Bolzano Things to Do

Bolzano is a destination that features a unique history and abundance of sightseeing, both of which are rooted in German, Austrian, and Italian cultures. From the historic city center to the Alpine countryside that surrounds it, the capital of South Tyrol offers travelers ample experiences to soak up the essence of the city.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Throughout the entire year, Bolzano hosts a variety of events that highlight local culture and tradition.

The spring and summer are excellent times of year to enjoy local festivals and events in Bolzano. These seasons are characterized by celebrations featuring music, dance, food, and more. Some of the most popular events include the Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige – a 30-year long tradition that brings international music stars together for outdoor and indoor concerts, Bolzano Dance – a two-week celebration in July that includes dance and artistic exhibitions, and Speckfest Alto Adige – an annual food festival where chefs showcase their talents by creating unique dishes featuring speck.

At the end of April and beginning of May, Bolzano hosts the annual Flower Market in its main square, Piazza Walther. During this time, the city center comes alive with colorful flowers, live music, and much more.

In September, the Transart Festival is a celebration of contemporary culture, featuring innovative projects from across Europe. The event includes concerts, theater performances, film showings, exhibitions, and presentations of new technology.

Winter also holds fun events to enjoy. One of the most popular events is the Bolzano Christmas Market. Typically held on Christmas Eve, the market features a variety of local vendors selling authentic souvenirs. From handicrafts to woodworking to local food products, the Christmas market is wonderful for adults and children alike. Kids, in particular, will love the holiday decorations and array of delicious desserts and candy.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Bolzano is located in a stunning valley and surrounded by beautiful hills, mountains, and Alpine countryside – perfect for those who wish to partake in outdoor activities.

One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is to take a cable car ride from the center of Bolzano to the mountain town of Soprabolzano. Along the nearly 3-mile-long ride, travelers can gaze upon stunning landscapes.

For athletic travelers, the Puez-Geisler Nature Park is a wonderful location to enjoy hiking and climbing. One hour north of Bolzano, this park offers ample outdoor activities and gorgeous mountain scenery.

Bolzano is also home to a variety of great locations for biking and walking. While around town, travelers can ride bikes to the historic city center. To enjoy off-the-beaten-path scenery, there are many bike trails that are a dream for cyclists. The Guntschna Walk, located off of Via Michael Pacher, is a footpath that takes travelers from the Old Parish Church of Gries to the mountain slopes. Along the way, one will see beautiful flora and fauna as well as panoramic views of the city and countryside surroundings.

To enjoy some sightseeing while taking advantage of the weather, visit the famous Piazza Walther in Bolzano’s historic center. Also known as Waltherplatz, this bustling square features amazing local architecture, historic streets and monuments, outdoor eateries, and a characteristic atmosphere. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful locations in the city. The nineteenth century square is dominated by a marble statue of its namesake, medieval poet Walther von der Vogelweide, which was added in 1889.

Another outdoor site to visit is the Monumento della Vittoria, or Victory Monument. Built in 1928 by Mussolini, it is a controversial monument that is a physical representation of the tense history between Italy and South Tyrol’s German-speaking communities. This must-see for history buffs is dedicated to the soldiers of World War I and features a Latin inscription and white marble.

During the week, locals and visitors alike flock to Bolzano’s Piazza delle Erbe for the fruit and vegetable market. In addition to the market, the square is known for its eighteenth-century Neptune Fountain and for being the former site of the Hotel Al Sole, which at one time hosted illustrious guests, such as Wolfgang Goethe and Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II.

The character of the medieval village of Bolzano can still be partially observed in the city’s surviving arcades. The shops that compose the arcades feature a mixture of architectural styles from traditional to modern. The arcades feature frescoes, pointed arches, balconies, stucco decorations, and more.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Throughout Bolzano, there are many churches as stunning and intriguing on the inside as they are on the outside.

The Duomo di Bolzano, or the Cathedral of Bolzano, is a Gothic structure located in Piazza Walther. Constructed during the fourth century and expanded in the fourteenth century, the Cathedral has a variety of features that span generations. It has a decoratively tiled roof and opulent altar. The interior features a museum that documents the Cathedral’s history and houses artifacts.

Other churches in Bolzano to visit include the Old Parish Church of Gries – home to several important works of art – and the Church of the Domenicani – one of South Tyrol’s oldest examples of Gothic architecture, which features an elegant interior complete with historic frescoes.

Bolzano is also home to various museums in which travelers can escape the elements.

One museum to visit is the Messner Mountain Museum, which contains displays of local artifacts and relics that reflect the history and life of Tyrol. The museum gives travelers a glimpse of the relationship between man and mountain as it includes a detailed history of local mountaineering.

For those interested in contemporary art, visit Museion, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The innovative work of young artists is on display here. The museum also hosts various exhibitions as well as film screenings and theater performances.

SHOPPING

To enjoy some shopping in Bolzano, visit Via dei Portici, or Lubengasse, where there are a variety of street shops to explore. From modern fashions to traditional handicrafts, Via dei Portici is the heart of shopping in Bolzano. In addition, local markets are held there, such as the Sunday produce market.

FAMILIES AND KIDS

Families with kids of all ages are sure to enjoy a visit to the Archeological Museum, which is home to a variety of historic regional artifacts, including ancient treasure, crafts, art pieces, and even a 5,300-year-old mummy named Ötzi. Known as Ötzi the Iceman, this ancient natural mummy was discovered in the Similaun glacier complete with his tools and equipment. He gives incredible insight into what life in the region was like thousands of years ago. A special kid-friendly audio guide is available to help young travelers engage with the exhibit and travel back in time as they explore the museum.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

One of Bolzano’s most unique features is the abundance of medieval castles located in and around the city. The Mareccio, Roncolo, Firmiano, and Rafenstein Castles are just some of the historic structures worth visiting. Roncolo Castle is the most accessible of them all, featuring a path that connects it directly to the city. Other castles are now restaurants or venues for private events.

While the churches and Cathedral of Bolzano all have unique features, such as exterior architecture and historic art, the Bolzano Franciscan Monastery features one of the most amazing courtyards, incredible stained-glass windows, and high vaulted ceilings. It is truly an inspiring place to see.

As the crossroads between the Mediterranean and Germanic worlds, Bolzano and the rest of the South Tyrol area offer unique opportunities for cultural immersion. The city’s many highlights include the rich medieval architecture, diverse artistic traditions, fascinating museums, and Ötzi the Iceman, Europe’s oldest natural mummy.

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