South Tyrol is one of the most diverse regions in the Alps: stunning mountain landscapes, charming towns, top-notch wines, and culinary delights await you. A 4-day road trip is the perfect way to explore the region’s highlights. Here’s an optimal route with a daily itinerary, sightseeing recommendations, restaurant suggestions, and accommodation tips.

• Day 1: Bolzano & South Tyrol Wine Road
• Day 2: Merano & Passeiertal Valley
• Day 3: Alpe di Siusi & Val Gardena
• Day 4: Pragser Wildsee & Departure

Day 1: Bolzano & South Tyrol Wine Road

Your road trip begins in Bolzano, the charming capital of South Tyrol. A stroll through the historic old town with its picturesque arcades is the perfect introduction to your journey. Don’t miss the South Tyrol Archaeological Museum, where you can see “Ötzi the Iceman.” In the afternoon, take a cable car ride up to Oberbozen for a spectacular panoramic view of the Dolomites. Afterward, head to the South Tyrol Wine Road. The idyllic wine villages of Appiano and Kaltern are perfect for a wine tasting, with Kaltern Lake being a particular highlight.

🍽️ Recommended Restaurants:

• Restaurant Löwengrube (Bolzano) – Upscale South Tyrolean cuisine
• Batzenhäusl (Bolzano) – Brewery tavern with rustic charm
• Restaurant Ritterhof (Kaltern) – Excellent wines & regional specialties

🏨 Recommended Accommodations:

• Parkhotel Laurin (Bolzano) – Elegant hotel with a historic flair
• Villa Weingarten (Kaltern) – Modern boutique hotel with a pool

If you prefer more nature, consider a short hike to the Earth Pyramids of Ritten near Oberbozen.

Reading tip: A Perfect Day in Bolzano – Your Ultimate Guide to Sights, Cuisine & Relaxation

Day 2: Merano & Passeiertal Valley

Day two takes you to Merano, one of South Tyrol’s most beautiful towns. The medieval arcades of the old town, combined with its Mediterranean atmosphere, are perfect for a leisurely stroll. A must-see is the Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens, renowned for their exotic plants and artistic landscape designs. For relaxation, you can spend a few hours at the Merano Thermal Baths, enjoying the warm pools and saunas. In the afternoon, head to the Passeiertal Valley, where picturesque villages such as St. Martin, St. Leonhard, and Moos await, along with breathtaking mountain panoramas.

🍽️ Recommended Restaurants:

• Rebmannkeller (Lana) – Traditional South Tyrolean cuisine
• Felsenkeller (Merano) – Regional dishes in a cozy setting

🏨 Recommended Accommodations:

• Hotel Therme Merano – Perfect for a relaxing spa evening
• Stay COOPER | Guesthouse zum Löwen – Stylish and budget-friendly hotel in Merano

Reading tip: A Perfect Day in Merano – Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Day 3: Alpe di Siusi & Val Gardena

On the third day, start with a visit to the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe. A cable car takes you to breathtaking views of the Sciliar mountain. From here, you can enjoy an easy hike to the Tierser Alpl hut or to the Schlern Plateau, soaking in the stunning scenery. Afterward, continue to Val Gardena, famous for its picturesque mountain villages. St. Ulrich is perfect for a stroll through narrow streets filled with traditional craft shops. Alternatively, you can take a scenic drive to the Sellajoch, one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the Dolomites.

🍽️ Recommended Restaurants:

• Gostner Schwaige (Alpe di Siusi) – Mountain hut offering hayflower specialties
• Tubladel (St. Ulrich) – Regional specialties in a rustic setting

🏨 Recommended Accommodations:

• Sule-Hof (St. Ulrich) – Charming farm hotel
• Hotel Garni Broi Charme & Relax (Wolkenstein in Val Gardena) – Modern hotel with a spa and mountain views

Day 4: Pragser Wildsee & Departure

On the final day, get an early start to experience the full beauty of Pragser Wildsee. This gem of the Dolomites is known for its emerald-green waters and stunning mountain backdrop. A boat ride or an easy hike around the lake offers perfect opportunities to savor the last day in nature. If time permits, you can make a quick stop in Brunico to end your road trip on a relaxing note.

🍽️ Recommended Restaurants:

• Restaurant Winkelkeller (Toblach) – Delicious South Tyrolean dishes
• RESTAURANT sichelburg (Pfalzen near Brunico) – Finest local specialties

If you don’t want to drive all the way to Pragser Wildsee, you can explore Bressanone and the surrounding area instead.

Travel Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather.
• Rental Car: If you’re flying in, a rental car is essential for flexibility.
• Toll: Remember that there’s a toll for the Brenner Autobahn if you don’t take toll-free roads.

Our conclusion: With this 4-day road trip, you’ll experience a mix of city exploration, nature, and culinary delights. If you have more time, you can extend the route or spend more time in one location.

Do you have any questions or tips for this road trip? Feel free to share them in the comments! 😊