With the snow-dusted Dolomites boldly calling beyond its vine-drenched hillsides, Bolzano, Italy embraces you and seductively whispers an enticing blend of cultures deep into your being…
A VISIT TO BOLZANO — or Bozen as it is also known — immerses you in centuries of German, Italian and Austrian influences not to mention a riveting history that surpasses ancient Rome by 3,000 years. Often referred to as “The Gateway to the Dolomites”, this vibrant capital of South Tyrol crystalizes why the region is one of the must-see hidden gems of Europe.
Tucked between Innsbruck to the north and Trento to the south, Bolzano boasts a quality of life that ranks at the top in Italy. No surprise considering it balances all the perks of a youthful city with old-world charm and sensibilities — all amid jaw-dropping natural splendor. In fact, venturing from Bolzano to the Dolomites takes less than 30 minutes.
In this article, we help you discover Bolzano’s lasting charm. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable time in South Tyrol’s most cosmopolitan city.
What to Do in Bolzano
#1 Ease into a Sun-kissed Morning
Head to the historic center of the city. Start your day with a hot chocolate, cappuccino or tea at one of Bolzano’s cozy street-side cafes. Joviality will join you the second you take a seat. The Mediterranean climate in this part of South Tyrol makes enjoying morning’s light next to divine. Sit back and watch the city come to life.
Go full South Tyrolean by ordering up a freshly-baked krapfen. Krapfen is a delicious doughnut-like pastry filled with apricot or jam marmalade. Careful, as one may turn into two.
While relaxing install the BZMobile app — the official guide to visiting Bolzano — on your smartphone. The app lets you flip through a comprehensive list of attractions, restaurants, walks and more.
Now take a deep breath. It’s okay. You’re not going to see everything Bolzano offers in one day — this is a dolce vita town made for lazy strolls that effortlessly spill into meandering conversations over lattes and wine.
Now is a good time to plan to stay in the area longer. If that’s doable, consider obtaining the Bolzano Bozen Card. This card is complimentary at participating hotels and provides free access to numerous museums in Bolzano and 90 other museums throughout South Tyrol. Included with the card are English-speaking city tours and guided excursions from Bolzano to the Dolomites National Park, along with free use of all public transportation throughout South Tyrol.
#2 Visit Bolzano’s Poetic Heart
The best way to discover a city is through its culinary traditions. You can embark on such a mouth-pleasing adventure through the Bolzano Street Food Tour. This 2 ½ hour outing begins at 10:00 a.m. and includes 5 stops where you’ll indulge in local specialties such as bread, sausage, sweets, as well as historical nuggets shared by your tour guide.
If you enjoyed one too many krapfens, a morning food tour may not be for you. In that case, set off on your own to see some of Bolzano’s treasured sights. The perfect starting point is the city’s “living room” or Waltherplatz, which is the town square.
At the center looms a remarkable statue of Walther von der Vogelweide, a renowned poet and Minnesinger from the Middle Ages believed to have been born in South Tyrol. He was the Jim Morrison of the medieval age. Sculpted in 1889 from South Tyrol’s revered Lasser marble, the statue stands on an impressive fountain encircled by flowers.
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The Waltherplatz is the ideal spot for lingering and people watching. From late November to early January, it hosts one of Italy’s largest Christmas markets. The square comes alive like a wintry fairy tale with puppet shows, festive pastries, ample cups of Glühwein, horse-drawn carriage rides and 80+ stalls of seasonal gifts, treats and crafts. If you’re visiting Bolzano at this time, we highly recommend taking public transportation instead of driving due to the popularity of this market.
From the square, it’s impossible to miss the Gothic-Romanesque cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, which is the largest Gothic church in South Tyrol. The cathedral was originally constructed in the 12th century and took on its Gothic form in the 14th century.
Crowning the cathedral is an ornately patterned roof matching the vibrancy of the square. Its steepled bell tower chisels into the sky. The stonework is striking. Two weathered lions guard its entrance and form the base of two columns supporting an archway. A massively forged door with curious carvings of the Isarco river and the Dolomites welcomes worshipers.
Inside, lovers of medieval art can enjoy frescoes from the 1300s and marvel at the cathedral’s pulpit. It is a masterful work of Gothic art sculpted in 1507. While visiting, see if you can spot the hunter and fox lingering within its etchings.
