At the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Ötzi is on public display in a specially developed cold cell. It recreates the conditions of a glacier; the permanent exhibition is dedicated to the Iceman and his artefacts. In Bolzano, you can explore a tangible archaeological subject, from the distinctive presentation to the finds themselves.
The Museion, the museum of modern and contemporary art, offers a different perspective. It promotes international art, culture and innovation in South Tyrol; its collection currently comprises around 4,400 works. The city’s art also brings together different influences, from painting shaped by Giotto to Gothic works. The Talfer River forms an architectural divide between the old and new parts of the city.
Frescoes, Museums and City History
Castel Roncolo preserves the largest and best-preserved secular fresco cycle of the Middle Ages. The scenes depict courtly life, hunting, knightly tournaments and everyday life. Castel Mareccio, a 13th-century castle near the historic old town, is set in a Lagrein vineyard. It is used for exhibitions, concerts, cultural evenings and conferences; if you have a particular occasion in mind, it is best to check the current schedule.
Castel Flavon also combines art and views: the castle preserves valuable 16th-century frescoes, and from there you can look out over Bolzano and the Adige Valley, as well as north towards the Salten plateau, the Sarntal Valley and the Renon plateau. Castel Flavon is open to the public as a restaurant and venue for celebrations and receptions. If you are planning a visit or event, confirm its current use in advance.
Other museums focus on a range of different subjects. The South Tyrol Museum of Nature is housed in the former administrative headquarters of Emperor Maximilian I; its main attraction is a saltwater aquarium. The School Museum presents the historical experience 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 featuring archival documents, paintings and original works of art.
The city’s history can also be explored underground: the “Underground Bolzano” tour leads through the cathedral crypt, to the archaeological excavations beneath the Hannah Arendt School, into the historic cellars of the Mercantile Building and through other vaulted spaces beneath the historic arcaded houses. Each stop reveals how varied the city’s historic spaces are.
Bolzano Specialties and Wine Traditions
The “Speck Safari” explores the history, production methods and quality standards of speck. The tour leads through the old town and introduces South Tyrolean speck in a meeting with a speck ambassador. It ends with a tasting of this traditional product and a glass of wine at a traditional inn. A culinary tour of the historic old town includes three stops featuring typical Bolzano specialties, house wine, beer and regional treats. Another food tour goes along Mustergasse and through the historic Campofranco courtyard to the Mercato Centrale, with four tasting stops featuring regional and Italian specialties. Check tour dates and participating venues in advance.
Walks, Cycling Routes and Views
The banks of the Talfer offer extensive green spaces and well-equipped playgrounds, making them a pleasant place to spend time; they are also ideal for long walks and bike rides. Numerous smaller bridges provide options for shorter and longer walks, as well as circular routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The REBE Wine Trail adds a cultural perspective on viticulture: ten artistically designed installations offer insights into its culture. The trail connects Bolzano with Signat, the vineyards, Rentsch and the historic Ansitz Waldgries wine estate.
Another path winds through orchards and vineyards to a viewpoint overlooking Bolzano, and ends at the Rafenstein inn. There are several ways to get to Runkelstein Castle from Bolzano: walk along the green Lungotalvera promenade, cycle via the bike path or take bus route 12. If you plan to travel by bus, check the latest route information in advance.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Bolzano, Burggrafenamt, Salten-Schlern, Eisacktal, Pustertal, Vinschgau, Wipptal, Reschen Am See, Völs Am Schlern, Weissenbach, Prags, Anterselva Di Sotto, Casateia, Pfelders, Unterinn, Laag, St.Johann, Margreid an der Weinstraße, Weitental, Slingia, Antermoia, Vals, Santa Valburga, Siusi, Innichen, Antholz Mittertal, Sankt Michael, Kaltern an der Weinstraße, Trafoi, Saltaus, Riomolino, Rabland, Sankt Gertraud, Verschneid, Kardaun, Pens, Colle di Fuori, Petersberg, Petschied, Anterselva di Sopra, Longega, Stulles, Fundres, Lazfons, Oberinn, Pineta, Astfeld, San Felice, San Leonardo, Rina, Rein in Taufers, Stainhaus, Vernago, Kurzras, Solda, Santa Maddalena, Ridanna, Riscone, Prenn, Barbiano, Wahlen, Weißlahnbad, Ahornach, Obereggen, Santo Stefano.
Go to the main travel overview: South Tyrol.
