The Best Things to Do in Bolzano: Top Attractions & Tips

5 Facts About Bolzano

• Bolzano is, with around 108,000 residents, the largest city in South Tyrol and also its regional capital.
• In 2009, Bolzano was named the Alpine Town of the Year — no surprise there, as far as we’re concerned it’s one of the most beautiful cities in South Tyrol.
• Three languages are spoken in Bolzano: Italian, German, and Ladin.
• At over 5,300 years old, Ötzi is probably Bolzano’s oldest resident. You can see the glacier mummy at the Archaeological Museum.
• Speaking of age: Bolzano is also home to the world’s oldest cable car. But don’t worry — it does get serviced every now and then.

Where Is Bolzano in Italy?

Bolzano is located in the very north of Italy. About 30 minutes by car is the equally worthwhile Merano, and in 90 minutes you’re in Austria.

Beyond that, you’ll find plenty of attractions in South Tyrol all around, including mountain peaks and lakes. Bolzano sits in a valley in South Tyrol and is often called the gateway to the Dolomites.

The 12 Best Things to Do in Bolzano

Bolzano is perfectly sized for a weekend trip. Here’s a rundown of the Bolzano highlights you absolutely can’t miss.

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology with Ötzi

What you need to know: Bolzano’s number-one attraction is Ötzi, the Iceman. He was accidentally discovered in 1991 by a couple in the Ötztal Alps, is around 5,300 years old, and is the oldest mummy in the world. You can admire him at the Archaeological Museum.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! At the museum you’ll learn everything about how Ötzi lived, what tools he used, how researchers studied him, and all kinds of legends surrounding him. Through a small window you can then catch a glimpse of Ötzi himself in his refrigerated chamber.

Our tip: Be prepared for a long line — Ötzi is a serious tourist magnet. Your best bet is to book your ticket online on the museum’s website — you can do so up to three days in advance.

Bolzano Arcades

What you need to know: Along the arcade lane, traditional craft shops sit alongside small fashion boutiques and plenty of cozy cafés where you can enjoy a cappuccino and a slice of cake. They’ve been here since the Middle Ages, and trade has been happening here ever since.

Is it worth it? Totally! The arcade lane is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll through Bolzano.

Cool to know: The arcades stretch 300 meters. That said, they’re not the longest — that title goes to the neighboring city of Merano, whose arcades run 400 meters.

Walther Square and Fruit Market

What you need to know: Walther Square is the most important square in Bolzano — its full name is actually Walther von der Vogelweide Square! At the center stands a monument to its namesake, the troubadour Walther. The Fruit Market is not far away — here you’ll find different things for sale depending on the season. Hidden among the stalls is the Neptune Fountain.

Is it worth it? Yes — both squares are genuinely lovely. Walther Square has plenty of cafés and restaurants, and the Fruit Market is great for a leisurely browse.

Our tip: During the Christmas season, the traditional Christmas market takes place on Walther Square, and hot mulled wine is served at the Fruit Market.

Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary

What you need to know: The Bolzano Cathedral is the city’s landmark, standing in the city center at Walther Square. With its red and yellow sandstone, you can hardly miss it. The 60-meter-tall bell tower is adorned with elaborate gargoyles and countless intricate details.

Is it worth it? Yes — the cathedral is seriously impressive both inside and out.

Our tip: Also well worth seeing are the fresco on the tower wall, the elaborately decorated portals, and the small chapel inside the church.

Runkelstein Castle

What you need to know: High above the rooftops of Bolzano stands Runkelstein Castle. The medieval fortress perches on a rock above the Talfer River and is known for its elaborate frescoes depicting knights, beautiful court ladies, and wild hunting scenes. Today the castle serves mainly as an event venue, for example for the KLANGfesteMUSICALI or the Ritten Summer Festival.

Is it worth it? Yes — Runkelstein Castle looks like something straight out of a storybook.

Our tip: You can park directly below the castle. But the hike from the city center is lovely, offers great views over Bolzano, and only takes about half an hour.

Talfer Meadows

What you need to know: The Talfer Meadows are — as the name suggests — large green spaces along the Talfer River. In summer, locals especially gather here for picnics, sports, and relaxing. You can also stroll along the Talfer, cross the various bridges, and enjoy the city’s greenery.

Is it worth it? Yes — if you’re in Bolzano for more than a day, be sure to make a detour to the Talfer Meadows.

Our tip: You can easily combine the Talfer Meadows with a walk to Runkelstein Castle, since you can walk almost the entire way to the castle along the Talfer.

Oswald Promenade

What you need to know: The Oswald Promenade is a panoramic trail above Bolzano. It runs from St. Anton to St. Magdalena and is about two kilometers long. You’ll need to hike uphill for a bit at first, but after that the Oswald Promenade is largely flat and easy to walk.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Even if it’s not as well known among tourists, for us it ranks among Bolzano’s most beautiful highlights.

