Location Guide to Bolzano, Gateway to the Dolomite

Situated in a picturesque valley in the Trentino Alto Adige region, Bolzano is an important location for anyone visiting the Dolomite mountains. The town is surrounded by stunning landscapes and breathtaking views as well as being a crossroads of cultures. Both Germanic and Latin influences come together with bilingual road signs, the Christmas markets and the local specialty dishes. But above all they can be found in the harmonious atmosphere of the town, where all are welcomed.

Top Ten Things to See and Do

Piazza Walther and the monument to Walther von der Vogelweide, a medieval poet
Visit the Castle Firmiano and the Mountain Museum designed by Reinhold Messner.
Enjoy the Christmas Markets
Travel on the three funicular railways to San Genesio, Altopiano del Renon and il Colle
See Castle Flavon
Via dei Portici
Visit the Archeological Museum and the Mummies of Oetzi
Castle Roncolo from which you can take an excursion to Val Sarentino
See Castle Mareccio
Visit the Domenican Church

Local Events

The Christmas Markets
During December the centre of Bolzano comes alive with a festive atmosphere as the Christmas market comes to town. This was the first place to host a Christmas market in Italy and today it attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the magical atmosphere. Around 80 wooden huts set up shop in Piazza Walther selling decorations, ornaments, gifts, food and drink. In addition there are concerts, games for children, exhibitions and cultural events programmes. To really absorb the flavour of Christmas, visitors should try the mulled wine, the roast chestnuts, the traditional Christmas cake Zelten or the strudel.

Local Food and Drink

Bolzano Zelten – This traditional Christmas cake is the ideal accompaniment to the cold winter months. Originally from Austria it has become a signature dish of the Tyrol region and is available to buy in the local bakeries around Christmas time.

Gewürztraminer – These locally produced white wines are some of the best in Italy and owe their high quality to the geographical position, climate and terrain of the region. The wines have a distinctive flavour and perfume. When served at a temperature of 12 degrees, there is a freshness that makes it a perfect choice to go with either starters or desserts.

Spotlight on Oetzi – the Iceman of Similaun

Discovered in a glacier by hikers in September 1991, Oetzi, otherwise known as the ‘iceman’ of Similaun, dates back as far as 3300-3200 B.C. He is almost perfectly preserved thanks to the glacier and is a subject of intense interest to anthropologists and researchers across the world. It is believed that he was a shepherd who died from a violent death whilst searching for shelter and his remains are able to give vital clues about the daily life of people who lived during the ‘Copper Age’.
The iceman is just one of the exhibits in the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology in Bolzano where visitors are taken on an interesting journey, back in time, to study the alpine populations that lived in this region more than 5000 years ago.

How to Get There

By car: Bolzano can be reached by car via motorway A22 Brenner with the two exits at Bolzano South and North, 150 km from Verona and 120km from Innsbruck. There are good road networks in the region allowing you to quickly reach the alpine areas.
By Train: Bolzano train station is well-connected to the main Eurocity Routes and can easily be reached from Milan, Venice, Verona and Rome as well as some overnight and inter-europe routes to northern European destinations. There is also a good local network to get around the area.
By air: The closest airport is Bolzano Dolomiti which is just a few kilometres from the centre. There are daily connections to Rome and plans to offer a new route to Vienna. The nearest airports with European connections are Verona, Catullo airport and Bergamo which are well-served by budget airlines.
By Bus: The regional bus service is extensive enabling you to connect easily with the valleys of the South Tyrol area and as far as Innsbruck and Trento. There are also good services around the town and suburbs.