Location: Bolzano
Top Things to do in Bolzano
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige
The capital of Italy’s northernmost region of South Tyrol, Bolzano (Bozen in German) has only been Italian since World War I, and its character remains distinctly Germanic. At the center of the town, Piazza Walther is named for a 13th-century German minstrel. The town’s most famous resident, Ötzi the Iceman, dates from about 3300 BC and now rests at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. The striking new building for Museion, the city’s modern and contemporary art museum, opened in 2008.
Restaurants in Bolzano
1. Parco Naturale Puez Odle
2. South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,494 reviews
Meet here the world’s famous chalcolithic ice mummy called "Ötzi, the Iceman" who was found with all his belongings on the Similaun glacier in 1991. Situated in the city center of Bolzano (pedestrian area), the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology displays the oldest wet mummy in a sophisticated ice cell and shows Neolithic craftmanship in his equipment: the world’s most antique clothes and the hunting equipment with the world's oldest fully preserved copper axe.
Reviewed By ANGELOV230 - Milan, Italy
The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is centered on the iceman "Ötzi" that was discovered in the Alps some decades ago. The mummy itself is visible through a window, in the refrigerated cell where the 5000 year old man is kept. All artifacts found with the mummy are here too (clothings, shoes, hat, ax, pouch, knife, bow, quiver and arrows, baskets...) and very good explanations are provided in Italian, German and English of each item. Every artifact or any discovery about Ötzi are put into contest of the people life at that time, so the entire museum tells a fascinating history of 3400 years BC. You cannot take pictures of the mummy, but everything else can be photographed. At the end of the tour, you find a museum shop, with good books about Ötzi.
3. Messner Mountain Museum MMM Firmian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Reviewed By Shallwegothere - Ulceby, United Kingdom
We thought a couple of hours would be needed to visit this museum but we're surprised at the quality of various exhibitions. Interesting mountaineering history information, the history of the building and surrounding area which was fascinating. Art installations and display items all within the beautiful castle. The building has been restored and blended with modern materials which are balanced to each other. The architectural design is fantastic and is very well throughout. So 5 hours later and after visiting the cafe, we can highly recommend this museum.
4. Renon’s Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,232 reviews
Renon's new cable car opened on May 23, 2009, offering a whole bunch of fantastic advantages for vacationers and local commuters alike: a generous schedule, short travel time and easy access. It's a true gem. It only takes 12 minutes for the gondolas to move from Bozen/Bolzano to Oberbozen/Soprabolzano - they depart every 4 minutes, so there's practically no waiting time.
Reviewed By PJandSJ - Matlock, United Kingdom
We decided that we would just take one trip by cable car in Bolzano, and decided upon this one. Strolling along from our hotel in the centre of town one morning, we soon reached the cable car station, and bought a combined ticket that included a trip on the train at the top of the mountain. The cable car was lightly loaded, we each had a comfortable seat, and the ascent was very smooth. The views as we gained height were very impressive. At what we anticipated was going to be the top of the mountain, we swung over a green, wooded dale and continued our ascent – it was almost as if we were entering a secret world, hidden from mortals in the valley below. Delightful vistas surrounded us, with the imposing Dolomites in the far distance. At the terminus, we disembarked and walked a short distance to the train station, where we joined others already waiting. Before too long, a train arrived, and we stayed on board until the end of the line in Collalbo. Be sure to arm yourself with a free map of the area, available at the cable station, because it provides several numbered walks of varying lengths that you can enjoy on the plateau. From Collalbo, we set off along walk 24 to the Pirimidi di Terra where we savoured spectacular views. On our return journey, we took a side detour through woods, along walk 20, the Fenn Promenade, before enjoying coffee in a café just as we approached Collalbo. Suitably refreshed, we decided to walk all the way back to the train station at Soprabolzano, and so headed for walk 35, the Freud Promenade. Luckily, we found a comfortable seat just as we were about to enter a wooded area, and so took the opportunity to eat some sandwiches we’d brought with us. It was a lovely walk, despite the unexpected rain shower that seemed to come from nowhere. A thoroughly enjoyable, active day rounded off by a great descent on the cable car back to Bolzano. Recommended.
