The sunny side of the Dolomites in South Tyrol, Val d'Ega
For all holiday enthusiasts who didn't know it yet: the South Tyrolean Val d'Ega, also known as it Eggental called, is the best kept secret of Italy. Ha! And let us at Bart be very happy about it Italy and exciting secrets. The mix between culture, landscape and culinary delights makes Eggental one good to go holiday spot, there is also plenty to do with the bambinos.
If you are talking about top-notch gastronomy, then Eggental is the right place for you: good food (you know, those delicious fresh pastas) and the best Italian wines. Do you want to look fancy? Can! There are no fewer than 19 Michelin star restaurants in the area! Read on for the names and numbers of our favorite things in the hood!
Also special: the Eggental is located in the middle of the Dolomites and is therefore a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy cycling, hours of walking and much more. And very nice, Eggental is not called the sunny side of the Dolomites for nothing, yes 300 sunny days a year. Well, come on with that vitamin D. Make sure you rub it in well.
There are several ways to travel to the Eggental area. By plane, private car, train or bus. Everything is possible. If you are going to fly, South Tyrol is fastest accessible from the airports in Innsbruck (located north of South Tyrol), Verona and Venice (located south of South Tyrol). For example, you can travel further from the airport with a rental car or a shuttle bus. The trains of the German railways also take you quickly and comfortably to South Tyrol. From Munich there are 5 trains daily via Innsbruck and the Brenner Pass. If you prefer to go with your own car, it will take you about 11 hours, which is actually quite nice, cozy together in the backseat.
The walking and outdoor area in the heart of the Dolomites: who to South Tyrol thinks, thinks of the mountains. And rightly so, because those mountains are magical. Two of the best known are in Val d'Ega Rosengarten en Latemar.
The program Rosengarten Massif is the site of the king's mythical rose garden Laurin and glows crimson at sunset, enrosadira (literally the turning pink) or while the alpinaglow, truly magical. It is therefore highly recommended hike tour around this beautiful mountain range.
The program Latemar Mountains is one of the smallest in the Dolomites and you can see it best from it Karer See lake, in which those beautiful mountain peaks reflect in the crystal clear water. Yes, magically beautiful. Here you will find eight different routes, each with its own theme, truly a whole (nature) experience for all ages. Read more here
Also nice a walk to the Latemar labyrinth from it Carezza more. It is an exciting walk through rocks, tunnels and stone steps. Watch
Even more walking and enjoying nature is possible. A hike over the viewing platform to the Latemar Hut at 2670 meters altitude is one of the most beautiful walks in the southern Latemar massif. A panoramic view (we think) is the correct description of what you will see here. And you have this beautiful view during the climb, but also during the descent you will continue to be amazed by the view, it is that beautiful. Read more here
Evening snowy weather? Nothing nicer than a glass of (red) wine plus a (few packs) of local toast cheese en Speck dell'Alto Adige and tell each other a good dose of (strong) stories. For the sake of convenience, we will already contribute: did you know that the Eggental region has not one, two, but even three rather strong folk tales? That's right! Who knows how much of it is true, maybe you are easily enchanted by the witches, wizards, giants and knights. How nice to have the kids to tell these stories and visit together the magical places where these figures lived. King Laurin's story about the alpineglow as we talked about before, magical. Or the love story of the mermaid and the wizard at the magical location of Karer See Lake. Go to the places together and tell the stories.
If you are in South Tyrol, you should definitely visit Lake Carezza (we also talked about this beautiful lake) because we dare to say with certainty: the most beautiful Alpine mountain lake ever. The reflection in the water of the Latemar and Rosengarten mountains is well, how can we describe this, just really fairytale-like. Very appropriate, with all those folk tales from South Tyrol. Lake Caressa, a real pearl, especially in the early morning or in the evening, very romantic. The mountain lake is known for its soft, deep green water and beautiful views of the mountain ranges. Tip: take a dress with you, with all kinds of local specialties like that Speck dell' Alto AdigeBelieve us, you won't get enough of that you get away in South Tyrol. Plan your trip to Karer See Lake here.
The Eggental area is known for its wine and that good ham that we have talked about before. But there is much more... the cuisine in South Tyrol is the cuisine we love: country flavors, no fuss, just very tasty. Antipasti boards, homemade pasta (with extra parmesan) and delicious Dolce. – Yes please!
Restaurant Astra in Steinegg/Collepietra has had 2018 Michelin star since 1 and is highly recommended. A creative kitchen with passion and feeling for the many flavors. Chief Gegor Eschgfaller the stars of heaven are cooking there. The kitchen is open from Thursday to Saturday from 20:00 PM to 21:30 PM for dinner and on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 14:00 PM for lunch. Make a reservation.
The Johannesstube gourmet restaurant
The Val d'Ega is all nature. The idea The Johannesstube is that you really want to taste nature in all its forms. Flowering, fragrant, high-quality ingredients from the forests and meadows are the highlights on the plate. Eating in the award-winning Johannesstube (1 Michelin star and 15 Gault & Millau) is enjoying heavenly cooking between the (Michelin) stars. Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 19:00 PM.
Sonnalp Gourmetstube
It is not without reason that this restaurant and Gourmetstube led by chef Marin Köhl has been awarded 8 Gault & Millau points for 15 years in a row. Unique creations from traditional South Tyrolean cuisine with Mediterranean and international influences. A special experience for the taste buds, let's say. Open: Tuesday to Saturday, make a reservation.
Oberholz mountain hut, the new LOOX – the Alpine Club
A kitchen with surprisingly refined dishes, prepared with natural and regional products. With daily changing specialties and an extensive wine list. And a sunny 360 degree terrace, enjoy at 2.096 meters above sea level. Yes, a modern restaurant with a lot of wood, a real South Tyrol feeling. Watch.
Well, actually we can be brief about it. You can't go wrong with all these restaurants. Full of culinary parties at these top restaurants.
Culinary game and forest weeks
Anyone who enjoys game dishes should not miss autumn in Val d'Ega. Especially then (in the fall) there is a big party. Summer ripe fruits, berries, herbs and mushrooms are the ingredients for the tasty variations on the game dishes. Enjoy special game and forest dishes in restaurants in Val d'Ega from September 18 to October 4, 2020. Curious? We understand, read more here.
Full Moon event. A magical evening under the stars with (local) delicacies. Dumplings with a lunar eclipse, Pluto mozzarella and more like that. When the moon is full, Val d'Ega becomes a heavenly stage for events, with plenty of (culinary) fun and all under the starry sky, it doesn't get more romantic than that. just look.
Local market and regional toppers
What do the Dolomites taste like? From June to October there is a farmer's and grocery market every Friday. The market has those delicious seasonal products. Cheese, meat, homemade jam, juices and much more. A nice place to stroll around and taste the local specialties, delicious!
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