Activities and sports
In the heart of nature, both body and soul are recharged with positive energy. Bolzano offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, with a wide variety of walks, sports facilities, and lush green spaces.
Walks in the City of Bolzano
Like any city, Bolzano also faces the fast pace of urban life.However, just a few steps away, you can leave your stress behind and immerse yourself in the peaceful tranquillity of renowned walks.
For example, Guncina and S.Osvaldo, completed at the end of the 1800s, are renowned routes that gently climb through Mediterranean vegetation to the top of the surrounding hills, offering stunning views of the city.
Lungotalvera Bolzano and Lungotalvera San Quirino are set in the lush Petrarca Park and meadows along the Talvera River. These walks are adjacent to the city center and offer opportunities for sports and recreation.
Download the paths: Promenades in Bolzano
Castelronda
Lovers of walking? Bolzano, St. Genesio and Terlano have a new themed trail dedicated to the most beautiful castles in and around Bolzano. The trail is over 20 km long and offers a priceless view of the castles and nature in all its forms. You can choose to start the trail at any of the three locations, but of course it is also possible to shorten the route to your liking.
The Castelronda Castle Trail is accessible all year round, although it is particularly recommended to walk it in spring and autumn, when the colours become more intense and the temperatures milder.
A starting point for the trail could be, for example, the valley station of the former St. Genesio cable car, from where it continues in the direction of the ruins of Rafenstein Castle and Cologna, near which is the ruin of Greifenstein Castle. The route then leads to Neuhaus Castle, or Maultasch, and down to Terlano.
Along the entire route, new signposting will be installed to tell the history, anecdotes and interesting facts about the various fortifications, which will also be of interest to younger visitors.
A brochure is available from the relevant tourist offices or by clicking here.
Trekking
Hundreds of kilometers of promenades wind through and around the city; these walks, hikes, and trips—ranging from a few hours to longer excursions—are interwoven with the urban architecture, forming a unique communications network.
Walkers in and around Bolzano can choose between a leisurely walk through typical Mediterranean vegetation or a hike through meadows, forests, and alpine pastures.
Here are some suggested excursions that can be done independently:
- Promenades in Bolzano
- Spiritual Pathways
- Wine Trails
- Renon/Ritten
- San Genesio/Jenesien
- Colle/Kohlern
- Wine Road
- Val Sarentino/Sarntal
- Latemarium in Obereggen
For further information on itineraries, visit the Tourist Office at Via Alto Adige/Südtiroler Str. 60 or contact us at +39 0471 307000, info@bolzano-bozen.it
Sports Facilities
Looking for sports? Bolzano is the place for you!
Whether you're a professional climber or just starting out, the SALEWA CUBE —one of the largest climbing halls in Italy—is the perfect spot. Visitors can challenge themselves with 180 routes of varying difficulty levels. Located in Bolzano South, the large cube is easily accessible by public transport or car.
In the summer, when temperatures rise, nothing beats a refreshing dip in the “Bolzano Lido,” the city’s outdoor swimming pool.
In the evening, head over to the minigolf course in the Talvera meadows for a fun game with friends and a chance to taste local specialties.
During winter, the Talvera meadows transform into a fantastic ice-skating spot. Don’t miss the chance to glide on the ice in the heart of the city during the Christmas Market.
And, of course, there are many football fields, skate parks, and outdoor fitness areas scattered throughout Bolzano, offering something for everyone!
Via Ferrata and Climbing
Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites, is the perfect starting point for exploring the stunning mountains southeast of the provincial capital. Whether you're tackling the "pale mountains," scaling peaks over 3,000 meters high, or simply connecting with nature, the Dolomites offer unforgettable experiences. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of unparalleled beauty that shouldn't be missed.
The Dolomites stretch from the Val d'Ega, through the Sciliar, the Ladin valleys of Gardena and Badia, Val Pusteria, and the Tre Cime, extending into the neighboring provinces of Trento and Belluno.
Whether you choose via ferrata, climbing, or hiking, the options for experiencing the mountains are endless. And what better way to explore than with experienced, professional guides?
Want to see some highlights of via ferrata in the Dolomites?
Here, you can watch videos showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the Dolomites and the areas surrounding Bolzano.
Roberto Iacopelli, an I.F.M.G.A. Mountain and Ski Guide, is available to organize and arrange your Dolomite adventure. Here are his contact details:
Tel: +39 328 3583653
Email: roberto@discoverydolomites.com
Website: https://www.discoverydolomites.com/ and https://via-ferrata-dolomites.com/
For further information about Bolzano, plesae contact our Information Office: Tel. +39 0471 307000, info@bolzano-bozen.it
- Dolomiti Ampezzane
- Dolomiti Bellunesi
- Val di Fassa
- Alta Pusteria - Tre cime
- Val D'Ega
- Sciliar - Alpe di Siusi
- Val Badia
- Val di Fiemme
- Val Gardena
- Val Pusteria