Italy– one moment we’re still skiing down a glacier, and just a few hours later we’re strolling through endless blossoms with the sun on our faces. That’s South Tyrol in spring: a place where you find yourself right between two seasons and get to experience the very best of both worlds. In this blog article, I’ll take you to the Vinschgau / Val Venosta region and share everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip through South Tyrol. From memorable activities and beautiful accommodations to some of the region’s most delicious culinary experiences!
Press trip in collaboration with South Tyrol and Glenaki.
What to Do in Vinschgau / Val Venosta
Wintersport in Val Senales / Schnals
The Schnalstal Glacier is one of the most snow-sure ski areas in South Tyrol and Italy, with a ski season that runs from September all the way through May. Here, you’re literally skiing above the clouds, surrounded by wide slopes, spectacular glacier views, and that unmistakable feeling that winter is still in full swing—even when spring is already making its way into the valley below.
We start the morning with a ski instructor—my very first ski lesson ever—and surprisingly, I pick up the basics quite quickly. I honestly can’t believe I waited this long to try skiing, because it’s so much more fun than I ever expected! We spend the entire morning enjoying the fresh snow beneath our skis, the breathtaking mountain scenery around us, and the pleasantly mild temperatures. The ski area itself feels like a well-kept secret: peaceful, beautiful, and surprisingly budget-friendly compared to many other Alpine destinations.
Around lunchtime, we swap our skis for a well-deserved break at the Lazaun Hut. Here, we receive the warmest welcome from the owner, who clearly knows exactly how to keep hungry skiers happy. The food is delicious, the atmosphere even better, and somewhere between conversations, one too many shots of his homemade spirits mysteriously find their way onto our table.
Hike to the Iceman Ötzi Peak
After lunch, we hop on the cable car once more, climbing higher and higher into the mountains, surrounded by dramatic peaks and stunning glacier landscapes. The ride alone is worth the trip.
Once at the top, you can take a short walk to the Iceman Ötzi Peak viewpoint, located at an altitude of 3,251 metres. From here, you overlook the area where the famous Ötzi the Iceman was discovered. More than 5,000 years old, Ötzi is one of the best-preserved prehistoric mummies ever found, and his discovery has provided invaluable insights into life during the Copper Age. If you’re interested in learning more about him, you can visit the famous mummy yourself at the Archaeological Museum in Bolzano.
The viewpoint is relatively easy to reach, but the reward is immense: breathtaking panoramic views over glaciers, rugged mountain ranges, and endless Alpine landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
Fun fact: scenes from the movie Everest were filmed here, which gives you a pretty good idea of just how spectacular this setting really is.
Cycling Through the Blossoms of the Merano Region
The following day starts on an active note once again with an e-bike tour through the blossoming landscapes of the Merano region. We head out with Ötzi Bike Academy, the oldest bike centre in the area, offering everything from mountain bike skills training and camps to guided tours through the surrounding mountains.
As soon as we descend into the valley, it becomes clear just how special this region is. The temperatures are wonderfully mild and almost Mediterranean, creating the perfect conditions for a leisurely ride. Around us, orchards bursting with blossoms paint the landscape in shades of white and pink, while charming villages and mountain vistas provide a constant stream of postcard-worthy views.
Cycling along the Adige River, we’re treated to endless fruit orchards framed by towering mountain peaks. Thanks to the e-bikes, the ride feels almost effortless, leaving plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the surroundings. The combination of fresh mountain air, peaceful nature, and spring in full bloom makes this one of the most enchanting cycling experiences imaginable.
One of the highlights along the route is the Thrones of Trauttmansdorff viewpoint. This unique platform, featuring two giant wooden chairs, offers spectacular views over the orchards and the surrounding landscape—a perfect place to pause, take it all in, and simply admire the beauty of South Tyrol.
Discover the Charming Village of Schenna
Schenna is one of those places that instantly steals your heart. Perched on the hills above Merano, the village treats visitors to sweeping green views across the valley and the surrounding mountains. It’s no surprise that Schenna is often referred to as the “sunny terrace above Merano.”
Life moves at a slower pace here. Countless hiking and cycling trails lead you into nature, but it’s just as enjoyable to simply linger in the village square and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. The charming churches scattered throughout the village add to Schenna’s unmistakable South Tyrolean character, making it feel as though time slows down just a little.
Walk the Bacchus and Pomina Trail
Schenna is also home to the Bacchus and Pomina Trail, better known as the Apple and Wine Trail. This scenic route takes you through vast apple orchards and sun-drenched vineyards, offering a wonderful introduction to the region’s agricultural heritage.
Along the way, you’ll discover just how important apple growing is to South Tyrol. The region is one of Europe’s leading apple-producing areas, cultivating varieties such as the crisp and slightly tart Granny Smith, the sweeter Golden Delicious, and favourites like Kanzi and Fuji, which thrive here thanks to the unique climate. The combination of warm days and cool mountain nights gives the apples their characteristic sweetness, aroma, and crunch.
