Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy: A One-Week Itinerary

A destination that’s as compelling in winter as in summer is rare, but the alpine Trentino-Alto Adige region in northeast Italy bordering Switzerland and Austria fits the bill. This area nestled within the majestic Dolomite Alps is a haven for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. June through August it’s ideal for avid hikers, bikers, mountain climbers and adventure-seekers. Not that interested in strenuous activities? The charming Tyrolean towns, medieval castles, top-notch wineries and placid lakes provide relaxing alternatives.

As the name suggests, Trentino-Alto Adige is split into two provinces:

• Trentino – This southern district is mostly Italian speaking and encompasses the towns of Trento, Rovereto, Madonna di Campiglio and Riva del Garda

• Südtirol or South Tyrol – The northern province of Alto Adige includes Bolzano, Bressanone and Merano

• Italy only recently annexed South Tyrol in 1919. It was previously part of Austria-Hungary, hence the prevalence of German speakers and traditional Heidi-like costumes frequently worn

Getting There

From the US

There are no direct flights from the US into Bolzano Airport, the hub of the territory, but you can connect through Rome or Milan. Many travelers opt for a train into Trentino-Alto Adige from Italy, Switzerland or Austria, then a regional coach to their final destination

Trentino-Alto Adige is small and fairly easily navigable via train or bus. The primary artery, Brenner Pass Road, runs from Austria south through the main towns of Bolzano and Trento and onto Verona. This thoroughfare and smaller routes can get quite busy during ski season, with dangerous conditions possible. Renting a car is not advisable without fantastic directions, as the alpine roads are tricky and stopping at a tiny village along the way for information may prove frustrating without knowledge of German or Italian.

Eschewing the cold but keyed up for pursuits such as hiking, white water rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and tennis, I am creating a summer itinerary for this region.