Sights:
where nature and culture become an experience

The Three Peaks are the iconic landmark of the Dolomites in Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal, a dream destination for alpinists and mountain enthusiasts from around the world. This majestic mountain trio in the Sexten Dolomites consists of: the central Cima Grande/Große Zinne (2,999m), the small Cima Piccola/Kleine Zinne (2,857m), and the western Cima Ovest/Westliche Zinne (2,973m). Every year, countless hikers set out to circle these imposing rock formations, while climbers are drawn to the Three Peaks’ challenging vertical walls.

Rightfully considered the most beautiful lake in the Dolomites, Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee is a real favourite. There are many ways to explore this enchanting lake and its surroundings. A leisurely walk around the lake is perfect in any season, while a nostalgic rowing boat ride can be enjoyed in the warmer months. In winter, ice skating on the frozen lake is a magical experience. But no matter the season, Lake Braies/Pragser Wildsee offers a fairy-tale escape, surrounded by majestic mountains and dense forests. Please note: In the summer months, car access requires prior online registration. However, the lake remains easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, or on foot without restrictions.

Rising 2,519 metres within the Odle/Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Mt Seceda offers an unparalleled panoramic view stretching from the Dolomites (Mt Tofana, Mt Sciliar/Schlern, Sella massif, Mt Sassolungo/Langkofel, and Mt Marmolada) to the peaks of Trentino, Lombardy, and Austria. One of the most breathtaking sights is the Odle/Geisler peaks, their sharp spires piercing the deep-blue sky. Mt Seceda is easily accessible by cable car or via a scenic hike from Ortisei in Val Gardena/Gröden. With countless hiking routes to charming mountain huts and spectacular nature spots, Mt Seceda is a true paradise for lovers of the great outdoors.

The small village of St. Magdalena, also known locally as “in Berge”, lies at the upper end of Val di Funes/Villnösstal and is home to around 400 residents. One of its most famous landmarks and a beloved photo spot: the Church of St. Magdalena, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Odle/Geisler peaks. According to legend, a miraculous image of Saint Magdalene (or St. Magdalena in German) was once carried here by the Fopal brook. Also worth seeing are Ranui Hof farm with the Church of St. John Nepomuk (a small, beautifully painted Baroque chapel) and the Puez-Odle/Geisler Nature Park House, which offers fascinating insights into the flora, fauna, and geology of the Dolomites.

Covering 56 square kilometres, Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm is Europe’s largest high-Alpine pasture, sitting above Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, and St. Ulrich in Val Gardena/Gröden at a height of 2,000 metres above sea level. Its picturesque landscape of boundless meadows and traditional mountain huts invites visitors to explore countless hiking and biking trails in summer. In winter, the diverse ski area, cross-country trails, and scenic winter hiking paths make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Another highlight of Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm is its unparalleled panoramic view of the surrounding Dolomites.

The Mt Catinaccio/Rosengarten massif soars skyward like a natural skyscraper, transforming each evening into a glowing masterpiece during the “Enrosadira”: the legendary Alpenglow.  As the sun sets, the rock faces blaze in deep-red hues – an unforgettable spectacle tied to the myth of dwarven King Laurin. At the mountain’s base, a network of hiking, biking, and ski trails offers endless adventure, all conveniently accessible via modern mountain lifts.

Lake Carezza/Karersee is a true natural wonder and one of South Tyrol’s most photographed spots. And for good reason: Surrounded by dark forests, its crystal-clear, turquoise waters perfectly reflect the peaks of Mt Catinaccio/Rosengarten and Mt Latemar. A scenic 20-minute circular walk offers breathtaking views of the lake from every angle. As it is a protected natural monument, swimming is not permitted, preserving its pristine beauty.

Earth pyramids are a true wonder of nature. These almost surreal-looking, pillar-like clay formations, topped with large stones, have formed over centuries through erosion and the washing away of soil. They constantly change with the seasons. You can admire them in South Tyrol, specifically in Platten near Percha, in Terenten, as well as on the Renon/Ritten high plateau in Lengmoos, Oberbozen, and Unterinn. These formations are among the tallest and most stunning in all of Europe. They can be reached via scenic hikes along beautiful forest and meadow trails.

The Grand Canyon of South Tyrol: That’s what the 8-kilometre-long Bletterbach gorge at the foot of Mt Corno Bianco/Weißhorn near Aldein is called. A hike through this 400-metre-deep canyon takes you on a journey through more than 40 million years of Earth’s history. Formed around 15,000 years ago during the Ice Age, this Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique glimpse into the history and structure of the Dolomites. Well-preserved rock layers are visible to the naked eye, and countless fossil discoveries can be admired at the Geoparc Bletterbach visitor centre.

