Holidaying in Sterzing – welcome to the Italian Alps

Travelling to Italy from the north, the first town you encounter after crossing the Brenner Pass is the historical town of Sterzing (Vipiteno in Italian). Formerly a Fugger family enclave, Sterzing is undoubtedly one of the most charming towns in South Tyrol. Our bed and breakfast in the Alps Almarett in Mareit is only a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Sterzing, where cobbled medieval streets lined with small shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants invite you to spend the day exploring, shopping and indulging. The town’s ancient walls and buildings provide an atmospheric stage for a relaxing holiday in South Tyrol.

Location and geography

Sterzing (948 metres, population approx. 6,800) is nestled in the diverse Alpine scenery painted by the Stubai, Zillertal and Sarntal Alps, and crossed by the Eisack – the second largest river in South Tyrol. The local mountain and ski resort, Rosskopf, is a popular year-round destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Local culture and sights

The town’s main landmark is the Zwölferturm tower, which marks the boundary between the old town to the north and the new part of town. Standing 46 metres tall, it can be seen from afar and makes an excellent starting point for your explorations. Another local highlight, and the pride of Sterzing, is the town hall with its Gothic council room.

Weitere Sehenswürdigkeiten in Sterzing

Spitalkirche: built in 1399, is one of the best-preserved Gothic churches in South Tyrol

Wolfenmühle: here you can learn more about the utilisation of water in the past.

The Mithras stone and Roman milestone displayed in the town hall

the Sterzing’s parish church (Unsere Liebe Frau im Moos)

Burg Reifenstein: one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in South Tyrol

St. Margarethenkirche: built between 1678 and 1680 in the early Baroque style

the Municipal and Multscher Museum in the former seat of the Teutonic Order

Sporty and active in every season

In spring, autumn and summer: The South Tyrolean mountainscape is the perfect stage for exciting activities for all age groups! A variety of hiking and mountain bike trails of various difficulty levels, numerous quaint Alpine huts, the Skytrek high-ropes garden, and a well-kept 7-hole golf course are just some of the options the Sterzing holiday area has to offer.

Winter: The area around Sterzing is a dream come true for winter sports fans. The Rosskopf, Ladurns and Ratschings-Jaufen ski areas offer everything from ski slopes to toboggan runs, while cross-country skiers will get their money’s worth on the Pfitsch valley, Ladurns and Ridnauntal valley trails.

The Christmas market in Sterzing

During the contemplative Advent weeks, Sterzing hosts one of the most charming Christmas markets in the entire Alpine region. The narrow cobbled streets come alive with fragrant specialities, traditional souvenirs and exquisite Alpine character, adding to the town’s medieval flair and festive atmosphere.