3-day Bolzano Adventure: Wine, Food, & Mountains

Discover the beauty and history of Bolzano in the heart of the Dolomites.

22 April 2023

Bolzano, Italy is a charming destination for any tourist looking to delve into the proud local culture and history. The city boasts numerous museums and galleries that showcase the art and architecture of the region alongside historic landmarks like the preserved Otzi the Iceman exhibit. The nearby Dolomite Mountains provide breathtaking hiking trails and picturesque vistas, making Bolzano a well-rounded tourist hub for travelers of any type.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Explore the Old Town:

  • Check into the Parkhotel Laurin, a beautiful historic hotel with lush gardens.
  • Walk around the old town, admiring the colorful buildings and narrow streets.
  • Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and see the famous mummy Ötzi, a 5,000-year-old glacier corpse.
  • Explore the Gothic-style St. Maria Assunta Cathedral, known for its stunning frescoes.
  • Have lunch at Restaurant Vögele, try the traditional dish Schlutzkrapfen, a dumpling filled with spinach and ricotta.
  • Enjoy an evening stroll through the landscaped gardens of the Laurin hotel, where you can unwind by the Koi pond and fountains.
Day 2

Wine Tasting in the Surrounding Vineyards:

  • Rent a car and drive to the nearby vineyards of St. Magdalena and Lagrein.
  • Stop by the Cantina Terlano winery, which produces some of the best Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc in the region.
  • Head to the winery Kellerei Kaltern and taste their award-winning Lagrein wine.
  • Have lunch at a local agriturismo, where you can indulge in homemade cheese and cured meat plates.
  • Drive back to Bolzano and relax at the hotel's spa, where you can choose from a variety of treatments and massages.
  • In the evening, have dinner at the restaurant Ristorante Artè, known for its contemporary Italian cuisine.
Day 3

Hiking in the Mountains:

  • Take the cable car from Bolzano to Soprabolzano, a small village situated atop a plateau.
  • Hike the panoramic Freud Promenade, named after Sigmund Freud who was a frequent visitor.
  • Have lunch at the mountain hut Tresca, enjoy the view of the Dolomites while savoring traditional dishes.
  • Take the narrow-gauge Ritten Railway back to Bolzano, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Visit the Mercato delle Erbe, a local food market where you can sample authentic sausages, cheeses, and wines.
  • End your trip with an aperitif at the elegant Caffè Mozart, where you can enjoy a refreshing spritz and watch the bustling Piazza Walther.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bolzano by plane is to fly into Munich International Airport in Germany or Venice Marco Polo Airport in Italy and then take a train to Bolzano.

Car

The best way to get to Bolzano by car is to drive on the A22 motorway, which connects the city to cities like Verona, Trento, and Innsbruck. It is recommended to rent a car or drive with a personal car for flexibility.

Train

There are several train options to get to Bolzano, including taking a regional train from nearby cities like Verona, Venice, or Innsbruck, or taking a high-speed train from major cities like Rome or Milan.

Boat

Unfortunately, there is no direct boat service to Bolzano as the city is not located on the coast. The nearest ports are in Venice and Trieste, but it is easier to fly or take the train to Bolzano.

Bus

There are many bus services that operate to Bolzano, including Flixbus, Eurolines, and RegioJet. The best way to find the routes and schedules is to check their respective websites.

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