5 Day Guide to Bolzano: Castles, Wine & Dolomites!

Journey through the Alpine town of Bolzano, where history and nature meet.

22 April 2023

Bolzano is a charming city located in the northern part of Italy, surrounded by the beautiful Dolomite Mountains. It is known for its unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures that reflect in its architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle. As a tourist, one can explore the city's medieval castles, museums, picturesque streets, and vibrant markets, while also enjoying the skiing, hiking, and cycling activities in the mountains.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Bolzano!

  • Check into Parkhotel Holzner, a charming historic hotel with stunning views of the Dolomites.
  • Take a stroll through Piazza Walther, the heart of Bolzano, filled with street performers and cafes.
  • Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and see Mummy Otzi, the world-famous iceman.
  • Indulge in the local cuisine at Batzenhausl, a traditional Tyrolean bar that serves homemade sausages and beer.
Day 2

Castles and Wine Tasting

  • Explore the medieval Castel Mareccio, set on a hilltop with panoramic views over Bolzano.
  • Take a scenic drive to Kastelaz Winery and enjoy a wine tasting with a breathtaking view of the vineyards.
  • Stroll around the charming village of Caldaro, known for its picturesque lake and vineyards.
  • Dinner at Hopfen & Co., a cozy restaurant that offers a unique gastronomic experience pairing local craft beer with traditional dishes.
Day 3

The Great Outdoors

  • Hike in the Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high-altitude Alpine meadow, with stunning views of the Dolomites.
  • Visit the picturesque town of Ortisei, famous for its woodcarving art and ski slopes.
  • Lunch at Rifugio Zallinger, a mountain hut that serves traditional Tyrolean food with panoramic views of the mountains.
  • Relax at QC Terme Dolomiti, a spa resort that offers thermal pools, saunas, and massages.
Day 4

Culture and Wellness

  • Visit the Triumphal Arch, built for Emperor Maximilian I in the 16th century.
  • Take a relaxing walk through the Botanical Gardens of Castel Trauttmansdorff, home to over 80 garden landscapes.
  • Lunch at Pizzeria Spaghetti & Co., a quirky restaurant that serves pizza topped with spaghetti and other unusual combinations.
  • Pamper yourself at Aquarena, a wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and beauty treatments.
Day 5

Farewell Bolzano

  • Brunch at Café Roen, a trendy café that offers freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee.
  • Shopping on the charming Via dei Portici, a pedestrian street with local shops and small boutiques.
  • Take a cable car to Renon Plateau and enjoy a final stunning view of the Dolomites.
  • Dinner at Zur Kaiserkron, a family-friendly restaurant that serves fresh local seafood and pasta dishes.

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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