Bolzano
The gateway to the Dolomites, where Ötzi the Iceman meets strudel and South Tyrolean gemütlichkeit.
About Bolzano
Bolzano feels like stepping into another country—and historically, it was. The capital of South Tyrol is a bilingual city (Italian and German) where pastel-coloured houses line arcaded streets, Christmas markets glow in winter, and apple strudel is as ubiquitous as espresso. The city's star attraction is Ötzi, the 5,300-year-old ice mummy found in the Alps in 1991, beautifully displayed in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Bolzano sits at the meeting point of three valleys, making it the perfect base for Dolomite adventures—world-class hiking trails, via ferrata routes, and ski resorts are all within 30 minutes. The food reflects the dual culture: canederli dumplings, speck, and Schüttelbrot alongside pasta and gelato.
Best Time to Visit
June to September for Dolomite hiking. December for the famous Christmas markets. October for the Törggelen (wine and chestnut) tradition in the surrounding farmhouses.
Local Tips
- Meet Ötzi the Iceman.
The 5,300-year-old mummy and his remarkably preserved equipment are fascinating. A local will time your museum visit to avoid crowds and explain the detective story of how Ötzi was found and what he reveals about Copper Age life.
- Ride the cable cars.
Three cable cars depart directly from the city centre to high-altitude plateaus. A local will choose the best one for the day's weather—Renon for the earth pyramids, Colle for hiking, or San Genesio for views.
- Do the Törggelen trail.
In autumn, South Tyrolean farmers open their cellars for new wine, roasted chestnuts, and hearty food. A local knows the authentic Buschenschank farmhouses along the hiking trails above Bolzano, not the tourist versions.
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Matteo
Venice, Bolzano
I am a qualified guide for the City of Venice and I have been living in Venice for the last 20 years of my life. I was born in the Venetian mainland and as a child I lived in Iraq, Australia and the Gulf (Qatar and Kuwait). I decided to study Archaeology in Venice and I specialized in Medieval and Islamic Archaeology: my studies took me to Egypt and I spent part of my life in Cairo. I graduated in 2004 and as an archaeologist I worked in Veneto Region, in Tuscany and in Syria. In 2009 I earned my qualification as tourist guide; while in 2023 I earned a special qualification to lead private tours inside the synagogues of the Jewish Ghetto. Although Venice is my base, I get the chance to spend a good amount of time in the Dolomites: I go skiing in Winter months and hiking in Summertime. Thus now I can call Cadore - the Veneto side of the Dolomites - my second home.
Carlotta
Trento, Bolzano
WHO I AM Hi, I’m Carlotta 😃 I was born and raised in Trentino and I’ve called the Dolomites home for 37 years. Even though I’ve lived in Milan, Rome, Bologna, Lugano, Helsinki, Sydney, and a few other places, Trentino has always been where I come back to. Travel is a huge part of my life. For the past 15 years I’ve explored the world in every possible way: solo trips, backpacking adventures, van life, luxury travel, group tours, weekend escapes, and long-term stays. I’ve visited almost 50 countries and I also organize and lead trips professionally. Because of this, I understand both sides of travel. I know what visitors are looking for, what makes a trip memorable, and how to create unique experiences that truly fit different travel styles. Most importantly, I’m a real local. I know Trentino Alto Adige (and Italy!) not only through my work, but because I’ve spent my entire life exploring it with curiosity, passion, and a strong connection to the territory.
Costanza
Trento, Merano +7
5.0(1)Hi! My name is Costanza 😊 and I'm travel addicted. I love to help others enjoy their travels. I studied Behavioural Economics in Trento and I decided to remain living here since this pretty city joins the mountains Dolomites beauty with a very high quality life. My roots are in Ancona where I grew up, in particular in Sirolo a small town in Riviera del Conero, famous for beaches and good sea food. I have lived in Bologna for three years, where I did my bachelor degree. I know this city very well, I am an expert of Lasagne and Tortellini. I’ve been in more than 35 countries since 2017 but during these years I also visited my own country a lot, because I think that before going around is important to know well our home.
Loris
Venice, Treviso +13
5.0(4)Hello fellow travellers! I’m Loris, experienced tour guide and travel designer from Bassano del Grappa, a small gem in northern Italy between the Dolomites and the Venetian plains. I’ve also spent several years in Treviso (the capital of Tiramisù) and Como, and these places are still my main reference when it comes to Italy: food, landscapes, and how locals actually move through them. Over the last years I’ve lived between a few European and Asian cities, but I keep coming back to Italy regularly and know it well beyond the typical highlights. I focus a lot on how places really work on the ground: where to stay depending on your vibe, how to avoid the obvious tourist traps, and how to stitch together experiences that actually feel like the place. I spend most of my time outdoors: sailing in the Mediterranean, diving, snowboarding in the Alps, hiking in the Dolomites; so trips I design tend to lean into an explorer vibe, surrounded by nature and hidden gems, and a bit off the usual routes. At the same time, I’m big on food, markets, and those simple local spots that end up being the best part of a trip. So, are you ready to pack your bags and embark on an incredible journey? Let's explore Italy together and create lasting memories, one meal and breathtaking landscape at a time!