The region of Trentino Alto Adige is not along the typical tourist route when planning a trip to Italy. However, Trentino Alto Adige is an incredible place in northern Italy to visit. Perfect in winter and summer, stunning natural landscapes and a blend of Italian and Austrian heritage await!
In Trentino Italy, you’ll have the opportunity to experience scenic towns and villages, lush valleys, historic castles, delicious local cuisine, and, of course, the dramatic mountain peaks of the Dolomites.
In this article, let’s uncover the top 6 reasons why you need to visit Trentino!
Where is Trentino-Alto Adige?
The Trentino-Alto Adige region is located in Italy’s northeastern mountainous region. In fact, it’s the northernmost region of Italy.
It’s just south of Austria and to the east of Switzerland and the northern Italian regions of Lombardy and Veneto are along the region’s southern border. The region is defined by the high, chiseled, limestone peaks of the Dolomites and the stunning valleys, alpine meadows, forests, and turquoise mountain lakes that lie in and around them. This Trentino-Alto Adige map provides a birds-eye view to orient yourself to exactly where this area is in relation to the other regions of northern Italy.
It’s an autonomous region of Italy and is split into 2 provinces. Trentino covers the southern area of the region and is known as the province of Trento. While the area closest to Austria, Bolzano province, is known as South Tyrol in English or Alto Adige, the Italian name. You may also see the German name, Südtirol, which is referring to the same area.
So to be clear, South Tyrol is in Italy, geographically speaking. However, there is a strong Austrian/German influence throughout the region. South Tyrol was actually part of the Austrian Empire until after the first World War when the region was annexed to Italy. And as you travel throughout the region, you’ll notice many places have 2 different names, one in Italian and the other in German.
If you’re a little confused by the different languages, don’t worry! I was, too, when I first spent time traveling throughout the region of Trentino-South Tyrol.
The map of Trentino-Alto Adige below shows in greater detail where the region’s cities and towns are in relation to one another. Trento and Bolzano are the region’s biggest cities and gateways to the unparalleled UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomite Mountains.
For a fuller look at the north of Italy, take a look at this map to orient yourself.
6 Top Reasons to Visit Trentino Alto Adige
A trip to Trentino, as Italians call the region, will take you to a unique and awe-inspiring area of northern Italy! Trentino is important for its cultural heritage, with the region being home to a number of charming castles and historic towns. But it’s also impossible to ignore the magnificent 360° panoramic natural landscapes.
Trentino is for you whether you’re looking to have an outdoor adventure, discover the history and blended culture of the region, drive the winding roads for an epically beautiful road trip, or just settle in among the green valleys and mountains for total rejuvenation.
1. The Dolomite Mountains Dominate the Region of Trentino-Alto Adige.
If I could only give you 1 amazing reason to visit Trentino, it would be the spectacular Dolomite Mountains. Quite simply, they will take your breath away!
The Dolomites, with their snowcapped peaks and dizzying slopes, are a UNESCO Natural Heritage site. The surreal mountain landscape is perfect for outdoor activities and sports all year round. From late spring when the wildflowers bloom to the golden yellow landscape of early fall, there are hundreds of open trails where you can hike and trek, no matter your ability level. The trails lead you through verdant forests, past alpine lakes, and to remote villages and rifugios (mountain huts).
If you prefer, hop on a mountain bike (or e-bike) and ride to the towering summits for some of the most unforgettable views you will ever see! Trentino is a dream for cyclists. In fact, the Giro d’Italia, Italy’s biggest cycling race, goes through the Dolomites.
The Val Gardena and its main village Ortisei, as well as the Cortina D’Ampezzo area, are ideal as a base for any season in the Italian Alps. Ortisei also offers non-hikers the chance to go up into the mountains via the Seceda Cable Car and the Alpe di Siusi/Seisler Alm Cable Car. Both are easily walkable from the heart of Ortisei and whisk riders up to mountain restaurants and hiking trails. Regardless of your plan at the top, the views are epic and shouldn’t be missed!
If you’re planning to visit Trentino in winter, there’s nothing better than skiing in the Dolomites for endless winter thrills! Ski resorts dot the area from Ortisei to Cortina, catering to a range of ability levels. After descending the mountain slopes on skis or by snowboard, take a break in a cozy alpine hut for a traditional meal.
Non-skiers can enjoy winter activities like fat biking, snowshoeing, and sledding all while still experiencing the incredible mountain vistas.