Our tip: Halfway along the Oswald Promenade hangs the picture frame you see above. This is a great spot for photos.

Messner Mountain Museum Firmian

What you need to know: Reinhold Messner is one of the world’s most famous extreme mountaineers — the first person to summit Mount Everest without an oxygen tank. Spread across South Tyrol, he founded six museums under the Messner Mountain Museum (MMM) brand. The centerpiece is the MMM Firmian at Sigmundskron Castle in Bolzano.

Is it worth it? Yes — you’re guided playfully through a course of paths and staircases that brings you closer to the relationship between humans and mountains.

Our tip: With the MMM Tour Ticket for 55 euros, you can visit all six museums. Plan a few days for this, though, since the locations are spread a bit apart. The ticket is valid for a full year.

Franciscan Monastery

What you need to know: North of the Fruit Market stands the Franciscan Monastery with its accompanying Franciscan Church. Definitely check out the cloister: its four sides are decorated with Gothic ribbed vaulting, and each side has a different pattern. The entrance to the cloister is somewhat hidden between the church and the monastery gate.

Is it worth it? Yes — but only if you’re genuinely interested in monasteries and art.

Our tip: One of the frescoes is particularly striking — it depicts the suffering Jesus alongside all the instruments of torture in detail. But that’s a matter of taste.

Maretsch Castle

What you need to know: Set among green vineyards and a waterside promenade sits the picturesque Maretsch Castle. You can reach it from the city center on foot in just a few minutes. Many trade fairs, concerts, and other events take place here.

Is it worth it? Yes — the castle makes for a great photo opportunity.

Our tip: A real standout in spring is the traditional Bolzano Wine Festival. There you can sample over 200 of the best white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines from the local growing regions.

Bindergasse

What you need to know: At the eastern end of the Bolzano arcades you’ll find the Bindergasse, one of the oldest streets in the city with incredibly beautiful historic buildings. The lane got its name in the Middle Ages from the coopers — barrel makers who were essential to the wine trade.

Is it worth it? Definitely. The Bindergasse is part of the pedestrian zone and perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Our tip: At the northern end of the Bindergasse you’ll find the Natural History Museum of South Tyrol — a great pick for rainy days and families.

Victory Monument

What you need to know: On Victory Square near the Talfer Bridge stands one of the most significant and controversial monuments from the Fascist era in South Tyrol: the Victory Monument. It was built in 1928 by Marcello Piacentini and continues to spark heated debate today.

Is it worth it? Yes — the history behind it is really fascinating.

Our tip: In the basement of the monument there’s a documentation center. The permanent exhibition tells the story of the building’s construction and the city during the Fascist period.

The Best Day Trips Around Bolzano

If you have a bit more time, you should definitely venture out into the surrounding area. There are plenty of hikes in South Tyrol and natural wonders waiting for you.

Here are our top picks for day trips from Bolzano.

Lake Caldaro

What you need to know: Lake Caldaro is about 30 minutes south of Bolzano by car. It’s known as the warmest swimming lake in the Alps: thanks to its shallow depth, it reaches temperatures of 61 to 66°F in spring, and up to 82°F in midsummer — almost like a bathtub.

Is it worth it? Oh yes — especially if you’re visiting South Tyrol in summer.

Our tip: For the adventurous, there’s a three-hour hike nearby through the Rastenbach Gorge. Climb over steps, cross bridges, and pass through waterfalls on the way to the small village of Altenburg. From there you can take the marked loop trail back to Caldaro.

Best way to get there: Instead of driving, you can also do a short bike ride through South Tyrol (about one hour) starting from Sigmundskron Castle. The route takes you along the former track of the Überetsch Railway, along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, and past castles and fruit orchards.

Earth Pyramids on the Ritten

What you need to know: The Ritten Earth Pyramids are a unique natural spectacle. These reddish-brown formations date all the way back to the Ice Age!

Is it worth it? Yes — they make for a really cool day trip, and along the way you’re treated to stunning views over South Tyrol.

Best way to get there: The pyramids in Lengmoos are particularly recommended, as they’re the easiest to reach. Take the Ritten Cable Car to Oberbozen. From there you can either hike to the earth pyramids or hop on the Rittner Bahnl, a historic narrow-gauge railway that takes you a bit farther to Klobenstein.

Three Castles Hike

What you need to know: Just a few kilometers from Bolzano lies Appiano sulla Strada del Vino and the Appiano Castle Triangle. The starting point of the Three Castles loop hike is the small village of Missian near Appiano.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The loop hike takes about two hours and rewards you with a magnificent panorama over the Adige Valley and the Dolomites.

