Things to do in Bolzano
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Alpine Information Office
For serious hikes in Alto Adige, contact local walking association Club Alpino Italiano or call the Alpine Information Office.
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Club Alpino Italiano
For serious hikes in Alto Adige, contact local walking association Club Alpino Italiano or call the Alpine Information Office.
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Chiesa dei Domenicani
The cloisters and chapel of Chiesa dei Domenicani feature 14th-century frescoes by the Giotto school.
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Cathedral
Just off Bolzano’s main square, Piazza Walther, is the city’s Gothic cathedral.
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Market
Pick up fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese and meats from the morning market.
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Funivia del Colle
Bolzano's cable cars whisk skiers and walkers into the mountains.
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Funivia San Genesio
Bolzano's cable cars whisk skiers and walkers into the mountains:
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