The 6 things to do in Bolzano • Wanderlix

South Tyrol in Italy is your next destination? Here are 6 essential things to do if you have planned to visit its capital Bolzano!

Province of Italy, which was formerly part of Austria, South-Tyrol, also known as Upper Adige is a dynamic destination between modernity and tradition. From the mountainous massif of the Dolomites, classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the enchanting villages and sunny vineyards, this region at the edge of the Austria and Italy offers a landscape both alpine and Mediterranean, snowy peaks and palm trees. It has seven natural parks and a national park, 17,000 km of marked hiking trails, more than 400 castles and 1,200 km of ski slopes!

What if you go to Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol province? This alpine city, which contains 500,000 inhabitants, is the gateway to the Dolomites. She was elected the best city to live in Italy in 2018, followed by Trente and Belluno. 600 km Rome Bolzano is a cultural and artistic high place.

It has many monuments, such as its cathedral, remarkable churches and ancient castles. It is a destination for walkers who like to explore the mountains, enthusiasts of oenology but also lovers of art and culture. Are you ready to visit Bolzano? Now discover the 6 essential things to do in this city with a unique charm!

The historic centre

Piazza Walther

A 5-minute walk from Bolzano train station, the elegant Walther square, dating from the 19th century, is lined with restaurants, cafés and shops. It is the main square of the city and a popular meeting place. In his centre, the statue of Walther von der Vogelweide, one of the most important German-speaking poets of the Middle Ages stands.

With in the background the mountains and the cathedral, this monument is a photogenic place that makes the happiness of many photographers. Walther Square hosts many events throughout the year, such as a traditional Christmas Market, a flower market in the spring as well as Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige, a must-have jazz festival that takes place every year from late June to mid-July.

The Cathedral

Located on Walther Square, the majestic cathedral, a jewel of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is considered the emblem of the capital of South Tyrol. One of the features of this cathedral called locally Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta or Dom Maria Himmelfahrt are the gargoyles and balustrades that evoke the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris .

Inside, it houses many works of art, such as the Gothic style chair carved by Hans Lutz von Schussenried in the stoneware, and many medieval frescoes. On the outside, you can see the wine door, one of the most beautiful Gothic portals in Tyrol.

Piazza delle Erbe

This colourful and lively place in the historic centre welcomes every day (except Saturday afternoon and Sunday) a fruit and vegetable market. This is where you can make your shopping and fill up local products. At the corner of the rue des Arcades, you will find the beautiful Neptune fountain in bronze that dates from the 18th century.

Christmas markets

What if you spend the Advent period in South Tyrol? December is a good time to visit Bolzano! The alpine city then boasts its most beautiful assets to offer two Christmas markets. One is installed on the famous Piazza Walther and is considered to be one of the largest and most magical markets in Italy with some 80 wooden chalets, its ride, its puppet theatre and its carriages.

There is also Rassegna Mercato Artistico , which takes place in the town hall square and is the oldest Christmas market, dedicated exclusively to local crafts. During the holiday season, you will have the opportunity to visit many other small markets around the city.

The churches

Chiesa dei Dominicani

In this church built in the early 14th century, in Gothic style, one can admire the Chapel San Giovanni , entirely decorated with frescoes of school gottesque!

Chiesa dei Francescani

The Franciscan church of Bolzano dating from the 14th century has a beautiful wooden altar by Hans Klocker, considered one of the most remarkable works of Gothic art! It also houses a charming little cloister with many frescoes.

Chiesa parrochiale di Gries

Dating back to the 15th century, this church is one of the most important baroque examples in South-Tyrol. There is a wooden roman crucifix and an altar carved by the Tyrolien Michael Pacher.

South Tyrol Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of South Tyrol recounts the entire history of the province of Paleolithic in the Carolingian era. He owes his reputation to his "Ice Man" nicknamed Ötzi, exposed with his clothes and his original crew.

This 5,000-year-old ice mummy was accidentally discovered in 1991 on the Schnalstal Glacier. He was murdered and naturally preserved in the ice.

The castles

South-Tyrol is a region sprinkled with many castles, with nearly 400. Bolzano is well placed to visit some.

Castel Roncolo

Located at the entrance of Val Sarentino, in a green setting, this imposing castle dates from the 13th century. Perched on a rocky spur, it was several times enlarged and restored. It exhibits splendid frescoes of the 14th and 15th centuries representing medieval life.

Castel Mareccio

Nestled in a vineyard of Lagrein, near the centre of Bolzano, this 13th century castle is distinguished by its four towers and chapel. It was built in a conference and exhibition centre.

The vineyards of Bolzano

Nearly 500 hectares of vineyards surround Bolzano. It is an opportunity to take a nice walk in the middle of the vineyards but also to visit wineries to taste very good wines. There are two indigenous wines, The Lagrein and Santa Maddalena . 98% of the vineyards bear the name DOC (= AOC), which confirms the optimal quality of the wines of Bolzano.

If you want to prolong the discovery of the wines of the region, you can take the route of the wines of the South-Tyrol, the oldest in Italy. You will cross vast vineyards, hilly landscapes and medieval villages. Those who prefer the bike will be able to follow the wine route of the village of Caldaro to the city of Merano.

The earth pyramids of the Renon

The earth pyramids (or fairy chimneys) on the plateau of Renon is a geological phenomenon not to be missed if you come to visit Bolzano. To access this exceptional site, you will have to board the Renon cable car from Bolzano, then a small train. A trail will lead you to the incredible earth pyramids of the Renon.

These clay chimneys result from a natural phenomenon of erosion and glacier deposits. Once you have visited the site, wait to descend to admire the sunset, the view is exceptional from the top of the mountain!

South Tyrol cuisine

If you want to combine travel and table art, the South-Tyrol is the destination par excellence. You will find more than 20 starred restaurants in the Michelin guide: this is the highest density of Michelin stars in Italy!

The speciality of South Tyrol cuisine? It combines the best of traditional Tyrolean cuisine and Italian cuisine. You will not fail to discover a regional specialty: the beef braised to the lagrein and its polenta .

The charcuterie fans will not pass next to « Speck Alto Adige IGP » , a light, smoky and matte ham. Also tested, the classic "Strudel" apples prepared according to a traditional South Tyrol tradition with nuts and nuts.

How to get to Bolzano

By plane

To get to the South-Tyrol region, the aircraft is the easiest way to transport. You can land at Innsbruck, Verona or Venice airport. From Verona and Innsbruck you can rent a car or ride a taxi to reach the area in less than two hours.

A look at a comparison of flights as Skyscanner will guarantee you a trip at the best price!

By train

Bolzano has a train station through which many regional and national trains transit. To travel from Paris to Bolzano, you must make at least 2 changes. The travel time by train from Bolzano to Paris is usually about 10 a.m. .

By car

If the car is your preferred means of transport, it will take about 10 a.m. to connect Paris to Bolzano. From Lyon and Strasbourg, plan 7 a.m. car and a little less 8 a.m. since Marseille.

A popular route, Brennerpass is the most popular pass in the Alps, especially in the summer, a tourist time for traffic jams. Take the old Brennerstraße road instead !

Where to sleep in Bolzano

Whether you would like to stay in the heart of Bolzano in the historic centre or in a peaceful and green setting, you will be spoiled for your choice. To find a hotel at the best price in Bolzano, search on our hotel comparison . If you prefer the experience “as at home”, you can also choose to rent a Airbnb !