Autonomous Province of Bolzano

Europe

Italy

Access

The autonomous province of Bolzano is easily accessible from various locations in Italy and Europe thanks to a good network of air, rail and road connections. The nearest airports are those of Verona (Villafranca), about 150 km away, and Innsbruck, in Austria, located about 130 km from Bolzano. Both airports offer connections to major European cities and have transfer services and public transport that make it easy to reach the province. Other reference airports, although further away, are those of Bergamo Orio al Serio and Milan Malpensa, which are also connected to Bolzano by shuttle services and trains.
For those travelling by train, Bolzano is served by the Brenner railway line, which connects Italy with Austria and Germany. The Bolzano railway station is a central hub, but there are also important stations in Bressanone, Merano and Brunico, providing convenient access to the main valleys of the province. During the winter and summer, periods of high tourist affluence, special trains and integrated transport services are often activated to facilitate access to the most renowned tourist resorts, such as Val Gardena, Val Pusteria and Val Badia.
The motorway network connecting South Tyrol mainly consists of the Brenner motorway, which crosses the province from south to north, connecting Modena to the Austrian border. Leaving the , visitors can easily access the various valleys through a network of well-maintained provincial roads, although they are characterised by mountainous stretches that require careful driving, especially in winter. The internal road connections are developed to allow access to even the most remote locations, and during the winter season snow clearing services are in place to ensure that the main roads are passable.
To get around within the province, the local public transport service is well organised and includes buses, regional trains and cable cars that connect the main towns and mountain areas. In addition, thanks to the Mobilcard card, which is available in various timeframes, it is possible to use all public means of transport in an integrated way in order to explore the entire territory without the need for a private vehicle, a convenient and sustainable solution for discovering the beauty of the province of Bolzano.

Introduction

The autonomous province of Bolzano, also known as South Tyrol, is a fascinating region that combines unspoilt nature, history and unique traditions. Located in the heart of the Alps, this province represents the meeting point of Italian and German culture, a place where the beauty of the mountain landscapes blends with a rich and varied culture. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominate the horizon with their spectacular peaks and offer an ideal environment for those who love hiking, mountaineering and winter sports. Alongside the Dolomite peaks, valleys such as Val Venosta, Val Gardena and Valle Isarco offer enchanting views, dotted with small villages where local traditions are still alive and reflected in every aspect of daily life.

Description

The history of South Tyrol is marked by the passage of different peoples, from the Rhaetians and Romans to the Lombards and Franks, who have left visible traces in many of the archaeological sites and historical structures in the area. This territory experienced a long period under the domination of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which profoundly influenced the local culture, so much so that today the German language is spoken by a large part of the population. After the First World War, with the passage to Italy, South Tyrol maintained a strong cultural identity, protected thanks to the special autonomy that allows the province to manage various competences, including the valorisation of linguistic minorities.
In economic terms, South Tyrol is a prosperous territory, thanks to a solid economy based on various sectors. Agriculture plays a key role, with apple cultivation in the Vinschgau and the production of high-quality wines such as the internationally renowned Gewürztraminer and Lagrein. The manufacturing industry and local handicrafts, especially woodworking and furniture production, are also important sectors. However, it is tourism that is the province's main source of income: millions of visitors each year choose South Tyrol for its ski resorts, hiking trails and spas, attracted by the quality of services and authentic hospitality.
Bolzano, the provincial capital, is a city with a special charm, where Italian and German influences coexist harmoniously. Highlights include the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, famous for housing Ötzi, the Iceman mummy discovered in the glaciers of Val Senales. Bolzano's Gothic cathedral and Roncolo Castle, with its medieval frescoes, are also not to be missed. Other iconic places are Bressanone, with its splendid cathedral and ancient thermal baths, and Merano, famous for the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle and its modern thermal baths. There are also numerous castles in South Tyrol, such as Tyrol Castle, which tell the stories of ancient feudal lords and dominations.
Finally, there is no shortage of curiosities to enrich the travel experience. South Tyrol is known for its traditional customs, such as costume processions, apple-picking festivals and end-of-harvest festivals. Gastronomic traditions are also special and include dishes such as speck, dumplings and apple strudel, reflecting the cultural mix between Italy and the German area. In addition, the province is a pioneer in the renewable energy sector, focusing on clean sources such as solar and hydroelectric power, a commitment that has given it a strong reputation for environmental sustainability.
Between nature, culture and modernity, South Tyrol offers a unique experience in Italy, where travellers can immerse themselves in a mountainous environment of rare beauty, explore towns rich in history and enjoy a welcome that reflects pride and protection of local traditions.

Information

Headquarter: Bolzano
Area: 7,398.38 sq. km
Minimum elevation: 212 m
Maximum elevation: 3.902 m (Ortles)
Number of inhabitants: 536 933 (as of 31.12.2023)
Number of municipalities: 116 - list - map
Border provinces: Province of Sondrio, Autonomous Province of Trento, Province of Belluno, Salzburg, Tyrol, Canton of Grisons
Website: www.provincia.bz.en

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