as a "bolzanino" (citizen from bolzano) it's really weird hearing someone from across the globe be so excited about the town. when you're here every single day you don't realize what a special and unique (in good and bad ways) situation we live in. thanks for sharing our little town to the world man. cheers!
I was born in the USA (Chicago) but I would like to live in this area and think I would feel right at home. I'm a recent Italian citizen and my mother is a recent Austrian citizen. Hopefully we'll fit in somehow! I work as a computer engineer so hopefully I can find that line of work here.
@@mrHello420__ Thanks! I'm not a professional programmer (although I dabble a little) but more of an administrator (system / network) and a data center house mouse. I also have a lot of monitoring experience in a NOC (Network Operations Center). That said, I am hoping to be able to start a business utilizing my skill set once I settle in Italy.
Hi Philip, I visited Bolzano a few years ago, largely because I have always been fascinated by the duality of the Italian and Austrian cultures living there in (relative) harmony. I must say it really is a lovely region with stunning landscapes and kind people. I find it a shame that many tourists forgo this region.
Unfortunately, your statement that many tourists forgo that region is absolutely not true.. The province of Bolzano has the 2nd most overnight stays (yearly) out of ALL provinces in Italy, behind Venice but even before Rome. Over tourism is a huge problem nowadays in this region.
If you’re visiting in autumn, you also have to try the Kastanienherzen. It’s chestnut paste vovered by dark chocolate and topped off with some whipped cream. South Tyrol is the only place where you can get some.
I know this video is mainly about Bolzano, but I would also say don't skip out on visiting Merano, it's a really nice city, not as big as Bolzano, but very beautiful! The gardens of Trauttmannsdorff near the city are also very pretty during spring time and definitely worth a visit!
Ay thank you for reminding me of the perks of where I grew up and giving me a bit of a nostalgia moment, as I moved away some years ago! Keep up the good work, this is amazing content 🍀
I'm an italian girl from Milano. Every year i go to Bolzano and Dolomiti. For me, these are beat places of the world (i have visited many countries). Bolzano is very nice, but listen to Wolter: don't stay just in Bolazano!!!! It's sorrounded by breathtaking mountains and you can go hiking, cycling and sking enjoying the best nature of the world.
I'm watching your videos for qite awhile and I feel very proud that you visited my region. I generally think that Südtirol is very beautiful. But as a "Südtiroler" I would visit other places than Bozen 😂 (Meran the spa Town, Sterzing has a very nice chrismas Market, or go hiking in the Pustertal, visit the Drei Zinnen, enjoy the beatiful landscape and nature.
Yes it is a common thing among us south tyroleans that we actually think bolzano is the worst part of south tyrol, so maybe visit meran or especially the pustertal.
Soe Bozen isn´t that bad.Since tourist arround the world travel every year to Italy(South Tyrol) to visit Merano,Sterzing,Bruneck,Brixen and of course Bozen(Bolzano). And well me as a citzient of that town can just say that now in the spring time, the people storm the city.Its full and they enjoy the split between german and italian colture. Of course the historical part or the old city as well Muri Gries are interesting. Other part of that city aren´t that spectacular!!!
I'd like to add that people from South Tyrol are the best hosts: kind and friendly. I live in Varese but I go on holiday there twice a year, I love the landscapes, the scenery is literally breathtaking. Seiser Alm and Drei Zinnen, Karersee and the towns, Bozen, Meran, Sterzing, Bruneck are marvellous.
I've been in Varese a few times. One of the worst and most difficult towns to drive in in Italy! I always lose myself there. The road net in Varese is like a spider-web.
Thanks for this very nice reportage, it’s always a delight to see tourists from other countries stopping by other routes than Rome-Florence-Venice! Next time come visit Sterzing-Vipiteno: it’s a little medieval town surrounded by great mountain paths and ski resorts, with one of the best Weichnachtmarkts in the region :)
Wolter as a Bolzanino i am very very blessed how you present our city your energie your way to be is so exciting you are the guy no german no italian youtuber could made a video like you american brother congrats to you and all luck and all the best to you and your amazing family. Be healthy and go on and you will have all the Fortune in life.
Thanks for this video! We are just back from South Tyrol,twice a year we need the fix and drive down south. Each time we plan a vacation in a different valley to see as much as possible. One tip from my side....do not drive down to Bozen on a rainy or cloudy day during your vacation...all tourists will have the same idea;) Another bonus...try to take the public transport as much as possible This will save you a lot of headaches trying to find a parking spot downtown. Another plus...just south of Bozen the Strada del Vino,the wine street,starts. Lots of vineyard to choose from and each will let you taste their selection
As a Bolzano citizen I recommend also to see that Green park behind him(Talvera), to eat at the Batzen and to try if possible to drive in some awesome road in the nearing
Thank you for this video. We recently found your channel and planning a trip next year to Germany and Italy. My wife’s family (and last name) come from Bolzano and can’t wait to visit.
