Why do people speak German in South Tyrol?
About two thirds of South Tyroleans speak German. In the autonomous province, German is an official language on an equal footing with Italian. In the Ladin parts of South Tyrol, Ladin is added as another official language.
South Tyrol was part of Tyrol until the end of the First World War. After the war, Austria had to cede many parts of the country, including South Tyrol.
Most locals speak in the South Tyrolean dialect, which differs from the standard German language.
Hotel recommendations
Bike routes
Discover the cycle paths around Bolzano, Merano, in the Vinschgau and Passeier Valley. South Tyrol offers over 400 km of cycle paths for families and sports enthusiasts.