Leisure travel
For centuries, Bolzano was an Austrian possession, so its architecture represents an unusual mix between northern and southern European styles. This can be seen in the Gothic cathedral and the dramatic Castle Runkelstein, with its frescoes of Tristan and Isolde. It’s also a major commercial centre with plenty of high-end jewellery and clothing boutiques along the covered Via dei Portici. There are over 30 wineries nearby, and the South Tirol has some fine regional cuisine; in fact, food is a major highlight. Don’t miss the German-influenced delights on offer at Wirtshaus Vögele, the game-based specials at Zur Kaiserkron, and the sumptuous Mediterranean menu at Löwengrube.
Stay at Bolzano's top ski resorts
Aside from these year-round attractions, Bolzano is a world-class skiing destination. There are around 40 ski resorts within an hour’s drive of the city centre, including famous locations like Val Gardena, and the province has a total of 1,219 km of slopes and almost 400 ski lifts. Because ski resorts are so close to the sizeable city of Bolzano, it makes it easy to enjoy a break which mixes Alpine sports and urban activities, something that isn’t possible in all skiing regions.
Anyone looking for the finest resort in the area need look no further than Kronplatz to the northeast or Sëlva just 20 km to the east. But there are exceptional slopes and ski hotels everywhere in this Alpine paradise. Another idea is to head to Bolzano for a Christmas escape. The city has a tradition of staging magical Christmas markets with colourful illuminations and hand-carved nativity scenes. It’s the ideal place to head after a day of skiing.
Pamper up at the Dolomites' most luxurious spas
In the summer, northern Italy is also a fantastic place to relax with a luxury spa break, enjoy a round of golf or two, or just to spend time experiencing the region’s exceptional natural beauty. If that sounds like heaven to you, the best hotel with a spa could be the exclusive Alpina Dolomites in the Alpe di Siusi, which boasts luxurious pools, massage facilities, beauty therapists on-site as well as a stunning mountain-side location.
The Greif Hotel is another elite luxury hotel, located in the city centre, it offers homemade breakfast and a cosy environment. If golfing is a key part of the holiday equation, the Hotel Andreus could be ideal. Located right next to Passeier Meran Golf Course, it’s also a high-class wellness venue, allowing guests to swing a club and relax their muscles afterwards.