Wood carving
Woodcarving and the creation of wooden objects are the specialties of local craftsmen, who today combine creativity with traditional creations in workshops in Bozen-Bolzano, Innsbruck and elsewhere. Woodcarving is an important part of Tyrolean folklore. The Lech Valley in north-west Tyrol is particularly renowned for its woodcarvers, who display their work outside houses, visible from roads or in village streets. A number of woodcarvers using traditional techniques have forged international reputations, such as Jozef Schiffmann in Weerberg, Erich Ruprechter in Breitenbach and Leonhard Tipotsch in Lanersbach. If you're in the Dolomites near Val Gardena, don't miss Ortisei, a pretty, lively village with an incredible number of woodcarvers. Their skills are often handed down from generation to generation, allowing both tradition to endure and new, contemporary creations to emerge. A picturesque village with a small, free woodcarving museum and a myriad of boutique workshops.
Blown glass objects
Glassmaking has been a highly developed craft since the Middle Ages, with the tradition of glassblowing being perpetuated in a number of factories. Rattenberg is the center of glass craftsmanship in Tyrol. You were planning to buy a few stemware glasses to replace those broken in your home in recent years, weren't you?
Speck
Speck, a salted and smoked raw ham, is often sold vacuum-packed, which makes it easier to transport and preserve. In the villages, it is not uncommon to find producer's stores, the guarantee to buy local quality products. If you have a slicer at home, don't hesitate to take big pieces, it is often cheaper than if it is already sliced and it will keep better. A must for successful dishes and aperitifs at home as soon as you return from your trip! We made a great culinary discovery: the celery and green apple soup with small pieces of grilled speck, a real treat!
A traditional costume
In most Tyrolean towns and mountain resorts, you'll find the famous traditional dresses(Tracht in German), Lederhose (leather shorts), or Dirndl, the traditional Alpine peasant dress consisting of a white bodice, corselet, skirt and apron. All you have to do is dare to wear them! The most all-purpose would probably be to buy a hat typical of the region, made of felted wool, with a specific ornament depending on the precise corner: various feathers and/or rope.
The Apfelstrudel
On the day of your departure, preferably for more freshness, stop to buy an Apfelstrudel, this apple cake. It is a classic of Austrian cuisine that can be found in all the bakeries in the region, especially in South Tyrol, producer of one apple out of ten consumed in the European Union!
Christmas decorations
Whatever the season of your escapade, you can plan to bring back beautiful decorations for the next Christmas: in painted wood as the people of the East have the know-how, in stone, in metal, in paper..., they will brighten up the long cold winters and decorate your homemade Christmas tree made of recycled pallets. They will add an alpine touch to your home during the holiday season and will remind you of your trip!
A crystal jewel
Who hasn't heard of Swarovski crystal? The most famous of the brand's many boutiques and galleries is Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens, just outside Innsbruck. Here, you'll see a whole host of crystal works, and be able to buy everything you need to shine at the next family celebration.
Polenta
In Trentino, this dish based on more or less fine cornmeal, typical of the tables of northern Italy, is eaten especially in Valsugana and Tesino. Polenta can be prepared with or without cheese, can be cooked in many different ways and is a perfect accompaniment to meats in sauce and stews.
A wicker basket
The making of wicker baskets is one of the village specialties of the Tyrolean farmers. Ideal for picking up vegetables in the garden or mushrooms in the woods. It is also a way to encourage local crafts.
Local wine
The wines of the Italian Tyrol come from vineyards that enjoy ideal warmth and sunshine. The Austrian Tyrol, on the other hand, does not have a tradition of wine production: you will drink wine from one of the other Austrian production areas or from the Italian Tyrol. South Tyrol produces about 45% red and 55% white wines. The reds are produced mainly around Bolzano and along the Strada del Vino: in addition to the two native grape varieties (lagrein and vernatsch), there are merlot, pinot noir (Blauburgunder in German) and cabernet.
Mountain cheese
For cheese lovers, Tyrol has many cheese producers and breeders, just like any self-respecting mountain region. Among the local specialties are Tiroler Almkäse (cow's milk pasture cheese), Tiroler Bergkäse (cow's milk mountain cheese) or Tiroler Graukäse (cow's milk grey cheese).
A fabric in Loden
Loden is one of Tyrol's leading materials, used for centuries to create warm, soft and sophisticated garments. The "Schladming skirt" is one of the best-known garments made from Loden. The Loden Museum in Vandoies, in Val Pusteria (South Tyrol), traces the history and manufacturing process of this fabric.
