Italy has so much to offer as a travel destination: mountains, the sea, a rich cultural history, and, of course, world-famous cuisine. However, one thing you may not be aware of is that Italy is increasingly developing into a destination focused on regionality, conscious travel concepts and lower-impact mobility. In the first part of our Green Travel Guide to Italy, we explain what that means and show you how to enjoy a more sustainable vacation in South Tyrol, including insider tips and Green Pearls® accommodations. Ready? Let’s go!
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Why is South Tyrol a more Sustainable Travel Destination
Cuisine in South Tyrol: regional, seasonal – and increasingly green
From „Cook the Mountain“ and “Bio Fair Südtirol”
Vegan Travel in South Tyrol: Creative, Plant-Based Cuisine
Culinary Uniqueness: Törggelen in South Tyrol
More Sustainable Winter Sports in South Tyrol
Three Ways to Make Your Ski Vacation Greener
Dolomiti Superski – Big, Popular, and under UNESCO Protection
Plose near Brixen – Manageable & Sunny (with My Arbor, Adults-Only)
Skiworld Ahrntal – Compakt, Versatile & Real Close to OLM Nature Escape
Gentle Winter Sports at the Ritten
Car-free on the Sunny Plateau of the Ritten
7 Green Accommodations in South Tyrol (Green Pearls® Selection)
ADLER Lodge RITTEN (Ritten) – Luxurious Chalets, Farm-to-table
Hotel Weihrerhof (Ritten) – Family-friendly at Lake Wolfsgruben
APIPURA hotel rinner (Ritten) – Organic and Fair, Bees, Families
LA VIMEA (Naturns) – 100 % vegan
Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel (Alpe di Siusi) – Ski-in/Ski-out & Art
My Arbor (Brixen/Plose) – Adults-only, Tree Hotel, Spa
OLM Nature Escape (Sand in Taufers) – Energy Self-Sufficient Eco-Aparthotel
Sustainable Sauna in South Tyrol (Trend: Infusions)
Examples of Sustainable Saunas from Green Pearls® Hotels
Excursus: The Meaning of Local Wood in South Tyrol
FAQ about Your Sustainable Holidays in South Tyrol
Why is South Tyrol a more Sustainable Travel Destination
South Tyrol is a mountain region that combines nature conservation, regionality, and green mobility, working toward the future with short distances, renewable energies, well-developed public transportation, and a growing range of certified organic cuisine and resource conscious accommodations (admittedly not always perfectly, but certainly consciously). Many places are accessible without a car, hiking and cycling trails begin right outside hotels, and regional producers influence what ends up on your plate.
“South Tyrol is considered one of Italy’s regions most actively engaged in sustainable tourism development.”
Green Pearls®
Cuisine in South Tyrol: Regional, Seasonal – and increasingly Greener
From „Cook the Mountain“ and “Bio Fair Südtirol”
Two trends are shaping the regional and seasonal cuisine of South Tyrol: a return to traditional local dishes and ingredients and the growth of the vegan and vegetarian movements. South Tyrol’s agricultural cultivation (now often organic) and alpine areas have helped fuel this trend. Along with the famous apple orchards and vineyards, the region also grows potatoes, carrots, asparagus, lettuce, cauliflower, savoy cabbage, spinach, celery, and much more.
Tip: Many farm shops sell produce directly from local producers. In supermarkets, look for the “South Tyrol” sticker on regional products.
Of course, chefs in restaurants and hotels are primarily shaping this development. Leading the way are the Green Pearls® partners.
Here are some names you should know in this context:
- Norbert Niederkofler: With “Cook the Mountain,” the three-star chef created a culinary concept based on seasonal, local, mountain-inspired cuisine. Among other things, he demonstrated that fine dining and regional ingredients can complement each other, bringing products that were once considered “rustic and ordinary” into the spotlight. (His restaurant is the AlpINN in Bolzano)
- Berni Aichner: He was Niederkofler’s sous chef for many years and is now the culinary director at OLM Nature Escape (more on this below).
- Theodor Falser: The Michelin-starred chef helped develop OLM Nature Escape’s dinner concept, which focuses on sustainable gourmet cuisine.
