Camping in South Tyrol

Camping South Tyrol: charming valleys, imposing peaks

An unusually large number of stars twinkle above the campsites in South Tyrol. The density of facilities in Italy's northernmost province is not comparable to the classic holiday regions by the sea. However, the standard of the campsites is particularly high almost everywhere. Whether as a conveniently located starting point for a variety of sporting activities or as a cosy place to relax and do nothing: campers will find their ideal pitch when camping in South Tyrol. By the lake, in a quiet valley or near a town, with a sports programme and guided hikes, particularly child-friendly or perfectly equipped for camping with a dog - the choice is yours. Impressive nature and warm hospitality are part of the package anyway.

Our recommendations in South Tyrol include Camping Antholz, Caravanpark Sexten, Camping Residence Sägemühle, Waldcamping Naturns and Luxury Camping Schlosshof Resort. They impress with their impressive location and comprehensive facilities. Modern sanitary buildings with baby changing facilities, a playground for children and idyllic pitches are a matter of course at these campsites. Just like the view of imposing peaks, the flair of charming valleys and the special atmosphere of towns such as Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone or Brunico. And not to forget: There are many good culinary reasons in favour of a stay in Italy.

Typical South Tyrol: camping for sports enthusiasts in the Dolomites

With their rugged rock faces that glow a soft pink in the evening sun, giving rise to all kinds of legends, the Dolomites are one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world. The mountains, which the Swiss architect Le Corbusier described as "the most beautiful architectural work of art", have always been a favourite destination in the Alps for mountaineers and explorers alike. If they are a little too high and rugged for you, stay on the broad valley floors and expansive "alpine pastures" and enjoy the fascinating view from a respectful distance - whatever the season. Langkofel, Zwölferkofel, Sellastock, Peitlerkofel and Drei Zinnen are the most famous peaks of the rock massif, which you can approach, for example, by taking a detour via the Val Müstair in Graubünden.

Over a dozen well-equipped campsites are located directly in the Dolomites, including in Dobbiaco, Sesto, Alta Badia and Val Gardena, which is famous for wood carving and ski racing and was also the birthplace of one of South Tyrol's most famous sons, alpinist and mountain film maker Louis Trenker. By the way, even the Dolomites are flat. This is where the scenic Drau cycle path begins, which leads from the source of the Drau near Dobbiaco across to East Tyrol and on to Slovenia via Carinthia.

Camping in the Vinschgau Valley and the Merano region

The region is particularly attractive in spring, when the snow-covered mountain peaks form the backdrop to the blossoming sea of apple orchards in Val Venosta/Vinschgau. Hike from village to village on the "Waalwege" (irrigation channels) along the old irrigation system. Marvel at "Italy's most beautiful garden" at Trauttmannsdorff Castle, the former holiday home of Empress Elisabeth, with 190,000 tulips, rhododendrons more than 100 years old, Merano palms and fragrant citrus trees. Or stroll through the "Seven Gardens" of the Kränzelhof with their hedge labyrinths. Along the River Adige, which has its source at the Resia Pass very close to Switzerland and is accompanied by the old Roman road Via Claudia Augusta, lies Merano with its arcades in the old town, the thermal baths with mountain views and the beautiful weekly market where local farmers offer their produce. Lana is the centre of apple growing and has a very service-oriented campsite, for example with butler service and its own campsite newspaper. In Laas, at the foot of the Ortler group, not only is Europe's purest marble quarried, but the finest apricots also grow in the special mountain climate. Both are celebrated in August under the motto "Marble and apricots". Or the charming town of Glurns with its town houses and arcades. With just under 900 inhabitants, it is by all accounts the smallest town in Italy. Glurns has had town privileges since 1304 and to this day all the inhabitants live within the completely preserved town walls. Whether you stay in the wide valley basin or are drawn to the mountains: South Tyrol offers many discoveries and campsites with a wide range of facilities for enterprising campers, from dog showers to comfortable mobile homes or other rental accommodation. The many high-altitude villages and side valleys such as Schenna, Hafling, Meran 2000, Ultental or Passeiertal also invite you to discover them away from the tourist crowds. Go in search of traces of the glacier mummy Ötzi in the Schnalstal Valley or, after a short walk via Vöran, lean back in the chestnut wood armchairs in the Knottnkino cinema, which has been inviting you to relax and enjoy the view of the mountains since 2000.

South Tyrol's wine route: camping with a pleasure factor

The countryside widens out near Bolzano. With its idyllic squares and narrow alleyways, the arcades and the sparkling mix of tradition and modernity, the provincial capital is definitely worth a visit. If you have time, take the cable car or the nostalgic Rittner narrow-gauge railway directly from the city up to the city's local mountain, the Ritten. A plateau with a marvellous view awaits you there. Head south to the famous wine villages. 16 villages and 74 wineries are lined up along the South Tyrolean Wine Route, which begins in Nals and winds its way 150 kilometres to Salurn. Local grape varieties such as Gewürztraminer, Vernatsch and Lagrein are cultivated here and often turned into award-winning wines by dedicated winegrowers. Wine trails, wine bike routes and guided tours introduce holidaymakers to this traditional drink.

One of the best-known locations is Kaltern, a pretty village surrounded by vineyards and, thanks to Lake Kaltern - which, contrary to what its name suggests, is one of the warmest lakes in the Alps - is also very popular with campers with children.

Camping in South Tyrol: a good idea all year round

When is the best time to set off for South Tyrol with a caravan or motorhome? All year round, actually. In spring, when it is still frosty and grey north of the Alps, life in the southern valleys is already moving outside. Flowers bloom in the parks. The apple orchards in Merano and Environs resemble a sea of white and pale pink. Now is the ideal time to combine spring skiing with a stroll through the town and savour the first real Italian gelato of the season. In the

In the summer months, South Tyrol's mountains and valleys are pleasant retreats from the heat in the south. Classic summer holidays are the order of the day here, before autumn with its mild days and new wine provides the best reasons for a visit to South Tyrol. Then campers can enjoy the short distances from Törggelen to camp or, thanks to the relatively stable weather, cycle along the new beer cycle path, which leads past historical sites and young craft beer brewers. Whichever drink you choose, Keschtn, roasted chestnuts, are a must.

Winter in the mountains is cold, but camping guests will also find the perfect infrastructure in South Tyrol. Especially in the Dolomites there are places for winter camping. Here, skiers, cross-country skiers and winter hikers are in the front row to start their snow fun right outside the door. Many campsites in South Tyrol offer relaxation with modern spa and wellness facilities that will keep campers cosy and warm even on the iciest of days.