#3 Wander Where the Streets Have No Lame
Leaving the cathedral, head to the Via Portici (also called Laubengasse) just north of the square. This street was the first to ever run through Bolzano. A pulsating center of trade for nearly 1,000 years, arcaded shops now greet you on both sides for as far as the eye can see.
You can simply walk along appreciating the many storefronts, but the real gems are inside. You’ll find everything from traditional crafts and attire to designer clothing, shoes and more.
Even if you don’t intend to purchase any goods, be sure to peek into a few shops. Many walls still showcase ancient frescoes revealing age-old market scenes.
While the shops are fun to explore, the colorful facades lining the Via Portici really bring your imagination to life. They vividly exhibit a melodic blend of Italian and German architectural influences decorated with murals, carvings and other artistic expressions.
Along Via Portici, you’ll also find the Mercantile Museum and Mercantile Palace founded by Claudia de‘ Medici. This is the only Renaissance-style building in Bolzano.
It once served as a court of justice for the Mercantile Court. Today, the museum tells the fascinating story of Bolzano’s economic importance through the centuries.
#4 Enjoy an Authentic South Tyrolean Lunch
After consuming so much history, art and architecture it’s only natural to settle in for a long lunch. Experience a true South Tyrolean meal with a glass of the region’s celebrated wine at Wirtshaus Vögele.
A cultural gem of Bolzano, the establishment was first mentioned in 1277 and held secret gatherings in World War II. Gaining entrance to these meetings required whispering “Vögele”, which means “little bird”.
Wirsthaus Vögele is a member of Sudtiroler Gasthaus — an organization dedicated to carefully preserving South Tyrolean restaurant culture and quality. The restaurant conjures a cozy atmosphere with a winding assortment of dining rooms each offering its own ambiance.
If you’re visiting Bolzano during asparagus season in April or May, be sure to try a dish with “spargel”. Our asparagus risotto was as good as a sweetly sung melody from Walther von der Vogelweide himself!
Another excellent choice for lunch is the Stadt Cafe & Restaurant which sits along the edge of the Waltherplatz. Expansive windows on the front, as well as an outdoor seating area, allow you to continue people watching while also soaking views of forested slopes bounding into the horizon.
A well thought out menu offers the type lunchtime fare that will please you whether desiring Italian or traditional South Tyrolean dishes. The desserts are decadent here so pace yourself.
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#6 Journey 5000+ Years Back in Time
After lunch, head west on Via Portici. You’re about to go back in time…way back. You’ll eventually come to the home of Bolzano’s most famous resident at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.
At the age of 5,300 years old, Ötzi the Iceman is a remarkably well-preserved corpse. Mummified naturally by glacier ice, he’s the oldest intact human body ever found. His discovery by two hikers in 1991 on a mountainside in South Tyrol’s Ötztal Alps shook the world.
Analysis of his body indicates an arrow cut Ötzi’s life short. Fortunately, that type of hospitality has long left South Tyrol.
If Ötzi were alive today no doubt he would be the leader of a biker gang. Scientists discovered 61 tattoos across his body. We highly recommend buying your tickets online before you go. See our latest post for more riveting facts about the life, death and discovery of Ötzi.
#7 Amble Along the Piazza delle Erbe
When you’re through visiting Ötzi, you may be craving a mid-afternoon snack. Head back to the city center to the Piazza delle Erbe, a lively marketplace since 1295.
Spend time browsing the stalls overflowing with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and other specialties such as regional meats, cheeses and baked goods. If you walk away without picking up a tasty delight or two you’ll be insulting a 700+ year tradition on the streets of Bolzano.
The Fountain of Neptune statue is an imposing presence as you venture through the open-air market. The sable monument with his fierce trident looms above the cobblestones. Sculpted in 1745, it is considered among the most impressive fountains in Italy.
#8 Encounter the Legend of St. Francis…and a Descendant of Dracula
From the market, wander north along the Franziskanergasse to the Franciscan Friary. Founded in 1221, the friary contains a Gothic church, chapel and cloisters with frescoes dating back to the 14th century.
