Bolzano Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour

Explore Bolzano at your own pace with our self-guided tour app, immersing yourself in the city's Alpine charm and rich history. Begin at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman, then stroll through the bustling Piazza Walther. Admire the Gothic architecture of the Duomo di Bolzano and wander down the medieval Via dei Portici. Experience local flavors at the Piazza delle Erbe Market before venturing to Castel Roncolo for its stunning frescoes. Visit Maretsch Castle in the city center, then explore the Chiesa dei Domenicani's artistic treasures. End your tour with a relaxing walk along the scenic Guncina Promenade, taking in breathtaking views of Bolzano and its surrounding mountains.

Meeting Point

South Tyrol Archeological Museum

Via Museo, 43, 39100 Bolzano BZ, Italy

The designated meeting spot is in the front door of the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, located at Museumstraße/Via Museo 43 in Bolzano/Bozen, Italy. Visitors are encouraged to personalize their experience by choosing their own starting point and the order in which they wish to explore.

What's included:

• Self-guided walking tour (app)

Not included:

• Ticket fees for tourist attractions and museums.
• No in-person guides: Explore independently with our digital tour app.

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours, 40 minutes

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

Via Museo 43, Bolzano, 39100

The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy, is renowned for housing Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy discovered in 1991. This modern museum showcases a vast collection of prehistoric and ancient artifacts from the South Tyrol region. Through interactive exhibits, visitors can explore Alpine history from the Paleolithic era to the Carolingian period.

Pass by without stopping

Piazza Walther

Bolzano, 39100

Visitors to Piazza Walther, Bolzano's main square, will encounter a bustling hub dominated by a statue of medieval poet Walther von der Vogelweide. The impressive Gothic-Romanesque Bolzano Cathedral stands prominently on one side, while charming cafes and restaurants line the perimeter. Depending on the season, travelers may experience the lively Christmas market, colorful flower displays, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this central gathering place.

30 minutes

Duomo Maria Assunta

Piazza della Parrocchia 27, Bolzano, 39100

Visitors to the Duomo di Bolzano will encounter a majestic late Gothic cathedral, featuring a striking 65-meter bell tower and a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. Inside, they can admire the elegant Gothic vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and valuable artworks, including a sandstone pulpit decorated with paintings of Church founders. The cathedral is also known for its "Wine Door," a beautifully decorated Gothic portal, and houses religious relics, statues, and paintings in its main altar and side chapels.

Pass by without stopping

Via dei Portici

Via dei Portici, Bolzano, 39100

Visitors to Via dei Portici, Bolzano's most famous street, will encounter a charming medieval thoroughfare lined with arcaded buildings and bustling shops. This 300-meter-long street, dating back to the 12th century, features continuous porticoes that house a variety of boutiques, cafes, and historic businesses. Tourists can admire the street's well-preserved architecture, including Gothic arches and protruding balconies, while experiencing the lively atmosphere of Bolzano's premier shopping destination.

30 minutes

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe, Bolzano, 39100

Piazza delle Erbe Market, a vibrant and historic marketplace in Bolzano, has been a central feature of the city since 1295. Visitors will find a colorful array of stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, spices, and local specialties. The market operates daily (except Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and holidays) under the watchful gaze of the Neptune Fountain, known locally as "Gabelwirt". This lively square not only offers a feast for the senses with its sights and aromas but also provides a glimpse into the authentic daily life of Bolzano's residents.

30 minutes

Castel Roncolo

Sentiero imperatore Francesco Giuseppe, 1, Bolzano, 39100

Castel Roncolo, also known as Runkelstein Castle, is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky outcrop near Bolzano, Italy. The castle is famous for its well-preserved frescoes depicting scenes of medieval court life, chivalry, and popular legends. Visitors can explore the castle's rich history through guided tours, admire its blend of architectural styles, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding South Tyrolean landscape.

Pass by without stopping

Castel Mareccio

Via Claudia de Medici 12, Bolzano, 39100

Maretsch Castle, located in the historic center of Bolzano, is a Renaissance castle with origins dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can explore its magnificent halls adorned with considerable frescoes from the 16th century, including the Römer hall with its curious depictions and allegorical representations. The castle offers a unique blend of historical architecture and art, set against the backdrop of the South Tyrolean landscape, and can be visited on specific days when events are not being held.

Pass by without stopping

Chiesa dei Domenicani

Piazza Domenicani, Bolzano, 39100

The Chiesa dei Domenicani, or Dominican Church, is a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of Bolzano. Visitors can admire its impressive interior featuring octagonal pillars, ribbed vaults, and a blend of Gothic and Baroque elements. The adjacent monastery boasts a beautiful cloister with 14th-century frescoes from the Bolzano School and works by Friedrich Pacher, offering a rich glimpse into the city's artistic heritage.

40 minutes

Passeggiata del Guncina

Bolzano

The Guncina Walk, one of Bolzano's oldest and most beautiful promenades, starts at Piazza Gries and winds up the sunny slopes of Guncina Hill. Created in 1892, this scenic path features Mediterranean vegetation including cacti, magnolias, and cork trees, offering stunning views of Bolzano and the surrounding landscape. The 4.1-kilometer circular route takes about 1.5 hours to complete, leading past the Old Parish Church of Gries, a pump room, and up towards the road to San Genesio before returning to the starting point.

1 hour, 30 minutes