Austrian and Italian Alps

Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide © 2020 | In the Alps of Austria and Italy, we celebrate both nature and culture. After conquering the Zugspitze, we tour Innsbruck, visit a remote farm in Austria, and join in a Tirolean village festival. Then we cross the Alps into Italy and tour a uniquely well-preserved medieval castle before joyriding deep into the rugged Dolomite Mountains. After an unforgettable hike, we catch our breath in Europe’s largest high-altitude meadow, then enjoy some more alpine folk music. #ricksteves #austrianalps #italianalps
Visit www.ricksteves.com for more information about these destinations and other destinations in Europe.
Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:
• “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• European Tours: www.ricksteves.com/tours
• Guidebooks: store.ricksteves.com/shop/gui...
• Travel Gear: store.ricksteves.com/shop/
• Travel Classes: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• Rick Steves Audio Europe App: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.
0:00 Introduction
2:05 Zugspitze
5:49 Innsbruck
8:01 Hall in Tirol
14:20 Reifenstein Castle
19:55 Kastelruth
23:04 Alpe di Siusi

[@KristinaTravelina]

I like to have a cup of coffee and watch the videos of Rick Steves🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@bluesisyphe]

I'm from Rome and I go to Südtirol to sky in the winter and hike in the summer. It's the most beautiful place on Earth, I love it so much

[@randomvintagefilm273]

This is the only show I would allow my parents to watch over the last 20 years!

[@ahmadmecyoke6379]

No ads , no promotional clips 👌👌👌

[@therealzilch]

I left California in '82 to live in Austria. There are many reasons I'm happy to be here, and the Alps are a big one. Nicely done. Cheers from cool Vienna, Scott

[@LowIiet]

12:19 "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH HIIII HOHOHOHO" I didn't expect that level of enthusiasm

[@maxinef6654]

Well, you know Americans are loud anyway.

[@nandep2149]

* That's their tradition for certain performances. * A loud "Chee-Hooo" is ALSO a common, traditional yell in Samoa, Tonga and several other countries. * Most Americans (not all) are only loud when the situation, culture or performance calls for it. * Many nationalities are known for being loud; but as with anything, one cannot/should not generalize. * MaxineF. - try a "chee-hooo!" You'll feel better. Haha! 😉

[@tracyjamieson362]

Watching this just melted a bunch of stress away. Thank you, Rick Steves.

[@kylehill3643]

It's the sunny side of the street.

[@RegulareoldNorseBoy]

Wholesome entertainment Steve is such a good presenter

[@andreawallenberger2668]

The Dolomites always make me feel emotional! 🏞🏔🚠⛰️🏔⛰️💐

[@claudiainsignia7894]

nature, friendly people, music, dance and cultural heritage are great taste of utopian life.

[@mrjack4808]

I was in Europe twice in 1988 and 1998. You have a wonderful show and I think the best episodes are when you went to Germany Austria Switzerland and England and Scotland.

[@michaelvalentine1693]

As an American that moved to Innsbruck, I'm impressed with Rick's coverage, and that he found the Wald Alm, which isn't well known: Great Job! Also I have to say the historical research is spot on, which further adds to the credibility. Tirol is an amazing place!

[@Whippy99]

You lucky, lucky person. 😊

[@ahmadtlaib8342]

Rick Steve, you are the best KZbinr ever. I wish you success in everything you do. Greetings to you from Chicago, United States of America

[@emilymcfadden4360]

Best youve ever done.mountains mountains mountains! And goregeous villages!

[@explorer.samrat]

Nature is the ultimate magician. 🥰🥰

[@lucas.hahn2027]

I can’t wait when I’m an adult to venture the world and explore its wild mysteries like Rick Steves!

[@jeppestrand2168]

I lived in Austria for 5 years... one of the finest places in the world ...

[@joemoschetta1541]

@Veronica Pascucci italy wins

[@peace4myheart]

I visited Austria when I drove through Europe for 3 weeks and I have to say it is the most beautiful country of all the countries I visited and I have visited many. They include Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, England, France, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, and Switzerland.

[@juliecramer7768]

Do you still think so?