Hi Wolter, you might it find to be interesting that the roofed sections of the Laubengasse (portici) in ancient times actually had the function of an exhibition space. So part of the shops used to be outside of the buildings, when the goods where stored on the inside. People instead had to walk in the middle of the alley though rain and snow 🥶🥶
I saw your footage. I have to compliment the description of my city. A city, small on a human scale, dedicated to tourism that has welcomed you with its specificities and its beauties. You who come to visit, welcomed by our. sympathy you are our best tourist card in the world. A warm greeting also to your family.
We love the Sud Tirol and Bolzano. Try to get to Merano, just north-west of Bolzano. Former vacation town for the Habsburgs, it's a quick train ride away from Bolzano and is beautiful.
you actually forgot to mention a visit to the "PALAONDA", the ice hockey stadium of Bolzano, during a ice hockey game.. it's just an amazing experience for any ice hockey fan
It certainly does get VERY hot in Bolzano! I was there this past June during one of the European heatwaves, I naively thought being in the mountains it would be cooler, it wasn't! High 30s Celcius (90s F) down in the city and still in the 30s up in the mountains!
That’s so funny you posted this, I’ve been thinking about a trip to go to the Christmas markets since I found my cups I bought in 2019 last week! I love Bolzano!! 😍😍
Hey Anthony, as a native “South-Tyrolean” I would gladly reccomend to check out some different christmas markets if you have the possibility. Check out the cozy Vipiteno market, or the artsy Merano one, hope you’ll enjoy!
I love how you take wine serious here. Obviously you're describing wines most will come upon but Pinot Blanc is THE most serious white grape varietel. Also that is ultra specific is Alto Adige Spec or the Spec Dumplings.
Ötzi actually was Austrian but because of the fact that South Tyrol was only a part of Austria until WW first and he was found after that, he is considered Italian by many people. So that means if Ötzi would have been found 110 years earlier he would be at a museum in Innsbruck (Austria).
South Tirol is very beautiful and well worth a visit. One point you did not makes is that the public transport is generally very good. In particular there is a 'Verkehrsverbund' integrating bus and train services.
Really nice video and suggestions! Just one thing, about beer: I live here but me and my friends never drink Forst. I definitely prefer the craft beer from Chiusa - Klausen, probably my favorite one; they have an amazing dark beer or some really really good special beers in the seasons. Talking about the Italian beers, also in the big distributions (supermarkets), I would suggest the Ichnusa from Sardegna, maybe the unfiltered one; the Theresianer from Trieste (the IPA guys); the Moretti, also from Friuli, ofc in glass ;D For the ones who like aperitivo or drinks, take a look at Laurin Hotel, close to the train station, lovely location and serious cocktails, whiskies, etc; with a jazz live music programme too. I generally avoid pizza in Bolzano, but there are a couple of worth (but relatively expensive) pizzerie: "Cantuccio" or "Il Corso".
For me its strange to hear that you heard so much german speaking people in Bolzano. During the fascism many Germans were forced to leave the country and the regime encoureged migration from other italian regions. Therefore the population of Bolzano (only the city, no the rest of South Tyrol) is composed by nearly 75% italian speaking people. You can see that mainly if you move out from the historic centre of the city. The geman language (especially in the official Authorities) seems such an impossible thing! Great video by the way.
To anyone watching this: do not miss out on Trento, which is a strong candidate for being the best town in the whole region (although it's not in South Tyrol but in neighboring Trentino). I would say that Trento is more elegant and beautiful than Bolzano in fact, although Bozen is also very respectable.
For newer F1 fans, especially Drive to Survive watchers, Gunther Steiner, Haas F1 team principal is from Merano, Italy. Merano is about 35 km north of Bolzano.
If you get the chance you and your family should go to La Maddalena inspecially. And Sardinia as a whole. Being from a navy familyy father got stationed their. Thank you.
