Bolzano is so underrated and needs to get more attention! Beautiful mountains and so close to Austria and especially in winter a must-visit! Being located directly next to the breathtaking Dolomites is Bolzano the capital of south Tyrol and is a unique blend of Austrian and Italian cultural experiences with great historic charm and amazing food of course! In general, I would recommend two days max in Bolzano itself and doing a few day trips or just a stop between an Austrian and Italian road trip! Here are my 10 best things to do in Bolzano, when visiting:
1. Museum of Archaeology
Of course, I have to say the Museum of Archaeology which is home to the famous Ötzi the Iceman, a well-preserved mummy which exhibits details of his past and about the Copper Age in general. A lot of interesting stuff directly in the centre of Bolzano and it is a must when going to Bolzano to see the Ötzi.
2. Piazza Walther
The main square of Bolzano with a lot of historical buildings, cafes and shops around. Especially in winter, the square is lovely decorated, and you will find a Christmas market to get good snacks to go and something to drink. A personal recommendation is Loacker’s which is a famous chocolate brand. They have everything a chocolate lover can wish for! The waffles are great with a warm hot chocolate is perfect for a cold day outside.
3. Bolzano Cathedral and old town
Bolzano Cathedral is also near the town square (not hard because Bolzano is not big). It is not hard to miss but is really beautiful from the inside as well as from the outside. But more important is Portici Street or in German the Laubengasse which has so many beautiful buildings and a picturesque arcade with so many cute boutiques, cafes and amazing restaurants!
4. Bolzano´s Markets
On the beautiful streets of Bolzano, there are a few markets all around the city. Directly in the city center, you can find a good selection of delicatessens, and it is a lively stop to shop for fresh produce and flowers as well or to grab a snack for a picnic. There is also sometimes a fleamarket around the city center where you can find super cheap clothes and stuff for second-hand but the times always change on when you can find the market.
5. Castel Roncolo
With a beautiful view is this castle also a recommended stop you should make when you are on your way around Italy by car. This castle can also be reached by bus, but it is definitely easier if you have a car around. The medieval castle is really beautiful to look at and perfect for a photo stop and a short walk.
6. Renon Cable Car
Also, not far away from the center, there is the station where you can take the Renon cable car up to the breathtaking Renon plateau. There you can take a walk with the stunning views of the Dolomites and Bolzano below. Perfect for enjoying easy hiking trails and a cute village with the famous Renon earth pyramids which are unique geological formations. The cable car is only about 6-10 Euros and should be on your to-do list when traveling to Bolzano. You can take a one-way ticket and can walk down if you want. A perfect morning activity!
7. Wine Tasting
Bolzano is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and there are a lot of opportunities to visit local vineries. There is also a road called Strada del Vino which is perfect for exploring vineyards because the street is translated as a wine road. So, a lot of vineyards along the way where you can make quick stops and drink some vine if you want and see how far you can go…
8. Daytrip to Dolomites
If you want to make a day trip from Bolzano closer to the Dolomites then I would recommend renting a car. You can also go by bus to some places but if you have a car it is just more flexible and easier to do so. You should go to the Seiser Alm cable car for good views and go up with the cable car to the high-altitude alpine meadow which is Europe’s largest and hike or explore nature up there. You can take a stroll along the meadow trails and enjoy the great views. Or if you want to do a more challenging option hike to Compatsch. You can also grab lunch up there at the mountain hut and try local specialties like knödeln. Lago di Carezza is a stunning green lake surrounded by dolomites making it a perfect photo spot for Instagram pictures everyone will be jealous of.
On your way back make a short stop at Ortisei in Val Gardena which is a calm mountain village and gives you the perfect mountainy cutesy vibes with artisan shops and charming cafes.
9. Daytrip to Merano
To be honest: I like Merano a little bit more than Bolzano just from the charming vibe it has. So, I would totally recommend you spend some time in this historic town if you have enough time in Bolzano. You can easily take the train from Bolzano because Merano is only about half an hour away from Bolzano. Merano has as well as Bolzano a historic shopping street with charming boutiques and cafes called Portici and a cathedral that has stunning gothic architecture you should check out, but it is especially famous for its thermal baths and gardens. When you are there in winter you should plan a day to do a nice relaxation in the therme meran.
While relaxing and chilling in the thermal pools you even have the views of the surrounding mountains in the background. Also, one of the most beautiful places in South Tyrol is the Trauttmansdorff castle located in Merano. It has such beautiful gardens at the bottom of the castle area you can explore and enjoy nature in. If you further want to go for a little walk, I would recommend the Sissi Walk which is a promenade named after Sissi the Empress of Austria and it connects the town centre with the Trauttmansdorff castle.
10. Daytrip to Innsbruck
If you are very ambitious and want to see Austria as well when going to Italy, then you can do a day trip to Innsbruck which is just about 2 hours by train from Bolzano. Innsbruck is a charming little city in Austria which is famous for its winter sports and mountains surrounding the city. Of course, you have to visit the Goldenes Dachl and the Hofkirche when going there to see the cenotaph. Innsbruck is great for just walking around the old town and people-watching while enjoying a hot chocolate and enjoying the vibe. For lunch, you have the perfect opportunity to try some of Austria´s most famous and most delicious specialties like käsespätzle Wiener Schnitzel or very delicious kaiserschmarrn!!!
As said before is Innsbruck a very sporty city which is focused on winter sports as well as mountain biking etc. If you have never seen a ski jump before then you need to visit the Bergisel ski jump which is just a short ride away by bus and is a must for every sports fan! Innsbruck is in general a highlight when loving to do outdoor activities and there are plenty of options for everyone!
These were our 10 best things to do in Bolzano! Let us know what you think about Bolzano and if you have more recommendations! We are always happy to get new things we can do and explore in this amazing town. We hope you enjoy your time in this charming town in south Tyrol and hope you live a life to remember!
Emma
About the Author:
If Emma were a word, she would be „daydreaming“ - the kind of daydreaming that feels more active than dreamy. No matter where she is, you’ll catch her thinking about the artsy city of Melbourne, wishing to take a walk through Central Park, dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, and so on. The list is long. What’s adorable and also very impressive is that Emma doesn’t stay lost in the haze of her dreams; it won’t be long before the first opportunity appears, and she’ll be on her way to fulfill them.
Emma
About the Author:
If Emma were a word, she would be „daydreaming“ – the kind of daydreaming that feels more active than dreamy. No matter where she is, you’ll catch her thinking about the artsy city of Melbourne, wishing to take a walk through Central Park, dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, and so on. The list is long. What’s adorable and also very impressive is that Emma doesn’t stay lost in the haze of her dreams; it won’t be long before the first opportunity appears, and she’ll be on her way to fulfill them.