[@user-zp6yl4dg2z]

전원주택 정겨워! 일프스의 산풍경 아름다워 사람들도 평화로와 공기도 맑고 맛있는 음식과 여럿이 어울리는 모습 행복해요.

[@hotdog31227]

Cool castle and cool mountains, Austria is very unique

[@user-iu3no7sh3z]

We had a wonderful holiday in Austria & Italy. We were lucky we could visit in 2008 & 2012. The snowcapped mountains was really beautiful. All your videos brought back lovely memories.

[@NoreasterMike]

My favorite part of Europe. Travelin' in 2022...hopefully. Danke!

[@Cactus521]

Your "Europe thru the Backdoor" was my guide that helped me on three Eurail Trips, in '87. '89 and '91. My favorite back door hotel was the Montag in St. Goar and also the Stachus in Munich, budget priced but with nice clean rooms and steps from the station and pedestrian zone. Also I recommend the Weisses Kreuz in Innsbruck. My room there overlooked the pedestrian zone and Golden Roof. From Innsbruck I took a day train trip to Sterzing, just over the Brenner Pass in Italy, with German street signs. Sterzing is a great back door, Tyrolean Gem.

[@timcollins8825]

"I'm the highest person in Germany" -- challenge accepted

[@matthewcarey3148]

I don’t know, you might meet your match in Rick Steves. Dude is a weed enthusiast! Cheers.

[@forrestaustin7050]

Lol

[@texastea713]

Lol let's go get high 😤😎

[@theodorepatton887]

?

[@aservant1284]

Lol

[@loraross3598]

When I was 17, I was lucky enough to go to Austria for a month in summer 1972 through the American Institute for Foreign Study. We stayed at a school in Lienz in the Tirol. The place is absolutely gorgeous, so go there if you can. We took side trips to Venice, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, Munich, Zurich and others. I remember the Golden Roof. We were dressed as miners and toured a salt mine sliding down the slides. We saw several folk dancer groups. We saw the Sound of Music house/grounds. We trained from Innsbruck to Paris and then home. It was the dream trip of a lifetime that I'll always remember!!! Thanks for the memories Rick! I LOVE your show!!!

[@Whippy99]

I’m fortunate enough to have visited the Alps in each of these beautiful countries. However, my heart belongs to the Austrian Tyrol. I’ve been there over ten times! Four of the visits have been in the Ziller Valley, namely Mayrhofen. I’m British with no connections to Austria! It stole my heart in my very first visit in 1988. ❤

[@Sippy309]

My family are from a place in the north east Italian alps that was once a part of Austria. We visited the Dolomite’s. The Austrian and Swiss culture is still there in the alps.

[@lucybirdy9435]

Waw! This is so blessing and quietly! Just dreamy! Thank you Rick for charing! 😍👍🏞

[@weston.weston]

You're an American treasure, Rick Steves. You've been sharing the world with us for decades. And, you inspire our travel abroad with lots of enthusiasm and insight. Thank you, Rick!

[@daikyosenshi]

12:19 That scream though))))

[@alpeggio]

someone dropped an anvil on his foot! XD

[@natnaelgetu8370]

@@alpeggio 😂😂😂😂😂

[@carltonthesponge]

poor guy stepped on a lego :(

[@ungeimpfterrusslandtroll7155]

The exact scream is part of the tradition.

[@nandep2149]

"Chee-hooo" Haha! 🤣 We often hear that in Hawai'i, Samoa, Tonga, etc. 🏝 Some of the people must've been thinking, "loud!" 🤣 Locals should've told them that it's a common, traditional yell. Anyway, fun stuff. 🍾🙂

[@joebloggs619]

Beautiful Italian Dolomite mountains....Very nice. Thanks.

[@FirstnameLastname-pe3ky]

A few corrections: 1) The Autobahn in Austria is very much not free. It's several hundred Euros a year. You guys might have forgotten to pay. 2) Hall doesn't mean salt in German, that would be Salz. 3) You said you're traveling from the Germanic world into the Mediterranean world. Actually the part of Italy you showed is entirely Austrian in culture as it used to be Austria until Italy annexed it in WW1. They speak German and belong to Tyrol in Austria. The only thing that makes South Tyrol (the area you went to in Italy) Italian is the fact that Italy claims it as Italian territory. The culture is entirely Austrian. Tradition, history, architecture, castles etc. are all the very same as in the north (Austria) because they are Austrian. Otherwise great info :)

[@RoryMoulton]

Well, well. Look who got themselves a drone. And finally made a Dolomites episode!

