My husband and I will be in Bolzano after two weeks traveling from Munich to Prague and then Salzburg. We will have two days in Bolzano before beginning a five day hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites. How can we best use the 1 1/2 day/two night stay in Bolzano. I have read about the South Tyrol Archeological museum and the Messner Mountain Museum. Worth our time? If we have to choose, which one? I love to try local food and have read about these places: Cafe Monika, Restaurtn Laurin, Osteria Dai Carrettai, Peter Pasticceria, Vogele, and Ristorante Castel Flavon. Any comments on these? Any better suggestions? We'll be staying by the train station.
Posted by
Washington DC
27104 posts
Of those two museums I've only been to the archaeological one. The exhibit on Otzi, the Iceman, is extremely well done, explaining what they've learned about Otzi's life and death, and how. I'm not really a science person at all, but I found it very interesting. I'd prioritize that one.
Posted by
756 posts
I'd consider Castel Roncolo/Runkelstein Castle to be a must-see. The depictions of medieval court life are amazing. I believe we walked there and took the bus back, but very doable on foot (less than two miles). There's also an interesting winery along the way, which sadly didn't have their tasting room/shop open that day for us, but might be worth checking out if you are interested: https://www.rottensteiner.wine/
We enjoyed our meal at Hopfen & Co. I see they've taken a few hits on reviews recently, so maybe things have changed, but we had good food and good beer when we visited.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thanks for the recommendations on the museums. My husband is currently reading the book : Iceman: Uncovering the Life. However the Runkelstein looks fascinating, too.
Posted by
Northern California
87 posts
The archeological museum was worth our time but I wish it hadn’t been so crowded (this was in July of last summer). Even with reservations, the place was packed and made it difficult to linger at the many different exhibit spaces.
Posted by
Minnesota, Wisconsin & Italy
75 posts
Vögele is an amazing restaurant and is a member of the Südtiroler Gasthaus group, which is an association dedicated to preserving South Tyrol's culinary traditions. Also, suggest visiting the food stands along Piazza delle Erbe. You find all sorts of local specialties. Have not been to MMM yet, but the Otzi the Iceman exhibit is exceptional. Highly recommend including it in your plans. Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
312 posts
We ate at Franziskanerstuben restaurant. Food was delicious. We actually wanted to eat at Vogele, but they were not opened on a Saturday night.