Italy is an incredibly diverse country. With the Alps to the north and the Mediterranean to the south, there is a lot for travelers to explore. The Alpine region is particularly beautiful to look at and is definitely worth a visit for holidaymakers in Austria. The rugged mountain ranges are a stark contrast to the mountains in Austria and are perfect for hiking trips. You definitely shouldn't miss these five places in Northern Italy.
From Austria to Italy
The best way to Italy is via the Brenner motorway. This runs south from Innsbruck to the Italian border. You can find your corresponding vignette and toll fees at Toll fees.de pay. In any case, it is worth switching to a digital version. All you need to do is enter your license plate number online and you can drive off. There is no longer any need to stick the vignette.
1. Bolzano
South Tyrol has a breathtaking landscape to offer. The Dolomites show unique rock formations that cannot be found anywhere else. The city of Bolzano is only a few kilometers from the border with Austria, but impressively shows how different life is in Italy. A mix of the Alps in the north and the Mediterranean in the south can already be seen here. You definitely shouldn't miss a visit to Bolzano. It's the perfect gateway to Italy and has a lot of variety to offer.
This is what you can experience in Bolzano:
- delicious culinary highlights
- great hiking trails
- Explore vineyards
- Visit castles and fortresses
2. Lake Garda
Located right on the border of the Alps Lake Garda formed and is probably one of the most important holiday areas for Italy. The beaches offer an incredible panorama of the Alps. This means you can enjoy every summer holiday. But you should also plan a trip to the surrounding towns, including Desenzano del Garda at the southern tip of the lake. The city is a true holiday dream and gives you a Mediterranean feeling.
All beaches around Lake Garda are always well-maintained and family-friendly. There are also some resorts and campsites to be found. If you want a little more action, you should take a detour to Gardaland. This amusement park offers a lot of fun for young and old.
3. Texel Group Nature Park and Ötztal Alps
The region right on the border with Austria offers a lot of opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. What particularly stands out here is this Texel Group Nature Park, which is located in the Ötztal Alps. The landscapes you can admire here can hardly be compared with other parts of the Alps. Every year thousands of hikers head to the mountains to marvel at the true beauty of nature.
In addition to the landscape, you can also find a wide variety of flora and fauna here. Hikes with children or seniors are also possible; there is a large selection of different routes through the nature park. If you want to find out more about nature, you should ask a tour guide. They always help out and bring you closer to the nature park. The highest peak is the Roteck with a height of 3337 meters.
4. Trent
Trento can be found further south of Bolzano and is a true insider tip among the cities of northern Italy. It is often forgotten, even though it has a lot to offer. The city is rich in cultural and wonderful buildings that serve as photo opportunities. History fans in particular should take a detour to Trento, stroll through the old town and visit one of the many museums. Many of the buildings date from the Renaissance and Gothic periods.
5. Venice
The city of Venice is probably known to everyone and is only around two hours south of Austria. Anyone who has fought their way through the Alps will find a unique city here. The many canals are perfect for a gondola ride, and the great buildings can be easily photographed from any angle.
In total, Venice consists of 117 different small islands, all connected by bridges. Simply strolling through the city's alleys and sitting down in one of the many cafés is an experience unlike any other city in the world. In earlier times, Venice was an important trading center and offered direct access to the Mediterranean. That's why it still has such an important position today. The influence of the Romans can still be found in architecture today.
Conclusion
Northern Italy is perfect for a vacation. Whether you prefer hiking, visiting cities or relaxing by the lake, you'll find absolutely the right vacation spot for you. In addition to the capital Rome, the country has so much to offer, and the Alpine region in particular is often underestimated.
Last updated: 06.11.2023