I'm visiting Innsbruck soon and now I have a new town to explore. Never though Bolzano would be so interesting. Thanks! Have you ever visited Limone Sul Garda? Would love to see a video about that town 😊
To be fair Innsbruck is like Bozen but larger, they're very similar. I'd make a detour to Meran if I were you :)
5 місяців тому+1
As a nonspeaker in Italian or German, how hard life is going to be here? I don´t have illusions that it is gonna be easy, but I still have a month before traveling there and I am currently trying to learn atleast B1 italian.
actually Bolzano is the only city in South Tyrol to have a large majority of native Italian speakers, around 73% speak Italian, against 25% German. While in Merano, which is the second largest city in South Tyrol, there are literally 50 and 50 Italian and German mother tongue speakers, in the rest of South Tyrol all the other cities and towns have a German majority, so it's quite rare that you hear more German than Italian. Most likely they were mostly German tourists
South Tyrol is a fantastic example of respect and protection of a linguistic minority, the Austrian community, its culture and its economy. Unfortunately, things didn't go so well for the Italian communities in Nice, Savoy, Istria, Dalmatia...
No, the best Italian beer is not brewed in Bolzano and Forst is not the best Italian beer, it might be one of the best you find in supermarkets. As a traveller and beer lover I can assure you that you can't find the best Italian beers in supermarkets but from artisans of beer. Personally the beers I prefer the most are brewed in Umbria, in Sicily and in Lombardy.
Thank you for not promoting the hipster beer Ichnusa. But really, how can 2 people agree on what the "best beer" is? It would be like fighting over which wine is the best lol
@@Unexpectedperspectivesnow I totally agree with you, that's why i said "personally"; still, I believe there should be a minimum standard for beer to be considered "decent", "good" or "best" and I think Forst responds to the standard of a "good beer", I wouldn't candidate Forst to be one of the best out there.
I stayed with Italian relatives in Bolzano as a kid. There was a beautiful castle across the valley that I convinced my parents to visit. We climbed quite a way, and it looked very cool as we approached. But when we knocked on the huge front door we were told "This is a private residence. Go away." Big disappointment. Sometimes the dream is better than the reality.
In one of your videos you talk about how you have shipped boxes back to the US from, like Italy. Curious how you did it? Several weeks ago we shipped a suitcase from London to Hawai’i; $187 for a carryon suitcase! Wonder if we could do better next year on our trip to Italy/Greece/Turkey.
So, ich bin Italiener und habe in Wien 8 Jahre gelebt und studiert und lebe jetzt in der Dominikanischen Republik. Ich habe hier einen Osterreichischen Freund aus Tirol hier und wir haben uns auf diese Diskussion eingelassen und mochte gerne eure Meinung haben: was ist, im Allgemeinen betrachtet, die hübscheste' Stadt in Südtirol? Bozen, Meran, Brixen? Eine Andere? Danke im Voraus.
Glad to see one of my favorite cities on your channel! I add my useless two cents: 1) yes Bolzano/Bozen is on italian territory but it’s a multicultural city, some of the culturally austrian/ native german speaker people maybe do not appreciate too much to be referred to as italian….CORRECTION: i deleted stats that only referred to some town or village, but not to bozen or the entire region. Official stats on bozen website offered in double version german and italian, ladin, english 2) it’s part of Trentino-AltoAdige/Sudtirol region, which benefits from a certain degree of autonomy comparing to other regions, given its multicultural background. It’s also one of the richest, cleanest, most efficient places in italy. And whether that’s cultural or due to a more autonomous economy system it’s debatable 😂 3) probably a separatist movement still exists 4) public transport system is just amazing and takes you almost everywhere, it’s a very sustainable option. Some hotels use(d) to give free pub transport cards 5) don’t forget innichen, meran, vipiteno… 6) feel like shopping? give a look to Thun, Mila, Forst, sterzing dairy manufacturing sites. From beer to yoghurt to clay figurines, those are all very popular pruducts in italy 7) want to see a more italian side of the dolomites? Visit Trento and Trentino area
1) The cultural demographic is about 60% austrian/german and 40% italian. In Bolzano you will prevalently find Italian speaking people while the rest of the province is populated by german native speakers. 2) accurate 😂 3) yes there still is a separatist party
The first point is a big lie. In Bolzano/Bozen 73% of the inhabitants are Italian and 26% German If you're talking about the entire South Tyrol then it's the opposite with 69% Germans, 26% Italians and almost 5% Ladins
You have to watch Brixen/Bressanone once. Its about 30 minutes away from Bolzano and it is smaller but stil a nice place with many things to visit and some cool places and monuments😉
So much good advice here. Bolzano, and all of Trentino, really, is one of the best destinations you can pick for a holiday in Italy. The food is amazing and very characteristic, the landscape is beyond beautiful and there are plenty of historical sites and museums to visit if you want to learn more about the history of the place. It's true that the locals aren't quite as expansive as elsewhere in Italy, but, in my experience, they're unfailingly polite and helpful to tourists. Especially if you can speak a bit of German. I can't recommend Trentino highly enough, it's really a spectacular place to visit.
