minutes. It’s a calm and easy way to reach the city.
How far is the South Tyrol Wine Road from the Weihrerhof?
The Wine Road begins around 18 kilometres away. Appiano, Caldaro and Termeno can be reached in 25–35 minutes.
How far is Merano from the Weihrerhof?
Merano is about 29 kilometres from Bolzano. From the Weihrerhof it takes roughly 40 minutes to reach the town.
How far is the Sarntal Valley from Renon or the Weihrerhof?
The Sarntal Valley is around 20 kilometres from Bolzano and can be reached from the Weihrerhof in 30–40 minutes.
Which sights can I reach easily using public transport?
With cable car, buses and trains you can reach Bolzano, Merano, the Wine Road and many museums. The RittenCard includes free travel.
Which sights in South Tyrol are especially beautiful in summer?
The Monticolo Lakes, Lake Caldaro, Bolzano, Merano and the Wine Road show their Mediterranean side. Renon’s walking trails stay pleasant.
Which sights are recommended in autumn?
The vineyards of the Wine Road, Castelrotto, Merano and the forests around Renon are particularly colourful and calm in autumn.
Which quiet places can I visit in winter in South Tyrol?
Winter hiking paths on Renon, the snowy Sarntal Valley and the historic centres of Bolzano and Merano offer peace and clear air.
What can I do in South Tyrol when the weather is bad?
Bolzano’s museums, the Merano Thermal Baths and Trauttmansdorff Gardens (seasonal) are great alternatives. Many sights are close by.
Popular sights in South Tyrol include Bolzano, Merano, the South Tyrol Wine Road, peaceful lakes and the mountain landscape of the Renon plateau. Everything is close and easy to reach.
Which sights are close to the Renon?
Nearby you’ll find Bolzano, the Sarntal Valley, the Earth Pyramids and several viewpoints. Merano and the Wine Road are also ideal for day trips.
Why is Renon a good base for exploring South Tyrol?
Renon is central and quiet. From here you can reach cities, mountains and lakes within a short time, making it perfect for discovering many sights in South Tyrol.
What are the best hidden gems in South Tyrol?
Quiet forest paths on Renon, small mountain farms, little-known viewpoints and secluded lakes. These places show South Tyrol at its most authentic.
Which sights in Bolzano are worth seeing?
The Arcades, the Archaeology Museum, Walther Square and the Museion are popular highlights. Bolzano is only about 15 kilometres from the Weihrerhof.
Why is the South Tyrol Wine Road so special?
It links vineyards, castles and villages like Appiano, Caldaro and Termeno. Lakes, forests and Mediterranean light make it one of South Tyrol’s most scenic regions.
Which sights in Merano should I not miss?
Trauttmansdorff Gardens, the Merano Thermal Baths and the historic centre are among the must-see attractions. Merano is around 40 minutes away.
Which nature sights in South Tyrol are ideal for quiet outings?
The Sarntal Valley, the Earth Pyramids on Renon, the Monticolo Lakes and Lake Costalovara offer tranquillity and untouched nature.
How can I reach Bolzano’s sights quickly from Renon?
The Renon cable car takes you to Bolzano in about twelve minutes. It’s a calm and easy way to reach the city.
How far is the South Tyrol Wine Road from the Weihrerhof?
The Wine Road begins around 18 kilometres away. Appiano, Caldaro and Termeno can be reached in 25–35 minutes.
How far is Merano from the Weihrerhof?
Merano is about 29 kilometres from Bolzano. From the Weihrerhof it takes roughly 40 minutes to reach the town.
How far is the Sarntal Valley from Renon or the Weihrerhof?
The Sarntal Valley is around 20 kilometres from Bolzano and can be reached from the Weihrerhof in 30–40 minutes.
Which sights can I reach easily using public transport?
With cable car, buses and trains you can reach Bolzano, Merano, the Wine Road and many museums. The RittenCard includes free travel.
Which sights in South Tyrol are especially beautiful in summer?
The Monticolo Lakes, Lake Caldaro, Bolzano, Merano and the Wine Road show their Mediterranean side. Renon’s walking trails stay pleasant.
Which sights are recommended in autumn?
The vineyards of the Wine Road, Castelrotto, Merano and the forests around Renon are particularly colourful and calm in autumn.
Which quiet places can I visit in winter in South Tyrol?
Winter hiking paths on Renon, the snowy Sarntal Valley and the historic centres of Bolzano and Merano offer peace and clear air.
What can I do in South Tyrol when the weather is bad?
Bolzano’s museums, the Merano Thermal Baths and Trauttmansdorff Gardens (seasonal) are great alternatives. Many sights are close by.