Search Navigation Map
Search
Navigation Map EN
DE   IT   EN   Close

Holiday in South Tyrol: A Travel Etiquette Guide

Other countries, other customs. This applies to every stay in a foreign country – including South Tyrol. We have summarized the do's and don'ts for your next South Tyrol vacation below.

Pleasure Restaurants
Pleasure Restaurants
  • Ciao! This is a greeting that everyone knows and sounds very casual and friendly. However, you should only greet friends or acquaintances with it, not necessarily a salesperson in the supermarket or a waiter.
  • If you want to drink a white or red wine spritzer, but can't find it on the menu, it's good to know that in South Tyrol they are called "G'spritzter".
  • If you enjoy a coffee after a hearty meal, don't order a latte macchiato or cappuccino, but a "caffè macchiato" or an espresso.
  • The people of South Tyrol are considered very relaxed and calm. Therefore, it may happen that you have to wait a bit longer for your food. But that's no reason to panic. The people of South Tyrol like to go out to have a leisurely conversation and not to rush through their meal under time pressure.
  • The South Tyrolean dialect is quite something and you probably won't understand a word at first. How about learning some words in advance? Then you'll know what someone is talking about when they mention their "eschtngagiggile" or if a "Farzlschmecker" crosses your path.
  • Greet people on the street, even if you've never seen them in your life. This is common in South Tyrol and will surely please the locals.
  • White wine in the morning? Don't worry, many people in South Tyrol indulge in this without being considered alcoholics.
  • Be careful with the designation of locals! They are South Tyroleans, not Germans, Austrians, or Italians!
  • Of course, it's tempting to see all the ripe apples or grapes while hiking. But they belong to the farmers and are not there to be tasted.
  • Noodles are not ordered as a side dish in South Tyrol, as they are considered a main course.
  • If you have no idea which wine to order, don't show it and avoid ordering a "dry wine".
  • Never cut a dumpling with your knife, as in South Tyrol they are only eaten with a fork. If you use a knife for this, it is considered rude and the host will conclude that the South Tyrolean specialty is not soft enough.
  • Similarly to dumplings, only a fork is used to eat spaghetti in South Tyrol. This means you neither roll them up with a spoon nor cut them with a knife.
  • In South Tyrol, people greet each other with three kisses on the cheek, unlike in Italy.
  • In the fall, the so-called "Erdäpfelblattln" are often found on many menus, served with sauerkraut. These are simply eaten with the hand, placing the cabbage in the middle beforehand.
  • Do not cut off the white part of the excellent South Tyrolean bacon. If you're interested, you can also learn how to properly cut the bacon in South Tyrol: just remove the rind and enjoy the deliciousness in thin and tender strips.

With these tips in mind, your vacation in South Tyrol can only be a complete success!

How do you like the content of this page?
Please give us your feedback!

Recommended accommodations

Icon Hiking Hotel

Hotel Sonnenhof

Caines ★★★★

The 4-star Hotel Sonnenhof is in a unique location, nestled in the sunny hillside near Kuens, at the entrance to the quaint Passeiertal above the spa town of Merano. You will find peace and relaxation in our family-run hotel with a view over the Adige Valley. Hosts Wilma and Christof take care of the guests and provide them with advice and support. Chef Manfred conjures up creative gourmet dishes for gourmets of alpine-Mediterranean cuisine. Here, especially local ingredients and herbs from the ...

Request   Details

Homepage   Heart icon notice
Icon Hiking Hotel Icon Mountainbike Hotel Icon Ski Hotel Icon Motorcycle Hotel

Hotel Schölzhorn

Racines ★★★s

3 star superior – NEW INDOOR SWIMMING POOL – extended SAUNA AREA - roof terrace - 290 meters

Request   Details

Homepage   Heart icon notice
Icon Wellness Hotel Icon Family Hotel Icon Hotels for Lovers

Hotel Weihrerhof

Soprabolzano/Renon ★★★★

The Weihrerhof. My self on holiday. Some book a bathing holiday in the mountains.

Request   Details

Homepage   Heart icon notice
Icon Wellness Hotel Icon Hiking Hotel Icon Mountainbike Hotel Icon Ski Hotel

Hotel Albion

Ortisei ★★★★s

At the 4-star superior Wellness Hotel Albion in Ortisei, guests can look forward to Alpine design and fragrant wood, which promises relaxation at the highest level thanks to its calming effect. A mixture of romance and luxury awaits those seeking relaxation in the wellness and spa area with the Alpine ski pool, which guarantees unique panoramic views of Val Gardena/Gröden.

Request   Details

Homepage   Heart icon notice
Hotel of the
Month
Hotel Plunhof

★★★★sSüdtirol

Hotel Plunhof
  • most family-friendly wellness hotel
  • hiking - biking
  • Discover, Enjoy, Relax
  • Spa Minera
  • Acqua Minera
  • spicy wines
  • be active together

Vacation Offers

The best
tips
more on this topic
Fennberger Lake
Foto: Georg Weis - CC BY-SA 3.0
Selected natural highlights
Völser Weiher
Foto: Ladislav Luppa - CC BY-SA 3.0
On the trail of great cultural creators
jannik sinner
si.robi - Sinner MCM23 (8) - CC BY-SA 2.0 - commons.wikimedia.org
Jannik Sinner

Top Hotels


Close
Close