5. Runkelstein Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 622 reviews
Runkelstein Castle lies on a porphyr rock and overlooks the city of Bolzano. Its construction began in the year 1237 by order of the nobles Friedrich and Beral von Wangen. However, its moment of glory was the year 1385, when the castle was acquired by the bourgeois brothers Franz and Niklaus Vintler. Up to the present day Runkelstein Castle hosts the largest cycle of secular medieval frescoes.
Reviewed By vessi80 - North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
The free shuttle bus from Piazza Walther whisks you straight here. 10 minute uphill walk from the car park and you're back in the 13th century ! Entrance is 8 euros but included with the Alto Adige/Sud Tirol Museumobil Card (also covers return train from Trento). Stunning inside and out with great descriptors of those famous medieval frescoes. The exhibition on Maximilian the First (until Jan'20) is outstanding. There's an original 'Weisskunig' novel on display plus 'The Book of Heroes'. Add, wonderful prints of this famous Habsburg, coinage showing just what a self image promoter he was and the famous Maximilian Armour. Brilliant curation ! Lovely coffee/snacks in the atmospheric courtyard and the great staff at the desk arranged the return shuttle. Perfect Saturday at Runkelstein.
6. Piazza Walther
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,707 reviews
Reviewed By I9317NIbilld - Bedford, United Kingdom
We went to this picturesque city by train from Innsbruck and was most impressed by the amazing scenery. It was a very hot day with deep blue sky and we had a drink in a cafe on the square. We also caught a tram and did a round trip which was a great way to see it and at little cost. Certainly a day and a place to remember and to return to if we are in this area or nearby.
7. Via dei Portici
8. Duomo Maria Assunta
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 772 reviews
Reviewed By alanrankin1 - Adelaide, Australia
We caught the train from Verona and the scenery was great Once there to walk around the town, even though we were in Italy it felt like a German village The cable car to the top of the mountains provide sensational vies right through to the Dolamite mountains
9. Twenty
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 124 reviews
the most exciting shopping experience in Bolzano & South Tyrol >250 Top Brands | 80 Shops | 7 Restaurants | 6 Cinemas | 500m2 Kids Park
10. Bolzano Christmas Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 478 reviews
Get into the Alpine holiday spirit at one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Italy. The town of Bolzano is nestled in the Dolomite mountain range and the market is held in the Piazza Walther. You can drink warm and spicy vin brûlée with a slice of apple strudel while you browse the many stalls of traditional crafts of the region.
Reviewed By 603lawrencec - Malta, null
Bolzano is amazing, we arrived by train from Verona and you’re immediately in the heart of Bolzano.. first Christmas market in just 5 minutes walk with plenty of stalls you want to buy something from each and every one of them, then you walk further like 10 minutes and you’re in Bolzano Center in the famous Piazza Walther with another massive Christmas market and surrounded by cafeterias, restaurants, and plenty of shopping outlets you can immagine ... for those who love culture there is plenty to see as well, Italia is full of culture.... Don’t miss a ride with horses and carriage around the heart of the city Centre from Piazza Walther it cost us €9 per person for 15 min around but it’s worth the money because you discover more shopping attractions and you want to visit for sure... Than after couple of hours in Centre you must go to see Renon ( sopra Bolzano ) it’s heaven ♥️ To arrive to Renon from Centre you must walk back to Bolzano train station where we started and walk for about 600 metres to the right hand side when exiting train station and find a large building you cannot miss all covered with glass and it’s the cable car station that takes you to Renon with cheap fare €12 per person and even include a train ride around Renon to take you up with breath taking views and then taste some street food like goulash with some wine or beer or Vin Brune and enjoy the amazing views of the mountains... we just fell in love with the place .... it’s a must see and be ♥️
