Gratis gids 10 verborgen natuurplekken in Europa
Gratis gids 10 verborgen natuurplekken in Europa. Meld je aan voor onze nieuwsbrief en ontvang inspirerende reistips en routes voor je volgende groene reis.
South Tyrol
South Tyrol is Italy at its most unique. Here, they speak German, eat speck and strudel, and look out over vineyards that give way to Alpine meadows. The region is an autonomous province, a border region, and a natural paradise all at once. And that’s what makes it so special.
South Tyrol’s largest nature park, the Texel Group, begins just beyond Merano. The Dolomites lie to the east, and the Alps to the north. In between: valleys, mountain lakes, centuries-old hiking trails, and small farms that have been making their own wine and cheese for generations. South Tyrol is easily accessible by train from Innsbruck, Milan, or Verona, and is best explored on foot or by bike...
On this page, you'll find our selection of accommodations, hiking trails, and Travel inspiration for South Tyrol. Book directly with the owner.
All about nature in Italy
2
3
The most beautiful regions for nature lovers
South Tyrol
Tuscany
Abruzzo
Piedmont
Valle d'Aosta
Sardinia
Sicily
Umbria
Molise
Le Marche
Veneto
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia
Liguria
Trentino
Puglia
Lake Como
Lake Garda
Lazio
Emilia-Romagna
Campania
Basilicata
Small-scale nature stays Italy
Choose your favorite region and discover our tips for the best small-scale Nature stays with a sustainable focus. You book directly with the owner, so you are guaranteed the lowest price.
Special accommodation in Italian nature
Find unique small-scale Nature stays in Italy. From glamping to luxury boutique hotel and from B&B to vacation home or agriturismo. They are all special and different, but they all have an eye for sustainability.
Our sustainability criteria for overnight stays
Using these sustainability icons, you can easily see in what area an overnight stay is active with its sustainability policy.
Zero footprint
Architecture
sustainable/local construction
Food
organic/local cuisine
Social
family/local runned/social projects
Wellbeing
Sauna/yoga/wellness/treatments
Surroundings
Environment/recycling
Choose your region
Sicily
Tuscany
Valle d’Aosta
Piedmont
Basilicata
Puglia
Campania
Veneto
Lombardy
Lombardy
Lake Garda
South Tyrol
Sardinia
Emilia-Romagna
Umbria
Le Marche
Trentino
Abruzzo
Liguria
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia
Lazio
Nature in South Tyrol
The natural landscape of South Tyrol is both impressive and diverse. In this region, rugged mountain peaks, green alpine meadows, quiet forests, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and valleys dotted with vineyards and apple orchards blend seamlessly together. It is precisely this contrast that makes South Tyrol so appealing to nature lovers. You’re never stuck in the same landscape for long here: one day you’re hiking among jagged rock peaks, and the next you’re driving through a sunny valley dotted with villages, castles, and vineyards.
Much of that appeal lies in its protected natural areas. South Tyrol is home to the Stelvio National Park as well as seven other nature parks, where you can get up close to the flora and fauna of the Alps. The region also encompasses large parts of the Dolomites, which have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. And for good reason: this mountainous region features 18 peaks over 3,000 meters, steep cliffs, and deep valleys that are internationally renowned for their scenic beauty.
What I love about South Tyrol is that nature here isn’t separate from everyday life. Mountains and villages, alpine meadows and farms, tranquility and culture constantly blend together here. As a result, a trip here feels not only active, but also atmospheric and relaxing. You come here for the Dolomites, but you often end up staying because of the variety: the mountain air, the light, the open spaces, and the feeling that in every valley you discover a different side of the region. For those who love nature with character, South Tyrol is one of the most beautiful mountain regions in Italy.
Hiking and Biking in South Tyrol
Hiking and biking in South Tyrol are ideal if you want to travel actively while fully enjoying the scenery. This region is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts: wide valleys, quiet trails, panoramic mountain roads, and villages that serve as the perfect base for a few days in nature. The great thing is that South Tyrol isn’t just appealing to avid mountaineers, but also to recreational hikers and cyclists who like to explore at their own pace.
Hikers have a vast array of options. According to official tourism information, South Tyrol has more than 16,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails. You can choose from easy routes in the valleys, hikes along the Meraner Höhenweg, or longer treks to alpine pastures and mountain huts. If you dream of mountain landscapes, you’ll soon find yourself in the Dolomites, while in lower-lying areas you’ll be walking among apple orchards, vineyards, and castles. That’s what makes hiking in South Tyrol so appealing: you don’t have to tackle high-alpine terrain every day to still enjoy plenty of nature and stunning views.
Cycling in South Tyrol is also surprisingly diverse. The region has an extensive network of bike routes, including trails through the Vinschgau Valley, toward Merano and Bolzano, and through the Eisacktal and Pustertal valleys. More than 550 kilometers of bike paths wind through the region’s valleys and vineyards. There’s plenty to choose from for recreational cyclists, e-bikers, and road cyclists—ranging from leisurely valley routes to challenging mountain passes.
Staying Overnight in South Tyrol
Unique accommodations in South Tyrol are truly part of the travel experience. Here, you can choose from a huge variety of options: from hotels and guesthouses to apartments, bed & breakfasts, farm stays, campgrounds, and mountain huts. It’s precisely this mix of small-scale charm, comfort, and natural surroundings that makes South Tyrol such a wonderful destination to linger in for a few extra days.
Are you looking for a place to stay that fits your active vacation, or do you prefer peace and quiet in nature? Then Paloria, for example, is an ideal spot: trail running, hiking, walking, biking, and skiing, as well as Pilates and yoga classes. If you’re looking for a consciously sustainable destination surrounded by nature (with countless hiking, snow, and biking options), choose Drumlerhof: farm-to-table dining at this delightful family-run hotel.
What makes South Tyrol especially appealing is that more than 90% of accommodations include a South Tyrol Guest Pass. This pass allows you to use local public transportation, which is convenient if you want to travel without a car or get around more sustainably once you’re there. And for those who want to truly complete the mountain experience, there are also about 90 mountain huts where you can spend the night after a day of hiking. In South Tyrol, you can choose luxury, simplicity, or something in between. But almost always with a view, fresh air, and the mountains close by.
“Nature is our greatest ally and inspiration.”
– Sir David Attenborough
Special spots in nature
We select the nicest accommodations with all a focus on sustainability policies. Think luxury Treehouses in the middle of nature or a boutique hotel in the countryside. Sustainability categories range from organic cuisine and mindfull focus to waste separation and zero-waist policy.
Luxury overnight stay in nature
The accommodations all have something unique and of course a location in or near nature. Spending the night in nature does not always mean sleeping in a tent. Find special and luxurious nature stays for your active vacation or just for your slow travel experience.
Comfortable overnight stay in nature
The overnight focus on sustainability policy gives attention to comfort and quality.
They often use their own vegetable garden or local cuisine. Much attention is paid to the quality of the accommodation, the environment and the guest.