You mention that it gets hot in the summer and I am wondering; do you think it will be too hot for tent camping at the beginning of August? If so, where around this region around you recommend? Thanks 😊
Hello, usually in August can be pretty hot still, temperatures reach easily the 30ºC But if you go camping a bit higher into the mountains then I’ll be a bit less hot during the evening and in the early morning. So I think that you should be okay. A lot of people love to go camping during summer because of the beautiful lakes that we have. So if you feel like it’s getting too hot you can always go canoeing and/or go for a swim!
Very enjoyable episode Mark; I was lucky enough to visit Bozen back in 2015 and would agree with all you have said. Was Caleb with you on this visit? Great to see Liam and Jocelyn but always look for entire family :)
You are right about the history of the city and the region in general. However, you felt in Austria cause you probably visited the city center only (which is a small part of the entire city). The rest looks like any other Italian city; in fact, in your "Don't think you are in Austria" suggestion, you showed the image of a big arc, which has no Austrian influence whatsoever. You definitely can speak also German, but german mother tongues are the minority party in Bolzano: if you go for the rest of the city as well, you would probably need more Grazie, si e no rather than danke ja und nein. Finally, if you are in Italy, you should rather go for Italian food if you are a foreigner. Schnitzel and Spaetzle are Austrian and can be found also there (of the same quality) while the same cannot be said for pasta and pizza.
As an italian I feel a bit pissed off when you refer to south Tyrol as if it were only Austrian, because until 1800s it was actually independent and only then it was occupied by Austria,but the occupation lasted only a century, because after ww1 South Tyrol became part of Italy; Moreover the region is called also Altro Adige, as a part of Trentino-Alto Adige, so referring to it only with the name Südtirol it's not completely correct, and about the lack of friendliness, it's quite common in all the north and in some small towns in Abruzzo, it's just another cultural difference between north and south Italy.
non capisco cosa avete sempre da puntualizzare, soprattutto parlando delle regioni degli altri… e infatti non sapete nulla perchè parlate a caso e ci infilate il trentino che non c’entra nulla. la regione trentino-alto adige ha zero poteri. Tutte le competenze le hanno le due province che sono DI FATTO due regioni autonome. La veritá è che siamo italiani solo sulla carta d’identitá… cultura, storia, tradizioni e lingua non sono italiane
Very well edited, well explained in detail and incredibly interesting video! I liked it very much, thank you for coming to visit us. Viele Grüße/Tanti saluti Raphael
1) La cucina italiana e\o l'offerta enogastronomica , non è solo pasta e pizza . C'è di tutto . 2) Ad esempio , la pizza è uno dei tanti piatti . Nel caso specifico abbinata a Napoli e non all'Italia . 3) La cucina sudtirolese e\o l'offerta enogastronomica sudtirolese non è considerata "aliena" . È un pezzo del mosaico .
You can't talk about beer without talking about Batzen! It's the best bar/brewery of Bolzano by far. I live here and it's by far the best place to go if you want to have a fun evening drinking with friends
Italian here, ehh it’s quite in the middle of both countries and it’s sandwiches between mountains, so if you go to Bolzano you have a lot of nature to look around, or other Tyrolese towns like Brixen or Merano, the Brenner pass to the north with Austria, or the Stelvio pass. Towards Italy you can visit the city of Trento or lake Garda, but you really are halfway between both countries
evryone knows forst is the worst beer ever. cathedral with austrian feel? it's gothic style, you find one in milan and brussel, so definetely not austrian. the food is great and is definetely not thanks to austria. still you can find a lot of pizza and pasta. you should not compare us, it's not italy (thank god) and it's not austria (thank god)
@@thetemptedvida8650 I don't hate my country..I do think though that the Italian system isn't the best...especially when one compares it to country like Austria or Germany
@@ilBUZZo Do you know that in South Tyrol they have an autonomous status that gives them the possibility to keep 90% of their taxes in their territory? Their autonomy plays a big part of their current economic situation, hence why Southtyroleans vote en masse for SVP which supports the autonomy, not the reunification with Austria. If they were part of Austria they wouldn't have these benefits
Hi, I am living in südtirol and i can say, each person in the "Unterland" is starting an conversation in italian, for respect to be in italy, bit if you go up the mountains and the valles there you start an conversation in german tirol :)
da meranese devo dire che è interessante vedere questo video hahah. Comunque è molto meglio il mercatino di Merano, e come castello il più bello da visitare è probabilmente quello di Tirolo
my friend, i live in bolzano for 5 years and yes its a province and city based on german turist and the italians who want to go to the german places. and all the turist area, will speak first in german but day to day most pepole speak italian becouse we are in italy and its not sudtirol its alto adige, its been for more than 100 years yes theres a minority thats feel special speaking german and making money by being german, but it is italy. such a shame to habe a divided city and province with 3 diferent school sistems. if i can give a recomedation go visit casanova and you will see the real bolzano and not the one for show for turists.
