by Diana Coman

Created on: April 28, 2009   Last Updated: April 29, 2009

The sun is shining, the green shade of the forest protects you, the river refreshes the air and on the faultless blue sky, three colored hang gliders gently turn like giant flowers. It's not a quiet dream, it's South Tyrol!

In the very north of Italy, on the border with Austria, South Tyrol is a region for the nature lovers of any age. Full of nature reserves, fresh mountain air, green valleys, spectacular mountain peaks, quiet lakes and enchanted woods, South Tyrol is a destination for the great outdoor holidays in any season. Add to this the sunny weather, a history rich in events, many traditions and a mixture of two cultures and you might understand why South Tyrol is a great destination not for one holiday, but for many.

South Tyrol is at the intersection between the warmth of the South and the austerity of the North. The majestic Dolomites hide between their ever snow caped peaks valleys so lavished by the sun that palm trees grow in open air. The tumultuous mountain rivers have their counterpart in quiet sunny lakes. And the cold medieval castles that survey from many hills have nowadays often turned into cosy restaurants that welcome their guests or museums. For Dolomites still preserve their wilderness, but at their feet and in the valleys a tourist tradition longer than 200 years strives to offer the best conditions for a relaxing and yet active holiday. Accommodation in South Tyrol is usually not a problem, but it still is best to reserve in advance.

In summer, there is something for everyone to do or to see. The Dolomites are yours to explore, on hiking paths or climbing tracks, on foot or on mountain bikes. Just visit the nearest tourist information point and make your choice. Would you like to see the famous "Three Teeth" (Drei Zinnen) pinnacles in the Pustertal Valley? Or perhaps you would like to conquer the Rittner Horn and have a look at the earth pyramids that can be found in vicinity. Or maybe you would like just to sit back, relax and enjoy the view while the chairlift gets you up the mountain St. Vigilio and then walk a bit to the little church of Vigiljoch, not far from a little restaurant in the open air where you can enjoy the traditional apfelstrudel (apple strudel) or gulaschsuppe (goulash soup). Or you would like to see the hang gliders or even try them? Or try some rafting on the river Adige/Etsch? Or perhaps you would like to explore the region on a bike along the many bicycle paths that get you along the rivers or even up the mountains,

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