During our walk, we learn all about the cultivation process and daily life in the orchards from a passionate local expert whose love for their craft is contagious. Of course, we also get to taste several apple varieties along the way. It’s a simple experience, yet such a wonderful way to connect with the region: authentic, local, and surprisingly flavourful.
Where to stay in South Tyrol?
During our trip, we stayed at the luxurious four-star Hotel Sand, a place where South Tyrolean charm and contemporary comfort blend seamlessly. From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home.
The rooms are beautifully designed, featuring natural materials, warm wooden accents, and large windows that bring the surrounding landscape indoors. Waking up to views of the mountains and the valley is an experience in itself.
The rest of the hotel is equally impressive. The indoor and outdoor pools, as well as the natural swimming pond, overlook the lush valley and surrounding mountains, creating the perfect setting to unwind. After a day of exploring, the extensive wellness area—with its saunas and relaxation spaces—is exactly what you need to recharge.
And then there’s the food. Dining at Hotel Sand is truly an experience of its own. The restaurant focuses on local, seasonal ingredients, combining traditional South Tyrolean flavours with refined contemporary touches. Every meal feels like a culinary highlight, carefully prepared and beautifully presented. A stay at Hotel Sand is much more than just accommodation—it’s an unforgettable experience.
During our time in Schenna, we spent one night at the Hillburger Hotel, another excellent four-star property where warm hospitality meets modern comfort. The rooms are stylish, contemporary, and exceptionally comfortable, while the panoramic views over the surrounding landscape add an extra touch of luxury. Waking up to those vistas is a wonderful way to start the day.
Because our schedule was packed with activities, we unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool or wellness facilities, although they certainly looked inviting. Fortunately, the culinary experience more than made up for it. We enjoyed delicious meals in the restaurant, prepared with great care and attention to detail.
What stayed with us most, however, was the atmosphere. The combination of genuine hospitality, cosy surroundings, and a relaxed ambiance makes Hillburger Hotel the kind of place where you instantly feel welcome—even during a short stay.
More Stunning Accommodations in South Tyrol
Where to eat in Vinschgau/Val Venosta
Vinschgau / Val Venosta surprised us not only with its stunning landscapes but also with its incredible food scene. From cosy mountain huts to refined fine-dining experiences, everywhere we went we encountered that unmistakable South Tyrolean blend of warm hospitality, high-quality ingredients, and local flavours.
Kuppelrain was undoubtedly one of the culinary highlights of our trip. Despite its Michelin star, the restaurant feels wonderfully warm and welcoming, with a relaxed family atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The cuisine is refined, creative, and beautifully balanced, showcasing local ingredients through surprising flavour combinations and meticulous attention to detail. Each course is thoughtfully paired with excellent wines that perfectly complement the dishes and elevate the entire experience. Dining here is truly something special.
Hotel Sand also delivered a memorable culinary experience. The restaurant focuses on high-quality local and seasonal ingredients, combining traditional South Tyrolean recipes with modern influences. The result is a menu full of authentic flavours, beautifully presented and prepared with great care.
During our skiing day in Val Senales / Schnals, we stopped for lunch at the Lazaun Hut, a cosy mountain refuge with a sunny terrace and spectacular mountain views. Between the delicious homemade drinks, hearty dishes, and genuine hospitality, it was the perfect place to recharge before heading back onto the slopes.
For a more authentic and traditional experience, Gstirnerhof is well worth a visit. Here, we enjoyed a delicious Kaiserschmarrn—light, fluffy, freshly prepared, and exactly the kind of comforting Alpine treat that tastes even better after an active morning of cycling. Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most memorable.
How to reach South Tyrol?
By Plane: one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to reach South Tyrol is with SkyAlps, which offers direct flights from Antwerp to Bolzano in less than two hours. Bolzano is considered the gateway to South Tyrol, making it the perfect starting point for your adventure.
What makes this flight extra special is that your South Tyrolean experience begins before you even land. SkyAlps embraces the region’s hospitality by serving local snacks, regional products, and excellent South Tyrolean wines on board. It’s a wonderful first introduction to the flavours and traditions of the region while enjoying spectacular views of the Alps from above.
By Car: if you prefer the flexibility of travelling by car, South Tyrol is easily accessible from Belgium. Depending on your departure point and final destination, the journey covers approximately 900 to 1,000 kilometres and takes around 9 to 11 hours without extended stops.
The drive itself is part of the experience, taking you through Germany and Austria before crossing the stunning Alpine landscapes that lead into South Tyrol.
By Public Transport: South Tyrol is also well connected by rail. From Brussels or Amsterdam, you can travel by ICE or Nightjet train to Munich or Innsbruck. From there, several comfortable trains run daily through the scenic Brenner Pass, connecting directly to South Tyrol’s main towns, including Bolzano (Bozen) and Bressanone (Brixen).
Photos by me, Jurian Cuypers en Mel Zagers
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