2. Trentino’s Lakes and Valleys
Trentino’s spectacular mountain landscape offers much more than peaks and slopes. Grassy meadows awash in white, purple, and yellow wildflowers and alpine lakes are everywhere in the Trentino region, and are among the top things to see and experience in the Dolomites!
Trentino’s territory includes an array of 297 gorgeous lakes in every shade of blue and green you can imagine.
The most well-known is Lago di Garda, or Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest lake. The northern tip of Lake Garda is in Trentino-Alto Adige, while the rest is split between Lombardy and the Veneto region.
Lake Garda is a popular destination for water sports lovers! If you’re into sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, or even cycling and hiking, you’ll have a blast visiting Lake Garda’s shores in the summertime. Lake Garda is also home to beautiful towns along its shores where you’ll find lakeside beaches, stunning castles, and hidden-gem historical sites.
Two other renowned lakes in the region are Lake Ledro, legendary for its crystal-clear waters and prehistoric stilt dwellings, and Lake Molveno, right next to the Brenta Dolomites, which has been been awarded the title of the most beautiful lake in Italy several times.
Lake Braies (Lago di Braies or Pragser Wildsee in German) is further north in the South Tyrol (Alto Adige) area. The lake’s pristine aquamarine water and surrounding mountain peaks have made it Insta-famous.
Besides lakes, Trentino has plenty of peaceful, postcard-perfect valleys and expansive pastures to explore. Val Gardena is one of the most popular valleys in the region. In the Val Gardena, you can enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities, relax in the silence of nature, and discover little villages where the local communities embrace their ancient heritage. From the town of Ortisei, ride the funicular up to Alpe di Siusi/Seisler Alm to see Europe’s largest Alpine meadow.
Another amazing valley to check out is the Val di Sole, where you can hike in the incredible Stelvio National Park. The Noce River, revered for its thrilling white water rafting, flows through the national park.
Val di Non is a valley located northwest of the city of Trento. It’s often overlooked by travelers in favor of the Val Gardena. But for those who do travel this way, gorgeous vistas and tiny towns await, all away from the well-trodden tourist path. There are so many things to uncover in the Val di Non including the beautiful Lake Santa Giustina, castles from a bygone era, caves, and canyons.
3. Historic Medieval Castles
Trentino has a fascinating history dating back to well before the Roman Empire. In fact, the Parco Archeo Natura di Fiave is just one of the 19 places in Italy where you can see prehistoric dwellings recognized by UNESCO.
However, today, much of the visible surviving history can be explored through the region’s historic castles and forts.
The largest castle is Castello del Buonconsiglio, where the prince-bishops of Trento lived from the 13th to the 18th centuries. This castle became the symbol of Trento and is a must-see while in the area.
One of the most famous castles in Trentino is Castel Thun, beautifully located among the apple orchards in the Val di Non and once the home to a powerful noble family. The castle’s interior has been preserved and together with its architecture makes this castle a must-see whether you’re a history lover like me or are just giving your legs a break from the many incredible Dolomites hiking trails!
Another incredible castle is the 13th-century Castel Pergine, which is now a hotel where you can spend the night from the spring to the fall seasons. This castle is perched high atop a hill with views of the Dolomites and once belonged to Austrian nobles. This ancient manor is also said to be haunted by a ghost! If you’re brave, spend the night to see if the lady in white appears!
The Castello di Rovereto is a medieval castle fortress built in the 14th century. Today, the castle houses the Italian War History Museum but you can still admire the castle’s impressive defense towers and walls.
Lastly, Castel Roncolo, or Runkelstein Castle, is near Bolzano sitting atop a rocky outcropping that overlooks the Val Sarentino and some of the region’s vineyards. The castle is a fantastic representation of life in the Middle Ages! Through the stories depicted in the castle’s frescos, visitors can learn all about courtly life. If you’re up for a hike, there’s a trail from Bolzano called the Oswald Promenade (Passeggiata Sant’Osvaldo) that leads you through the gorgeous landscape to the castle in less than an hour.
4. Trentino-Alto Adige’s Gorgeous Cities, Towns, and Villages
There are many beautiful towns in Trentino-Alto Adige to discover! Trento and Bolzano are the region’s major cities. However, there are many small towns and villages to enjoy as you explore the region.
There are so many things to do in Trento, the capital of Trento Province. Known as the painted city because of the frescoes that adorn many buildings, the city is a can’t-miss!
Start in the historic city center, Piazza del Duomo, with a visit to the 11th-century San Vigilio Cathedral (Duomo di Trento) and to see the sculpted Neptune Fountain. The historic Buonconsiglio Castle is also within walking distance from the city center.
