This Hidden Italian Village is a Fairytale Gem in the Heart of the Alps

Surrounded by dramatic Alpine peaks, this lesser-known village in the Dolomites is a colorful blend of Italian and Austrian old-world charm.

Tucked away in the stunning South Tyrol region of northern Italy, Vipiteno (or Sterzing in German) is a storybook town where medieval charm meets dazzling mountain scenery.

If you arrive in Vipiteno expecting classic Tuscan landscapes, Roman ruins, or Mediterranean seaside villages, you’ll be surprised.

Italy’s northernmost town, along with the entire South Tyrol (Alto Adige) region, has a deep Austrian influence that makes it feel more like Germany or Austria than Italy. That’s because this region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1919, when it was annexed to Italy after World War I.

Despite Benito Mussolini’s efforts to suppress the German language and culture, South Tyrol retained much of its Austrian heritage, and today, the region is officially bilingual.

You’ll quickly notice that most signs are in both Italian and German, locals are just as likely to greet you with “Guten Tag” as “Buongiorno”, and the architecture, food, and traditions lean more toward Bavarian Alpine culture than what most people associate with Italy.

Which is exactly why my husband and I felt right at home when we visited the town on a Dolomites road trip while living in Germany.

This unique blend of cultures is what makes Vipiteno such a fascinating and distinctive destination and a terrific place to visit in Italy.

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It’s a town where you can sip an Austrian-style beer in a medieval piazza while still enjoying that unmistakable Italian charm.

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So let’s dive into how to get there, where to stay, and what to see when you visit Vipiteno.

How to Get to Vipiteno

While Vipiteno feels like a remote village, getting there is easier than you might think. Whether you’re coming from Italy, Austria, or beyond, there are multiple ways to reach this Alpine town.

By Air: The closest airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN) in Austria, just 50 km (31 miles) away. From there, you can rent a car or take a train to Vipiteno. Other nearby airports include Bolzano Airport (BZO) and Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN).

By Train: Vipiteno is well-connected by train via the Brenner Railway Line, which runs between Innsbruck and Verona. You can take a train to Brennero (Brenner) Station, then a quick bus or taxi to Vipiteno.

By Car: If you’re driving, Vipiteno is easily accessible from both Italy and Austria via the A22 (Autostrada del Brennero). It’s just a 45-minute drive from Innsbruck and about 3.5 hours from Venice.

Driving through this region is a scenic experience in itself, with winding mountain roads and stunning alpine views.

Where to Stay in Vipiteno

Vipiteno is known for cozy boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, and Alpine lodges that fully embrace the town’s fairytale vibe.

Tower of the Twelve Vipiteno Italy — Vipiteno, Italy

Here are a few great options:

Sole Boutique Hotel – A stylish, modern alpine hotel with chic, comfortable rooms just steps from Via Citta Nuova.
Hotel Rosskopf – A full-service spa hotel with panoramic mountain views and easy access to the historic center.
Hotel Mondschein – A historic hotel with cozy, traditional decor located in the heart of Vipiteno.

If you’re looking for a quieter mountain retreat, you’ll also find beautiful chalet-style accommodations in the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Vipiteno

1. Stroll Through the Historic Old Town

Vipiteno’s main street, Via Città Nuova, is a picture-perfect medieval lane lined with colorful pastel buildings, charming boutiques, and cozy cafés. Walking through town feels like stepping into a storybook, with the majestic Alps towering in the background.

Multicolored buildings line a cobbled street in Northern Italy — Via Citta Nuova

2. See the Tower of the Twelve

The Torre delle Dodici in Italian (Zwölferturm in German) is hard to miss in Vipiteno. This iconic 150-foot clock tower has stood at the heart of Vipiteno since the 15th century. Once the city gate, it still chimes at noon every day, serving as a reminder of the town’s long history.

On certain days of the year (like festivals and during the Christmas market), it’s open for visitors to climb to the top for breathtaking views over the rooftops of Vipiteno.

3. Visit the Civic and Multscher Museums

For history lovers, these two museums offer a glimpse into Vipiteno’s rich medieval past. The Multscher Museum houses an impressive 15th-century wooden altar crafted by renowned sculptor Hans Multscher, while the Civic Museum showcases artifacts from Vipiteno’s long history as a prosperous trading town.

4. Explore Castel Tasso (Burg Reifenstein)

A short drive from town, Castel Tasso is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in South Tyrol. Inside, you can see the original medieval kitchen, the knight’s hall, and historic frescoes. Perched on a hill with sweeping mountain views, the Castel is one of the most photogenic spots in the region.

5. Take in the Views from Monte Cavallo (Rosskopf)

Vipiteno’s local ski and hiking area, Monte Cavallo (Rosskopf), is perfect for outdoor lovers. In the winter, it’s a fantastic ski destination with scenic slopes.

In summer and fall, it transforms into a hiking paradise with trails offering panoramic views of the Alps. Take the cable car up for an easy way to soak in the mountain scenery.

6. Wander Through the Christmas Market (Winter Only)

If you’re visiting between late November and early January, don’t miss Vipiteno’s magical Christmas market. The town’s main square transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive stalls, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in the air.

It’s a little-known holiday gem compared to the more famous Christmas markets in Austria and Germany.

7. Sample Traditional South Tyrolean Cuisine

Food in Vipiteno is a fusion of Italian and Austrian flavors, making it one of the most unique culinary experiences in Italy.

Be sure to try:

Speck – A smoked, cured ham that’s a local favorite.
Knödel (Dumplings) – Served in soups or with hearty sauces.
Spätzle – A soft egg noodle, often served with cheese or mushrooms.
Apfelstrudel – A classic South Tyrolean apple strudel that’s perfect with a cappuccino.

Colorful alpine guesthouses line a cobbled street in Italy's Dolomites region — Sample delicious South Tyrolean Cuisine

So add Vipiteno to Your Italy Itinerary

Vipiteno is one of Italy’s most charming small towns, yet it remains relatively undiscovered compared to other Alpine destinations. Whether you’re wandering medieval streets, exploring ancient castles, or skiing in the winter months, Vipiteno is an idyllic blend of history and natural beauty.

Unlike Italy’s more crowded destinations, Vipiteno is a place to slow down and truly appreciate the beauty of the Dolomites and the rich heritage of South Tyrol.

If you’re planning a trip to northern Italy or Austria, add the charming village of Vipiteno to your itinerary!

And for more great destinations in Italy, start here:

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