Taking time to study the lively scenes as you walk under the cloisters is a rewarding experience for anyone curious about medieval history.
It is believed Saint Francis partook in Mass in the Chapel while visiting Bolzano with his cloth merchant father who was in town on business.
Another legend also enshrouds the friary albeit one much more nightmarish. The funeral stone and tomb of the real-life Count Dracula’s great-grandson forever marks its hallowed walls.
His name was Petru Schiopul, but he was known as “Peter the Lame”. He died in 1594. His remains rest within a tomb sealed with a stone bearing the carving of a bull’s head, the traditional symbol of Moldavia as well as a carving of the devil.
#9 Explore the Wines & Castles of Bolzano
If your day has not been consumed by the old world charms of Bolzano, you can either hop back in your car or rent a bike for a 25-minute ride to the Messner Mountain Museum Firmian located within Sigmundskron Castle. Just 4 miles southeast of Bolzano’s city center, this museum explores the relationship between man and mountain as inspired by the legendary climber Reinhold Messner (check out this piece about why Messner is the world’s great living man).
Next, you can venture up to the ancient ruins of Schloss Rafenstein, which watch over the city. Enjoy some of the South Tyrolean treats you picked up earlier as you admire the views.
Then head over to Castel Roncolo (Schloss Runkelstein), also known as the Painted Castle (note: the castle is also accessible from the Talvera-Promenade in the city center or the line 12 shuttle bus from Waltherplatz). This well-preserved 12th-century castle showcases frescoes inside and out lending a colorful window back to life in medieval times.
If you’re feeling inclined to embark on a wine tasting, Bolzano will enchant you with the exquisite Alpine wines of South Tyrol. In fact, a saying you might hear while visiting is “Venice may swim on water, but Bolzano swims on wine.”
Sure, Venice has its appeal, but we’ll take the joyful buoyancy of Bolzano’s wine over water any day.
An unforgettable place to explore this truth is a winery located deep within a mountain on the northern end of town. Intrigued? Read more about our tasting at Kellerei Bozen. Making a trek to this 100+-year-old icon of wine while visiting Bolzano is a must for wine and architecture lovers alike.
#10 Dine & Sip the Evening Away
There is not any shortage of exceptional evening dining options in and around Bolzano. Our recommendation is to head back to the city center to dine at the much-celebrated Restaurant Laurin located in the Parkhotel Laurin. Here, you can let the culinary magic of head chef Manuel Astuto dazzle your senses in an Art Noveau setting beautified with palm trees.
He is a master of fusing South Tyrol’s Mediterranean heart with the soul of the surrounding mountains. Some of the world’s biggest movie stars have come to crave his South Tyrolean creations. So much so they fly him around the world to prepare meals at their private parties.
No matter where you choose to eat, be sure to order a glass of Lagrein as you’re in the home of this robustly flavored, but smooth wine.
Additional Sights & Activities While Visiting Bolzano
If conquering castles is not your thing, consider immersing yourself in the natural beauty around Bolzano. One option is to catch the Ritten/Renon cable car. It whisks you high above Bolzano to the Ritten / Renon high plateau.
From up here, you can hike a variety of trails and take in wide-open views of the Dolomites’ Rosengarten and Schlern massifs. You can also trek to the surreal 25,000-year-old Earth pyramids. These odd natural formations look like stone thorns piercing the mountainside. An almost eerie sight you will not forget.
The San Genesio cable car offers a climb to even more hiking paths. This is the ancestral home to the Haflinger horse which is a blonde horse breed born in the mountains of South Tyrol. Visit nearby stables and book a horseback ride or let someone else take the reins and enjoy the views from a horse-drawn carriage. Numerous alpine huts dot the trails allowing you to stop for a meal and a drink.
Getting to Bolzano
If you’re holidaying other northern Italy destinations such as Venice or Lake Como, consider visiting Bolzano. The city is easy to fit into your trip plans. It’s just 2 to 3 hours away by car, bus or train.
Arriving by car is utterly gorgeous. Check out our guide on driving in Italy to ensure you’re ready.
We recommend parking on the outskirts of the city center. The Parcheggio Mareccio is a convenient lot located off Via Claudia de’ Medici with the 13th-century Maretsch Castle as its backdrop. The castle is now an event center, but tourists can visit when events are not taking place. Its tower boasts one of the best views of Bolzano.
