South Tyrol is special. We have the most beautiful mountains in the world and a unique natural landscape. Here you'll find alpine perseverance and Italian ease. People who love traditions and are open to new things. Sometimes a little stubborn, mostly very warm-hearted. Why we are the way we are: we'll tell you about it here.
Inside South Tyrol
What makes South Tyrol tick?
History
A brief look back
To understand South Tyrol, you need to know its history.
From 1363, what is now South Tyrol belonged to the Austrian Habsburg Empire.
After the end of the First World War, the territory was annexed to Italy in 1919.
With the Fascists' seizure of power in Italy in 1922, a period of oppression and Italianisation began for the German-speaking population.
Today the Autonomy Statute protects the German and Ladin minorities in South Tyrol.
Whether German, Italian or Ladin mother tongue and culture: today we live well together in our land and enrich each other.
Our languages: Guten Tag, buongiorno, bun dé – and griaßti!
A small land, three official languages. South Tyrol's history means that people with different mother tongues and cultures live together here: about 70 % of the population speaks German, 26 % Italian and 4 % Ladin, mainly in the Dolomite valleys. And don't be surprised: you'll rarely hear standard German. Instead there are many dialects you won't understand straight away. But you get used to it.
Free time: out into nature or among people
Winter or summer, sunshine or drizzle: after work and at weekends we head outdoors. Up the mountain, down the slopes, to the lake or into the forest. For hiking, biking and swimming. For skiing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing. Most people always have weatherproof outdoor clothing to hand. No wonder, nature is right on the doorstep.
Food that tastes great
When Alpine and Mediterranean cuisine meet, the result is South Tyrolean cooking. Dumplings, Schlutzer and Kaiserschmarrn, pasta, pizza and tiramisu: we love our food. Traditional and down-to-earth like grandma's or creatively refined by top chefs.
Traditions: our customs
In South Tyrol we hold on to our traditions. A game of Watten and the afternoon snack, the Marende. The Sacred Heart fires, the many traditional costumes and the embroidered blue farmer's apron. We go to the harvest festival procession and the Krampus parade. These customs bring people together and tell of our roots.
Clubs and associations
South Tyrol has a colourful variety of clubs and associations: sports, culture, or perhaps the fire brigade or paramedics. There's sure to be something near you too.
Events: plenty going on
Sport, food or culture: South Tyrol has a full programme of events all year round. Curious? Take a look at what's going on here.