South Tyrol Archaeology Museum (Ötzi Museum)
Here awaits one of the world's most famous mummies: Ötzi, the Iceman. Dive into his fascinating history and gain exciting insights into life over 5,300 years ago, when he was found in the Ötztal Alps.
Italy
Bozen
CityCultureCulinaryMountainsNatureFor Families
Nestled in a valley basin at the confluence of the Talfer and Eisack, Bolzano is the capital of South Tyrol.
by Felix Gillen
Nestled in a valley basin at the confluence of the Talfer and Eisack, Bolzano is the capital of South Tyrol. The city is bilingual; unlike the rest of South Tyrol, the Italian language group is in the majority here: In the 2024 language census, about three-quarters of the inhabitants declared themselves part of the Italian language group and about one-quarter part of the German language group.Old TownThe heart of the Old Town features the over 300-meter-long Lauben (arcades) with their merchant houses, the Obstplatz (Fruit Square) with its market, and the Waltherplatz with the Gothic cathedral. Gothic frescoes are preserved in the Dominican Church, while the Franciscan Church boasts a winged altar and a cloister.MuseumsThe South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology exhibits the glacier mummy Ötzi. Additionally, there is the Museion for modern and contemporary art and the Messner Mountain Museum Firmian at Sigmundskron Castle.SurroundingsCable cars lead up to Ritten and Kohlern.
Sights in Bozen
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Church
Waltherplatz und Bozner Dom
Waltherplatz is the city's central square, named after the poet Walther von der Vogelweide, whose monument by Heinrich Natter stands in the center. To the south, the square is bordered by Dom Mariä Himmelfahrt, the most significant Gothic church in the region, featuring a late Gothic bell tower from 1519. The cathedral was severely damaged by bombs in 1943 and faithfully reconstructed.
Die Bozner Lauben (Via Portici)
Over 300 meters long, the Old Town's main shopping street was laid out in the 12th century by the Prince-Bishops of Trento. Shops are located in the ground floor arcades, with narrow passages connecting to the parallel streets. The Merkantilmuseum, housed in the early 18th-century Merkantilgebäude, showcases the city's trade history. Obstplatz, with its market, can be reached via Goethestraße.
Schloss Runkelstein
Castle on a porphyry rock at the entrance to the Sarntal above the Talfertal. It boasts the largest preserved secular fresco cycle from the Middle Ages, created between 1388 and 1410, depicting scenes from courtly life, tournaments, and chivalric romances like Tristan and Isolde. A short, steep footpath leads up to it, or alternatively, a shuttle bus.
Rittner Seilbahn
Cable car from Bolzano to Oberbozen on the Ritten, approx. 12-minute journey. From Oberbozen, the Rittner Railway continues to Klobenstein.
Dominikanerkirche
Gothic monastery church on Dominikanerplatz; construction began ca. 1300. The 14th-century frescoes of the Johanneskapelle were created by Venetian painters, following Giotto's example. The cloister preserves frescoes, including those by Friedrich Pacher.
City walks in Bozen
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Bolzano's Old Heart: A Walk Through Lanes and History
On this two-hour walk, discover the historic centre of Bolzano. From splendid squares to winding arcaded streets and lively markets, immerse yourself in the unique mix of Alpine tradition and Mediterranean flair. A perfect overview for first-time visitors and lovers of the city.
Stops (5)
Restaurants & Cafes
Immerse yourself in the rustic atmosphere of Batzenhäusl, Bolzano's oldest brewery, where you can enjoy hearty South Tyrolean specialties and freshly tapped beer. The hearty cuisine and lively ambiance make it the ideal place for an authentic culinary experience.
In the historic ambiance of Restaurant Vögele, a sophisticated, traditional South Tyrolean cuisine with Mediterranean influences awaits you. Here, seasonal and regional products are transformed into creative dishes, which you can savor in stylish Stuben.
Traditional inn near the Obstplatz with wood-paneled Stuben. The menu offers dumplings, meat dishes, homemade pasta, and South Tyrolean wines.
Traditional inn on Bindergasse with Tyrolean meats, dumplings, pasta, and wine. Simple, rustic Stuben.
Inn with its own brewery and garden terrace on Andreas-Hofer-Straße. Serving hearty dishes such as Knödel and pork hock.
Inn with a neo-Gothic lounge and frescoes at Zollstangenplatz. The cuisine blends Tyrolean and Italian dishes, with an extensive wine list.
Food and Drink
Bolzano combines Tyrolean inn cuisine with Italian bar and pasta culture.
Lagrein
A deeply colored, tannic, robust red wine that thrives especially on the sand and gravel soils of Gries.
St. Magdalener
Red wine from the St. Magdalena vineyard on the edge of Bozen.
Knödel
Made from bread scraps, often enriched with cheese or bacon.
Marende
Brotzeit with bread, bacon, cheese and Kaminwurzen.
Culture
Bolzano originated in the Middle Ages as a market settlement with a lane lined with arcades. Since its founding, several annual markets took place here, and at the behest of Claudia de’ Medici, the city received the Mercantile Magistracy, its own commercial court, in the 17th century. The Mercantile Museum tells this trading history.After its annexation to Italy, South Tyrol was systematically Italianized during the Fascist era. The coexistence of language groups continues to shape politics and daily life to this day.Autumn is Törggele time: then you taste the new wine directly at the winery, accompanied by roasted chestnuts.
Nightlife
Bolzano's nightlife is rather relaxed and sociable, with a focus on wine bars and traditional eateries. Especially in the Old Town, you'll find a good selection, from stylish spots like the Grifoncino for a drink to cozy meeting points.
Bar in Dr.-Streiter-Gasse in the Old Town for aperitif and cocktails.
Bar on Waltherplatz, perfect for an aperitif with a view of the square.
Small bar-osteria in the Gries district, west of the Talfer, with wine and aperitifs.
Venue on Andreas-Hofer-Street with concerts and parties. Check program beforehand.
On the road
Bolzano is located on the Brenner railway from Innsbruck to Verona, and the railway line to Merano also starts here. Bolzano Airport is used for scheduled and charter flights.You explore the old town on foot. The Rittner Seilbahn reaches Oberbozen in about 12 minutes, and the Kohlerer Bahn runs from Kampill to Kohlern.
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