In Bolzano Mediterranean charm meets Tyrolean tradition. Surrounded by large mountains the capital of South Tyrol attracts many guests with it’s picturesque old town with the cathedral, historic shopping arcades. Three cable railways lead to the surrounding mountains – what an amazing view! We show you how to explore the highlights of Bolzano in one weekend!
Friday in Bolzano
4 pm: our hotel recommendation
Just a few meters from the bustling Walther Square the Parkhotel Laurin offers a cozy four-star comfort in a historical Art Nouveau ambience from 1910. I love the delicious breakfast in the amazing restaurant.
5 pm: strolling through the city
After check-in I made my way to the small picturesque old town of Bolzano with its gothic town houses and medieval arcades. The main square – Piazza Walther – with the Bolzano cathedral and the countless outdoor cafés is the heart of the city, a monument commemorates South Tyrol famous poet Walther von der Vogelweide. A little further there are countless market stalls in the streets, besides fresh fruit and vegetables they offer also South Tyrolean treats from bacon to cheese.
7 pm: Enjoy!
In the evening it’s time for some typical specialties of the region, where Mediterranean cuisine meets Tyrolean cuisine. In historic rooms with Baroque flair the restaurant “Zur Kaiserkron” serves classics such as homemade ravioli or pancake. Reservations recommended.
Saturday in Bolzano
10 am: Go for shopping
Since hundreds of years there are traders at the famous arcades. Today, you will find traditional and elegant shops, their showcases invites you to come in! Interesting are not only shops, but also the facades with their characteristic bay windows.
12 pm: a highlight of Bolzano – the Iceman
The world famous attraction for all Bolzano-tourists is the Iceman. The 5400 years old mummy from the Copper Age is kept in the South Tyrol Archaeological Museum. More than 300,000 visitors each year admire the artifacts preserved from glacial ice.
3 pm: Visiting the mountains
From the city center, the modern Rittner cable car rises every four minutes to Oberbozen. While driving you can enjoy a unique view of the world heritage of the Dolomites. On the sunny plateau varied trails start, if you like you can continue with the historic narrow gauge railway, the “Rittler Bahnl”, over the plateau to the terminus to Klobenstein.
7 pm: South Tyrolean wine
Back in Bolzano you will meet the locals in the early evening at Osteria dai Carrettai for a glass of wine. Stefano Sartori’s guests tap the wine themselves, he prepares small appetizers with salami, salmon or cream cheese. Billing is based on the number of skewers on the plate.
Sunday in Bolzano
10 am: a trip to Colle
In the morning we drive with one of the world’s first person-suspended cable cars up to one of the three local mountains of Bolzano. Since 1908, the Colle-car climbs up the 800 meters to the small mountain village Colle. Caution: The cabins float only every half hour up the mountain.
1 pm: Enjoy Bolzano specialties with Bolzano view
The fresh air makes makes me hungry and so I try a classic Sunday menu. From the terrace or from the restaurant of the restaurant “Gasthof Kohlern” I enjouy a beautiful view over Bolzano and its surrounding vineyards. The kitchen is committed to the tradition of Bolzano delicacies, everything here is homemade using local ingredients. Especially good: The Graukasnockn with onion butter.
Further information is available under www.bolzano-bozen.it.
Note: The stay was supported by the Tourism Bolzano. The report only represent our own opinion.
