Holidays in Bolzano & surroundings – Discover South Tyrol's diversity
Bolzano – where Mediterranean meets Alpine
One city, two cultures, endless experiences
Bolzano is the beating heart of South Tyrol – a city that combines Italian lifestyle with Alpine tradition. The provincial capital lies at an altitude of just 265 metres in a valley basin, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and sun-drenched vineyards. Here, medieval arcades merge with modern museums, traditional markets with contemporary architecture.
🏛️ Bolzano – Cultural treasure trove
Bolzano's old town is a living history book. Winding alleys, historic squares and architectural gems tell the story of centuries of history.
Cultural highlights in Bolzano:
- The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology with the world-famous glacier mummy Ötzi (over 5,300 years old)
- The elegant arcades – medieval arcades with boutiques and cafés
- Walther Square with its imposing cathedral and monument to the minstrel Walther von der Vogelweide
- The Museion – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in a spectacular building
- The South Tyrol Museum of Natural History with insights into Alpine flora and fauna
- The Bolzano Cathedral with its Gothic splendour and filigree tower
- The Muri-Gries Monastery with its Baroque church and traditional wine production
🍷 Wine Route & Surrounding Area – Mediterranean Moments of Pleasure
The famous South Tyrolean Wine Route stretches around Bolzano, leading through picturesque wine villages and terraced vineyards. Here, first-class wines thrive in the Mediterranean climate.
Highlights in the surrounding area:
- The South Tyrolean Wine Route with wineries in Kaltern, Tramin, Eppan and Terlan
- Lake Caldaro – the warmest swimming lake in the Alps with turquoise water
- Sigmundskron Castle with the Messner Mountain Museum and panoramic views
- The Ritten Earth Pyramids – spectacular natural formations above Bolzano
- The Ritten Railway – historic narrow-gauge railway with nostalgic charm
- The picturesque village of Jenesien with views of the Dolomites
- The Bletterbach Gorge – the ‘Grand Canyon of South Tyrol’ with 15 km of hiking trails
🚶 Activities – City meets nature
Bolzano's unique location allows you to stroll through the city in the morning and stand on a mountain peak in the afternoon.
Popular activities around Bolzano:
- City walks: Along the Talfer promenade with views of the mountains
- Hiking: The Bolzano High Mountain Trail offers spectacular views over the city
- Cycling: The Etschtal cycle route leads through orchards and vineyards
- Mountain biking: Trails on the Ritten and in the surrounding mountains
- Wine tastings: In traditional cellars and modern wine shops
- Cable car to the Renon: 12 minutes from the city to an altitude of 1,200 metres
- Market days: The fruit market and Bolzano market with regional products
- Via ferrata: The Santner via ferrata in the Rosengarten for experienced climbers
❄️ Winter in Bolzano – Christmas market & ski resorts
In winter, Bolzano enchants visitors with its famous Christmas market, while the surrounding ski resorts invite them to enjoy winter sports.
Winter highlights:
- The Bolzano Christmas Market – one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy
- Carezza (41 km) and Obereggen (48 km) ski resorts just 30-40 minutes away
- Winter hiking on the sunny Ritten plateau
- Ice skating on the natural ice rink at Lake Kaltern
- Cross-country skiing trails in Jenesien and on the Ritten
🍽️ Cuisine – enjoyment between two worlds
Bolzano's gastronomic scene combines South Tyrolean tradition with Italian sophistication. From traditional inns to Michelin-starred restaurants, everything is represented.
Culinary highlights:
- Traditional inns serving dumplings, bacon and regional specialities
- Bolzano markets with fresh regional products
- Osterie serving Mediterranean cuisine and local wines
- The famous Bolzano beer from the Forst brewery
- Wine cellars along the wine route with Vernatsch, Lagrein and Gewürztraminer
🏨 Accommodation – Urban comfort & rural idyll
From elegant city hotels to cosy country inns, the Bolzano region offers the right accommodation for every requirement.
Accommodation options:
- Boutique hotels in the historic old town with design and character
- Wellness hotels on the outskirts of the city with views of the vineyards
- Country inns in the wine villages with regional cuisine
- Agriturismo in the midst of apple orchards and vineyards
- Holiday apartments for self-caterers in a quiet location
- Business hotels with modern facilities for business travellers
✨ Your Bolzano experience
Whether you meet Ötzi in person, stroll through medieval arcades, taste fine wines or float from city life to alpine heights in just 12 minutes – Bolzano and its surroundings offer a unique blend of culture, nature and enjoyment. Here you can experience South Tyrol in its most diverse form.
Discover Bolzano – where city and nature, tradition and modernity form a perfect harmony! 🍇
