The Val di Non in Northern Italy is a fantastic place to holiday. It is quiet, but it is perfectly located in the middle of various tourist attractions. We stayed in an apartment in Rumo, a small, quiet municipality on the border of the provinces of South Tyrol and Trentino and very close to the Dolomites mountains. Rumo is located at the head of the beautiful Val di Non and consists of a number of small villages that have been combined into a municipality. Italian and German are spoken in the area. The German influence is also clearly noticeable in the maintenance of buildings and the layout of the country. Most apartments are still maintained with German thoroughness. A big difference with the often sloppy hygiene of Italian apartments.
South Tyrol, including the Val di Non, is located in Italy
South Tyrol borders the province of Trentino, where we were on holiday. This area belonged to Austria until the First World War, but has since become part of Italy. Italy has done everything it can to incorporate the population of South Tyrol. For example, she encouraged her own Italian population to live in South Tyrol and for a long time schools taught only in Italian. German was banned, but that is a thing of the past.
The German names are now also allowed to appear on the nameplates
All this is no longer so strict and the cities and villages now have the German name on their nameplate in addition to their Italian name. This is easy for Dutch and German guests, who can deal with the German language more easily than with the Italian language. The population still often speaks good German, which is also easy for tourists.
In Trentino and Rumo people speak Italian and German
The speaking of the German language by Northern Italians applies not only to South Tyrol, but also to part of Trentino, although the Italian language is more dominant there. Unfortunately, the original Italians are often not multilingual and it is therefore difficult for tourists to communicate if they do not speak Italian.
Austrian influence
The Austrian influence is also clearly noticeable in the village of Rumo. Not only are the houses well cared for, the restaurants also provide tasty products that are usually made according to hygienic rules. The landscaping is nicely decorated and neatly maintained. Clutter is rare.
The Val di Non is the fruit garden of Europe
The Val di Non is a sunny valley that is sometimes called the fruit garden of Europe or the apple orchard of Europe. The valley does justice to that name, because every accessible spot is full of low-stem fruit trees. The majority of them indeed consist of apple trees. We see green and red apples and there are even low-stem orchards with golden nets, which taste so delicious in an apple pie.
Not just apples
In addition to the apple orchards, we also see cultivation of pears, cherries, apricots, plums and peaches here and there. As far as the eye can see, however, the apple trees are neatly arranged in rows. Often covered with plastic and nets. Not superfluous, because on our arrival day we had to deal with a short downpour with hail. After all, we are at an altitude of 1000 meters in Corte Inferiore, a sub-municipality of Rumo, and despite the sunny slopes it can be quite chilly there on showery days and the wind blows hard.
The Val di Non is not a poor region
The Val di Non is not a poor region. The houses are well maintained and have beautifully manicured gardens, often with a vegetable garden and also some fruit trees, raspberry bushes or strawberry plants. Usually there is a beautiful combination with flowers. Not only geraniums, but also phloxes, dahlias and zinnias. Municipal flower beds are planted with abundantly blooming flowers. The farms and lands are well cared for. It is a bit like the Austrian way of maintenance: well cared for, clean and tidy.
Snowy mountains and glaciers
The high, snow-capped mountains of the Adamello Group give the region an extra dimension. Winter sports enthusiasts come here in the winter, while the mountains also attract a lot of tourism in the summer. No wonder. The glaciers of the Adamello Group in particular are fantastic and are definitely worth a visit.
High Alpine passes nearby
There are also high Alpine passes north of the Val di Non, such as the Stelvio. The Val di Non is a good base to discover the beautiful surroundings. Not just by car. The various tourist spots are also easily accessible by public transport.
Bolzano
Bolzano is the capital of South Tyrol and Trento is the capital of Trentino. Both cities are charming, have a long history and therefore many beautiful old buildings, pleasant shopping streets and beautiful churches. They are definitely worth a visit. You can shop comfortably under various arches and protected from the bright sun or rain. The range of shops and products is pleasantly diverse. Moreover, there are various dining options, so that the inner man does not have to be forgotten.
Lake Garda is perfect for a day of good weather
Lake Garda can be reached within an hour and a half from Rumo. The weather is often slightly better there than in the mountains. Lake Garda is a fantastic lake with lovely towns and villages on the slopes, small, intimate harbours, many castles and churches and a friendly atmosphere. A day trip to Lake Garda is therefore highly recommended. Especially when the weather in the mountains leaves much to be desired.
Apartments
The available apartments are usually not too expensive, clean and bright. The people are friendly and hospitable. We were received very kindly everywhere and only Italian was a bit difficult at times, but we found it easy with a few words and some hands and feet language.
Italian and German are both common
Our hostess spoke only Italian, however one of her sons spoke Italian and some German and her other son spoke Italian and some English. However, it was never a problem to communicate well.
Normal prices, so not an expensive holiday
Food prices in Northern Italy are approximately at the same level as ours. Only the petrol was fifteen cents per liter more expensive when we were there. For the rest it’s all not too bad. One is a bit more expensive than the other, but it is generally comparable to prices in the Netherlands. A holiday there does not necessarily have to be expensive.
read more
- Brixen in South Tyrol is a fantastic holiday destination
- The beautiful Eisacktal in South Tyrol and its beautiful surroundings
- The beautiful Lake Como in sunny Italy
- Verona is a beautiful old city with a real Colosseum