Passo dello Stelvio/Stilfser Joch is the highest mountain pass in Italy, standing at 2,758 metres above sea level. It connects Bormio in Lombardy with Prad am Stilfser Joch in South Tyrol. With its winding panoramic road featuring 48 hairpin bends, the pass is especially popular among cycling and motorcycle enthusiasts. Its challenging route has earned it the title of the “Queen Stage” in the legendary Giro d’Italia cycling race. From the Passo dello Stelvio/Stilfser Joch, you can enjoy mesmerising views of Mt Ortles/Ortler, South Tyrol’s highest peak at 3,905 metres, as well as the stunning landscapes of the Passo dello Stelvio/Stilfser Joch National Park. The 49-kilometre-long road, known as the “Queen of Alpine Roads”, was built between 1820 and 1825 in record time, despite harsh conditions. Its route has remained almost unchanged ever since.

The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, located in the heart of Bolzano, is home to the world’s most famous glacier mummy: Ötzi, the Iceman. This fascinating exhibition, spread over three floors, provides deep insights into his life, environment, and mysterious death. Visitors can also admire original artifacts from the discovery site in the Ötztal Alps, including Ötzi’s Copper Age clothing and equipment.

Bolzano’s arcades are the heart of the city’s historic old town, stretching from east to west. These architecturally unique arcades have been a hub of commerce since the 12th century. Once a key crossroads of trade routes, they quickly became a thriving marketplace. The buildings, with their characteristic open courtyards, originally housed shops, warehouses, exchange offices, cellars, and workshops, while the upper floors served as residences. Merchants displayed and sold their goods directly under the arcades, creating a vibrant trading atmosphere. Today, the Bolzano arcades remain South Tyrol’s most charming and traditional shopping area. Elegant boutiques, unique shops, and inviting cafés line the arcades, offering a shopping experience unlike any other.

World-renowned extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner dedicated his museum project to the mountains and their culture, creating six extraordinary museums –five in South Tyrol and one in Belluno. Each Messner Mountain Museum explores a different theme, yet all serve as a meeting place between people and the mountains. Messner himself calls the project his “15th eight-thousand-metre peak”, as these six museums embody a lifetime of experiences, adventures, and passion for the mountains.

MMM Corones: Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the unique MMM Corones sits atop Mt Plan de Corones/Kronplatz at 2,275 metres above sea level. This extraordinary museum is dedicated to traditional mountaineering and the spirit of “Trad Adventure Alpinism”.

MMM Firmian: MMM Firmian, set within the stunning Sigmundskron Castle near Bolzano, delves into the profound connection between humans and the mountains.

MMM Dolomites: Located between Pieve di Cadore and Cortina d’Ampezzo, this museum explores the rock formations and the history of mountaineering in the Dolomites.

MMM Juval: At MMM Juval, housed in Juval Castle – Reinhold Messner’s private residence – visitors can experience the myth of the mountain. The museum also features remarkable art collections, including the Tibetika collection, a mask collection from five continents, and more.

MMM Ripa: MMM Ripa, set in Bruneck Castle, is dedicated to the “Heritage of the Mountains”. It tells the story of mountain communities worldwide, exploring their history, culture, and way of life.

MMM Ortles: In Sulden am Ortler, Reinhold Messner explores the dangers of ice and darkness, the legends of the Yeti and snow leopards, the phenomenon of whiteout, and the mystery of the Third Pole.

The Augustinian Monastery of Neustift is one of the most significant monasteries in the Tyrolean region. Founded in 1142 by the Bishop of Brixen, it has remained independent and active in various fields since its inception and is still home to monks today. Culture enthusiasts can admire the famous Baroque abbey church, the Gothic cloister, and the impressive library. The monastery also houses an educational centre, a boarding school, and the renowned abbey winery, known well beyond the borders of South Tyrol.

Surrounding the majestic Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano, over 80 garden landscapes span 12 hectares, showcasing flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs from around the world. Themed gardens, interactive stations, and guided tours offer visitors fascinating insights into global flora. The castle is also home to the Touriseum, South Tyrol’s Museum of Tourism. To fully experience the gardens and the castle, it’s best to set aside an entire day for your visit. A highlight of the summer season is the Garden Nights, where artists from around the world perform live music on a floating stage in the Water Lily Pond, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

The lone church tower emerging from Lake Resia/Reschensee is one of South Tyrol’s most iconic photo spots – but it also tells a story of loss and resilience. Until after World War II, this was the site of the village of Graun. Despite strong protests from residents, the town was submerged to create a hydroelectric reservoir. In 1950, the village centre was demolished and flooded, but the church tower was left standing as a haunting reminder of what once was.