dont get me rong, the video was great however this narative that bolzano is more austrian than italian is why this place has and will always have the tensions between the 2 main language comunities that need to be sorpased
Alto Adige and Südtirol are both correct names for literally the same thing and both names are official, but you're correct in that it's not part of Austria.
First France and England and then Hitler and Mussolini ruined the atmosphere and tranquility of South Tirol. This beautiful country takes it's name from the Counts of Tirol who ruled here well before the Hapsburgs. They saw the beauty and culture of this area.
as a "bolzanino" (citizen from bolzano) it's really weird hearing someone from across the globe be so excited about the town. when you're here every single day you don't realize what a special and unique (in good and bad ways) situation we live in. thanks for sharing our little town to the world man. cheers!
Bolzano is the best city in Italy💕
same 😀
birschl donkschian
@@frigobar4275 nah meglio merano senza dubbio
As a south tirolian,Bozen/bolzano is such an ugly cities.
I have lived in Bolzano since I was born and so have my parents. After so many years I still stop to admire certain beauties that never get boring!
I was born in the USA (Chicago) but I would like to live in this area and think I would feel right at home. I'm a recent Italian citizen and my mother is a recent Austrian citizen. Hopefully we'll fit in somehow! I work as a computer engineer so hopefully I can find that line of work here.
There are a lot of open jobs that are software related, you are welcome here! :)
@@mrHello420__ Thanks! I'm not a professional programmer (although I dabble a little) but more of an administrator (system / network) and a data center house mouse. I also have a lot of monitoring experience in a NOC (Network Operations Center). That said, I am hoping to be able to start a business utilizing my skill set once I settle in Italy.
@@PaulFromCHGO You should find a good amount of jobs with your skillset. I wish you the best
Hi Philip, I visited Bolzano a few years ago, largely because I have always been fascinated by the duality of the Italian and Austrian cultures living there in (relative) harmony. I must say it really is a lovely region with stunning landscapes and kind people. I find it a shame that many tourists forgo this region.
Unfortunately, your statement that many tourists forgo that region is absolutely not true.. The province of Bolzano has the 2nd most overnight stays (yearly) out of ALL provinces in Italy, behind Venice but even before Rome. Over tourism is a huge problem nowadays in this region.
I can't wait to visit someday. My grandfather was born in Fondo about 35 mins away, and I would love to see this beautiful region.
If you’re visiting in autumn, you also have to try the Kastanienherzen. It’s chestnut paste vovered by dark chocolate and topped off with some whipped cream. South Tyrol is the only place where you can get some.
I know this video is mainly about Bolzano, but I would also say don't skip out on visiting Merano, it's a really nice city, not as big as Bolzano, but very beautiful! The gardens of Trauttmannsdorff near the city are also very pretty during spring time and definitely worth a visit!
Ay thank you for reminding me of the perks of where I grew up and giving me a bit of a nostalgia moment, as I moved away some years ago! Keep up the good work, this is amazing content 🍀
I'm an italian girl from Milano. Every year i go to Bolzano and Dolomiti. For me, these are beat places of the world (i have visited many countries). Bolzano is very nice, but listen to Wolter: don't stay just in Bolazano!!!! It's sorrounded by breathtaking mountains and you can go hiking, cycling and sking enjoying the best nature of the world.
I'm watching your videos for qite awhile and I feel very proud that you visited my region. I generally think that Südtirol is very beautiful. But as a "Südtiroler" I would visit other places than Bozen 😂 (Meran the spa Town, Sterzing has a very nice chrismas Market, or go hiking in the Pustertal, visit the Drei Zinnen, enjoy the beatiful landscape and nature.
Yes it is a common thing among us south tyroleans that we actually think bolzano is the worst part of south tyrol, so maybe visit meran or especially the pustertal.
@@ulcmbrrra7271 You Say that becouse there are more italian speaking people in Bolzano?
