Why You Should Visit Bolzano on Your Next Trip to Italy
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What do you picture when you think of Italy? Ancient heritage sites? A dramatic coastline with beaches and colorful villages? Pasta? Tuscany’s rolling hills? Beautiful churches? Those are the first things that come to my mind too, but there’s more—Italy also has incredible mountains. The Dolomites, for example, are full of amazing alpine scenery, and you’ll find them in Northern Italy.
If you want to check them out, Bolzano is the town to look for on the map. It’s the gateway to the Dolomites, but it’s more than just a quick stop. Bolzano is a destination worth visiting, and I’ll show you why you should add it to your Italy trip.
Summary
Bolzano is the capital of South Tyrol and a lively hub in the Italian Alps. It’s the closest city to the Dolomites, which is why it’s called the Gateway to the Dolomites.
After exploring Bolzano, I’d say it’s worth a stop for its unique museum exhibits, like the ancient mummy Ötzi, and its natural sights, like the Earth Pyramids. The town also features a beautiful church, colorful mural-covered houses, and nearby castles that some visitors enjoy exploring.
While it doesn’t have as many attractions as larger Italian cities, Bolzano is close to some of the most scenic spots in the Dolomites, such as Santa Magdalena and Seceda in Ortisei, both just a 90-minute drive away. It’s a convenient base for exploring the Dolomites while still enjoying city comforts like restaurants, shops, and hotels.
10 Reasons to Visit Bolzano
What makes Bolzano so irresistible to visit is its uniqueness, the experiences it offers, and the perks of its location. For example, the city’s charm is enhanced by views of the surrounding mountains, amazing day trip destinations in the Dolomites, and fascinating finds like Ötzi. We’ll cover all these details in the sections below.
Among the perks and advantages of choosing Bolzano as a destination, its location makes it exciting. Besides being so close to the Dolomites, the city is already surrounded by mountains reaching 2000 meters (6561 feet). Imagine the crisp, fresh air cleansing your lungs, the adventures just a stone’s throw away, and the dramatic scenery melting your worries away! And that’s only the beginning.
Did you know the Italian Alps have many mountain-top castles? Bolzano is literally surrounded by them. Gorges and unique land formations are also found in the mountains, and the mountainous area around Bolzano is no exception.
A few notable places accessible from Bolzano are the GEOPARC Bletterbach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Maretsch Castle or Castel Mareccio, and Runkelstein Castle, also known as Castel Roncolo.
In fact, Bolzano is so closely surrounded by mountains that you don’t have to drive or take the train to reach some amazing viewpoints like Renon and Colle—they’re just a cable car ride away from the city center. When you reach the top, you’ll get more ideas for experiences in Bolzano thanks to views that include vineyards. Yep, let’s talk about wines!
There’s always something to do in Bolzano and the Dolomites, no matter the season. In winter, you can enjoy the snow with skiing, snowboarding, or tobogganing. You can also explore South Tyrolean culture by tasting local dishes like speck and knödel or experiencing Krampus parades, a local winter tradition.
If you’re traveling during winter, though, there’s one compelling reason to visit specifically Bolzano: the city’s Christmas Market. It’s the biggest and oldest in Italy and blends German, Austrian, and Italian cultures. Hear songs sung interchangeably in German and Italian!
One unique feature of Bolzano’s Christmas Market is the “Lanterne delle Fiabe,” or “Fairy Tale Lanterns.” These glowing installations tell classic holiday stories through beautifully lit scenes, creating a magical atmosphere. Be sure to try treats like chocolate pretzels, Raclette, or Schaumkuss!
You’ll find Bolzano’s Christmas market in Waltherplatz, the city’s main square, just a few minutes’ walk from the train station. Check the schedule for the Christmas Market here.
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Bolzano is a city that will satisfy your wanderlust if you explore its center or outskirts. But if you’re an outdoor lover like me, you might feel tempted to leave the city and head to the Dolomite mountains, where the views are incredible, and you feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s a feeling words can’t describe—an awe and humility that remind you how small you are compared to the world.
But don’t skip the city center just yet. It has its own charm and attractions worth seeing. You can check out some historic castles and interesting museums in Bolzano. And you can also have fun wandering around the city streets, admiring the architecture, finding quaint cobblestone lanes, and seeing how German, Italian, and Austrian cultures blend together.
The city center of Bolzano has four areas you should visit: Piazza del Municipio Rathausplatz, Via dei Portici, Via dei Bottai, and Piazza Walther. These are also some of the most photogenic spots in the city, so get your camera ready!
Piazza del Municipio Rathausplatz is where you’ll find the Town Hall of Bolzano. It’s a small square, but it’s beautiful, with flower-filled windows and detailed bas-relief decorations on the town hall’s facade. You’ll also see the clock tower with its elegant spire. This square is where two of Bolzano’s prettiest streets meet: Via dei Bottai and Via dei Portici.
