Trentino-Alto Adige

The main piazza of Trento

After a recent visit for the first time, Trentino-Alto Adige has become one of the most interesting and intriguing regions I’ve ever visited in Italy. Seemingly a quiet area in terms of tourism—aside from skiers coming and going in the winter—it is the definition of a serene, mountainous, gorgeous, and low-traffic part of Italy, which is rare to come by nowadays.

Parco Gocciadoro in Trento

Beyond the obvious beauty and peacefulness, the region is full of cultural, culinary, and historical treasures. As a European border region, it reflects a mix of cultures due to passing through the hands of various superpowers over the centuries. Each of these periods can still be felt today: from the Roman Empire to the Holy Roman rule, to Austrian dominion, and finally to its present-day Italian identity. The region has uniquely positioned itself as one of the cultural crossroads of Italy.

Trento, home of the famous and historic Council of Trent, is the capital of the region and one of the two cities I visited. If you’re looking for postcard views, minimal tourists, an extremely unique food scene, a local feel, and wonderful weather, visit Trento in the spring. The mountain peaks are still painted  white with snow, yet the air is crisp and the daytime temperature is perfectly comfortable.

Beer in Bolzano

Bolzano—or Bozen, as it’s also known in the German dialect spoken in the region—is the other major city. Bolzano is the home of Loacker, the famous wafer company known around the world, which began in the city. Even farther north and closer to the Austrian border, the Germanic influence becomes even more pronounced.

Street in Bolzano

Besides language and architecture, one of the main Austrian influences in the region is found directly in the cuisine. Many Austrian foods meet Northern Italian ones head-on—in this region, you can find amazing beer alongside fantastic red and sparkling wines. You’ll find pretzels, some topped with tomato sauce. There are Austrian-style egg noodles (spätzle), served with speck (cured Italian meat) and grated Grana. There are Austrian pastries, yet you can also enjoy a traditional plate of risotto or polenta. To say I was in awe of the culinary scene would be an understatement. For the pastries and beer alone, I could have stayed forever.

Trentino-Alto Adige awaits more adventures. I hope to return and experience the cities again, but also explore some of the smaller villages throughout the region. Maybe I’ll even pick up some German or Ladin along the way to add to my language bank!

World famous Loacker flagship store

Zelten with homemade whipped cream

Pizza pretzel

Spaetzle with speck/cheese