@@ulcmbrrra7271 yes, that's true haha
@@IlGab02 no because bozen is full of a new immigrants and just looks like ass
Soe Bozen isn´t that bad.Since tourist arround the world travel every year to Italy(South Tyrol) to visit Merano,Sterzing,Bruneck,Brixen and of course Bozen(Bolzano). And well me as a citzient of that town can just say that now in the spring time, the people storm the city.Its full and they enjoy the split between german and italian colture.
Of course the historical part or the old city as well Muri Gries are interesting. Other part of that city aren´t that spectacular!!!
I'd like to add that people from South Tyrol are the best hosts: kind and friendly. I live in Varese but I go on holiday there twice a year, I love the landscapes, the scenery is literally breathtaking. Seiser Alm and Drei Zinnen, Karersee and the towns, Bozen, Meran, Sterzing, Bruneck are marvellous.
I've been in Varese a few times. One of the worst and most difficult towns to drive in in Italy! I always lose myself there. The road net in Varese is like a spider-web.
Thanks for this very nice reportage, it’s always a delight to see tourists from other countries stopping by other routes than Rome-Florence-Venice! Next time come visit Sterzing-Vipiteno: it’s a little medieval town surrounded by great mountain paths and ski resorts, with one of the best Weichnachtmarkts in the region :)
Wolter as a Bolzanino i am very very blessed how you present our city your energie your way to be is so exciting you are the guy no german no italian youtuber could made a video like you american brother congrats to you and all luck and all the best to you and your amazing family. Be healthy and go on and you will have all the Fortune in life.
Thanks for this video!
We are just back from South Tyrol,twice a year we need the fix and drive down south.
Each time we plan a vacation in a different valley to see as much as possible.
One tip from my side....do not drive down to Bozen on a rainy or cloudy day during your vacation...all tourists will have the same idea;)
Another bonus...try to take the public transport as much as possible
This will save you a lot of headaches trying to find a parking spot downtown.
Another plus...just south of Bozen the Strada del Vino,the wine street,starts.
Lots of vineyard to choose from and each will let you taste their selection
Love this region. Thanks for sharing. Great channel still after all these years.
Interesting to hear! Wolters, keep going to the Christmas markets!
As a Bolzano citizen I recommend also to see that Green park behind him(Talvera), to eat at the Batzen and to try if possible to drive in some awesome road in the nearing
Thank you for this video. We recently found your channel and planning a trip next year to Germany and Italy. My wife’s family (and last name) come from Bolzano and can’t wait to visit.
Hi Wolter, you might it find to be interesting that the roofed sections of the Laubengasse (portici) in ancient times actually had the function of an exhibition space. So part of the shops used to be outside of the buildings, when the goods where stored on the inside.
People instead had to walk in the middle of the alley though rain and snow 🥶🥶
Great video. If you forget to buy a fast track to see ötzi there are some cheap and tasty take away cafés to grab a coffee for the queue.
You have to visit Sarntal. Thats the place were i live. Its around 20km away of Bozen. We in Sarntal always say: letzar war di Ape hin
thank you for the beautiful review of my hometown!
I saw your footage. I have to compliment the description of my city. A city, small on a human scale, dedicated to tourism that has welcomed you with its specificities and its beauties. You who come to visit, welcomed by our. sympathy you are our best tourist card in the world. A warm greeting also to your family.
The architecture & mountains look awesome! From what you shared, the Austro-German culture is prominent habiby! ⛰🇮🇹🇦🇹
We love the Sud Tirol and Bolzano. Try to get to Merano, just north-west of Bolzano. Former vacation town for the Habsburgs, it's a quick train ride away from Bolzano and is beautiful.
you actually forgot to mention a visit to the "PALAONDA", the ice hockey stadium of Bolzano, during a ice hockey game.. it's just an amazing experience for any ice hockey fan
Bolzano / Bozen is a very pretty city! 😍
It certainly does get VERY hot in Bolzano! I was there this past June during one of the European heatwaves, I naively thought being in the mountains it would be cooler, it wasn't! High 30s Celcius (90s F) down in the city and still in the 30s up in the mountains!
It's indeed the hottest city in Italy at times
it can become very hot and sticky, why would poeple go to Ritten and Kohlern to the summer homes
That’s so funny you posted this, I’ve been thinking about a trip to go to the Christmas markets since I found my cups I bought in 2019 last week! I love Bolzano!! 😍😍
Hey Anthony, as a native “South-Tyrolean” I would gladly reccomend to check out some different christmas markets if you have the possibility. Check out the cozy Vipiteno market, or the artsy Merano one, hope you’ll enjoy!
I love how you take wine serious here. Obviously you're describing wines most will come upon but Pinot Blanc is THE most serious white grape varietel.
Also that is ultra specific is Alto Adige Spec or the Spec Dumplings.
