South Tyrol, officially the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol, is the northernmost province of Italy. Since 1972, South Tyrol has enjoyed comprehensive self-government rights and is referred to as an “autonomous province” or “province”. Approximately 530,000 inhabitants live on the approximately 7,400 km² of land south of the main Alpine ridge. Good
More than 65 percent of the country lies at an altitude of at least 1,500 m; 40 percent is under nature protection. There are seven nature parks and one national park, which we will present to you in detail here on our blog in the coming weeks. The nature parks of the Dolomites – Tre Cime, Fanes-Sennes-Braies, Puez-Odle and Sciliar-Rosengarten – are part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage. Geographically, they are located in a small area, but they differ considerably in terms of rock types, vegetation and fauna.
You can explore the different characteristics of the nature parks and the national park on protected hiking trails – with or without expert guidance. When doing so, please always take care not to disturb the sensitive balance of nature. In the nature park houses and at many information points you can deepen your knowledge and further sharpen your understanding of the unique South Tyrolean nature and landscape.
As warm as the Mediterranean
South Tyrol can boast an average of 300 days of sunshine. This puts us on a par with Gran Canaria, Mallorca or even Agadir in Morocco. Therefore, the vegetation also ranges from palm trees and vineyards in the sub-Mediterranean valleys to dense deciduous and coniferous forests up in the high alpine, partly glaciated areas.
The driest region is the Vinschgau, the rainiest the Tauferer Ahrntal. The highest mountain is the Ortler. With an altitude of 3,905 m, it is considered by mountaineers to be one of the most important summit destinations in the Eastern Alps. All routes to the summit are demanding high-altitude tours. The north face of the mountain is the largest ice wall in the Eastern Alps, but more and more rock is emerging.
Forest and agricultural land cover three-quarters of the land. Because the forests are often difficult to access, they are hardly used economically. South Tyrol’s forests are growing steadily.
What fascinates you most about the landscape of South Tyrol? Is it the enchanted forests, the breathtaking mountain panorama, the incredible mix of everything?
We will tell you more about the country and its people soon.
Warm greetings from
