Best of Dorf Tirol

View from Dorf Tirol, Italy

For most people, a visit to Italy means experiencing Tuscan vineyards, Renaissance artwork, Roman ruins, or seaside villages. But Italy has another side that is often overlooked and under-appreciated.  The region of Tirol (Tyrol) in Northwestern Italy is an Alpine wonderland that has more in common with The Sound of Music than Roman Holiday.  With breathtaking views of the Dolomites, a distinctive Austrian-Italian culture, and friendly locals, the region of Tirol is my favorite destination in Italy.  When compared to the expensive Austrian and Swiss Alps, Tirol is also a value destination for those on a budget.


My favorite place within the region is a small village called Dorf Tirol, often referred to as "Tirolo."  Dorf Tirol is popular with German and Austrian tourists but few Americans visit, which is part of its' charm and challenge. I invite you to step outside of your comfort zone to experience this wonderful corner of Italy...you won't be disappointed.

What to Expect

"Main Street" of Dorf Tirol

Language and Culture:  Up until WWI, Tirol used to be part of the Austrian empire, and the effects are apparent today.  Both German and Italian are spoken in Tirol, but German is the preferred language.  Within Dorf Tirol, most people will know a few words of basic English, but not many people speak it fluently.  Despite the language barrier, the locals were extremely friendly and helpful.  If you need some advice in English, stop by the Tourist Information Center in Dorf Tirol.   

What to Do: The region of Tirol is popular with hikers.  Around Dorf Tirol there are hikes for all abilities and interests, ranging from an hour long walk through vineyards to week-long hikes high in the Dolomites.  One of the most popular hikes from Dorf Tirol is a day-long hike to the Spronser Lakes that combines a gondola ride, mountain hiking, and ten lakes 7500 feet up in the mountains.


The region of Tirol has Europe's highest concentration of medieval castles.  Dorf Tirol has two castles located on the outskirts of town.  Schloss Tirol is a castle that gave the region it's name and is today an art museum.  My favorite castle is Brunneberg, the former home of the poet Ezra Pound.  Today, it is both a agriculture museum and center for literature---if you meet any Americans in Dorf Tirol, they are most likely college students studying at the castle.  You might also be able to get some friendly advice in English from one of the castle's staff.  

Where to Stay:  The best way to experience Dorf Tirol is by staying in one of the countless guesthouses in and around Dorf Tirol.  Most guesthouses are small, family-run, affordable, and provide breakfast as part of their rate.  Our our last visit, my wife and I stayed at guesthouse called Garni Pircher, which was situated halfway between Merano and Dorf Tirol.  For 52 EURO per night, we had a room with a balcony and in-suite bathroom.  We were also served a light breakfast each morning on the front patio overlooking the valley.  For advice on other accommodation options, contact the tourist center.  

What to Eat:  Most restaurants in Dorf Tirol serve a menu with a mix of traditional Austrian and Italian dishes.  As with the rest of Italy, dinner in Dorf Tirol is served later than in America, and dining is an event that should take an entire evening.  Be sure to taste both the red and white wines that are produced in the region.  I can't recommend any specific dish to try in Dorf Tirol.  My advice would be to ask your server what they recommend.  Two of my favorite restaurants in Dorf Tirol are Sonnblick and Sonne.  

Just the Basics

Hike above Dorf Tirol

• How to Get There: Visitors to Dorf Tirol will have to first arrive by train to Meran/Merano.  From the train station, hop on the 221 bus for the fifteen minute ride to the center of Dorf Tirol.
• Website: The Dorf Tirol tourism center website is extremely helpful, especially if you don't speak German  or Italian.  I emailed them several times in English with questions about and always received a prompt reply.
• When to Go: The best months to visit would be late spring or early fall.  The mid-summer months can be brutally hot creating a haze over the entire valley, which obscures much of the best views.
• What to Bring: A camera, appetite, and a relaxed attitude.
• Good to Know: Most businesses in Dorf Tirol take the traditional siesta from noon to 3pm, meant as a time to eat lunch and relax during the heat of the day.  I would suggest you use the time to do the same!