Via dei Bottai is known for its beautiful houses, located to the left (east) of the town hall. Head north to see the houses along Via dei Bottai, many of which have intricate, colorful Lüftlmalerei-painted facades. Lüftlmalerei is a mural art style popular in Tyrol and southern Germany, often showing scenes of daily life or favorite saints.
The street opposite the town hall is Via dei Portici, which has shops, restaurants, and boutiques under rows of arcades. It’s also one of the most photogenic streets in Bolzano—stand in the middle of the lane for an amazing view!
Piazza Walther is the main square of Bolzano, and you shouldn’t miss it. It’s a large, open space with refreshing views of the mountains around the city. The main highlight here is the Bolzano Cathedral, which is reason enough to visit Bolzano.
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Bolzano Cathedral (Duomo di Bolzano) is a great place to visit if you’re into unique architecture. Its roof and detailed steeple are hard to miss.
The church was first consecrated in 1180 and originally had a Romanesque design, but it was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 14th century. Also known as the Assumption of Our Lady Cathedral, it’s the first Gothic church with a long central nave and two side naves shaped like a cross.
While the cathedrals in larger Italian cities may be more grand, Bolzano Cathedral is still enough to be a reason to visit Bolzano. Like, before entering through the Piazza Walther side, check out the “Leitacher Törl” portal—one of the best examples of High Gothic design in Tyrol. Look up to spot gargoyles that resemble those on Notre Dame in Paris.
Inside, the single-pillar pulpit with a bas-relief of the four evangelists will grab your attention. The interior also features a striking high altar and old murals.
Don’t leave without visiting the Cathedral Treasury near the tower. You’ll find sacred items made of gold and silver, including a 136-centimeter monstrance made from 13 kilos of silver coated in gold. If you’re a fan of art and history, this cathedral is worth your time.
If you’re planning to visit Bolzano Cathedral, check out its official website for more details.
Traveling can take us back in time when we see old buildings and objects that have been preserved for centuries. In Bolzano, you can go even further back than medieval times and meet Ötzi, the Iceman, who lived during the Copper Age. Ötzi is Europe’s oldest known natural human mummy, found in the Alps near the Italy-Austria border. He lived about 5,000 years ago, between 3350 and 3105 BC.
Now, he and his belongings are displayed on the third floor of the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, which makes Bolzano and the museum famous among scientists and enthusiasts. You don’t have to be an archaeology buff to appreciate the unique discovery waiting for you inside the museum. The exhibition is fascinating and sparks curiosity in people of all ages.
The museum is housed in a simple building on Via Museo, near the River Talfer and a short walk from Piazza Walther. The only clue to what’s inside is a tarp with a picture of a prehistoric man. The museum has a mobile app audio guide to help you understand the contents of the museum better. You can download the app and check the opening hours, admission, and requirements on the Iceman’s website.
If you look at a map, you’ll see that northern Italy is dotted with castles. Some are by a lake, and others are on top of a hill. They all look magical and straight out of a fairy tale, which makes visiting the region even more appealing.
Around the city of Bolzano, you can find more than 10 castles. Some are in ruins, but most are still intact, and a few are used as event venues. My favorite? It is Castel Roncolo, a 13th-century medieval castle on a hill. Also known as Runkelstein Castle in German, it’s located just north of Bolzano at the entrance of Sarentino Valley. You can walk there in 30 minutes from Bolzano’s city center or take a shuttle bus from Piazza Walther.
Castel Roncolo is worth visiting for three reasons. First, it offers a breathtaking view. Second, it’s a great spot for photos and exploring. Third, it has amazing medieval frescoes that tell stories.
The highlight of the castle is the frescoes, which are known as one of the most detailed fresco cycles of the Middle Ages in the area. They show scenes from court life, hunting, and classic literature like the adventures of King Arthur and his knights. The most impressive paintings are in the castle’s west wing.
You can check the official Roncolo Castle website for details like opening hours and ticket prices. Be sure to read the entire page to learn about any special visitor rules.
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One of Bolzano’s most visited places is Renon, a high plateau between 1,000 to 1,300 meters in elevation located in the northeast, overlooking the city. Many people come here to enjoy some peace and take nature walks. During spring or summer, Renon looks picture-perfect with its green landscapes and blue mountains in the background.
Several villages are located here, all connected by well-marked hiking trails that pass through forests, alpine pastures, and small lakes. In some areas, like Trail B or the Panoramic Trail, you can see an incredible 360-degree view of the Dolomite Alps. You can visit the official Renon website for more information.
