Autumn in South Tyrol is pure magic: forests glowing in shades of yellow and red, vineyards shimmering in gold, and rolling hills that look like they’ve been painted by hand. The crisp air, cozy mountain huts, and breathtaking Dolomite views make this season perfect for a holiday or a weekend escape.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are 10 places where you can truly experience the fall foliage in South Tyrol, with hiking routes recommended by MIA, the AI-powered chat assistant from Mountain Maps.
With MIA, you can even get personalized suggestions for trails in any area you want to explore.
The 10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in South Tyrol
1. Lake Dobbiaco and Val di Landro
A well-known stop, but one you simply can’t miss in this season. An alpine lake nestled among the Sesto Dolomites, it glows with golden reflections in autumn. From here, trails lead into the Val di Landro, perfect for immersing yourself among larches and spruces.
Click here to view the GPS track.
2. Val d’Ultimo
An authentic valley, still untouched by mass tourism, where in autumn the larch forests light up in shades of yellow and orange. Traditional farmhouses and alpine lakes make Val d’Ultimo a unique place to experience the fall foliage far from the crowds. One of MIA’s recommended hikes takes you up to Malga Falcomai di Dentro.
Click here to view the GPS track.
3. Val Sarentino
An authentic valley just a few kilometers from Bolzano. In autumn, its meadows and forests turn into a palette of vibrant colors, perfect to explore on hikes such as the one leading to Lago Blu.
4. Alta Valle Isarco and Monte Cavallo
Above Vipiteno, Monte Cavallo offers spectacular views and trails suitable for everyone. In autumn, the surrounding forests glow with warm colors.
Find MIA’s recommended route here.
5. Val Passiria and San Leonardo
Amid traditional farmhouses and cultivated slopes, Val Passiria is stunning in autumn. A scenic route leads to Malga Fagls, surrounded by colorful forests.
See the trail map here.
6. Val di Funes
How could we not mention Val di Funes? With the Odle peaks as a backdrop, the larch forests of this valley turn spectacular in October. From Santa Maddalena, several hikes start out, including the one leading to Malga Geisler.
Check out the trail here.
7. Lake Anterselva
A gem in Val Pusteria, surrounded by forests that in autumn reflect unforgettable colors. From here, a loop trail circles the lake.
If you’d like to explore the route, you can find the GPS track here.
8. Monzoccolo
A little-known plateau above Bolzano, as well as the largest larch plateau in Europe.
In autumn, it becomes one of the most beautiful places to admire the foliage while walking among mountain huts and pastures.
Find MIA’s recommended route here.
9. Val Martello
Inside Stelvio National Park, Val Martello offers authentic landscapes with forests, lakes, and views of Mount Cevedale. In autumn, the colors make it truly unique.
Here you’ll find the route suggested by MIA.
10. Renon and Lake Costalovara
To make the most of autumn in South Tyrol, we recommend this destination. The Renon Plateau, easily accessible from Bolzano, offers panoramic walks through vineyards and forests. The small Lake Costalovara reflects the autumn colors in a truly intimate atmosphere.
Here you’ll find the trail that passes near this lake.
Fall foliage in South Tyrol is an experience that will leave you speechless. With these 10 must-see places, you can enjoy autumn through authentic hikes and alpine lakes. Pack your backpack and let MIA suggest the perfect itinerary in the area you love most. Get ready to be amazed by the magic of autumn in South Tyrol.
Credits: altoadige.com, sarntal.it, sudtirolerland.it, jogglanderhof.it, lemontagne.net, viaggicorrisogna.it; sudtirol.it, martellmountains.com, ritten.com
