South Tyrol's tourist history and highlights for convertible drivers

South Tyrol is now one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. The region between the Alps and the Dolomites attracts visitors with its spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and culinary diversity. However, what many don't know is that tourism in South Tyrol has a long history. Over 150 years ago, travelers were drawn to the region – primarily nobles, artists, and intellectuals at the time. With the construction of the first Alpine passes and railway connections in the 19th century, South Tyrol began to develop into one of the first alpine tourism areas.

For convertible drivers, South Tyrol is now a true paradise. The mix of historic places, picturesque landscapes, and well-developed mountain passes offers perfect conditions for unforgettable convertible tours in South Tyrol. Those who want to learn about the tourism history can go on a quest with the top down – ideally combining culture, nature, and driving pleasure.

The Beginnings of South Tyrolean Tourism

Even during the Habsburg era, South Tyrol was a popular destination for summer vacations and relaxation. Wealthy guests from Vienna or Munich were drawn to the spa towns of Merano and Bolzano. Particularly, Merano experienced a true boom in the 19th century: The mild climate, the surrounding mountains, and the newly built promenades made the town a magnet for nobles and artists. The famous Empress Sissi spent her spa treatments here multiple times – an event that spread Merano's reputation far beyond its borders and made the city a fashionable meeting place for the society of the time.

The Dolomites were discovered early on as well. Climbers and naturalists raved about the bizarre rock formations, and the first mountain guides opened up hiking and climbing routes. With the construction of passes like the Grödnerjoch or the Sellajoch, the region began to become accessible to travelers with horse-drawn carriages and later with automobiles. Even back then, nature experiences in South Tyrol were associated with hospitality – a tradition that is still influential today.

Historical Highlights for Convertible Drivers

Today, those driving a convertible can experience this history up close. Many of the places that attracted visitors in the 19th century are still worthwhile destinations today – with the advantage that the journey takes you along wonderful roads.

• Merano: The city remains a must-visit. With the convertible, the surrounding area can be explored wonderfully – for example, the Tappeiner Promenade, which has delighted walkers for 150 years, or the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, where Empress Sissi resided. A trip to the surrounding valleys also reveals picturesque convertible routes between vineyards and orchards.

• Bolzano: Once an important trading place, today it is a vibrant city with a historic town center and modern museums. Here also begins the drive over the Penser Joch – a spectacular convertible route that leads towards Sterzing and offers breathtaking panoramas.

• Brixen: As the oldest city in Tyrol, Brixen has a long tradition as a spiritual and cultural center. The Cathedral Square is still an impressive place for a break on your journey, and the surroundings entice with convertible routes along vineyards and apple orchards.

Even smaller places like Klausen or Sterzing tell of the long history of the region. Both were significant trading towns, whose historical centers still exude a special charm and are perfect as stops on a convertible ride.

Mountain Passes with History

Many passes that are now beloved by convertible drivers have a long tradition as trade and connection routes.

• Brenner Pass: A central north-south connection since Roman times. Today it is rather heavily trafficked, but there are many intriguing detours nearby that are worthwhile – such as smaller side roads through the surrounding valleys.

• Jaufen Pass: One of the oldest connections between Merano and Sterzing. Its many hairpin turns and panoramic views make it a dream for sporty drivers who love serpentine roads.

• Grödnerjoch and Sellajoch: These two Dolomite passes are not only highlights for driving but also historically significant, as they allowed access to the first touristically developed Dolomite regions.

• Stilfser Joch: At over 2,700 meters, it is one of the highest drivable Alpine passes. Already in the 19th century, it was a masterpiece of road construction, and today it is a legendary route for convertible drivers seeking both challenge and stunning views.

Experience Cultural History on the Go

In addition to the roads themselves, there are many cultural stops that convertible drivers can incorporate into their tours:

• Castles and Fortresses: South Tyrol is rich in historical buildings that tell the turbulent history of the region. Particularly worth seeing are Tirol Castle near Merano or Runkelstein Castle near Bolzano, which impresses with its medieval frescoes.

• Traditional Markets: Even in the Middle Ages, places like Sterzing or Klausen were significant trading centers. Today, weekly markets offer a lively insight into this tradition – and an opportunity to sample regional products right on the spot.

• Museums: The Archaeological Museum in Bolzano with the world-famous mummified corpse Ötzi is a must for history enthusiasts. Smaller museums that deal with regional culture or crafts also provide exciting insights.

• Wine and Culinary Culture: South Tyrol has always been a land of wine and culinary delights. The South Tyrolean Wine Route with its estates can be explored with a convertible, and tasting local specialties is the perfect way to conclude a stage.

Conclusion: Experience History on Four Wheels

South Tyrol is not only a scenic dream destination but also historically fascinating. Convertible drivers can relive the tourism history of the region on their tours – from the first spa guests in Merano to the mountaineers in the Dolomites. Each route, every pass, and each city tell their own story, and those who are attentive on the way will discover traces of this long tradition at every turn.

Thus, a drive through South Tyrol becomes not only an adventure for car enthusiasts but also a time travel that shows why this region has fascinated travelers from all over the world for over 150 years. Driving a convertible here means not only the joy of driving but also immersing oneself in a rich cultural history that can be experienced on roads, in towns, and in landscapes.

A convertible tour through South Tyrol is therefore more than an outing: It combines history, nature, and enjoyment in a unique mix. Whether over legendary passes, through historical towns, or along picturesque valleys – everywhere it becomes clear that the history of South Tyrol still shapes the experience today. And it is precisely this connection that makes South Tyrol a travel destination for convertible drivers that leaves a lasting impression – open, intense, and full of experiences.