This City in Northern Italy Is Known As the Gateway to the Dolomites — With Outdoor Adventure, an Archeological Museum, and Traditional Alpine Food
By Lindsay Cohn for Travel & Leisure – Travelers flock to Italy for its rich culture, incredible gastronomy, and stunning landscapes. While tourism darlings like Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast habitually wow, the boot-shaped nation also has some less obvious locales that fall outside the regular tourist route and deserve a spot on your itinerary, like historic Ravenna. Another destination worth the detour? Bolzano.
This city in the South Tyrol province of northern Italy, not far from the Austrian border, is known as the gateway to the Dolomites and the departure point for many outdoor activities and excursions through the Italian Alps.
Besides providing access to the most beautiful mountains in Europe, this cross-cultural alpine escape puts on a show for visitors with art, architecture, and history galore. The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology houses an ancient mummy named Ötzi, also called the Iceman. Other significant sights include Bolzano Cathedral and Runkelstein Castle. Many consider Bolzano to be the Italian capital of Christmas due to its holiday markets and festive atmosphere. And foodies will be impressed by the delicious traditional cuisine.
Scroll on for the best things to eat, see, and do in Bolzano, Italy, according to local experts.
Best Things to Do in Bolzano
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
History-loving visitors to Bolzano should bucket ample time to explore the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. “The most fascinating and famous artifact on display is the preserved body of Ötzi, a mummy that’s believed to be older than the Egyptian pyramids,” reveals Scacchetti.
Hiking
During the spring, summer, and fall, the forested mountains surrounding Bolzano beckon travelers to lace up their boots and go for a hike. There are trails of varying difficulty, from nature walks for families with young kids to intense high-altitude treks with a payoff of eye-popping alpine panoramas.
Skiing
When the snow falls, the Dolomites and the Ortler Ski Region transform into a winter sports destination. The Province of Bolzano has dozens of ski resorts within poles’ reach — that means tons of fresh power and shreddable terrain. Arguably the most popular, Val Gardena boasts runs for every skill level and the longest ski slope in South Tyrol.
Runkelstein Castle
One of the most important attractions in South Tyrol, Runkelstein Castle is a splendid medieval fortification that’s situated on a rocky outcrop on the outskirts of Bolzano. “I highly suggest visiting to see the largest secular fresco cycle of the Middle Ages,” says Scacchetti.
Christmas Markets
Bolzano wears its “Italian capital of Christmas” moniker with pride. From November to January, the city gets into the yuletide spirit when Piazza Walther transforms into a fairy-tale winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, decorations, bands playing festive music, and a holiday market where vendors sell everything from strudel and mulled wine to crafts from inside traditional wooden houses.
