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Bite-size guide to Bolzano

Things to see, eat and drink in the capital of South Tyrol

Bite-size guide to Bolzano

Meet the iceman

By far the biggest crowd-puller at Bolzano's Archeological museum, Otzi, known also as 'Iceman', is even older than Cheope's pyramid and Stonehenge. Found buried in the ice of Val Senales in 1991, the amazingly well preserved primitive man is believed to have been resident in the area over 5000 years ago.

The museum has created an interesting itinerary dedicated to the prehistoric period in which Otzi would have lived which is popular with visitors of all ages

Play your cards right

These days it's only too easy to discover the treasures of Bolzano and Alto Adige, thanks to the 1, 3 and 7 day Mobil Cards, which give visitors unlimited use of the entire public transport network.
Those interested in the history and culture of the region should pick up a Museumobil Card, which will give them access to some 80 museums too!

Shop 'til you drop

A great place to find typical products "Made in Alto Adige", Bolzano has any number of little shops and delicatessens stocking the region's specialties.
Even if you have no intention of purchasing either a traditional Tyrolean felt hat or a pair of handmade wool and rubber slippers, it's worth popping into the Antica Cappelleria Rizzoli in via Portici 60 if only to see the shop's amazing coffered ceiling.
More like a museum or an art gallery than a toy shop, Brunner, in Via Portici 33 is a paradise for collectors of Steiff teddybears and toy trains.

If you want to stock up on speck and other traditional Tyrolean cold cuts, head to Gruenberger in via Veneto 8, a butchers shop which has been run by the same family for some 4 generations. You'll find addresses of other butchers in our guide to speck in Alto Adige

Want to dress like a local? Make your way to Oberrauch Zitt in via Portici 67, and get the loden-look!

Should you have a sudden urge for a slice of Sacher Torta, you're in the right place! Bolzano is home to the only authorized Sacher Shop in Italy, in Piazza Walhter.
More sweet delights await in the Streitberger pastry shop in Via del Museo 15, famous for its zelten biscuits and amazing, apple based pastries.

Gasp at the Gothic greats

To see the best examples of Bolzano's Gothic architecture, art lovers should head to the city's Cathedral, in Piazza Walther. The Porticina del Vino and the elaborately sculpted pulpits are awesome!

From the sacred to the profane: the walls of Bolzano's Roncolo Castle are adorned with an impressive cycle of colorful medieval frescoes depicting Tristano and Isotta and King Arthur and his knights. You can reach the castle on foot, by bike (via the Longotalvera cycle path), or take the shuttle bus from Piazza Walhter.

Eat, drink and be merry

Providing the perfect introduction to Bolzano's traditional cuisine, Vogele, in Via Goethe 3 has been keeping customers happy since the late 13th century! Book a table in this historic eatery and you can expect to dine in a candlelit stube, savoring Knödel' and the curiously named 'Strangolapreti' ('priest stranglers').

Serving contemporary versions of Alto Adige's traditional dishes in what was once a photographic studio, Zu Kaiserkron, in Piazza della Mostra, is the trendiest restaurant in Bolzano

If you like the occasional pint, you'll love Hopfen & Co, in Piazza delle Erbe 17. Once a historic coffee house, today this pub serves Bozner beer according to the "requisites of purity" as established in 1516.

Itineraries

Main destinations

Hotels in the area

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Miramonti Boutique Hotel

Avelengo Merano

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Castel Rundegg

Merano

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Monroc Hotel

Commezzadura

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Zenana Boutique Hotel

San Candido

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Chalet Grumer Suites&Spa

Soprabolzano

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Hotel Kolfuschgerhof

Corvara in Badia

Useful links
Trentino Alto Adige
Bolzano Hotels
Trentino Alto Adige (all hotels)