Northern Italy’s dream destinations have long remained empty and sad in a corona rigor. At Pentecost, the places on Lake Garda and in South Tyrol are expecting German holidaymakers again.
Bozen (dpa) – A first Italian espresso, an aperitif on Lake Garda or mountain air in Bozen: the longing for that southern holiday feeling can be fulfilled at Whitsun. Many hotels and restaurants await holidaymakers from Germany in northern Italy. “We are well prepared and we are really happy,” says the mayor of Limone sul Garda, Antonio Martinelli. In his community on the west bank of the largest Italian lake, many hotel beds will be free next weekend, the 61-year-old advertises. And that, although after the months-long Corona compulsory break, not all companies are still open.
The bay of Limone, which is often sheltered from the wind, and the picturesque old town brought 1.3 million overnight stays per year to the place before the pandemic. The number of visitors collapsed in the first Corona year. According to Martinelli, however, there were still 600,000 overnight stays in the opening phases in 2020. Now more and more companies are cleaning themselves up for the restart: “Next week, half of the accommodations will probably receive guests again,” reports the mayor. The Italian thinks the water is still a bit cold for bathing. “But just soaking up the sun is nice too,” he says.
“We still have rooms over Whitsun”, confirms an employee at the “All’Azzurro” hotel. Pre-ordering is okay, but spontaneous guests would probably also get a bed, she reports.
On Lake Garda, sometimes called the Germans’ favorite bathtub, criticism of mass tourism had increased before the corona pandemic. Now the official bodies are emphasizing the anticipation of the hoped-for visitors. From Trentino, for example, it is said that in places like Riva del Garda and Nago-Torbole you don’t need a corona test to go to the restaurant or to enter the hotel – unlike in South Tyrol, for example. Lake Garda, which is a dream destination for short trips, especially for visitors from Bavaria, belongs to the regions of Veneto, Lombardy and the Province of Trentino.
Now that the quarantine requirements have fallen in Italy and Germany, it has become easier to travel. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider: In principle, the Foreign Office in Berlin warns of “unnecessary, tourist trips to Italy” despite the falling Corona numbers in the Mediterranean country. As a rule, Rome requires a negative corona test no longer than 48 hours old, regardless of whether it is an antigen or PCR test, when entering the country. You also have to fill out an entry form. This document should be created online in advance – similar to the way you return to Germany.
Just like the places on Lake Garda, the travel destinations in South Tyrol ensure that more and more are open every day, beds are also available at short notice. “Between 2000 and 2500 businesses are expected to be open at Whitsun – especially in the areas around Bolzano, Bressanone and the surrounding area, on the South Tyrolean Wine Route with Lake Kaltern, Merano and the surrounding area and in Vinschgau,” reports the IDM Südtirol tourist agency. “We expect a good start to the season and a utilization of between 50 and 70 percent.”
If the weather cooperates, a short trip from Bavaria to Bolzano promises fresh alpine air with Italian flair. Although South Tyrol often takes a special course when it comes to Corona in Italy: Currently this means that not only the outdoor catering is open – or only hotel guests can be served inside – but that everyone with a negative test can dine inside.
A special South Tyrol Corona pass is issued for this. It is required as an access card for many things – for example for theaters, museums and outdoor swimming pools. Because that sounds a bit cumbersome, but promises more security, the authorities advertise a certified nostril self-test for tourists, which is free. Anyone who has been fully vaccinated or recovered can do without the Corona passport. “Work is already underway to offer the tests directly in the hotels,” says IDM Südtirol. Now the weather outlook for Bolzano and Lake Garda has to get better: Because rain cannot be ruled out so far.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210518-99-639336 / 3
Number of overnight stays in Lombardy for Lake Garda; Italian
Website of the Hotel All’Azzurro; Italian
Information about Lake Garda from Trentino
Information about Lake Garda from Veneto
Foreign Office on the entry rules for Italy
IDM South Tyrol
Limone sul Garda; Website; Italian