Never heard of the place, sounds awesome. And I didn’t realize that Otzi was found in Italy. All these years I thought he was Austrian
Ötzi actually was Austrian but because of the fact that South Tyrol was only a part of Austria until WW first and he was found after that, he is considered Italian by many people. So that means if Ötzi would have been found 110 years earlier he would be at a museum in Innsbruck (Austria).
@@moidllll Ötzi lived 5000 years ago, hardly austrian or italian
South Tirol is very beautiful and well worth a visit. One point you did not makes is that the public transport is generally very good. In particular there is a 'Verkehrsverbund' integrating bus and train services.
Really nice video and suggestions!
Just one thing, about beer: I live here but me and my friends never drink Forst. I definitely prefer the craft beer from Chiusa - Klausen, probably my favorite one; they have an amazing dark beer or some really really good special beers in the seasons. Talking about the Italian beers, also in the big distributions (supermarkets), I would suggest the Ichnusa from Sardegna, maybe the unfiltered one; the Theresianer from Trieste (the IPA guys); the Moretti, also from Friuli, ofc in glass ;D For the ones who like aperitivo or drinks, take a look at Laurin Hotel, close to the train station, lovely location and serious cocktails, whiskies, etc; with a jazz live music programme too. I generally avoid pizza in Bolzano, but there are a couple of worth (but relatively expensive) pizzerie: "Cantuccio" or "Il Corso".
Heading to Firenze in a few days, so pumped!
Thanks for all your great content, Mark!
For me its strange to hear that you heard so much german speaking people in Bolzano. During the fascism many Germans were forced to leave the country and the regime encoureged migration from other italian regions. Therefore the population of Bolzano (only the city, no the rest of South Tyrol) is composed by nearly 75% italian speaking people. You can see that mainly if you move out from the historic centre of the city. The geman language (especially in the official Authorities) seems such an impossible thing!
Great video by the way.
historical center mainly populated by german tourists during summer days. That's why
Over 70 % of South Tirol is german, my friend (:
Il fascismo ha fatto quello che gli Asburgo avevano iniziato đa tempo.
@@italiamia Do you mean, when Mussolini tried to cleanse South Tyrol of all Tyroleans ?
@@Ibnsallah bello mio la storia non inizia dal 1919, dovresti rivedere un po' indietro, ma si sa che gli ingnoranti ignorano e basta ;)
To anyone watching this: do not miss out on Trento, which is a strong candidate for being the best town in the whole region (although it's not in South Tyrol but in neighboring Trentino). I would say that Trento is more elegant and beautiful than Bolzano in fact, although Bozen is also very respectable.
South Tyrol is the most beautiful place on Earth.
What an amazing place to live. I wanna live there.
For newer F1 fans, especially Drive to Survive watchers, Gunther Steiner, Haas F1 team principal is from Merano, Italy. Merano is about 35 km north of Bolzano.
Northwest to be exact ;-)
Grande Mark! L'Italia TI AMA!
Was freaking about about moving to Bolzano from the U.S. Am now packing... (thank you)
Glad to help!
Going tomorrow. Can't wait
Very picturesque! Thank you for this intro to Bolzano
If you get the chance you and your family should go to La Maddalena inspecially. And Sardinia as a whole. Being from a navy familyy father got stationed their. Thank you.
We are looking into it for either summer 23 or 24
I'm visiting Innsbruck soon and now I have a new town to explore. Never though Bolzano would be so interesting. Thanks!
Have you ever visited Limone Sul Garda? Would love to see a video about that town 😊
To be fair Innsbruck is like Bozen but larger, they're very similar.
I'd make a detour to Meran if I were you :)
As a nonspeaker in Italian or German, how hard life is going to be here? I don´t have illusions that it is gonna be easy, but I still have a month before traveling there and I am currently trying to learn atleast B1 italian.
actually Bolzano is the only city in South Tyrol to have a large majority of native Italian speakers, around 73% speak Italian, against 25% German. While in Merano, which is the second largest city in South Tyrol, there are literally 50 and 50 Italian and German mother tongue speakers, in the rest of South Tyrol all the other cities and towns have a German majority, so it's quite rare that you hear more German than Italian. Most likely they were mostly German tourists
That explains why most people in Bolzano don't understand my German 🥲
South Tyrol is a fantastic example of respect and protection of a linguistic minority, the Austrian community, its culture and its economy.
Unfortunately, things didn't go so well for the Italian communities in Nice, Savoy, Istria, Dalmatia...
Been! And yes u can’t take pics of otzi or anything in the museum itself. Some stuff but most u can’t!
