Bolzano

Travel Guide
Bolzano showing farmland, landscape views and views
Stare into the eyes of Europe’s oldest preserved corpse, view the Alps up close and tour well-preserved medieval buildings in this Italian city of Austrian ancestry.

Climb into the highlands of northern Italy to find the medieval village of Bolzano, lying in the shadow of the Alps. Walk along narrow alleyways, explore centuries-old hillside castles and take one of several cable cars up into the mountains for dramatic views of Bolzano’s surroundings.

Start your visit by riding the cable car up onto the Renon Plateau north of town. As you ascend, look for the terraced vineyards spread along the hills and the strange pointy rock formations known as earth pyramids. When you reach the top, gaze out over the city and toward the Dolomites, a line of craggy sandstone peaks east of Bolzano.

Descend into the city and start your tour of its narrow, cobblestoned streets at Piazza Walther. Visit at the end of April to see the statue at its center surrounded by vibrant flowers. Tour the Assumption of Our Lady Cathedral, which abuts the square. Step inside to see a fresco of the crucifixion painted in the 1300s.

Though an ancient Austrian village, Bolzano has belonged to Italy for most of the 20th century, so its identity is divided. About a quarter of Bolzano’s population still speaks German. Everything in the city bears both a German and an Italian name. Drive north to see Roncolo Castle, or Castle Runkelstein, a cliff-side mansion built in 1237 by a pair of Austrian lords.

Even older artifacts await at the popular South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. The most famous exhibit is Ötzi, the mummified corpse from 5,300 years ago found frozen in the nearby Alps. Learn about Ötzi’s discovery and his intriguing death: He was murdered.

Arrive in Bolzano through its international airport or by bus and train connections from Italy, Germany or Austria. Many streets in the city are inaccessible for cars, so it is best to get around the city on foot and by public transportation. An essential part of visiting Bolzano is walking its medieval streets.

Where to stay in Bolzano

Four Points by Sheraton Bolzano
Four Points by Sheraton Bolzano
4 out of 5
Via Buozzi 35, Bolzano, BZ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €164 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
€164
per night
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bolzano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Palaonda and Castel Firmiano are located nearby. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (703 reviews)
"The only drawback is that it's a brisk 1 hour walk to get to the city center if you are a tourist."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2023

Four Points by Sheraton Bolzano
Hörtenberg Homes
Hörtenberg Homes
Via Museo, Bolzano, Bolzano
The price is €210 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
€210
per night
31 Oct - 1 Nov
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Bolzano. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Museo Archeologico dell'Alto Adige and Piazza ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Nice in Bolzano
"Hortenberg Homes is right at the edge of old town, in a great location, and it was super easy to check in without seeing anyone; everything worked by email. The apartment was nice, with a good kitchen and island, and a bedroom you could close off. It was a bit sparse though. No carpets, so you are ..."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2023

Hörtenberg Homes
Parkhotel Laurin
Parkhotel Laurin
4 out of 5
Via Laurin, 4, Bolzano, BZ
The price is €186 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
€186
per night
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Bolzano. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Bolzano Christmas Market and Piazza ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (929 reviews)
Love this place
"Absolutely beautiful hotel, intimate stunning grounds in a charming city. Dinner was amazing."

Reviewed on 13 Sep 2023

Parkhotel Laurin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Art & Design Hotel Napura
Art & Design Hotel Napura
4 out of 5
Via Steurer 7, Terlano, BZ
Stay at this 4-star spa residence in Terlano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an attached winery. Popular attractions Hocheppan Castle and Castel Firmiano ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (179 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel surrounded by orchards with sweeping views of mountains. Hotel was quit, comfortable and beautifully decorated."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2023

Art & Design Hotel Napura
Hörtenberg Homes
Hörtenberg Homes
Via Museo, Bolzano, Bolzano
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Bolzano. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Museo Archeologico dell'Alto Adige and Piazza ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Nice in Bolzano
"Hortenberg Homes is right at the edge of old town, in a great location, and it was super easy to check in without seeing anyone; everything worked by email. The apartment was nice, with a good kitchen and island, and a bedroom you could close off. It was a bit sparse though. No carpets, so you are ..."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2023

Hörtenberg Homes
Residence Antares
Residence Antares
Via Meisules 195, Selva di Val Gardena
Stay at this ski residence in Selva di Val Gardena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Ciampinoi Gondola and Dolomiti Ski Tour ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (151 reviews)
You couldn’t pick a nicer place!
"Beautiful apartment, comfortable facilities, proximity to so much in town and hiking nearby. Great art exhibit nearby. We love the apartment look and feel, the pool is amazing, breakfast was wonderful. Parking very close."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2023

Residence Antares
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Bolzano

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Dec 2019

Lovely town and will be going back in the summer

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Sep 2019

Excellent people friendly location good food was excellent. Restaurant a real highlight