By Bob and Janice Kollar
We left Innsbruck and crossed into the northern region of Italy known as Alto Adige via the Brenner Pass. The lowest of the Alpine passes, it is situated about 4,500 feet above sea level and has played a major role in Italy’s history.
Centuries ago it was an important trade route for Rome, and eventually becoming the strategic roadway for invasions into Italy by Austria and Germany to name a few.
Today the Brenner “Highway” remains a very significant route between Italy and Austria. But this time the invaders are holding credit cards and shopping bags as it is a major tourist gateway between these countries.
Alto Adige
The region’s cultural fusion is fascinating as the native Alpine (Austrian) people are rooted to the land and their heritage. The impact of the World War II “adjustments” to the borders of both countries resulted in a blend of traditions, customs, wine making, cooking, and the language having a slight twist.
With German being the predominate language at hotels, restaurants, and even the street signs… we asked ourselves… are we really in Italy?
Finding the Schloss Hotel Korb
Finding Bolzano was easy, but finding the hotel was a challenge especially with an address like this one:
Schloss Hotel Korb ag-spa,
Hocheppanerweg 5 via Castel d’Appiano
1-39050 Missian/o – Eppan/Appiano
South Tyrol / Italy
The GPS got us to the right area but that was it. The hotel came up as unknown.
We now had to depend on our language skills (using that term lightly) and began asking directions to the hotel near Bolzano. We wound up in a vineyard, on a gravel road, with a new car, four wheeling under a beautiful blue sky.
Bob said, “No problem, I’ll find it!” as he reached for the cell phone to call the hotel. The Schloss Hotel Korb was very helpful and tried to find a landmark to pin point where we were and to guide us to their property.
With questions like: “Can you see a church steeple? Does it have a cross or an onion on top?” OK, it has a cross… now what? We were instructed to simply drive towards that structure and we will be right on course for the hotel.
No we cannot make this stuff up… classic isn’t it?
We asked yet another local and through his 7 year old daughter (the interpreter) we were told to go down this road and turn left at the fountain and the church is down the hill on the right.
As we are finally making our way out of the vineyard, a peloton of cyclists (about 50 +) were going by at a rapid pace… where the heck did they come from?
Following the cyclist was a bunch of celebrating wedding guests, plus the bride and groom, and a dozen or so cars blaring their horns and having a great time.
There we sat, in a cloud of dust, just looking at each other. We smiled and said…welcome to Italy!
The Schloss Hotel Korb Experience
We finally found the Schloss Hotel Korb sign and navigated our way through more vineyards but this time on paved roads.
The hotel is set on top of a hillside surrounded by vineyards, overlooking the Dolomites and the valley below leading up to the village of Bolzano… picturesque is an understatement.
Manicured to perfection and almost ready for the harvest
Schloss Hotel Korb Ambiance and Setting
The Tower
Outdoor Dining with a View
Registration Area and Foyer in the Castle
The First Floor Foyer View
Sissi the Guard Dog and Greeter
The Battlement Suite in the Castle Building with an Expansive Outdoor Balcony
In Summary
A visit to Northern Italy is not complete until you experience the Alto Adige region. The people, Italian & German blends of cultures, food and wine… bellissimo!
After all, what is the hurry… be inspired.
© 2016 Inspired Travel Itineraries with Bob and Janice Kollar
© 2016 Picture Credits Bob & Janice Kollar
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