- Aggeliki Charami: The “rock star of vegan cuisine” has been revamping the kitchen at Paradiso Pure.Living since the 2023/24 season. Today, Paradiso is not only the first completely vegan hotel on the Seiser Alm, but it is also home to the exclusive, vegan fine-dining restaurant OMNIA Plant-Based Restaurant (also open to external guests). In 2025, Charami also took over the vegan cuisine at LA VIMEA in Naturno.
- Manfred Rinner: Head Chef at the APIPURA hotel rinner was part of a working group that introduced the “Bio Fair Südtirol” gastronomy concept in 2022. Certified businesses support local organic farming by sourcing food from within a maximum radius of 200 km. Additionally, imported products such as coffee, cocoa, and spices must carry a Fair Trade seal.
- Hannes Pignater: The former head chef at ADLER Lodge RITTEN is a proponent of the farm-to-table movement. While at ADLER Lodge RITTEN, he ensured that the 5-star hotel’s kitchen offerings aligned with its own agricultural production.
- Cristian Cinquemani: He replaced Hannes Pignater and is now the head chef at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN. Hailing from Elba, the chef particularly appreciates the open kitchen concept that allows him to interact directly with guests.
- Matthias Hinteregger: The chef at the My Arbor Restaurant near Bolzano has a passion for regional specialties. In this article, he presents South Tyrol’s must-try dishes.
Vegan Travel in South Tyrol: Creative, Plant-Based Cuisine
Italy is one of the most dynamic European markets for vegan and vegetarian food. Italian cuisine features many classic plant-based dishes, including pasta, risotto, and antipasti, while vegan fast food chains like Flower Burger are gaining popularity on Instagram. At cafes, plant-based milk alternatives are standard, and vegan gelato is becoming increasingly common. It’s no surprise, then, that the pioneering spirit of veganism is also taking hold in the hotel industry.
Vegan Hotspot: Vegan Pioneer in Naturno
Ten years ago, LA VIMEA opened as the first 100% vegan hotel in South Tyrol and all of Italy—a consistent and ambitious step at the time. Today, the hotel is regarded as a pioneer in plant-based hospitality and consciously designed travel experiences, the cuisine, furnishings, and cosmetics — everything is vegan. Owner Valeria Caldarelli, vegan herself, sees it as a responsibility to people and the environment. However, she believes that setting a good example is more effective than pointing fingers.
But why Naturno? This charming village, located near Merano, is an ideal place to relax in nature with its gentle bike paths, sunny slopes, and stunning mountain views. Given this natural environment, the desire to protect it is understandable. By embracing a vegan lifestyle or hotel management, you’re doing exactly that. At LA VIMEA, you can promote the health of both the planet and yourself. Rent an e-bike and set off on a tour of the Alps with a vegan lunch pack. Or, start the day with the daily yoga program (outdoors in the summer). For relaxation, enjoy the natural swimming pond or the indoor saltwater pool. And, since the hotel is for adults only, it’s perfect for those who wish to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Vegan Hotspot: Art, Courage & Vegan Cuisine on the Alpe di Siusi
At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, the Seiser Alm is Europe’s largest high alpine pasture. World-famous for skiing, it also offers wide open spaces and fresh air in the summer, located in the heart of the Dolomites World Heritage Site. Here, brothers Alexander and Maximilian Spögler (who are the sons of Valeria Caldarelli) run the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel. As an art hotel with rotating exhibitions, the Paradiso has always been unique, but its culinary transformation was a remarkable achievement. It transitioned from vegetarian in 2019 to fully vegan by 2025. In a region where many guests expect meat and cheese, this change required courage and perseverance — and was a success.
Learn more about the unique backstory: A hotel goes meat-free….
Interesting to know: As a side note, Valeria Caldarelli’s daughter was the first in the family to become vegan. Years later, her mother, brothers, and other family members followed suit, and vegan hotels began to pop up. She herself runs a vegan hotel in Tuscany with her husband. As you can see, the decisions of individuals can sometimes have far-reaching consequences!
Culinary Uniqueness: Törggelen in South Tyrol
In our little Green Travel Guide for South Tyrol, there is another special feature that we must mention: Törggelen. Shortly after the harvest, in October and November, Törggelen involves walking through colorful autumn vineyards from wine tavern to wine tavern. It’s an easy way to strike up a conversation with the locals and immerse yourself in South Tyrolean culture. The tables are set with freshly pressed wine, Schlutzkrapfen (ravioli), and other treats, as well as freshly picked chestnuts roasting over the fire.
Find out more in our article: 9 reasons why you should travel to South Tyrol for Törggeln
Lower-Impact Ski holidays
Traditional winter sports are often criticized—mainly due to the use of artificial snow and deforestation for ski slopes. However, there are many ways to make your skiing vacation more sustainable, especially in South Tyrol. Three things are crucial: how you travel, where you stay, and which winter sports area you choose.
Three Ways to Make your Ski Vacation Greener
- Getting there: If possible, take the train (to Bolzano, Bressanone, Brunico, or Merano, for example) and use public transportation and ski buses once you arrive. Many Green Pearls® hotels offer (free) shuttle service to and from the train station.
- Accommodation: Prefer establishments that use renewable energy (such as hydropower, geothermal energy, or PV), offer ski-in/ski-out access (to reduce the need for transfers), and serve regional organic cuisine (with plant-based options).
- Winter sports resort: Choose resorts that conserve resources — for instance, those that use their own water ponds for snowmaking, have energy-saving equipment, use green electricity, and allow car-free access.
Dolomiti Superski – Big, Popular, and under UNESCO Protection
The Dolomiti Superski ski area, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites, is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Alps. As such, there are strict nature conservation regulations and various sustainability initiatives in place (e.g., snowmaking from reservoirs, increased electrification and optimization of facilities, and improved public transportation access).
- Accommodation Tip: The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel is located on the Seiser Alm, right next to the slopes (ski-in/ski-out). In the winter, it is the only completely vegan “ski hut” on the mountain, making it an ideal place to enjoy a plant-based lunch.
Plose bei Brixen – Managable & Sunny (with the My Arbor, Adults-Only Hotel)
Those who prefer a more compact area will find sunny slopes, short distances, and an abundance of tranquility on the Plose above Brixen.
- Plose ski resort: approx. 40 km of slopes, 7 lifts, altitude 1,067–2,446 m, highlight: 9 km valley run.
- Accommodation tip: My Arbor – Adults-only tree hotel on stilts right next to the slopes (ski-in/ski-out), large spa area, regional cuisine, focus on green energy.
- Getting there: Train to Brixen, hotel shuttle/taxi for the last few minutes; you don’t need a car once you’re there either.
Skiworld Ahrntal – Compact, Versatile & Close to the OLM Nature Escape
Skiworld Ahrntal combines the Klausberg and Speikboden ski areas, as well as the local lifts in Rein in Taufers and Weißenbach, to offer a total of 86 kilometers of slopes. There are also idyllic cross-country trails, panoramic ski tours, and great tobogganing opportunities. The area is ideal if you are looking for variety but still prefer short distances. Many access points can be reached by ski bus or public transportation — so you can leave your car behind.
- Tip for a more Sustainable Accommodation: Just a few minutes from the Speikboden valley station, you will find the OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers — an eco aparthotel that, according to the operator, covers large parts of its energy demand through geothermal energy and photovoltaics. You can either cook for yourself in the apartments or enjoy the cuisine of Chef Berni Aichner (mentioned above).
Gentle Winter Sports on the Ritten
If you’re looking for a peaceful winter getaway, the Ritten is the perfect place for you. Winter hikes and snowshoeing trips start right outside the hotels, and the vastness of the high plateau ensures tranquility and stunning views of the snow-covered landscape.
Green Pearls® Partner on the Ritten:
- ADLER Lodge RITTEN – guided winter and snowshoe tours as alternatives to skiing, right on your doorstep.
- APIPURA hotel rinner – family-friendly, organic focus, winter trails starting right outside the door.
- Hotel Weihrerhof – right on Wolfsgrubener See (approx. 1,200 m). In winter, the area becomes a natural ice rink – perfect for curling, followed by a session in the warm boathouse sauna.
Car-free Travel on the Sunny Plateau of the Ritten
We highly recommend the Ritten as a year-round vacation destination. This incredibly beautiful high plateau has always been a recreational area for the people of Bolzano. Here, you will find alpine landscapes, vineyards, lakes, and 15 villages.