But the highlight is definitely the earth pyramids—cone-shaped clay pillars, some with boulders on top. These natural formations are the tallest of their kind in Europe, and they’re said to have taken 25,000 years to form. You’ll find them scattered across Renon, including in the Katzenbach Creek Gorge, Gasters Gorge, and Finsterbach Creek.
One pyramid is only a 40-minute hike from Collalbo, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the pyramids and the distant Odle and Sciliar Dolomites.
Getting to Renon is quick and easy, just a 12-minute cable car ride from the city center. The station is only about a 5- to 10-minute walk from Bolzano’s main terminal.
Right next to the city center of Bolzano, there is a mountain called Monte Pozza. One of the city’s districts, Kohlern-Colle, is located near the top of the mountain. Take a look at its 360 degrees view below.
Kohlern-Colle is like a smaller version of Renon without the earth pyramids. It has a cable car, called Funivia del Colle or Kohlerer Bahn, that runs from the city center of Bolzano to the district. Fun fact! This cable car is the oldest passenger aerial lift in the world and has been operating since June 29, 1908. It’s still in use today.
The ride on the Funivia del Colle offers great views of Bolzano and the villages of Renon. But the best view is waiting for you at the top.
The main attraction on Kohlern-Colle is a rustic tower called Torre Panoramica del Colle. You can climb to the top of this tower and enjoy a 360-degree view of Bolzano, the Renon Plateau, Adige Valley, Monte Alto, Monte Tondo, and more. The tower is made of wood and was built about 80 to 90 years ago. It might seem a little scary to climb, but don’t worry—it’s very safe! Climbing the tower is a special experience because it’s not like any other lookout you’ll find on a mountain today.
You can visit the Torre Panoramica del Colle anytime from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. It’s free of charge! The best time to visit is in the afternoon when you can watch the sunset and see the golden light over Bolzano.
At the end of Kohlern-Colle, you’ll find a beautiful chalet that looks like a castle called Villa Bittner. It’s probably private property, but you can still stop and admire its architecture before heading back to Bolzano. Kohlern-Colle is a great reason to visit Bolzano because it offers easy access to the breathtaking views of the Dolomites.
It’s perfect if you have limited time in northern Italy. Of course, the scenery is even better when you get closer to the heart of the Dolomites, which we’ll explore next.
Bolzano is known as the “Gateway to the Dolomites” and offers easy access to some of the most beautiful locations in the Italian Alps. One of these is Santa Magdalena, a breathtaking place often described as heavenly.
It’s a popular photography destination in the Dolomites. The most iconic view is of the village and church of Santa Magdalena, set against the backdrop of the Odle mountains. Below are some pictures to give you a glimpse of its beauty.
You can get to Santa Magdalena by car or by public transport from Bolzano. If you drive, it will take you about 40 minutes. If you take public transport, this is what you need to do:
- Take a regional train from Bolzano train station to Bressanone Brixen. The train ride is 30 minutes long, and there is one train every hour.
- When you arrive at Bressanone Brixen, switch to bus #330 that goes to the village of Santa Magdalena. The bus ride is also 30 minutes long, and there is one bus every hour.
Seceda is the last place in this post, but it might just be the most beautiful. It’s another frequently photographed spot in the Dolomites, and I see it on my Instagram feed all the time. Seceda is a ridge on the sunny side of Val Gardena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In winter, it’s a skiing paradise, and in summer, it’s a natural wonder. Its incredible views are unforgettable. Words can’t do it justice, so I’ll show you some photos that will make you fall in love with it.
Since Seceda is on the mountain top, you can’t get there by car. You have to use public transport from Bolzano and switch a few times. Here are the steps you can follow to reach Seceda, or you can visit the official website of Seceda for more details.
- From Bolzano, you have to take a bus or train to Ortisei. Get out at Piazza S. Antonio, the heart of Ortisei village. You will see signs showing you the way to Seceda.
- You will see a small street between a shoe store named Calzature Rabanser Di Senoner Emilia and a bank named Sparkasse Ortisei. Walk down that street and take the covered escalator named “La Curta” that goes up.
- At the end of the escalator, find the conveyor belt walkway. It will lead you to the Seceda cableway valley station.
- You have to ride two cable cars to get to Seceda. The first one goes from Ortisei to Furnes, and the second one goes from Furnes to Seceda. Furnes is the middle station, and Seceda is the top station. They will ask you at the counter where you are going.
Here is the official website of Seceda. Parking information included.
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Go Beyond Bolzano
If you’re visiting Bolzano, you should keep traveling to Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s right in the middle of some of the most beautiful lakes and peaks in the Dolomites, like Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Braies, along with a few others. Check out WanderInEurope’s guide to learn more about Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The Dolomites are just one of the must-see places in Northern Italy. You must really see the others. Start exploring the rest with my Northern Italy bucket list.
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