"Just Barely Italy & First Dolomites Impressions" Top 5 Page for this destination Trentino-Alto Adige by richiecdisc

Trentino-Alto Adige Travel Guide: 1,443 reviews and 3,012 photos

picturesque churches and jagged peaks - Trentino-Alto Adige

When romantic images of Italy dance in your head, it’s probably gondola laden canals and leaning towers of Coliseums that come to mind, not jagged mountain peaks jutting up from dense forest. The mountainous terrain of the north of Italy, while no means off the beaten path, seems to get lost in the myriad of generalities that sum up this big and varied country. But it is a stunningly beautiful area, full of some of the most spectacular peaks in all of Europe and even giving the world’s biggest a run for the money in terms of foot for foot splendor. Not surprisingly, it is an area with many Germanic influences as much of it was under Austrian rule until the World Wars. Many cities still go by their German name in fact. This page accordingly details the transitional feeling encountered from the very Austrian valley of Villnoss to Bolzano’s eclectic mixture of both cultures.

Last visit to Trentino-Alto Adige: May 2003
Intro Updated Jul 11, 2003
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Reviews (17)

a good partner is the best - Trentino-Alto Adige

Hiking is a great sport! Sports & Outdoors (1)

Hiking is a great sport to burn calories, commune with nature, and just see the most of what the Dolomites has to... more travel advice

hard to resist the setting of these churches - Trentino-Alto Adige

A deeply Catholic area Local Customs (1)

Even if one is not particulary religious, it's tough to resist the setting of the quaint little churches that dot this... more travel advice

that's me on the bridge - Trentino-Alto Adige

Have backpack will trave.... What to Pack (1)

A backpack is not only great to lug your stuff from one city to the next, but is invaluable if you plan on doing any hut... more travel advice

bike or hike, you decide - Trentino-Alto Adige

Bike or hike, you decide Transportation (1)

This wonderful area is best visited by car though there are great bus connections between the towns and this can make... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Window shopping only for me....
Things to Do (4)
See All Piazza Walther
Hotels (2)
See All A warm welcome...

Nightlife (1)
Yes, Italy has beer!
Restaurants (3)
See All one lucky bastard!
Favorites (2)
See All Just like we imagined them to be....

Comments (32)

Bwana_Brown Dec 11, 2007 at 4:40 AM Report Abuse

Great tips Richie and even better views of the Dolomites! Now I know why a few years ago when I was in Alberta, mentioning to a local how beautiful the Rockies were, she said: 'yes, but the Alps are the best!'
Trekki Sep 5, 2006 at 11:29 AM Report Abuse

Great mountain scenery - I only know the northern part of Trentino :-) And good to see that the beer tip is not missing :-))) Ah, did you miss that one ? Don told me, and it is already on the list :-)
iandsmith Aug 19, 2004 at 1:21 PM Report Abuse

Blowing up your photos is one of the great joys of my life. Fancy missing out on the iceman - shame on you! Totally agree with your sentiments about how people forget the Dolomites.
deecat Feb 29, 2004 at 9:55 PM Report Abuse

What a pleasure to read and view your pages. Remarkable text and utterly charming photographs. Your passion for the outdoors is refreshing. Restaurant and hotel tips especially well done. Thanks.
GillianMcLaughlin Feb 10, 2004 at 2:58 AM Report Abuse

Your writing and your photos are just fantastic. I know the Alto Adige from many years ago... but we were further south (and a bit more in the Italian-speaking areas)... every word brings back those exhilirating hikes... Many thanks and congratulations
Docu2001 Sep 14, 2003 at 6:25 AM Report Abuse

Very helpful ... Docu2001
zrim Aug 8, 2003 at 9:40 AM Report Abuse

Again the photography is top-notch (that little church under the towering craggy Dolomites, just a super pic) and the descriptions thoughtful and helpful. And of course no Richie page would be complete without at least a beer or two.
Maggies Aug 3, 2003 at 2:25 PM Report Abuse

I didn't know there was St. Magdalena area in Dolomites. me me me. Next time we meet here for skiing ;-)
patrikske Aug 1, 2003 at 2:31 PM Report Abuse

Another wonderful page with great tips and lovely pics. Thanks, Richie !
An_Reeskens Jul 31, 2003 at 7:32 AM Report Abuse

Great page .. cool pictures