[@chegeny]

23:47 That meadow is like something out of everyone's dreams. Glad you shared that moment with us, Steve.

[@2Hearts3]

Rick has a good time. Thanks for sharing such beautiful travels with us.👋🏞️🏔️

[@pragyasati4964]

Loved this video, Europe is certainly the cleanest and prettiest continent. I want to reside in Alps, clean and cozy. 🌻⛰🥂

[@kumbashishashikanthupadhya5921]

Super orator, great vocabulary, wonderful photography, enjoying without travel, seeing Europe from home

[@chaltechalte1405]

THERE IS A SAYING ' WHEN MEN AND MOUNTAIN MEET THEN GREAT THINGS ARE DONE'.....RICK STEVE IS MAN HIS WORK IS MOUNTAIN...GREAT BLOG.....KEEP IT UP

[@Pp57561]

Mr. Steves your videos are like therapy in lockdown.. Love from India🇮🇳

[@mynoxx01]

Austrian here, the austrian autobahn is not toll free, the only difference is in austria you have to buy a sticker instead of paying at those toll houses on the roads in italy. You buy the sticker for 10 days, a month or a year and then you can use the motorways as much as you want, some specific parts, tunnels and so on have again a small toll to be paid.

[@MarianoHornai]

Thank you Mr. Rick and crew, I liked this episode and all the documentaries video you made. Europe is the highest organized region and country's in the world. I from Timor-Leste located in southeast Asia.

[@jamesjonathan5290]

I love Italy

[@part9952]

I don’t know why i‘m watching this i live 10 minutes away from the Alps but i‘m enjoying it. Great video 😂

[@part9952]

@Manoj Alandkar Actually i‘d love to live at the sea or near the sea more than living near the alps. Yes they are beautiful and we are lucky to live here but so are people who live in countries that aren’t landlocked 😂 You just get used to it.

[@part9952]

@Manoj Alandkar Yes i get what you mean. I am really grateful for that.

[@AbdulMalik-pk1bj]

Classically and historically rich places ❤️ And what a natural beauty! God's art at it's best.

[@mashrufabhuiyansnigdha2242]

The last spectacular soothing flower view😍😍😍 I just wanna click a picture sitting here🥰🥰🥰

[@pinayladyoz8044]

I'm reminiscing my trip in Austria, Germany, Italy and France 2008. How I wish I can travel again back to Europe.

[@hxatnnel1432]

You should visit Hessen , Germany

[@ejohnson3131]

Rick Steve’s in HD? Life doesn’t get much better than this!

[@ryuko8263]

I am Japanese. Europe is beautiful!

[@user-ri1ic8nv8l]

Austria is a really lovely place!!!

[@d.dominik1995]

Yes, you're right. Europe is full of things to discover. And Italy even more 🇮🇹

[@oranjevoeN]

That’s awesome Rick. Best show. Please make more. You are the best

[@mariahelenabraganca]

Lindo país

[@lohjinawichannel]

Beautiful land...❤❤❤

[@anndeakin1508]

Austria great trips walks music cablecars mountains and views from cable cars love the history and views not to be missed.Wood carving great to view.Castles a must and music. To savour a concert.

[@utenteutente9531]

Don't forget that the Dolomites aren't only in Südtirol but also in Trentino (the province of Trento) and Veneto (the region of Venice), a great opportunity to visit three beautiful lands at once!

[@CocoB22]

So true. You can’t leave out Trentino. As a Trentina myself it’s very important.

[@utenteutente9531]

@@CocoB22 same for me as a Veneto :) and to be fair a little portion is also in Friuli Venezia Giulia, another beautiful region

[@Whippy99]

The Dolomites are so beautiful they look like they are from a fairy tale!

[@wanderingsoul1189]

One should be luckiest hundred times to experience that Alpine beauty where nature and culture intertwine. Sigh!!!!

