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In the heart of the Alps in northern Italy lies one of Italy’s most popular holiday regions: South Tyrol. The area is perfect for camping, and everything you need to know can be found here.
Who could resist camping by a lake with views of the Alps? Everything you need to know about getting there, wild camping, the most beautiful campsites and the best activities can be found here, so your trip to South Tyrol is a complete success.
Getting to South Tyrol: the most important information
If you’re travelling from the southern part of Germany, you’re at a clear advantage when it comes to South Tyrol. From Munich, for example, the journey by camper takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes. The route first takes you through Austria. On both Austrian and Italian motorways, tolls usually apply.
To avoid traffic jams and long waiting times at the border, you can conveniently purchase your Austrian vignette online in advance. You can choose between different toll options, such as route-based tolls or a day or monthly vignette. Particularly practical is the route calculator, which helps you find the right product for your trip.
Wild camping and free camping in South Tyrol – allowed or not?
If you’re not keen on campsites during your camping holiday and would rather stay far away from other campers in the middle of the Dolomites or spontaneously by a small mountain lake, you’ll need to brace yourself. Wild camping and free camping in nature are prohibited throughout the entire province. However, some municipalities do allow overnight stays within their area if you apply for (and receive) prior permission. With the landowner’s consent, free camping and overnight stays on private property are also permitted. Want to learn more about wild camping in Italy? Felix has taken a close look at the topic and put together all the key information for you in this article.
Fortunately, there are a lot of campsites in South Tyrol that are so beautifully situated that, in the best case, you won't miss standing outside. Depending on whether you feel more comfortable at a simple campsite or at a 5-star campsite, the prices vary greatly. As far as possible, we recommend that you book in advance, as South Tyrol is - as already mentioned - a very popular holiday region and is also very popular with campers.
Campsite Zum See - camping on the lake
The perfect alternative to standing outdoors: The campsite ´Zum See` in St. Valentin on the Haide in Vinschgau. The small campsite is located in the immediate vicinity of Lake Haider and also offers you an unobstructed view of South Tyrol's highest mountain, the Ortler, as well as the Königsspitze. The holiday region of Reschenpass, which also includes St. Valentin, provides variety for your holiday in summer as well as in winter. You can look forward to all the classic winter sports activities, as well as hiking, climbing, biking and opportunities for swimming and other water sports.
Camping Seiser Alm - Camping with a pool
Situated at the foot of Europe's largest high alpine pasture, in the midst of the Dolomite landscape, which is highly popular with camping fans, lies the 4-star campsite Seiser Alm. If the view of the Schlern, the proximity to the Völser Weiher lake and the overall beautiful location do not yet convince you of the campsite, you might be tempted by the heated saltwater pool, the sauna or the restaurant. The hiking and skiing area of the Seiser Alm nearby does the rest to make you feel right at home during your stay here.
Caravan Park Sexten - 5 star camping in South Tyrol
Four stars are one too few for you? Then let's go to the 5-star campsite Caravan Park Sexten, also located in the middle of the Dolomites. Among the campsites in South Tyrol, it is definitely one of those with a wide range of wellness and relaxation facilities in store: The mix of Kneipp Park, massages, indoor pool, whirlpools, a stately 9 different saunas and many more offers ensures well-being and relaxation. The view of the peaks of the Sesto Sundial and the natural surroundings do not harm the general feeling of relaxation one bit either.
Campsite Orchard - camping near Bolzano in South Tyrol
Many tourists in South Tyrol are drawn to Bolzano, the capital of the autonomous province. If you want to visit the beautiful city in the mountains, you can set up camp nearby at one of the campsites around the city. The campsite Obstgarten in Kurtasch is surrounded by orchards and a particularly nice place to stay. Here, in the midst of greenery, you can enjoy the sun and the Mediterranean climate, make use of the campsite's own herb garden or treat yourself to a dip in the natural swimming pond. The area is ideal for hiking and mountain biking fans and climbers, and the high ropes course in Kaltern is a highlight of the area.
Waldcamping Naturns - camping in nature
Shady pitches in the middle of deciduous and mixed woodland, spacious lawns and a heated indoor swimming pool: all this awaits you at the forest campsite Naturns. Here, you are surrounded by greenery as well and not only get a quiet pitch for your money, but also a great view of the mountains. If you don't want to relax on the campsite, you can reach the castles of Dornsberg, Hochnaturns and Juval or the centre of Naturno in no time.
here is plenty to do in South Tyrol to pass the time. Winter sports fans in particular get their money's worth, but even during the summer months you by no means have to put down roots at the campsite if you're craving more action.
Excursion to Bozen, Meran or Brixen
South Tyrol's largest cities, Bolzano, Merano and Bressanone, are all worth a visit. All three can boast an extremely pretty old town, but those looking for variety and diversity are best off in Bolzano, the largest city and at the same time the provincial capital of South Tyrol. Whether gastronomy, culture or shopping, there is plenty going on in Bolzano. Merano, on the other hand, is the best choice for wellness lovers, because the spa town is especially known for its spas. And if you don't want to miss out on South Tyrol's oldest city, take a trip to Brixen, steeped in history.
Ski resorts South Tyrol - Winter sports oases
Winter sports are very important in South Tyrol. Whether skiing or snowboarding, numerous ski areas invite you to let off steam with their white slopes. Therefore, South Tyrol is the perfect destination for winter camping. It's best to choose the ski area that suits you best. Depending on your level of experience and whether you are travelling with children, a different ski area might suit you best. Here, you can find an overview of all the ski areas in South Tyrol.
Explore the nature of South Tyrol on foot
You don't have to miss out on an active holiday in summer either. Year after year, the impressive mountains and gorges of the province attract hiking enthusiasts. There are plenty of hiking routes in a wide variety of designs: from easy to difficult, from a few hours to hikes lasting several days. The choice of the right route depends very much on your own physical condition and experience as well. Here, you can find detailed information on the hiking trails in South Tyrol, divided according to region, season or type of hike.
Our conclusion on camping in South Tyrol
Whether you want to take a closer look at the Dolomites as South Tyrol's World Heritage Site, or park your motorhome right by the lake and enjoy your breakfast with a view of the Königsspitze, in South Tyrol you can experience nature and especially the mountains up close and simply take a deep breath. Especially fans of active holidays get their money's worth in summer as well as in winter, but thanks to the spa town of Merano and the large offer of campsites, which also include a lot of sites with wellness offers, those who simply want to take a little time out will be happy as well. We wish you lots of fun and a good time!
