Bolzano between Ötzi, art and wine culture

Museums and the history of Bolzano

At the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Ötzi is on public display in a specially designed refrigeration cell. The cell recreates the conditions of a glacier. The permanent exhibition is devoted to the Iceman and the objects found with him, bringing together the story of the discovery and the artefacts displayed alongside Ötzi.

Museion is Bolzano’s museum of modern and contemporary art. It promotes international art, culture and innovation in South Tyrol. Its collection currently comprises around 4,400 works. The city’s cultural offerings thus range from archaeology exhibitions to explorations of contemporary art.

Other museums focus on specific subjects. The School Museum presents the historical experiences of the Italian, German and Ladin communities through teaching materials, photographs, testimonies, documents, furnishings and posters. At Palazzo Mercantile, the Mercantile Museum traces the city’s economic history in a chronological tour. On display are archival documents, paintings and original works of art. The South Tyrol Museum of Nature is housed in the former administrative headquarters of Emperor Maximilian I; one of its main attractions is a saltwater aquarium.

The Messner Mountain Museum Firmian at Firmiano Castle also explores a world of its own. Its towers, halls and courtyards offer an overview of the world of mountains, focusing in particular on the relationship between people and mountains. The varied museum experiences make it possible to shape your stay around archaeology, art, history or the mountain landscape, depending on your interests.

Castles, frescoes and views

Runkelstein Castle preserves the largest and best-preserved secular fresco cycle of the Middle Ages. The paintings depict various scenes of courtly life, with hunts and knights’ tournaments alongside images of everyday life. Maretsch Castle, dating from the 13th century and located near the historic old town, lies among Lagrein vineyards. It is used for exhibitions, concerts, cultural evenings and conferences; the programme may vary.

Haselburg combines 16th-century frescoes with views of Bolzano and the Adige Valley, as well as northwards towards the Salten plateau, the Sarntal Valley and the Renon plateau. The castle is open to the public as a restaurant and venue for celebrations and receptions. Public uses and event offerings may change.

Old town, guided tours and regional cuisine

A guided tour of the old town takes you through medieval lanes and beneath the arcades. Stops include the fruit market, the courtyard of the town hall and a selected church; the tour ends in Walther Square. If you are interested in the city below street level, consider the “Underground Bolzano” tour: it leads through the cathedral crypt, to the archaeological excavations beneath the Hannah Arendt School, into historic cellars in the Mercantile Building and into other vaulted spaces beneath the historic arcaded houses.

Culinary tours also offer a variety of themes. The “Speck Safari” explores the history, production methods and quality standards of speck. A meeting with a speck ambassador introduces South Tyrolean speck, followed by a tasting and a glass of wine at a traditional inn. A culinary tour of the historic old town includes three stops serving typical Bolzano specialities, house wine, beer and small regional delicacies. Another route passes through Mustergasse and the historic Campofranco courtyard to Mercato Centrale, where four tasting stops feature regional and Italian specialities. Dates, routes and participating venues may vary; check which tours are available before your visit.

Paths along the Talfer and through the vineyards

The banks of the Talfer are lined with expansive green spaces and well-equipped playgrounds. Walking and cycling routes pass through this public area. Small bridges along the river make shorter and longer walks possible, as well as circular routes for pedestrians and cyclists. There is plenty to do in Bolzano beyond its museums, old town and castles.

The REBE wine trail connects Bolzano with Signat, the vineyards, Rentsch and the historic Ansitz Waldgries winery. Ten art installations offer insights into wine-growing culture. Another path leads through orchards and vineyards to a viewpoint overlooking Bolzano, and ends at the Rafenstein inn. The walls along the cycle paths leading to Bolzano Sud are also decorated with colourful murals. Art, winegrowing and outdoor activity can be enjoyed in different places and along different routes.

Runkelstein Castle can be reached from Bolzano on foot via the green Lungotalvera promenade, by bicycle along the cycle path or by bus route 12. As public transport information can change, check the current timetable before travelling. When planning your stay, consider whether you would like to focus on museums and frescoes, old-town tours, regional cuisine, or paths along the river and through the vineyards. These different interests offer a practical starting point for searching for a hotel for your trip to Bolzano.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vinschgau, Vernago, Kurzras, Solda, Santa Maddalena, Ridanna, Riscone, Prenn, Barbiano, Wahlen, Weißlahnbad, Ahornach, Eisacktal, Prags, Burggrafenamt, Salten-Schlern, Bolzano, Unterinn, Laag, St.Johann, Margreid an der Weinstraße, Weitental, Slingia, Antermoia, Vals, Santa Valburga, Rina, Rein in Taufers, Stainhaus, Casateia, Pfelders, Siusi, Innichen, Antholz Mittertal, Sankt Michael, Kaltern an der Weinstraße, Trafoi, Saltaus, Riomolino, Rabland, Lazfons, Wipptal, Reschen Am See, Völs Am Schlern, Weissenbach, Anterselva Di Sotto, Pustertal, Sankt Gertraud, Verschneid, Kardaun, Pens, Colle di Fuori, Petersberg, Petschied, Anterselva di Sopra, Longega, Stulles, Fundres, Oberinn, Pineta, Astfeld, San Felice, San Leonardo, Obereggen, Santo Stefano.

Go to the main travel overview: South Tyrol.