Questions and Useful Answers about Bolzano

We have summarized the frequently asked questions about Bolzano for you here in a short and clear manner.

Both Bolzano and Merano have a very special flair. However, Merano is a bit quieter and smaller, and therefore also more manageable than Bolzano.

What must be done in Bolzano?
The Waltherplatz with its colorful houses and numerous restaurants and bars is very well known, but also the Laubengasse and the market are definitely worth a visit. Art enthusiasts are drawn to the Museion, from where you can continue on to the Runkelstein Castle. Also a must: a trip to the Ritten, which can be reached by cable car.

What is Bolzano known for?
Bolzano has a lot to offer its visitors. The city is known above all for the Archaeological Museum, where the legendary Ötzi can be admired, but also for the Cathedral of Maria Assunta with its striking tiled roof. Equally unique is the Laubengasse, whose name goes back to the numerous vaults found there.

What language is spoken in Bolzano?
In South Tyrol, there are three official languages: Ladin, Italian, and German. In Bolzano, the majority of the population speaks Italian, with approximately 25 percent of residents speaking German.

Is Bolzano expensive?
Yes, according to the Italian consumer association, Bolzano is considered the most expensive Italian city.

Why is Bolzano expensive?
In the last two years, prices in Bolzano have risen, due in part to the inflation rate. The biggest price increases were in the areas of fuel, energy, water, and housing.

Which airlines fly to Bolzano?
Lufthansa flies to Bolzano from Frankfurt, Air Dolomiti offers flights from Munich. Those who want to travel from Hamburg to Bolzano can fly with Air Berlin. With Germanwings, Bolzano can be reached from Dresden, Leipzig-Halle, or Cologne.

Where is the most beautiful place in Bolzano?
In Bolzano, be sure to explore the medieval arcades and the Waltherplatz, as well as the Gries district. Also take a walk along the Guntschnapromenade to enjoy the fantastic panorama, and visit Ötzi at the Archaeology Museum.

Are the shops open on Sundays in Bolzano?
Normally, larger chains and businesses are open on Sundays or public holidays in Bolzano, while smaller shops are closed.

What is cheaper in South Tyrol than in Germany?
In South Tyrol, designer clothing produced in Italy is especially cheaper than in Germany. Brands like Trussardi, Cohen, Guess, or Diesel are particularly cheaper.

How much does a train ride from Bolzano to Merano cost?
A train ride from Bolzano to Merano costs around five euros.

Why do many people speak German in Bolzano?
More than 100 years ago, South Tyrol belonged to Austria and not to Italy. Therefore, German is still spoken in South Tyrol today.

What is the largest market in Bolzano?
There are numerous markets in Bolzano, the most famous and largest being the fruit and vegetable market, located in the fruit square and open from Monday to Friday (7 am to 7 pm) and on Saturday (7 am to 1 pm).

What is the valley between Bolzano and Merano called?
The valley between Merano and Bolzano is the Adige Valley. It is about 200 kilometers long, and the name is due to the Adige River, which is the second longest river in Italy.

When is the market in Bolzano?
The fruit and vegetable market takes place daily all year round except on Sundays at the fruit square, and there are various weekly markets held from Monday to Saturday at different locations. Additionally, from April to December, regional products can be purchased at farmers' markets.

What is the shopping street in Bolzano called?
The shopping street in Bolzano is called Laubengasse or Via die Portici. It runs between the town hall square and the fruit square and is especially well known for its Gothic arches.

From which German airports can you fly to Bolzano?
From Germany, it is possible to fly from Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Dresden, Leipzig-Halle, or Cologne to Bolzano.

What destinations does Bolzano fly to?
From Bolzano Airport, travelers can reach Palma de Mallorca, Brac, Brindisi, Ibiza, Catania, Lamezia Terme, Cagliari, and Olbia.

How much does a taxi ride from Bolzano to Merano cost?
A taxi ride from Bolzano to Merano takes about 24 minutes, and the cost is between 60 and 75 euros.

Which river flows in Bolzano?
The river that flows through Bolzano is called the Adige. Just before the city, the Isarco also flows into the Adige, making it even larger.

Was Bolzano once German?
In the Middle Ages, South Tyrol was part of the Duchy of Bavaria, and between 1804 and 1867, the land belonged to the Austrian Empire, and from 1867 to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. After the First World War, Austria had to cede the southern regions to Italy, so South Tyrol has belonged to Italy since then.

What is the mountain range in Bolzano called?
Bolzano is surrounded by mountains on three sides: to the west by the Nonsberg Group (Mendel Ridge), to the southeast by the Fleimstal Alps (Reggelberg), and to the north by the Sarntal Alps (Tschögglberg and Ritten).

Can you speak German in Bolzano?
Yes, it is possible to speak German in Bolzano, as 25.52 percent of the population speaks German.

What is the lake near Bolzano called?
The lake near Bolzano is called Lake Caldaro. It is one of the largest lakes in South Tyrol and one of the warmest bathing lakes in the Alps.

How do you greet in South Tyrol?
Since South Tyrol has three official languages, you can greet with "Guten Tag," "Buon giorno," or "Bun de."