Things to do in Alto Adige
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Messner Mountain Museum
The rambling castle, Castel Firmiano, and its grounds are home to the Messner Mountain Museum created by mountaineer Reinhold Messner as the centrepiece of his five mountain museums. Based around man’s relationship with the mountains across all cultures, this insightful museum is configured so that you climb literally hundreds of stairs, giving you the experience of shifting altitudes. You’ll need to wear sturdy shoes for the uneven terrain and mesh walkways; wheelchair access is not possible.
reviewed
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Castel Firmiano
A 20km-long bike path running mostly along the river connects Bolzano's castles: the 12th-century Castel Mareccio; the 1237-built Castel Roncolo, also known as Schloss Runkelstein, which is renowned for its rare 14th-century frescoes depicting scenes from secular literature such as the tale of Tristan and Isolde; and the highlight, Castel Firmiano, dating back to AD 945.
reviewed
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Museo Archeologico dell’Alto Adige
The star of the Museo Archeologico dell’Alto Adige is Ötzi, the Iceman. The so-called Iceman’s clothing and equipment is on display, while his still-frozen body is kept in a separate, temperature-controlled room and can be viewed through a tiny window. Ötzi aside, the museum also has an important collection of archaeological finds.
reviewed
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Terme Merano
For centuries Terme Merano has been Merano’s main draw. The spa was recently renovated and now revolves around a futuristic glass cube. There’s a staggering 13 indoor and 12 outdoor pools (including a seawater pool with underwater music), though only a couple of them use the town’s actual thermal waters. The range of treatments on offer is equally lengthy, with everything from a South Tyrolean sheep’s-wool bath (€29, 20 minutes) to multiday detox packages. The spa complex is also home to a restaurant and a four-star hotel. Though it has a staff of 100, treatment bookings need to be made at least one month in advance.
reviewed
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Fischbänke Pic-Nic Bar
A sign next to the speakers that reads ‘This is not McDonald’s’ says it all. Run by artist-host– bon vivant Cobo on the site of the old fish market, the Fischbänke has the market’s original white-marble tables that you can pull up a stool at for a glass of Tyrolean wine, and quite possibly northern Italy’s most beautiful bruschetta, while Cobo shows you his artwork, which includes a series of charismatic cartoon birds. Hours can vary if Cobo feels like shutting up early or (more likely) staying open late.
reviewed
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Castel Trauttmansdorff
Exotic plants, an aviary and a rainbow of 100,000-odd tulips (in season) surround Castel Trauttmansdorff, a mid-19th-century castle where Empress Sissi stayed while taking the waters at Merano. Inside the castle, the Touriseum charts the last two centuries of Alpine tourism, from Baedeker-wielding aristocrats to woolly-hatted snowboarding junkies. A garden-set restaurant and a cafe by the waterlily pond both offer a chance to soak up the lush surrounds.
reviewed
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Funivie Monte Ivigna
Some 6km east of Merano, the Funivia Val di Nova cable car, operated by Funivie Monte Ivigna, carries winter-sports enthusiasts up to Piffling in Merano 2000, a small ski station at 2000m, with 30km of slopes served by five chairlifts, a gondola and a couple of drag lifts. Skiing on the mountain is limited and is best suited to beginners. Bus 1B links Merano train station with the Val di Nova cable car.
reviewed
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Castel Tirolo
Just outside the town of Tirolo, Castel Tirolo is the new home of the Castel Tirolo Museum, which spans the history of the entire Tyrol. In the keep you’ll find exhibits interpreting the turbulent history of South Tyrol during the 20th century. Many of the displays are rotated on a regular basis. The castle can be reached by taking the chairlift from Merano to Tirolo; trains and buses also serve the village.
reviewed
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St Hubertus
Set in the superluxurious Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa (don’t even look at the rates here unless you’re planning on re-mortgaging your house), the two-Michelin-star St Hubertus offers the kind of ‘event’ meal that you’ve been scrimping your whole trip to afford. If you’re going to invest your under-the-bed savings in one romantic blow-out, this could be the place. Try the local beef wrapped in mountain hay.
