Towns in South Tyrol – tips and information for your holiday
South Tyrol is home to charming towns with historic streets, lively squares and Mediterranean flair. Between alpine scenery and Italian lifestyle, these places combine culture, local cuisine and relaxed city experiences in a unique way.
Whether Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone or Brunico – the towns of South Tyrol are perfect for adding variety to a summer holiday.
Find more inspiration in our guide to summer in South Tyrol.
An overview of South Tyrol’s towns
Bolzano
Bolzano is the capital and largest town in South Tyrol. It combines alpine mountain scenery with Mediterranean atmosphere and is considered one of the liveliest places in the region. German and Italian culture meet here in a particularly visible way.
Popular attractions include the historic arcades, Walther Square and the Talvera Promenade. Cafés, museums, markets and small shops shape the town centre and make Bolzano a versatile destination for a day trip.
Key information:
- Location: Bolzano area
- Highlights: Walther Square, historic arcades, Ötzi Museum
- Special feature: blend of alpine and Italian culture
- Activities: city walks, markets, museums and cafés
- Best time: spring to autumn
Find more attractions in our guide to Bolzano and surroundings.
Merano
Merano is especially known for its palm trees and mild climate. The town combines Mediterranean flair with alpine surroundings and is one of South Tyrol’s most popular holiday destinations.
As a historic spa town, Merano attracted visitors from an early stage – even Empress Sisi spent several stays here. Particularly worth visiting are the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, the old town and the promenade along the Passer River.
Key information:
- Location: Burgraviato district
- Highlights: Merano Thermal Baths, promenades, Trauttmansdorff Castle
- Special feature: Mediterranean climate
- Activities: walks, cafés, markets and wellness
- Best time: spring to autumn
Find more travel tips in our guide to Merano and surroundings.
Bressanone
Bressanone is considered the oldest town in South Tyrol and is especially known for its historic centre. Small streets, cafés and Cathedral Square give the town a peaceful and distinctive atmosphere.
Its proximity to Mount Plose and Neustift Abbey makes Bressanone a versatile destination for travellers who want to combine culture, nature and relaxed city experiences.
Key information:
- Location: Valle Isarco
- Highlights: Cathedral Square, historic centre, Neustift Abbey
- Special feature: historic bishop’s town
- Activities: sightseeing, cafés, culture and walks
- Best time: spring to autumn
Brunico
Brunico is located in Val Pusteria and combines a small historic centre with easy access to mountains and nature. Visitors especially appreciate its historic streets, small shops and nearby hiking areas.
The town also offers cultural attractions such as the Brunico Town Museum and the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary. In October, the traditional Stegen Market, one of South Tyrol’s oldest fairs, also takes place here.
Brunico is an excellent base for excursions around Kronplatz.
Key information:
- Location: Val Pusteria
- Highlights: Kronplatz, Brunico Castle and the old town
- Special feature: combination of town and nature
- Activities: city walks, hiking and museums
- Best time: summer and autumn
Vipiteno
Vipiteno is the northernmost town in Italy and is especially famous for its historic centre. Colourful houses, small squares and the Zwölferturm tower shape the townscape.
This medieval town is ideal for peaceful day trips, relaxed walks and exploring a historic atmosphere.
Key information:
- Location: Wipptal Valley
- Highlights: Zwölferturm tower, old town and historic houses
- Special feature: medieval small town
- Activities: walks, cafés and shopping
- Best time: spring to autumn
Chiusa
Chiusa is one of South Tyrol’s smaller towns and is especially known for its historic centre and artistic atmosphere. Narrow streets, colourful houses and small cafés create a unique character.
One of the town’s most distinctive landmarks is its narrowest house, dating back to the 13th century. Above Chiusa lies Säben Monastery, one of the best-known landmarks in Valle Isarco, which can be reached via hiking trails.
Key information:
- Location: Valle Isarco
- Highlights: Säben Monastery, historic centre and narrow streets
- Special feature: artists’ town with historic flair
- Activities: walks, cafés, culture and hiking
- Best time: spring to autumn
Glorenza
Glorenza is considered the smallest town in South Tyrol and is especially known for its fully preserved town walls. This fortified medieval structure remains one of the town’s most distinctive features and still gives the historic centre a unique atmosphere today.
Arcades, narrow streets and historic town gates make Glorenza a peaceful destination for travellers interested in culture and photography. At the beginning of November, the traditional “Sealamorkt” market takes place here every year around All Souls’ Day.
Key information:
- Location: Val Venosta
- Highlights: town walls, historic centre, arcades and town gates
- Special feature: smallest town in South Tyrol with fully preserved fortifications
- Activities: walks, culture, photography and markets
- Best time: spring to autumn
Culinary experiences and markets in South Tyrol’s towns
Many towns in South Tyrol are also known for regional specialities and traditional markets. Between cafés, small restaurants and weekly markets, South Tyrolean and Italian influences blend naturally together.
Especially in towns such as Bolzano and Merano, markets, wine and regional products are an essential part of daily life.
Find more inspiration in our guide to food and wine in South Tyrol.
Frequently asked questions about towns in South Tyrol
1. Which towns should you visit in South Tyrol?
Among the best-known towns are Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone and Glorenza. Brunico, Vipiteno and Chiusa are also worth visiting.
2. Which towns in South Tyrol are ideal for a day trip?
Bolzano, Merano and Bressanone are especially suitable for day trips thanks to their historic centres, attractions, cafés and easy accessibility.
3. Which towns in South Tyrol have the most beautiful historic centres?
Particularly charming historic centres can be found in Vipiteno, Chiusa and Glorenza.
4. Which towns in South Tyrol are best for culture lovers?
Bolzano, Brunico and Merano offer many cultural attractions, museums, historic squares and events.
5. Are South Tyrol’s towns worth visiting in summer?
Yes, especially during summer, town visits can easily be combined with walks, markets, cafés and excursions into the surrounding nature.
Conclusion – towns in South Tyrol
The towns of South Tyrol combine historic centres, Mediterranean flair and alpine scenery in a unique way.
Whether larger towns such as Bolzano and Merano or smaller places like Chiusa and Glorenza, each destination has its own character. Laives also complements the region well: this young town south of Bolzano is especially appreciated for its excellent connection to the provincial capital and its proximity to Bolzano Airport in St. Jakob.
Find more inspiration in our guide to summer in South Tyrol.
Editorial team of sudtirol.com
The content is created by the editorial team of sudtirol.com with a focus on holidays, leisure activities and regional topics in South Tyrol.
Last updated: May 2026