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Hidden Northern Italy Gems along the Verona - Brenner line

We are going to have some time in Northern Italy next month and will be spending a week along the train corridor between Verona and Brenner. We have visited this region before, and have been to some of the "biggies" like Bolzano and Sterzing (I know these towns have double names). Somehow we missed Trento last time, so that's a must-visit. But any other suggestions, particularly for some of the towns that aren't as famous, but have great historical buildings, art, museums, cable cars and hiking?

Posted by
1674 posts

Rovereto near Trento is well worth a visit. It has a unique museum in a 14th century castle, the Museo Storico Italiano della Guerra has fascinating displays and equipment from WWI. The town also has a large art museum, worth visiting even if you're not usually attracted to modern art for just one Kandinsky might win you over: Museo di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Trento e Rovereto.

Merano is a very nice town for strolling. It's a popular place for German tourists and mountain lovers with a pretty town center along a small river. A chairlift runs from town up to an easy walking promenade - the 3km long Tappeinerweg - that provides good views of the valley.

Posted by
26840 posts

If you haven't been to the archaeological museum in Bolzano to see the Otzi (Iceman) exhibit, it's worth a return to that city. There's also an art museum--I think contemporary.

Bressanone/Brixen has a pretty historic center; it's a bit of a walk from the train station.

I spent a little time in Chiusa/Klausen one day. It felt very medieval.

I've seen several very positive posts about Merano on the forum; I'm sorry I missed it. Maybe try the Search function for some specific suggestions there.

Posted by
701 posts

@Mike Rovereto looks great. In fact, we wanted to stay in Trento, but there appears to be a film festival, and accommodations are scarse. Looks like we might actually base in Rovereto.

@acraven. Great suggestions. Chiusa/Klausen looks really nice. And yes, we skipped Merano last time too because it is on a bit of spur; however, we won't make that mistake again this time!