From this lot, you can easily be in the center of Bolzano within a 10-minute walk. On your way back to your car, opt for a scenic stroll along the “Meadows of Talvera”, a beautiful park set along the river Talvera.
Our first exposure to Bolzano left us craving more and we’re certain yours will too. The perfect harmonization of centuries-old charm with a stylish eye toward tomorrow makes the city a cultural treasure that calls to you long after you’ve left. If you’re like us, you may just want to make Bolzano, Italy your new home!
We’d like to give special thanks to IDM Südtirol for arranging our lovely tour with our guide Luciano Rech. We highly recommend him. Learn more about tour options here.
Have you been to this alluring town? Let us know in the comments below if we missed any of the best things to do in Bolzano.
Book a Tour from Bolzano to the Dolomites
In addition to spending time amid Bolzano’s cobblestoned avenues, consider booking a tour of the Dolomites. See the options below.
VISITING BOLZANO IN THE FUTURE? PIN THIS POST!
The Ötzi photos provided courtesy of South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.
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How lovely this place is! I really love how beautiful an colorful the culture and some touch of the history as you discover Bolzano. I am really stunned how majestic the mountains are and how beautiful autumn is in Bolzano. I love all of the pictures!
You had me at Dolomites!!! But I truly hadn’t heard much about this area before. Bolzano has such charming streets indeed. Ahhhh so many places in Italia that keep making me want to just move there and live out my days
Gosh, I want to go to Bolzano now to see Otzi. And the square and eat Krapfen. It looks exactly like the type of town I like, historic and beautiful, and what a fabulous setting.
The iceman has a striking resemblance to people of today. Fascinating!! What a gorgeous and idyllic town. I don’t know much about Tyrol and the Italian Dolomites, and it seems like a place I need to explore. Great read and wonderful introduction to the region.
I was in a Tyrolean Ski town end of last summer. But this place looks amazing and not a bit like the town I wen to. I dare say it is because of the mixed culture dominated by Italian.
One of my favorite countries to discover and get lost! Still didn’t have a chance to reach Dolomites, but I would like to have a nice coffee break for at least 3 hours with a nice view!
A wonderful town for having coffee while enjoying the beautiful views of the mountains. It is so interesting to know the combination of Australian and Italian culture that’s why I really enjoyed your post. Thank’s for sharing this post!
What a place!! And such a comprehensive post – you wrote about everything! I’m pinning it for the future – if I’m ever around I will have some useful tips:)
This looks like such an amazing place! Your photos and write-up really captures it well. Thanks for sharing
This city is gorgeous!!! It is a gem indeed. =) I am always looking for new places to explore, and Bolzano is going on my list. Wow! Those views of the alps are stunning, and I LOVED learning about the city’s architecture and history. This is such a fabulous post. Now I am anxious to travel.
Wow! It looks like such a beautiful place filled with history and culture. Thanks for sharing!
Northern Italy is the only part of Italy we have not spent a lot of time in. We are going to Switzerland this year and will get very close to this Dolomite area. Your blog post makes me wish we had planned a little more time to wander in the Dolomites. We will definitely look at the Bolzano Bozen Card. A food tour sounds like a great way to start. And would give me the energy to head up the San Genesio cable car.
Hope you can find the time to visit South Tyrol on your trip to Switzerland. The Swiss Alps are amazing but the Dolomites are other worldly!
It all looks beautiful. I’m in the process of scheduling to attend a yoga retreat and I think I’ve chosen one in Italy.
Your pictures are gorgeous! They made me want to know more about the place and plan a visit soon 🙂
I’d love to get to Bolzano during asparagus season. Spring seems like an ideal time to get to Northern Italy. One question: What’s a krapfen?
Spring is a lovely time to visit! Krapfen is a delicious jelly filled pastry.
Some of those photos look like they’re straight out a fairy tale! What a beautiful destination!
That looks so beautiful! A charming town surrounded by green hills, mountains, and a clear sky, excuse me while I go day dream!
I’ve been thinking about hiking in the Dolomites and this looks like a perfect stop before/ after! Also, I love that there’s an app to guide you around the city. Thanks for sharing!