[@thangzikpuii5955]

wow..the greatest and most picturesque of the Alps..great video..thanks from Aizawl, Mizoram, India

[@maecyantenero2099]

I reall like all your videos. It beautifully different from others. Its peaceful yet very educational. Love from Philipillines🇵🇭

[@bryanb7697]

Love me a new season of Rick Steves! I've been waiting forever

[@ejohnson3131]

23:28 If that’s not heaven on earth, I don’t know what is!

[@regina.coaching]

so true!

[@truthboi400]

no, it's not :P. looks beautiful but not the only heaven on earth lol

[@abdulrahim5130]

It is Paradise on earth!

[@gerbre1]

@@abdulrahim5130 I've been there two times in summer and can confirm it is.

[@miranmirza505]

@@gerbre1 place name?

[@mellowfellow6816]

I was so engrossed in this program I was taken by surprise when Rick began his concluding statements.

[@oldschool8432]

I wish so much that I got to travel in my lifetime but just didn't happen. Thank you Rick. Though your eyes I have traveled to so wonderful an beautiful places:)

[@Nyck461]

Great video. These places seems like not existing in the earth. Watching Steve's videos take me to beautiful places in Europe.

[@mazennehme7907]

That's so beautiful. Thank you Rick for sharing.

[@MrZmk1984]

Greatest travel programmer, that’s who Rick is 🫅🏻🙌🏼

[@paramsethi5977]

I really enjoy your videos.The research work is too good and I get inspired to travel.Will do so after I retire.Thanks a lot Rick for the information and picturesque locations of the world.Much love from India.

[@nakedworldentertainment9645]

I LOVE ITALY... THAT'S BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY. THX 4 YOUR VIDEO. SO AMAZING.

[@TruthProvider]

One of my favorite parts of the world. Thanks Rick.

[@jelizabethwarak4293]

Beautiful countries in Europe. Wish to take a tour one day after the pandemic.

[@lizlee4941]

I'm so excited to find your show again!! One of my greatest regrets in giving up TV meant no more Rick Steves backpacking across Europe.

[@jeybi675]

As always, this channel is the best tourism channel.

[@alphacause]

Thank you Rick and crew for another amazing look at the picturesque country side of Europe. I have always enjoyed your program, but it becomes even more significant when we are prohibited from traveling as a result of this pandemic. As always, you represent the very best in what public television has to offer.

[@maribethalbarracin]

I'm binge watching these documentaries. It's like I'm traveling too. ❤️

[@eskezeiayihunie6221]

Thank you, enjoyed with lovely nature from Ethiopia !!

[@leonieharry2941]

Sooo well done! Great video! Warmhearted regards from Vienna/Austria ;)

[@bakerstreet101]

Hans looks fantastic for his 80s!

[@ashleytruong4314]

It makes me wanting to visit Alps immediately . I will come there whenever the world is safe to travel again. Thank you for your videos. Anyway, I am working as Tour leader at Intrepid Travel, DMC Việt Nam.

[@andreipopa9812]

I love your documentaries. Nice to find you again on KZbin. Its clear you have a love for Europe

[@user-to2gh7sg3l]

Rick Steves usually sneaks a few tokes off camera to aid his wanderlust. No joke!

[@jackietucker8942]

Your shows make it possible for me to see things, and "travel" places I could never afford. Thank you for doing these great travel videos.

[@giosuetacconiartist-thepro4960]

Amazing people and amazing country.

[@welzermanaleixo9079]

Its really incredible how Italy and Austria either be the same and different, in terms of culture. All those cities on valleys, surrounded by mountains are breathtaking places to visit.

[@Oberkommando]

Well Südtirol's culture was never really Italian. In 1910 for example not even 3% of South Tyroleans spoke Italian. After it was forced from Austria after WW2, yearly, on annexation day, churches would ring their bells and mourning marches would be held in the villages. The first time italian culture came there was when Mussolini rose to power and settled massive amounts of italians in the region and tried to erase the german culture by renaming cities, tearing down statues, forcing the Italian language on people. The germans were subsequently lured by programmes like "Heim ins Reich" to move out of the region. Even though Mussolini tried his best to erase german culture and force italian culture into the region he never really succeeded all that well. It's just nearly impossible to erase one of the most germanic regions especially when it's culture is so vastly different to the italian one.