In recent years, the Italian municipality of Ritten has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, aiming to play a pioneering role in nature conservation. To this end, the RittenCard was launched in 2011. With the card, travelers can use all public transportation, including hiking buses, the Ritten narrow-gauge railway, the cable car, and the Ritten Horn mountain railway. The card also grants free admission to around 80 museums and castles. For instance, you can visit Ötzi the Iceman at the Ötzi Museum or the Messner Mountain Museum, where you might catch a lecture by Italian extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner in person. You will also receive discounts on ski rentals, horseback riding, archery, and the extensive sports, hiking, and cultural programs.
As a guest at any of the three Green PearlsⓇ hotels in Ritten, you will receive a free RittenCard. No matter how you arrive, you won’t need a car once you’re here.
Top Sights on the Ritten:
- Rittner Horn: At 2,260 meters high, the Rittner Horn is around 1,000 meters higher than the Ritten. You can reach the summit by cable car, mountain railway, or on foot. Mountain bikers enjoy touring the Rittner Horn because it offers “lots of elevation gain.” 🙂
- Earth Pyramids: These natural wonders date back to the Ice Age, and the Ritten tourist office claims to have the “tallest and most beautiful” ones. These impressive, pointed chunks of clay rock are a sight to behold. Several of them can be seen on the Earth Pyramid Hiking Trail.
Tip: As a guest of the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, you can explore the earth pyramids and the Rittner Horn together with professional hiking and biking guides Klaus and Dominik. They will accompany you on both leisurely and challenging tours.
7 Green Accommodations in South Tyrol (Green Pearls® Selection)
ADLER Lodge RITTEN (Ritten) – Luxurious Chalets, Farm-to-table
A hotel with a main building, annexes (junior suites), and individual wooden chalets offering plenty of privacy, all-inclusive cuisine (farm-to-table), guided tours, RittenCard included.
Hotel Weihrerhof (Ritten) – Family-friendly at Lake Wolfsgruben
Located directly on a swimming lake, perfect for vacations and family time (small children to teenagers), run by the Pichler family, who take great personal care of their guests. Spa area with its own cosmetics line.
APIPURA hotel rinner (Ritten) – Organic and Fair, Bees, Families
Beekeeping tradition and hospitality for more than 50 years, ApiWellness experiences, Bio Fair South Tyrol seal, strong family focus (garden/playground, program, playroom). Breakfast with probably the largest selection of honey.
LA VIMEA (Naturns) – 100 % vegan
Italy’s first completely vegan hotel (since 2015), 100% vegan facilities, yoga/meditation/forest bathing, natural swimming pond & saltwater pool, adults only.
Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel (Alpe di Siusi) – Ski-in/Ski-out & Art
Completely vegan, focus on art and creativity, terrace as a vegan ski hut, OMNIA fine dining restaurant also open to external guests.
My Arbor (Brixen/Plose) – Adults-only, Tree Hotel, Spa
Architecture in the forest on stilts, ski-in/ski-out in winter, forest bathing and guided hikes in summer, 2,500 m² spa, green energy.
OLM Nature Escape (Sand in Taufers) – Energy Self-Sufficient Eco Aparthotel
Construction carried out in collaboration with CasaClima Nature, geothermal energy and PV systems, apartment suites with private spa, natural swimming pond, dinner concept with Michelin-starred chef finesse.
Resource-conscious wellness concepts in South Tyrol (Trend: Infusion)
Infusions have a long tradition in South Tyrol – be sure to give them a try! The trend has even gone so far that you can now almost attend theater performances in the sauna. Seriously!
Sustainable travelers ask themselves one question: Can sauna and wellness vacations be eco-friendly? Our Green Pearls® partners are ecological pioneers in this area. All seven of the hotels presented here offer at least one sauna and manage to remain sustainable. They accomplish this by using renewable energy sources for their buildings and facilities and by employing efficient construction methods. You can find a more detailed classification here:
➡️ Taking a sauna is healthy – but is it sustainable?
Examples of Sustainable Saunas from our Green Pearls® Hotels
- My Arbor (Plose/Brixen) – Show infusions with sauna master Manuel Greifenberg. At championships, he specialises in traditional waving and tranquil, mindful rituals. Note: The establishment values green energy.
- OLM Nature Escape (Ahrntal) – Energy self-sufficient saunas in your own private spa suite, according to the operator, powered entirely by renewable energy. The perfect choice if you want to combine wellness and climate protection.