reviewed
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Restaurant Walthers’
Take a seat on the terrace spilling onto Bolzano’s main square, or head into the cool, dark interior to dine on Asian- and Mediterranean-influenced dishes such as wok-fried tagliatelle with prawns, grilled tuna with vegetables, sesame seeds and wasabi, or spit-roasted veal. Don’t miss Walthers’ espresso mousse, served in a classic espresso cup and topped with fresh cream and coffee beans.
reviewed
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Castel Mareccio
A 20km-long bike path running mostly along the river connects Bolzano's castles: the 12th-century Castel Mareccio; the 1237-built Castel Roncolo, also known as Schloss Runkelstein, which is renowned for its rare 14th-century frescoes depicting scenes from secular literature such as the tale of Tristan and Isolde; and the highlight, Castel Firmiano, dating back to AD 945.
reviewed
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Hopfen & Co
Step back into the Habsburg era at this venerable 800-year-old inn that serves up hearty portions of traditional dishes, including sauerkraut and sausages cooked in beer. The bar is a dark wood-panelled affair, fine for sampling the cloudy, unfiltered beer that’s brewed on the premises in a couple of gleaming copper vats.
reviewed
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Ristorante Concordia
You’re sure of getting the real deal here: all the pasta served in Concordia’s wood-panelled dining room is made by hand, as are the breads, including olive, vegetable and nut varieties; the ham, too, is smoked on the premises and the wines come from the surrounding vineyards.
reviewed
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Museion
Bolzano’s newest architectural masterpiece is the Museion, a funky glass cubelike building on the river that houses the museum of contemporary art. Strangely the modernist design works, both inside and out. There’s a cafe, bookshop and library onsite.
reviewed
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Café König
Merano’s best pasticceria (pastry shop) is an old-fashioned local gathering spot, with a tempting takeaway counter up front, and comfy tables down the back. Great for an espresso and slice of strudel or something more filling. Snacks cost from €3.50.
reviewed
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Forsterbräu
Set around an atmospheric courtyard, this typically Tyrolean restaurant cooks up a lovely Gulaschsuppe (goulash soup) and a choice of fresh trout dishes. The place is actually part of the Forst brewery concern, making a pint of Forst beer a must.
reviewed
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Dolomites Walk
8 days (Cortina)
An exhilarating walk between rifugio's in the dramatic Dolomites from Cortina.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,490 -
Dolomites Guided Walk
7 days (Cortina)
Experience the high trails of the Dolomites with incredible views and an inviting alpine culture.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,190 -
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Chiesa di Francescani
The 14th-century Chiesa di Francescani features beautiful cloisters and a magnificent Gothic altarpiece, carved in 1500 by Hans Klocker, in the Cappella della Beata Vergine (Chapel of the Blessed Virgin).
reviewed
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Vögele
Dating back to 1277 and owned by the same family since 1840, this antiques-filled pub and restaurant serves hearty Tyrolean fare, such as schnitzels, in candlelight surrounds; otherwise you can just come by for a drink.
reviewed
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Museo Ebraico
The small but intriguing Museo Ebraico is housed in Merano’s synagogue, built in 1901, and recounts the history of Merano’s Jewish population from the early 19th century through to WWII.
reviewed
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Museo di Scienze Naturali dell’Alto Adige
Alto Adige’s wondrous flora, fauna and geology can be discovered at the Museo di Scienze Naturali dell’Alto Adige. The centrepiece is its gigantic saltwater aquarium.
reviewed
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Castel Roncolo
The 1237-built Castel Roncolo is renowned for its rare 14th-century frescoes depicting scenes from secular literature such as the tale of Tristan and Isolde.
reviewed
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Museo della Donna
Exhibits chronicle 200 years of female fashions at the Museo della Donna, with plenty of period costumes and accessories.
reviewed
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Forst Brewery
Beer lovers should book in for a tour of the Forst Brewery, just outside Merano. Tours are by advance reservation only.
reviewed
