dIsarco

dIsarco, also known as the Isarco in Italian and Eisack in German, is a river in northern Italy within the autonomous region of South Tyrol. It is a tributary of the Adige and is one of the major rivers in the Isarco Valley, a key north–south corridor in the Alps. In Ladin, the river is sometimes referred to by a local name as well.

The dIsarco has its sources in the eastern Alps near the Brenner Pass and generally follows a southerly course through the Isarco Valley. It passes through important towns such as Vipiteno (Sterzing), Bressanone (Brixen) and Bolzano (Bozen), before continuing toward the Adige. The valley through which it runs is densely settled and served for centuries by transport routes, helping shape regional economy and culture.

In its lower course the river integrates with the broader Adige watershed, contributing to irrigation, municipal water supply and, along parts of the valley, hydroelectric power generation. The Isarco supports a variety of Alpine river habitats and species, and regional environmental management seeks to balance agricultural, industrial and ecological needs.

Historically, the Isarco Valley has been a vital crossroad between Italian and Tyrolean realms, influencing settlement, agriculture and industry in the region. Today, the river remains a defining geographic feature of South Tyrol, reflecting the region’s blend of Italian and German-speaking communities and its Alpine landscape.