Wintercamping in South Tyrol

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites as a panorama, savouring the variety of Alpine and Mediterranean cuisine during a break in a mountain hut and a snowy landscape that is second to none: Winter camping in South Tyrol is a pleasure for all the senses. And the province in the Alps is home to several of the best-rated campsites in Italy, which offer a comprehensive, sometimes extravagant service.

Winter camping in South Tyrol on luxurious pitches close to unique attractions

The Three Peaks in the eastern Sesto Alps are a striking landmark in South Tyrol and are popular with winter sports enthusiasts and romantics alike. You can also combine wellness and winter camping in South Tyrol at the Sesto Caravan Park. This is one of the best campsites in Europe, which is also due to the preferably underground bathing area. In addition to an indoor and outdoor pool and a whirlpool, there is also a Kneipp course and relaxation zones in front of the volcanic stone fireplace. There is also a beauty parlour and a massage parlour. Luxury tree houses are available for hire. The indoor climbing wall and a rustic play barn with trampoline and slackline are part of the multifaceted leisure programme.

South of the Ötztal Alps, the Texel Group and barely 5 kilometres from Merano, the Genießer- & Comfortcamping Schlosshof is an extravagant and service-orientated winter campsite in South Tyrol. Guided tours into the mountains are among the leisure options, as are the five bowling alleys, one of which is reserved for children. Massages are offered in the indoor and outdoor pools and the daily campsite newspaper provides information about the weather, news and events. In Prad am Stilfserjoch, winter camping in South Tyrol with a view of the 3,905 metre Ortler is a pleasure. The Sägemühle camping residence near the highest mountain in South Tyrol impresses with its family-friendly facilities, including an indoor pool with wellness facilities, WLAN and a very popular restaurant.

Top tips

• The provincial capital of Bolzano delights visitors with its idyllic Christmas market in the authentic old town, which creates a particularly atmospheric ambience. The most famous South Tyrolean can also be seen in the archaeological museum, as the glacier mummy known worldwide as Ötzi was brought here.
• If you decide to go winter camping in South Tyrol, Alta Badia is a sun-kissed valley at the centre of the Dolomiti Superski carousel. The Dolomiti Superski Card is available at the excellent campsites, which includes public transport and all the lifts belonging to the network. The Alta Badia can be easily reached by cable car, from where there are excellent winter hiking trails. The route to the Sella massif is particularly popular. And anyone passing Utia de Bioch should definitely take a break. This mountain hut is known for its first-class, multi-award-winning cuisine.

Activities and excursions

Whether you want your holiday to be sporty, romantic or simply relaxing: In South Tyrol, winter camping is possible for every taste.

Sunrise tour to the Cir peak for romantics and nature lovers

Tours up to the Cir peak start daily from the car park in front of the Gardena Pass. This striking rock formation between Val Gardena and Alta Badia offers hikers a fantastic view of the Dolomites thanks to its perfect location. The tour starts at night and takes around two hours to reach the Cir peak. Once there, the first rays of sunlight bathe the Dolomites in a soft light - a sight that participants will never forget.

Rides for experienced horse riders in the Sarntal Alps

North of Merano, the Gompm Alm at 1,800 metres above sea level is known for its food festivals with music and dancing. There are also several cycle paths nearby, which are suitable for family outings as well as for sporty mountain bikers. And the riding stables organise guided rides off the beaten track into the mountain valleys.

Fun and swimming at the Acquafun adventure pool

With its babbling mountain stream, easily visible children's pool and a modern, cosy sauna world, the Acquafun adventure pool is ideal for soaking up the warmth during your winter camping holiday in South Tyrol. And the glass panorama front of this indoor pool in San Candido allows you to enjoy the view of the Three Peaks while swimming.

Museum tour through South Tyrol with Reinhold Messner

The famous extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner has incorporated his mountaineering experiences and extreme routes into the Messner Mountain Museum, as well as the countless souvenirs from his travels. The result is a museum that has been divided into six locations. The head office is in Bolzano. The branches in the Vinschgau Valley are located in Juval, above the Schnalstal gorge and in Sulden am Ortler. Monte Rite is dominated by exhibits from the Dolomites. In the Puster Valley, in eastern South Tyrol, Bruneck Castle is home to a branch. The MMM-Corones at Kronplatz can be reached by cable car or on a hike.

Events

During winter camping in South Tyrol, Ladin traditions, sporting competitions and unique Advent events fill the calendar.

November

• Leonardiritt: In honour of Saint Leonhard, a large horse parade in traditional costume is held through Val Badia after Holy Mass, followed by a folk festival with dancing.

December

• Paisc da Nadé: Advent markets begin in every village in South Tyrol, except in San Cassiano. There, a complete Christmas village is set up with the Paisc da Nadé, where artisans show off their skills and offer extravagant gifts for the gift table.
• Ski World Cup with party: The giant slalom is held in La Villa, which traditionally begins with the drawing of the participants' starting numbers. This takes place as part of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup 2019 - Winter Wonderland Party, during which the sports stars also sign autographs.