[@Marco.-]

@@Oberkommando mussolini italianized the land like the hasburgs germanized it. it was always an italian region of the italic peninsula since romans and the government protect minorities (like using bilingual signal) so dont act like you austrians are the good guys.

[@Ipoksel]

@@Oberkommando The Alps have represented for millions of years the insormountable geological barrier betwenn central and northern Europe and the Mediterrranean world. In fact, only since the 7th century a.C. the area after Brenner pass has become germanized with populations of bavarian origin. (germanization of the preexisting Latin and Retic culture). Although it cannot be said that this land is entirly and only germanic: in fact the istorical courses and appeals are to prove just this. Like in all borderlands, and here maybe, most of all. It would have be nice if you had specified that the (infamous) program "Heim ins Reich" was intended precisely by germans, under the leadership of their notorius old leader.

[@ITALICVS]

@@Oberkommando South Tyrol is part of the Italian geographical region. It is located below the Alps, a natural historical border. In Roman times, South Tyrol was part of Roman Italy in the Venetia et Histria region, and not of Rezia. Latin was spoken in South Tyrol, and the most ancient and indigenous language of the place is Ladino, a Romance language still spoken today. The Germanic peoples are simply medieval invaders who came from the north of the Alps, they are not originally from South Tyrol, they do not belong to that land.

[@srikiwik5676]

Just found your channel recently. What a great relaxing mind to see around the world during this pandemic. Stay safe!Greetings from Indonesia

[@Dashingdiva73]

OMG FRAU STEINER HASN'T AGED SINCE YOU LAST VISITED! This is a bucket list trip for me!

[@Drebin169]

The Alps were my favorite place in both trips to Europe, and my favorite place so far that I've visited.

[@conradodandan6849]

I've been in tirol,austria.it's a good experience.

[@barbie8977]

Omg last week my husband and I were planning our summer vacay this year and I suggested we should explore more places here in Austria. Now I have an idea. Thanks for the wonderful video!

[@BeepBoopBopBap]

Check out French Polynesia as well!

[@user-td9vl4gr9e]

for the kind attention of Rick steves ... Thank you so much for this videos.. enjoyed a lot.. millions of thanks to you dear friend.. I am from India.

[@nondoshill8878]

Wonderful! I wish I could live there or visit.

[@OZZIEMV]

Thanks Rick and crew, I've been watching your videos for a few years now and love how you show the real people and places of Europe. G'day from Australia

[@swisssights]

This part of the alps is very beautiful! Almost as beautiful as the swiss alps :-) Thank you for sharing the beautiful video!

[@thesecretsquirrel5935]

If you find yourself on the Zugspitze in winter take the afternoon side of lunch up there on a nice clear day, about 4 or 5 pm take the elevator down into the mountain to the little train and head to the Ski Bar ! Theres always a massive Apres Ski party on Friday and Saturday evenings. Great Fun !

[@BUENOSAIRES4K]

Chiavena, Prata Comportaccio, vatelvina, and others, are paradise from Italy

[@olgalovl]

Thank you, Rick and the team, for colorful, educational, amazing videos 👍🍀🌞

[@theodorepatton887]

Don't have too Leave the house with your show ☺. Very well presented and informative!

[@omaralaouimdaghri6128]

Im so glad you back with news episodes . Love your show. I always feel like im there with you enjoying the moment. You the best Thanks for this Mr Rick

[@akashpuri5432]

when right people choose right professions and do right things like doing justice to what they like. Just amazing and beyond

[@silentseeker3541]

No less than paradise 💕💕💕

[@lukesamuel1611]

2020 was all about survival with many achievements not met but you have to be ready for 2021 and it begins right now by making a move to achieve your goals…If you have been saving and it’s not really getting you to were you want to be, then invest that money today for a better life tomorrow. If you can’t fly, run, if you can’t run walk, if you can’t walk crawl but just try and move to achieving your goals..

[@q-doctor6564]

Thank you for beautiful video & good information for culture about alps.

[@poor_impulsive]

Innsbruck is a magical place