Bolzano is the provincial capital of the South Tyrol/Alto Adige area. The city is a reflection of the region’s German influence blended with the Italian culture and traditions, along with plenty of history to uncover and beautiful landscapes to gush over!
Visit Bolzano’s duomo just near the city’s central square, Piazza Walther. Also, don’t miss the chance to visit Otzi, the Ice Man! He’s a glacier mummy of a man who lived in the Alps over 5,000 years ago and was discovered preserved in the ice. He’s now on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano. If you’re in Italy at Christmastime, head to Bolzano for one of Italy’s best Christmas markets!
Ortisei is a picture-perfect town situated in the spectacular Val Gardena and surrounded by the Dolomite Mountains. It’s an ideal base for easily accessing the mountains above by riding the cable cars in the center of town. The Seceda cable car brings you nearly eye-to-eye with jaw-dropping mountain peaks and leaves you at the start of numerous trailheads. The Alpe di Siusi cable car whisks you up to the largest Alpine meadow in Europe, of course always with the mountains in sight!
If you’re visiting Ortisei during the holidays, you’ll find several Christmas markets and a festive atmosphere around the village.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most popular winter destinations in the world and is set to host the 2026 winter Olympics along with Milan. Cortina has a gorgeous mountain panorama and all types of winter sports thanks to the surrounding Dolomite peaks. The city boasts luxury hotels, haute-couture boutiques, and if you’re lucky, celebrity sightings!
Rovereto is a lesser-known city northern Italian city, south of Trento but well worth a visit! It’s known for its art and history museums, including the Italian War History Museum in Rovereto Castle. Be sure to stroll Rovereto’s historic center, too. The art and architecture throughout the city are stunning!
Outside of these main cities and towns, you’ll inevitably stumble upon one adorable alpine village after another, from Santa Cristina to Castelrotto to Riva del Garda along Lake Garda’s northern shores. A Dolomites road trip is a great way to search them out!
5. Trentino-South Tyrol Museums
Trentino-Alto Adige is rooted in art, history, and culture.
The city of Trento is one of the best cities to discover Trentino’s past but also world-class art and science exhibitions. Visit the MUSE, designed by famous architect Renzo Piano, to learn all about science and nature. If you’re into religious art, stop at the Museo Diocesano, housed in the gorgeous Palazzo Pretorio.
In Rovereto, the MART is a museum of contemporary and modern art. It houses a large permanent collection of futurist artworks and 20th-century artists like De Chirico and Fontana. And as mentioned above, don’t miss the opportunity to see and learn about Otzi the glacier mummy at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano.
The Arte Sella Museum in Valsugana has a special area that will lead you to the woods, where an open-air museum displays a contemporary art collection made from natural elements.
For something truly unique to the region, the Fassa Ladin Museum in Vigo di Fassa tells the story of the Ladin people from pre-historic times until now. This ethnic group in northern Italy speaks a native language called Ladin and has their own culture and traditions. Since they are only found in this region along the Italian-Austrian border, you can only learn about them here in Trentino-Alto Adige!
6. Trentino’s Food and Wine
Every Italian region has its traditional cuisine, and Trentino-Alto Adige’s dishes are uniquely a mixture of Austrian and Italian influences. Specialties have distinct Alpine flavors, making them dishes hearty and delicious.
A local product is speck, a type of salt-cured pork, which is a prominent ingredient in many local dishes. The gnocchi with butter, herbs, and greens like I had at a restaurant in Ortisei was delicious, as were the half-moon-shaped spinach and ricotta ravioli!
A popular local dish you should try is Canederli Trentini, bread dumplings mixed with speck, cheese, and spinach. Polenta is another common dish you’ll find everywhere in Trentino. It’s versatile, cozy mountain food that can be served with meat and mushrooms. Another must-try if you eat meat is deer carpaccio, usually served as an appetizer.
The high altitude and Trentino’s fertile soil are the perfect combination for producing exceptional white wines, in particular. Trentodoc is a sparkling wine similar to Prosecco, which will be your drink of choice while in the region, I am sure!
Is Trentino Worth Visiting?
Yes! Trentino-Alto Adige (or Trentino-South Tyrol) is one of the most beautiful regions in the north of Italy and deserves your consideration when planning northern Italy travel!
The Dolomites will take your breath away with their majestic beauty! Along with the outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and winter sports that the mountains provide, the grassy fertile valleys, aquamarine lakes, art and history-rich towns, century-old castles, amazing food, and a unique blend of regional customs will make your time in Trentino like nowhere else in Italy.
So, what questions do you have about the Trentino Alto Adige region?
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