Our tip: The hike starts at Korb Castle and continues to the ruins of Boymont Castle — a great spot to stop for lunch. Afterward, you hike through the Hocheppan Valley past vineyards and orchards to Hocheppan Fortress.

Best way to get there: You can park in the lot just below Korb Castle, the first stop on the hike.

Seiser Alm

What you need to know: The Seiser Alm is the largest high-altitude alpine pasture in Europe and a starting point for many hikes. The plateau itself is wonderfully rustic, with green mountain meadows and a breathtaking mountain panorama in every direction.

Is it worth it? Yesss! The Seiser Alm is a must-see in South Tyrol and a fantastic day trip from Bolzano.

Our tip: A particularly beautiful hike takes you from the Seiser Alm along the tourist trail up to the 8,409-foot-high Schlern, then down to Völser Weiher lake and the small village of Völs am Schlern. Plan a full day for this one, though.

Best way to get there: Since the road is closed to private traffic between 9 AM and 5 PM, your best bet is to take the Seiser Alm cable car or a public bus.

Our Hotel Tips for Bolzano

Bolzano has become a popular destination in Italy and there are plenty of great places to stay. Here are our hotel recommendations for every budget.

Tips for Eating and Drinking in Bolzano

Bolzano delivers both Italian cuisine and traditional South Tyrolean fare. From hearty savory dishes to sweet temptations — here are our top picks for restaurants and cafés.

• Il Corso Bolzano: touted by locals as the best pizzeria in the area. Here you can enjoy pizza just like in Naples.
• Café Lintner: the city’s most delicious carnival doughnuts and outstanding cakes. During peak times you may have to wait for a table.
• Danny Bar: serving fruit bowls as well as burgers — ideal for a quick lunch or brunch.
• Eisdiele by Nicolas: the best gelato in the city — super creamy and the quality really comes through! Takeout only, though.
• Meta: a newer restaurant with a panoramic terrace and a gorgeous view over Walther Square.
• Casa al Torchio: Bolzano’s oldest restaurant with a rustic atmosphere. The pizza is really tasty — try the La Tartufata, which fills the whole room with the scent of delicious truffle oil.
• Bar Thaler: perfect for an aperitivo in the arcades. There’s a café on the ground level, and a few steps up a bar with a great terrace and views over Bolzano.

The Best Places to Shop in Bolzano

For a great shopping stroll through Bolzano’s historic center, head to the medieval arcades of the arcade lane and the small alleyways around Walther Square. Alongside traditional handicrafts, you’ll find Italian fashion boutiques and spots serving South Tyrolean specialties.

At the cathedral square there’s a small jewelry shop. Elisabeth is a glass artist who makes everything by hand.

For sustainable shopping, the Kauri Store is the place to go. In addition to clothing (including pieces from two local labels), you’ll find local natural cosmetics, jewelry, bags, and children’s items — all 100 percent sustainable.

The Twenty Shopping Center is especially worthwhile in bad weather. It has around 80 stores and a movie theater.

How to Get to Bolzano

You can reach Bolzano in several ways. The most eco-friendly option is by train — there’s a direct service from Munich to Verona with a stop in Bolzano.

Flixbus is the most budget-friendly option, with connections from most major European cities.

If you’d prefer more flexibility, your best bet is the car. That also makes it much easier to explore the sights in the surrounding area.

The fastest route to Bolzano is via the Brenner Highway A13/A22 from Innsbruck. From Munich to Bolzano by car takes about 3.5 hours.

Getting Around Bolzano

Bolzano isn’t very large and you can reach many of the highlights on foot. But if you plan to venture outside the city, here are our tips for getting around:

By public transportation

Public transit in South Tyrol is very well developed. In addition to regional trains and buses, there are also cable cars and trams. The standouts in Bolzano are the Ritten Cable Car and the Mendel Cable Car to Caldaro.

You can either get a single ticket for 2 euros directly from the bus driver, or go ahead and get a day pass for 6 euros.

If you plan to use public transit a lot, we recommend the South Tyrol MobilCard. It gives you access to all public transportation in South Tyrol. It’s valid for one (20 euros), three (30 euros), or seven (50 euros) consecutive days and must be validated before each ride.

Where to park in Bolzano?

If you’re bringing a car, there are plenty of public parking options throughout the city.

Parking fees vary by location. The largest and most affordable parking garage in Bolzano is the Bolzano Mitte Parking Garage. It costs 2 euros per hour, and Walther Square is just a seven-minute walk away. Right at Walther Square, you’ll pay 4 euros per hour.

Completely free public parking spots are unfortunately hard to come by in Bolzano. There are only three in the city: one of them can be found on Pfarrhofstraße at the main entrance to the cemetery.