I love the idea of the old and the new(er!) so eclectically mixed together, it looks beautiful! I wish I had seen your post before our trip to Venice and I would have added this on- but now it gives me a perfect excuse to go back!
Hope you can make it back Hazel! Bolzano and South Tyrol are easy to get to from Venice. We recommend renting a car. It is a beautiful drive plus you’ll have the freedom to go where you please.
Oh I am so in love. It’s on my to do list to make a month long trip along all the different ski towns along Austria and Germany. I think I will def add this to that list!
Okay, SOLD! This place looks beautiful. The whole area is on my list to visit but I’ve never researched the specific places! Once I’m back in Europe this is probably going to be first on the list!
Wow, it looks so beautiful! Italy is on my bucket list. Hope to make it there next summer. Great photos!
Such beautiful pictures. I love all the architecture. My husband has been talking about going to Italy forever. Neither of us have ever been.
Bolzano looks magical. Your photos makes me wanna book a flight! I can’t wait to explore it myself.
It’s been sooo long since I’ve been in Italy and Bolzano looks so gorgeous. I am adding to my bucket list. Gorgeous photos by the way 🙂
What an absolutely beautiful and gorgeous place to be able to visit!! It looks absolutely enchanting!!!
This is going on my list of must sees when I go to Italy!
That is such a beautiful city. I need to go there when ever I get a chance to travel. Beautiful photography as well.
First of all, this is a BEAUTIFUL blog! I’ve never been to the Dolomites, but I’ve been thinking about it for a family trip. Your photos make it seem like such a great place to explore!
certainly, an awesome destination to go for travelling. i love the photos. thanks for sharing your journey 🙂
Never heard of this place but it looks and sounds cool! The Bolzano pass seems awesome and I like to just sit back and people watch. Look at the world go by.
Never heard of Bolzano but it sounds like a very charming little town in South Tyrol. A street food tour sounds like something that is right up my alley! I am so intrigued to read about Otzi being mummified naturally by glacial ice!
Glad we could introduce you to this amazing place! Hope you get a chance to visit someday. You will fall in love with “Italy of the North”!
Italy is my absolute favorite! We were there in January; I loved visiting during the winter months (the hot chocolate is everything). We didn’t make it to Bolzano, but I need to next time. I definitely want to to go to the Castel Roncolo!
Wow such a hidden gen gem of Italy. I wish I knew of this place during my 11 days tour of Italy. The mountain top castle is so magical. The old streets are so charming. Hope I get a second chance to visit Italy just to visit this town.
What a lovely place! really love all your photos. Need to make a stop there next time I go to Italy
Thank you Serena! We hope you get to Bolzano on your next visit!
This definitely looks like my kinda place! What a gorgeous destination in Italy. Sounds like the Bolzano Bozen Card really pays off and offers tremendous opportunities. I would want to visit the castles you mentioned and try out the yummy cuisine.
Oh I love the look of Bolzano. I’ve visited Riva Del Garda and the surrounding area a few times – the other side of the Dolomites, but not so far. Now I want to go to Bolzano too and pay my respects to Ötzi the Iceman!
Darcee spent a little time in Tyrol in Innsbruck and Mieders last year and absolutely loved it. Between the old cities and the beautiful outdoor activities along the mountains we were in heaven. Wish I had heard of Bolzano while we were there because this part near the Dolomites looks amazing. Love all the old town streets and buildings of Bolzano. I bet the food there was off the hook cause we loved the Food of Tyrol.
Hope you guys can get back to the area. The town is a foodie’s treasure chest! Bring your appetite!
I’m a total history nerd so I would go there just to see the ice man! And then stay to eat krapfens and drink wine! Haha! But seriously, Bolzano looks amazing and like such a charming town. I’d love to visit when I return to Italy.
Wow! And here I thought my fave things about Italy were the great food and cute streets- didn’t even realize you could also enjoy all that with a mountain backdrop as well!!! Great post.
Thanks Tamara. This part of Italy has some of the most amazing mountains in the world. Nothing else like it on the planet!
I love mountain towns! I was in Mestia, Georgia, last year, and the scenery in Bolzano is equally stunning!