Val di Vizze
Welcome to South Tyrol!
The autonomous province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is one of the most interesting and attractive provinces in Italy. With a surface area of 7,399 km², it hosts a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from high mountains to green valleys of meadows and forests, from Alpine passes to gentle hills with vineyards and orchards. With a population of over half a million people, the province of Bolzano is one of the most multicultural areas in Europe, where three different linguistic communities peacefully coexist: Italian, German, and Ladin.
Toponymy
Understanding the toponymy of South Tyrol is not always easy, but it is very interesting. The official name is Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol (Provinz Bozen – Autonome Provinz Bozen in German), but the inhabitants are commonly called South Tyroleans. In Italian, one can also find the denomination Sud Tirolo or Sudtirolo. In Ladin, the autonomous province is called Provinzia Autonoma de Balsan – Südtirol (or Provinzia Autonoma de Bulsan – Südtirol). During the Austrian domination, the territory of today's province of Bolzano was also known as Mitteltirol, i.e. Central Tyrol, while "South Tyrol" referred to today's Trentino or the entire southern part of Tyrol (Trentino-Alto Adige).
Culture and Tradition
South Tyrol boasts a unique culture and tradition, thanks to the three different linguistic communities that coexist in this region. This translates into a variety of customs and traditions, from clothing to gastronomy, to popular festivals. For example, in the South Tyrolean tradition, Christmas and the Advent period are celebrated in a particularly intense way, with Christmas markets, concerts, and choirs. Moreover, there is a great attention towards the environment, with a strong commitment to preserving the territory, forests, and mountains.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of South Tyrol is known throughout Italy and the world, especially for the quality of local products and the ability to blend Italian and German traditions. One can savor typical dishes of Alpine culture, such as speck (smoked ham), canederli (bread dumplings), polenta, sauerkraut, and much more. Among the enogastronomic specialties, wines, grappas, and craft beer stand out, as well as ice cream, pastries, and bread. A vacation in South Tyrol is also an opportunity to discover local producers and visit wineries, pasta factories, and bakeries.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
South Tyrol is the perfect destination for those who love outdoor activities and sports. There are many possibilities: from hiking or mountain biking, to climbing, paragliding, alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snow walking. In summer, one can swim in the Alpine lakes or rivers, or relax in wellness centers and spas. There are also many attractions for families, such as adventure parks, pools, and museums.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the autonomous province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is a must-see tourist destination. With its variety of landscapes and multicultural culture, it offers many opportunities to discover the attractions of the region and enjoy the wonders of the Alpine environment. Thanks to the particular toponymy and the three linguistic communities, South Tyrol represents a unique area in Italy, which blends Italian and German traditions. We wish everyone a wonderful vacation in South Tyrol, where culture, nature, and gastronomy meet!
