Trentino-Alto Adige Has Something to Offer Everyone

Trentino-Alto Adige is a stunning part of north-east Italy near the border with Austria. This Alpine location offers breathtaking mountain views and the perfect conditions for hiking. During the winter it is home to all types of winter sports and you will find a wide selection of ski resorts to choose from. There is something to please tourists who visit Trentino-Alto Adige all year round. Traditionally it was mostly just Italian visitors who came to the area, but now it is attracting people from all over the world.

The Distinct Feel of Trentino-Alto Adige

Although this area is an autonomous part of Italy there is a distinct Austrian/German feel. In some districts the most spoken language is German and the food selection differs from other parts of Italy. The reason for these influences is not just the proximity to Austria, but also the fact that for much of its history it actually was part of Austria. This is why today most of the locations in the area have a German as well as Italian name. Trentino-Alto Adige has traditionally been a very important strategic area because of its position as an important trade route.

The fact that Trentino-Alto Adige was fought over for so long has meant that there have been some wonderful fortresses created; you can find attractive forts and castles spread out along the mountain tops. Some of the historical structures in the area date all the way back to Roman times. During the First World War there was a lot of fighting in the region; hard to imagine in such a peaceful location.

Food and Wine in Trentino-Alto Adige

Trentino-Alto Adige provides a mix of Italian and German food; dumplings and sauerkraut are a favourite. There are also many dishes that take the best from Italian and German cuisine and put a twist on it; an example of this would be Pasta with Alpine cheese. The area is also the home to a lot of local fruits with apples being particularly delicious. There is quite a lot of local wine available with full-bodied reds being the local speciality.

Where to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige

There are plenty of places to visit when staying in this part of Italy. Merano is probably the most attractive location in the area; it is known as the “City of Flowers”. This is also a popular ski resort during the winter months. Merano is completely surrounded by Alpine peaks and you really get the feeling of being isolated from the rest of the world. The locals have a reputation for being very friendly.

If you are a wine lover then the place to visit will be Bolzano where you will find the Vineyard Road. During September and October this area is at its most stunning and driving along through the area is a memorable experience. Bolzano is also the home to some

interesting castles and other attractions. If it is wine that you are after then the best time to go will be from April all the way through to November.