Vipiteno is a postcard-perfect town set on the Eisack River and framed by the Italian Alps. Also known as Sterzing, the town combines a charming historic centre with beautiful hiking areas and world-class skiing. Admire Renaissance villas in the Old Town, visit the enchanting Christmas museum and head into the mountains to hike, cycle, mountain bike and ski.
Things to do in Vipiteno
Lose track of time as you explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Pastel-coloured townhouses line the streets and create a storybook setting. In spring and summer, the window boxes overflow with vibrant geraniums. Via Citta Nuovae is one of the most photogenic streets in town and framed by beautifully restored Renaissance villas. The landmark Zwölferturm clock tower soars over the Old Town and dates to the 15th century. Visit at midday to hear the chimes.
Get into the Christmas spirit at the “Krippenmuseum” Nativity Museum. Open throughout the year, the museum features amazingly detailed nativity scenes complete with hand-carved figurines and animals. Visit Vipiteno during the festive season to attend the world-famous Christmas market.
Get your pulse racing with year-round adventures in the Vipiteno-Racines region. Summer hiking trails take you to tumbling waterfalls and wildflower-strewn meadows. Come winter, the region transforms into a snow-dusted playground. Ski and snowboard down groomed slopes, snowshoe along scenic trails and warm up at cosy mountain huts.
Dine at traditional Alpine inns and enjoy hearty South Tyrolean cuisine. Order local specialties like “schlutzkrapfen” pasta stuffed with spinach and ricotta, “tirtlen” deep-fried pastries topped with sauerkraut and “speckknödel” bacon dumplings. Complement your meal with a glass of fruity Schiava or full-bodied Lagrein, both produced at high-altitude vineyards in South Tyrol.
Getting around Vipiteno
Vipiteno is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in South Tyrol, a 1.5-hour drive from Trento and one hour from Innsbruck in Austria. Trains run between Innsbruck and Vipiteno in 1.5 hours. Innsbruck Airport is a one-hour drive away.