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Hidden on a secluded plateau above Val di Cembra, Altrei is the southernmost German speaking village in Italy - hence the title of this page. It is surrounded by old larch woods, which are still harvested for their rosin.

Though Altrei itself is a bit isolated, the SS48 is not far away. This road joins with the SS241 at Vigo di Fassa and continues to Cortina d'Ampezzo as the Great Dolomites Road. At Vigo di Fassa, you should take the cable car up to the Ciampedie (1998m), where you are rewarded with a close look at one of the famous Dolomites mountain ranges, the Rose Garden.

If you drive in the opposite direction, you will descend into South Tyrol's main valley, carved out by the river Adige. The slopes and valley floor are covered with vineyards and fruit trees:

After going east and west, how about a trip to the south, to Venice? The most convenient way to reach it is by train, since the main station is located right at the Canale Grande, and you couldn't drive your car in Venice anyway.

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Though sunsets in Venice are nice, I still prefer the ones in Altrei. This is what it looked like from our holiday house: