© Andreas Mierswa
October 21, 2020
31 August 2022

SUMMER IN SOUTH TYROL: DISCOVER ALTA BADIA, MERANO AND THE SURROUNDINGS

It's no secret that we at Your Little Black Book are fans of the South Tyrol/Südtirol region in Italy. It's the northernmost region of the country and perhaps one of its best-kept secrets. A perfect destination for families, but also for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. What makes the region so special? South Tyrol boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and, surrounded by the impressive Dolomites, offers a unique blend of mountains and a Mediterranean feel. Did you know that the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The expansive valleys and vineyards are a beautiful area for cycling and hiking. Culture enthusiasts can indulge in one of the many museums, such as the famous South Tyrol Archaeological Museum in Bolzano/Bozen. The region's trilingualism is deeply ingrained in its culture, and you'll notice this in everything you visit. And of course, in the food! The region is known for its apples, wine, and smoked ham. I've rarely had such a delicious meal as when I was in Alta Badia a few years ago. The delicious pasta (like spinach dumplings) and apple strudel are a must-try! I can't wait to return to South Tyrol, even if only to tour the 20 Michelin-starred restaurants that together hold 25 stars.

South Tyrol/Südtirol

Discover in this travel guide how special South Tyrol/Südtirol is and explore Alta Badia, Merano and the surrounding area.

alta badia hiking

© Alex Moling – hiking in Alta Badia

Alta Badia travel guide

Completely surrounded by the Dolomites, Alta Badia lies in the southern part of the Gadertal valley. Anyone looking for the perfect combination of outdoor activities and food should definitely visit Alta Badia!

OUTDOOR: Hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, or just relaxing and enjoying the view? In Alta Badia, it's all possible! A beautiful climb, for example, is the trip to the Sas dla Crusc. Not for beginners, but the hike is rewarded with spectacular views. Feeling a taste for it? Then join the 4 Peaks Challenge and also climb the Sas dla Crusc, Piza dales Diesc, Lavarela, and the Conturines. Or go for a hike and choose a route through the beautiful Puez-Odle Nature Park. Cycling enthusiasts can explore numerous beautiful routes. Interested in giving it a try but don't have any experience cycling on mountain roads? Then e-bikes might be just what you're looking for.

FOOD: Alta Badia is known as the gastronomic heart of the region. During your trip, sample typical Ladin cuisine with simple dishes made with local ingredients. There are numerous gastronomy farms where you can dine. If you get the chance, be sure to try the "Knüdel dag," a traditional dish typical of Alta Badia, best described as potato doughnuts. Alta Badia also boasts no fewer than four Michelin stars: St. Hubertus*** at the Hotel Rosa Alpina in San Ciasciano/San Cassiano, where ethics and proximity to nature play a major role. And Restaurant La Stüa de Michil* at Hotel La Perla in Corvara. A must-see event in summer is the annual Peaks of Gastronomy, with various culinary events at different locations.

© Ladin Cuisine – Alex Moling

CULTURE: Don't be surprised if someone greets you on the street with "Bun de, bëgnodü." Ladin is one of the oldest languages ​​still spoken in the Alps, and locals still learn it in school. Want to learn more about Ladin culture? Visit one of the two Ladin Museum locations. It's also fun with kids, as one of the museums is entirely dedicated to the cave bear that once lived there.

Want to know more about Alta Badia? Click here to explore the region further >>

© Merano/Meran – Alex Filz

Merano and its surroundings – Schenna Travel Guide

Green and with a wonderfully mild climate: in Merano/Meran, you'll experience the Mediterranean flair of the region at its finest. It's the perfect destination to combine an active day with relaxation.

FOOD: In the mountains around Schenna, you'll find not only alpine meadows and fresh mountain air, but also excellent places to stop for refreshments. Hungry guests are treated to regional specialties on the sunny terraces of huts and mountain inns. Believe it or not, the food tastes particularly good after a lovely hike. Just like the four Michelin-starred restaurants you can visit in Merano and the surrounding area for an evening of fine dining.

CULTURE: When you arrive in Schenna, you'll see how diverse the area is. Here, north meets south, and you'll experience the Mediterranean and Alpine atmosphere all in one place. Medieval buildings, Art Nouveau details, and modern architecture. You'll find it all here, for example, by visiting Schenna Castle or, after a walk along the Waalwege, refreshing your feet in the cold water and trying out the Kneipp course.

Schenna South Tyrol

Schenna

OUTDOORS: In Schenna, you'll find many beautiful hikes suitable for all levels, including families with small children and strollers! Beautiful areas with lovely walks for all levels. For example, hike the Höfeweg (farm trail) above Schenna. There, you'll walk past historic farmhouses and learn interesting facts about life and work on a mountain farm. The area is also recommended for cyclists, as you can enjoy various routes both in the valley and on the plateaus.

Want to know more about Schenna? Click here to explore the region further >>

© familyproof OberWaal hiking trail – IDM Frieder Blickle

 | HOW TO GET TO SOUTH TYROL/SÜDTIROL: Travel by (night) train via Innsbruck and the Brenner Pass to Bolzano/Bozen in South Tyrol/Südtirol in just under four hours. By plane, the best way to reach South Tyrol/Südtirol is via Innsbruck, Verona, or Venice airports, depending on your destination.

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𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A grandma's cookbook. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home. The Sühring brothers don't cook based on trends; they cook based on memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations. @relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care. This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception. Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly? 🍴 Labskaus with caviar 🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar 🍴 Game pâté 🍴 Dry-aged Duck TIP: When you go to Sühring, reserve seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work! Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux In this reels, I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the best free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself at various locations in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can make it, we’ll go again. 📍In this video, I show you where you can fill your bucket. Comment *oester* for the comprehensive guide with all the details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules. Important to know: – Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket) – For personal use only – Do not scoop or scrape the seabed – Go at low tide Handy things to bring: Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes, and garbage bags (for the oysters *and* dirty clothes). And of course: bring an oyster knife, lemon, and champagne too 🍋🥂 Because you’ll want to taste something right away, won’t you! The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing. In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them, without much effort. Comment oyster and I'll send it to you right away! Who do you want to go oyster gathering with soon? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up. 📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it) 📍 Rijksmuseum 📍 Fruit Garden of West 📍 Westerpark 📍 Jozef Israëlskade 📍 WG site 📍 Nelson Mandelapark 📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen 📍Amstelpark By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment. I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck _______________________________________________ 🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
3 x home that has the ultimate green space. Not too big, everything within walking distance, but plenty of nice hotspots!! These services (and what clothing) are in the Netherlands 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲! I have massive spring fever, so it's time for a mini-escape: everything is within walking distance, there are lovely coffee shops, boutiques for shopping, and enough gems to discover in 48 hours ✨ Which city is at the top of your list for a spring getaway? Let me know in the comments & save for your next girls' trip. 🖤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your sign to plan your next weekend brunch with friends in Amsterdam 👀 @ottolenghi_amsterdam is officially open and the new go-to hotspot for flavors of the Levant. Open from breakfast to dinner and I can't wait to go back for a lazy weekend brunch with a table full of dishes and good conversations. Save this one to your Amsterdam Little Black Book 📓! 🖊️ @anne_de_buck ____________________________ Ottolenghi Amsterdam is a new all-day restaurant near Museum Square by chef and entrepreneur @ottolenghi in @mo_hotels @conservatoriumhotel.

Do you have any other great tips for South Tyrol, Italy? Let me know via the "Tip the editors" button. I always love hearing your personal favorites!

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With love,

Anne 

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