- ADLER Lodge RITTEN (Ritten) – Forest sauna with a view and easy access to nature for gentle cooling down
- Hotel Weihrerhof (Ritten) – Boathouse sauna with a view of Lake Wolfsgruben – Immerse yourself in tranquility, relax by the water
- APIPURA hotel rinner (Ritten) & LA VIMEA (Naturns) – The round shape is considered energy efficient as the heat distribution is particularly favorable.
- Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel (Seiser Alm) – Rooms with infrared cabins for gentle, deep heat in your private retreat.
Excursus: The Meaning of Local Wood in South Tyrol
Before we continue, we would like to mention the local wood that you can find—and smell—in Green PearlsⓇ accommodations. By using locally sourced wood from certified or regional forestry, transport distances can be reduced and regional value creation supported. (or in the last European primeval forests in Romania (think timber mafia)).
The scent of natural wood in the sustainable accommodations is due, in particular, to the essential oils of Swiss stone pine. This conifer only grows above 1,600 meters and is fully frost-resistant. According to small-scale studies, people have a calmer pulse and sleep more deeply in bedrooms furnished with Swiss stone pine. And they snore less 🙂
When are you leaving?
As you can see, South Tyrol is an inspiring region for more conscious travel with a focus on regionality and nature experiences Even if you are just starting to explore this topic, South Tyrol makes it easy to travel in an environmentally friendly way.
By the way, German, Italian, and Ladin are spoken here. “Good day” is “Bun dì!” in Ladin. That’s easy, right? Then let’s get this trip started!
FAQ about your Sustainable Holidays in South Tyrol
HOW CAN YOU TRAVEL MORE CONSCIOUSLY AND WITH LOWER IMPACT IN SOUTH TYROL?
By choosing local, eco-friendly accommodations such as Green Pearls® hotels, using public transportation, and enjoying seasonal foods. Regions such as Ritten and Seiser Alm are particularly committed to sustainability.
What sustainable (Green Pearls®) hotels are there in South Tyrol?
- LA VIMEA (a vegan hotel in Naturno)
- Paradiso Pure.Living (a vegan hotel on the Alpe di Siusi)
- ADLER Lodge RITTEN (a sustainable luxury resort on the Ritten)
- Hotel Weihrerhof (a family-friendly hotel close to nature at Lake Wolfsgruben)
- My Arbor (a luxurious tree hotel with an eco-wellness center near Brixen)
- APIPURA hotel rinner (with its own apiary and a Bio-Fair-Südtirol partnership)
- OLM Nature Escape (energy-self-sufficient aparthotel in the Ahrntal region).
Are there any 100% vegan hotels in South Tyrol?
Yes. The LA VIMEA (Naturno) and the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel (Seiser Alm) are strictly vegan.
Is there a 100% vegan ski hut in South Tyrol?
The terrace of the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel is located directly on the ski slope and is the only completely vegan ski hut on the Seiser Alm.
Is there a guest card in South Tyrol that I can use throughout the region?
Yes, South Tyrol offers the South Tyrol Guestpass card, which provides many benefits for visitors. It allows free use of public transportation throughout the region and often grants discounts on cable cars, museums, and recreational facilities. Many accommodations automatically issue this card upon check-in.
What language is spoken in South Tyrol?
South Tyrol has three official languages: German, Italian, and Ladin. German is spoken in most valleys and towns, Italian mainly in cities such as Bolzano and Merano, and Ladin is a regional language in some Dolomite valleys. English is widely understood and spoken in tourist areas.
What is a typical South Tyrolean dish?
South Tyrol combines Alpine and Mediterranean cuisine. Typical dishes include bacon with dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen (filled pasta pockets), Brettljause (regional sausage and cheese platter), and apple strudel for dessert. The cuisine relies heavily on local and seasonal products.
Can I also enjoy a sustainable wellness vacation in South Tyrol?
Yes, South Tyrol offers numerous wellness hotels with a focus on sustainability. Many accommodations use regional (natural) cosmetic products, focus on conserving energy and resources, and offer treatments such as herbal baths, saunas, or spa treatments using natural materials.
How family-friendly is South Tyrol?
South Tyrol is considered very family-friendly. There are numerous hiking and cycling trails for children, adventure farms, amusement parks, and family-friendly accommodations with childcare. Many wellness hotels offer special programs and pools for families.
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