Trentino Alto Adige Things to Do

Trentino Alto Adige Things to do Travel Guide

Due to the strong presence of the presence of different culture, little towns, and secluded places in this region there are hundreds of folklorist and cultural events every year. Even if food is a thing in this region, there are not so many food festivals like in the other region of Italy, but there are a lot of folklorist events related with carnivals, medieval parades, seasons, nature, and livestock. Confirming the unique cultural heritage of this region which is a world apart from the rest of the other regions.

Festival & Events

• Christmas Markets Bolzano, Merano,, Bressanone, Brunico, Castelrotto – In many valleys and villages of the Trentino Alto Adige, large and small Christmas Markets take place from November until January. The Christmas markets of Trento, Bolzano, Rovereto, Merano, Brunico, Castelrotto, and Bressanone, offer everything the heart desires, but also at the Christmas markets of Levico, Pergine, and Arco you can stroll through the alleys with the wooden huts and enjoy the magic of this special period.
• San Candido, January Ice Sculpture Festival – Every January, the villages of San Candido and San Vigilio in the Val Pusteria host an international snow sculptures festival, where artists from all over the world create most beautiful sculptures from fresh snow blocks. Apart from some tools, the sculptors can use only water, which ices immediately because of the freezing winter temperatures in the area.
• Riva del Garda – Fairy Tale Night – There is in August a summer night where Riva Del Garda dresses in colored costumes to celebrate a fable (they choose every year a new one to represent) that continues since decennia. The sky, the mountains, the lake, the streets and the people light up: they repeat the fairy tale in an environment so beautiful that it will exceed the original fantasy. Four days in Riva del Garda with music, plays, market, tales, theatre, and fireworks on the last night.

Outdoor Activities (Sport Activities)

• Stelvio National Park – Thick woods of conifers, crystal-clear torrents and lakes and pure white snowfields characterize the enchanting scenery, extending from its valleys to its Alpine peaks, of the Stelvio National Park. Vast panoramas where red deer, ibexes, chamois, and roe find unspoiled spaces to live in, while in the clear blue sky hovers the majestic royal eagle. In every season the Rabbi and Pejo Valleys offer unforgettable colors: the silent white of winter, the gentle green of spring, the warm blue of summer and the ancient red of the autumn leaves. A unique walking experience for all mountain enthusiasts.
• Skiing and Snow Activities – Val Gardena (Gruppo del Sella, Alpe di Siusi, Alta Badia e il Plan de Corones, Canazei, Moena) and Madonna di Campiglio – So Skiing in Trentino Alto Adige is like drinking water, it’s easy, and with an incomparable amount of choices for all the lovers of snows. The resorts, the slopes, the facilities, and the services, are considered top notch in all Europe and in the world, in fact, many of the most important winter sports competitions take place regularly in this region.
• Lake Carezza – Located in the western Dolomites this small lake is an incredible photo opportunity where Mt. Catinaccio and the Latemar group are reflected. Positioned, in the upper Val d’Ega, only 6 km from Nova Levante, Lake Carezze is an emerald green mountain lake. Due to its impressive colors, in the Ladin language, it is called “Let de Ergobando” (Rainbow Lake).But its colors are not the only reason for this special name. According to legends, once upon a time, there was a mermaid living in the lake, which wizard Masaré was in love with. In order to seduce her, the witch Lanwerda advised him to dress up as a jewel merchant and throw a rainbow from Mt Catinaccio to Mt Latemar. That is what he did, but he forgot to dress up. So the beautiful mermaid detected him and forever disappeared in Lake Carezza. The wizard was angry and threw all the pieces of the rainbow as well as the jewels into the waters. That’s why it still features rainbow colors.
• Walk/Hike/Bike through the Alpe di Siusi – Alpe di Siusi (or Seiser Alm in German) is an ideal holiday resort for skiers, cross-country skiers, and snowboarders alike. A cable railway will bring you to the winter paradise of Siusi. Those who prefer a rather relaxing kind of holidays can look forward to numerous walking and hiking paths. And what about a comfy trip on a horse-drawn carriage across sparkling white pastures and meadows. In summer, you can enjoy a beautiful scenery, characterized by rich green meadows, majestic rocks, mountain lakes and traditional inns and huts. Countless hiking paths and romantic excursions from hut to hut and up to mighty mountain peaks are waiting for you; a great panoramic view will be the reward.

Shopping Activities (Fashion and Handicraft)

• Markets – Markets are a constant presence in every town of Trentino Alto Adige. From the traditional general markets, one or two times per week, to the antiques or artistic markets, this region offers several opportunities to shop locally. One major example is in Trento, every Saturday, Piazza Garzetti Open to everybody, this unique market allows people to exchange used and antique objects as well as artistic works, a great place for collectors.
• Handicrafts – There are several examples throughout the region of unique craftsmanship. Woodworks are a staple in the culture of this region from the incredible detailed native scenes of Val Gardena to the cuckoo clocks of Val Zoldana, there are hundreds of workshops capable to create almost everything from the different type of woods like pine, hickory, cherry wood, and several others. Another unique product of this region is the majolica stoves. Also called Olle, these stoves are a must in every house of Trentino Alto Adige not only as a protection from the cold temperatures but mainly as a cultural piece of internal design.

