Bolzano and the Dolomites 🇮🇹
Bolzano and the Dolomites was a leg of my trip to Europe last year. We all know how much I love hiking so when I read about this place, I knew I needed to go. North Italy is still not as appreciated as the South so I am so passionate about showing why this area is one of my favorites in the world. Apart from being truly magical, the people are so warm and friendly and you get a mix of that Italian/Austrian culture since it is a border city. Hiking trails lead you through forests and meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and viewpoints that make you feel on top of the world. It really reminded me of the show Heidi, Girl of the Alps. Without further ado, this is my Bolzano, North Italy/ Italian Alps itinerary.
THINGS TO BRING
Portable Charger/Power Bank: Keep your devices charged, especially if you’re using them for navigation.
International Power Adapter
Airalo Electronic Sim Card
Cash: Europe in general is used to handling cash more than cards
Bolzano
Before we get into this, I want to make a note that you need to rent a car for this trip, there is really no way to get around it. We took a train to Verona and that is where we picked up ours. We used Booking.com and to be honest, it is sooo cheap to rent a car in Europe, even cheaper than taking a train at times. Another HUGE important note is that you do need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Italy and they DO ask you for it upon arrival. I requested mine in the U.S., at my local AAA office (you don’t need to be a AAA member). All you do is walk in (no appt needed), ask for an international driver’s license, and they take your picture and give it to you on the spot. It costs about $25 and it’s valid for a year.
WHERE WE STAYED:
BAD ISIDOR
Ok, this slide is usually a suggestion but if you go to Bolzano, you HAVE to stay here. This is literally the best bed and breakfast I’ve ever stayed in my life, they include breakfast and dinner and the food is SO delicious. The rooms have the nicest views and it feels like you’re in a dreamland. You need to book a couple months ahead because it gets full fast but it’s 100% worth it.
DAY 1: Arrive, Check-in
Pick up Car in Verona, drive to Bolzano
Check-in at Hotel
DAY 2: Adolf Munkel Hiking trail
You’re going to drive 1 hour to the Adolf Munkel hike and ideally get there before 9 am to secure parking. This hike is 7.7 miles and is listed as “moderate” but I honestly found it really easy, especially because it’s so scenic. It is listed in AllTrails as “Via delle Odle": Zannes- Gampen Hut- Malga Geisler.
The first stop is to absolutely eat at the Gampen Alm refugio, leave it up to Europeans to place a restaurant and drink wine in the middle of a hike. I was soo there for it.
This hike will pretty much take all day so in the afternoon, you can head back to the bed and breakfast and enjoy the pool day.
DAY 3: Lago di Brais
Eat breakfast at the B&B and then drive 1.5 hours to Lago di Brais. This is one of the most prominent lakes in the Dolomites and the one you’ve most likely seen in videos.
You have the option to walk around the lake, which is about 2.5 miles and takes around 1.5-2 hours at a leisurely pace or rent a boat right away.
Rent a rowboat at the boathouse, make sure you check in because there’s usually a 1-hour wait to rent it.
Afterward, you can grab some lunch in the area, there are plenty of spots outside of the lake OR you can walk to Malga Foresta, it is about a 22 min walk from the lake but totally worth it
On the drive back, make sure you stop by Val di Funes-san Giovanni in Ranui. It is one of the iconic photo spots of the Dolomites.
DAY 3: Explore the town and drive back
Wake up, eat breakfast and get ready to check out.
Take the morning to explore the town, take a ride in Renon's Cable Car where you will see great views of the town and the Dolomites. Take your time to explore and buy souvenirs.
Drive back to Verona and return the car :)