South Tyrolean Gourmet Cycling | Eurobike cycling blog

Dining in South Tyrol

The people of South Tyrol are deeply connected to their roots and uphold their age-old customs and traditions. Many traditions are shaped by the challenging and austere life of mountain farmers. These lived traditions blend perfectly with local cuisine, as social gatherings would be incomplete without suitable culinary accompaniments.

The cuisine of South Tyrol is as diverse as the region itself. In the numerous wine taverns, inns, and pizzerias, you'll find everything your heart desires, from hearty home cooking—often with a modern twist—to Mediterranean cuisine.

South Tyrol boasts a 3,000-year-old tradition of winemaking. The region's vineyards span 5,700 hectares and is renowned for excellent white wines such as Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer. Red wine enthusiasts also find pleasure in varieties like Vernatsch and Lagrein. The sunny days and cool nights provide an ideal environment for the grapes to develop their full aroma.

Traditional cuisine with a twist

"The art of cooking is a love story... One must fall in love with the ingredients and the people who produce them."

Alain Ducasse

French chef and author

South Tyrolean cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighboring countries and regions, particularly evident in the area around Bolzano. This region is considered a bridge between the Alpine and Mediterranean influences that blend harmoniously.

Some of the best-known traditional dishes are:

Knödel: Dumplings in all flavors. Whether as a savory specialty with bacon or spinach, or as a sweet version with apricots or plums. In South Tyrol, everyone finds the perfect dumpling for themselves.
Speck is another specialty of South Tyrol, showcasing the inventiveness of its people. They ingeniously combine the Alpine tradition of smoking with the air-drying techniques from southern Italy. The result is a unique flavor profile that is smoky, spicy, and salty.
South Tyrolean Schittlbrot (also known as Schüttelbrot) must not go unmentioned in this list. This crispy rye bread is a popular accompaniment to many meals. It is an essential part of a Brettlmarende (a traditional South Tyrolean platter).

One of the most famous culinary customs is Törggelen in the fall, believed to have originated in the Eisack Valley region. In a cozy atmosphere, people taste young wine and various South Tyrolean delicacies such as Schlutzkrapfen, dumplings, or surfleich. The name derives from the "Torggl," the wooden wine press used by farmers.

South Tyrolean cuisine reinterpreted

Even though the South Tyroleans are tradition-conscious, they are by no means closed to other influences. Rather, there is a delightful fusion between the traditional and the modern.

During your cycling journey through this beautiful region, you'll discover excellent restaurants and other refreshment spots that have seamlessly integrated these influences into their menus. A particularly significant topic in this context is the focus on sustainability and local sourcing. Many restaurateurs are incorporating seasonal products available in the region into their culinary reinterpretations. Eating consciously has never been more enjoyable than it is now.

Hiking stop at Piazza Walther in Bolzano with an aperitif and a foccacia topped with air-dried ham and rocket salad

Enjoyment at any time of year

The natural paradise of South Tyrol is enchanting at any time of the year. Views of the snow-covered Alps, crystal-clear lakes offering refreshing dips, and picturesque vineyards—it's truly magnificent. However, each season brings its own seasonal delights for you to try. On your cycling holiday in spring, the fruit blossoms and asparagus are particularly enticing. The renowned Terlan asparagus is highly recommended. Be sure to make a stop for this delicacy on your journey south along the Adige Cycle Path.

Are you in the mood for something heartier? Try the Schlutzkrapfen filled with a delightful spring-like combination of spinach and ricotta. Truly delightful!

In summer, when the heat becomes overwhelming in the south of Italy, a summer retreat in South Tyrol offers the perfect respite. A refreshing dip in cool waters rejuvenates you for further exploration. Ideally, head to the nearest restaurant to savor the delicious seasonal produce.

It's harvest time for a variety of fruits—apples, apricots, plums, cherries, and strawberries are all ripe for picking. Can you already smell the sweet aroma of fluffy apricot dumplings? There's nothing more delightful after a day of cycling through the stunning Vinschgau Valley.

When the leaves start to change colors and the temperatures begin to drop, your cycling holiday in fall is just around the corner. It's a time for apple and chestnut harvests, filling kitchens with the tempting aromas of apple strudel, apple rings, and other sweet treats. It's also the season for Törggelen.

In winter, as the cold sets in, there's a craving for hearty dishes in South Tyrolean cuisine. This season features game dishes prominently. Stews and soups with lentils, beans, or sauerkraut are also typical winter fare. For desserts, citrus fruits from southern Italy are transformed into delicious orange cake or lemon cookies.

South Tyrol - a paradise for gourmets

South Tyrol is a gourmet's paradise. The region impresses with its culinary diversity, where traditional Alpine cuisine harmoniously complements Mediterranean influences rather than competing with them.

Discover enchanting places with all your senses and allow yourself to be captivated by their charm. You'll be amazed by the stories that can be woven into a dish or a glass of wine.

What better way to experience all this than by bicycle?

Cycling holidays in South Tyrol