Indoor Activities

• Castles – Visit the Castles spread all over the region is an experience not only for the amazing buildings and structures perched on hills or peaks, but also to often enjoy some privileged perspectives on mountains, valleys, and towns. Some of the most famous and unforgettable castles of the region are Castel Pietra, Castel di Appiano, or Castel Campo.

Solo Activities

• La città del Passirio and le Terme di Merano are two wonderful spots for relaxation and stress relief surrounded by amazing alpine views. These thermal resorts, spas, and facilities grant to their visitor a unique relaxing experience. Other important thermal centers are Levico Terme, Vetriolo Terme, Roncegno, Pejo, Rabbi.

Family Activities

• Lago di Garda – Lake Garda covers an area of 370 km², a length of 52 km and a depth of up to 350 m. Only the most northern part with the villages Nago, Torbole and Riva del Garda, however, belong to the Trentino region. A lovely promenade actually connects the villages and invites for relaxing walks along the sunny northern shore of Lake Garda, where one can find a sort of microclimate similar to the Mediterranean. From the very first moment, you will feel the Mediterranean atmosphere gently mingling with the fresh Alpine climate. Because here you are in between high mountains (some of them reach altitudes of more than 2,000 m) and nevertheless there are colorful olive and lemon trees growing all over the area. This is also the reason why this part of Lake Garda is so popular with hikers, climbers and mountain bikers alike.

Moreover, it is also the perfect venue for windsurfers and sailors. Ideal wind strengths and conditions render the northern part of Lake Garda a true paradise for them.

Group / Private Activities

• Brunico and Corvara – Among the unique and peculiar towns of Trentino Alto Adige Corvara and Brunico are the best examples as a mix of traditions, services, outstanding hospitality, and wonderful scenic view. Brunico is known for its castle, for its markets, and an incredible hospitality. Corvara is one of those towns like Madonna di Campiglio where luxury, hospitality, traditions, and folklore mix together for an incredible experience.

Trento, Bolzano, and Merano – These are the three big cities to visit in Trentino Alto Adige. They offer everything and are able to touch any cultural and folkloristic side of this region. Trento is the capital of the region and it is famous for its architecture, Piazza del Duomo, and the Castello del Buonconsiglio. Bolzano considered the door to the Dolomites, this city is incredibly attractive with its two fascinating squares Piazza Walther and Piazza Delle Erbe. Merano is a thermal city with a picturesque historic center with a romantic portico and narrow streets.

Unique Experiences

• Dolomites – The Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, are characterized by rugged and bizarre rock formations and can harken back on a 200-million-year long history. The world- famous mountain group of the Dolomites belongs to the five Italian provinces South Tyrol, Trentino, Belluno (Veneto), Udine (Friuli Venezia Giulia) and Pordenone (Friuli Venezia Giulia).Bizarre rocks and majestic peaks characterize the Dolomites, also referred to as “Pale Mountains”. At sunset, they appear in a red light, which is an amazing natural spectacle.However, due to the beauty and special geology, which gives an insight into several different stages of the history of the earth, the Dolomite mountains have officially been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list on June 26, 2009. Another characteristic of this mountain group is the abrupt alternation of bizarre rocks and gentle meadows. Moreover, the Dolomites are perfect for alpine sports such as mountaineering and hiking. There are for instance ten different long-distance hiking trails snaking in this mountain group.
• Lago Di Resia – Lake Resia is the biggest lake of South Tyrol and an artificial reservoir, located at Curon Venosta in Val Venosta near Passo di Resia. Its striking landmark – a steeple towering from the lake – does not only individuate this lake but is in fact symbol of the entire valley and known beyond borders. Directly at the lakeshore, there are the villages of Curon Venosta and Resia as well as the hamlets of Casone and Spin. Up to the year 1950, there were three lakes in this area: Lake Resia, Lake Curon, and Lake San Valentino Alla Muta. When the reservoir was dammed after the construction of the dam wall (1947-1949), the locality of Curon Venosta, as well as much of Resia, were flooded and destroyed. The only remnant of old Curon is the steeple, which still towers out of the waters and is nowadays a historical landmark. There are several narrations and legends around this historical happening and the steeple. It is said that sometimes you can hear the bells ring from the depths of the lake.
• Visit Eremo di San Colombiano – This architectural wonder on a sheer cliff above the stream Leno. The hermitage is located in Trambileno, 3 kilometers far from Rovereto, and can be reached by climbing up a short path and a stairway of 102 steps carved into the rock. The hermitage of San Colombano is built halfway up a sheer cliff face of approximately 120 meters high. Sheltered by a roof of natural rock, it is dedicated to the saint who, according to legend, as a young knight killed the dragon that caused the death of children baptized in the waters of the river Leno below. The Hermitage appears to have been inhabited since 753, the construction of the church and the annexed hermitage dates back to the tenth century. The opening of the hermitage to the public is managed by a group of volunteers from the Comitato Amici di San Colombano (Friends of Saint Columbanus Committee). The Hermitage is the starting point of the route “The treasures of Trambileno”.