Off The Beaten Track Italy

Bolzano may be the gateway to the Dolomites, but some of the most memorable moments are found not in the city itself, but in the beautiful hills rising above it.

A Slow Escape into the South Tyrolean Hills

We stayed at Pension Baumann, surrounded by a landscape that feels unmistakably South Tyrolean – rolling green hills, vineyards, orchards, mountain peaks and small villages scattered across the valley. From the pension, the views seemed to stretch forever, changing with the light throughout the day.

What made the landscape particularly special for me was seeing the beautiful Haflinger horses. With their distinctive golden coats and pale manes, they seem completely at home in this part of the world. Seeing them grazing against a backdrop of green meadows and mountains was one of those simple travel moments that stays with you. There was something wonderfully peaceful about it, and for me it became one of the lasting memories of our stay.

Pension Baumann itself was exactly the kind of place that makes slow travel so enjoyable. The people were genuinely warm and welcoming, and there was an easy, relaxed atmosphere from the moment we arrived. Rather than simply being somewhere to sleep, it felt very much part of the experience.

The local food was another highlight. South Tyrol has its own wonderful culinary identity, combining Italian and Alpine traditions. Meals were simple, generous and full of flavour, with local ingredients and dishes that reflected the surrounding countryside. This is a region where mountain cheeses, cured meats and traditional Tyrolean dishes sit comfortably alongside pasta, wine and excellent coffee.

Days here do not need to be over-planned. You can walk along quiet country roads and trails, explore nearby villages, drive through vineyards and orchards, or simply stop somewhere for coffee and enjoy the view. Bolzano itself is close enough for sightseeing, shopping or lunch, before returning to the peace of the hills.

For me, this is exactly what slow travel in South Tyrol is about – taking time to notice the landscape, meet local people, enjoy regional food and appreciate the small moments.

And sometimes those moments are as simple as looking across a mountain meadow and seeing a group of Haflinger horses grazing in the sunshine.