No, the best Italian beer is not brewed in Bolzano and Forst is not the best Italian beer, it might be one of the best you find in supermarkets. As a traveller and beer lover I can assure you that you can't find the best Italian beers in supermarkets but from artisans of beer. Personally the beers I prefer the most are brewed in Umbria, in Sicily and in Lombardy.
Thank you for not promoting the hipster beer Ichnusa. But really, how can 2 people agree on what the "best beer" is? It would be like fighting over which wine is the best lol
@@Unexpectedperspectivesnow I totally agree with you, that's why i said "personally"; still, I believe there should be a minimum standard for beer to be considered "decent", "good" or "best" and I think Forst responds to the standard of a "good beer", I wouldn't candidate Forst to be one of the best out there.
I stayed with Italian relatives in Bolzano as a kid. There was a beautiful castle across the valley that I convinced my parents to visit. We climbed quite a way, and it looked very cool as we approached. But when we knocked on the huge front door we were told "This is a private residence. Go away." Big disappointment. Sometimes the dream is better than the reality.
Welcome to South Tyrol...and big Welcome to our friends and guests from the United States 👉🇮🇩🇺🇲
In one of your videos you talk about how you have shipped boxes back to the US from, like Italy. Curious how you did it? Several weeks ago we shipped a suitcase from London to Hawai’i; $187 for a carryon suitcase! Wonder if we could do better next year on our trip to Italy/Greece/Turkey.
So, ich bin Italiener und habe in Wien 8 Jahre gelebt und studiert und lebe jetzt in der Dominikanischen Republik. Ich habe hier einen Osterreichischen Freund aus Tirol hier und wir haben uns auf diese Diskussion eingelassen und mochte gerne eure Meinung haben: was ist, im Allgemeinen betrachtet, die hübscheste' Stadt in Südtirol? Bozen, Meran, Brixen? Eine Andere? Danke im Voraus.
Awesome video
Glad to see one of my favorite cities on your channel! I add my useless two cents:
1) yes Bolzano/Bozen is on italian territory but it’s a multicultural city, some of the culturally austrian/ native german speaker people maybe do not appreciate too much to be referred to as italian….CORRECTION: i deleted stats that only referred to some town or village, but not to bozen or the entire region. Official stats on bozen website offered in double version german and italian, ladin, english
2) it’s part of Trentino-AltoAdige/Sudtirol region, which benefits from a certain degree of autonomy comparing to other regions, given its multicultural background. It’s also one of the richest, cleanest, most efficient places in italy. And whether that’s cultural or due to a more autonomous economy system it’s debatable 😂
3) probably a separatist movement still exists
4) public transport system is just amazing and takes you almost everywhere, it’s a very sustainable option. Some hotels use(d) to give free pub transport cards
5) don’t forget innichen, meran, vipiteno…
6) feel like shopping? give a look to Thun, Mila, Forst, sterzing dairy manufacturing sites. From beer to yoghurt to clay figurines, those are all very popular pruducts in italy
7) want to see a more italian side of the dolomites? Visit Trento and Trentino area
1) The cultural demographic is about 60% austrian/german and 40% italian. In Bolzano you will prevalently find Italian speaking people while the rest of the province is populated by german native speakers.
2) accurate 😂
3) yes there still is a separatist party
The first point is a big lie. In Bolzano/Bozen 73% of the inhabitants are Italian and 26% German
If you're talking about the entire South Tyrol then it's the opposite with 69% Germans, 26% Italians and almost 5% Ladins
@@liamzanna corrected, i learned that memory can be tricky😅
Beautiful
Don’t forget to visit Ortisei, the best town in Italy
You have to watch Brixen/Bressanone once. Its about 30 minutes away from Bolzano and it is smaller but stil a nice place with many things to visit and some cool places and monuments😉
Bolzano is a beautiful place A lot people do not know they love hockey their and have one of the strongest club teams in Europe
So much good advice here. Bolzano, and all of Trentino, really, is one of the best destinations you can pick for a holiday in Italy. The food is amazing and very characteristic, the landscape is beyond beautiful and there are plenty of historical sites and museums to visit if you want to learn more about the history of the place.
It's true that the locals aren't quite as expansive as elsewhere in Italy, but, in my experience, they're unfailingly polite and helpful to tourists. Especially if you can speak a bit of German.
I can't recommend Trentino highly enough, it's really a spectacular place to visit.
Südtirol/Alto Adige and Trentino are basically two different regions. Don't mix them up! Trento is in no way as beautiful as Bolzano
@@JustaNormalGuy115 you are right! Trento is much more beautiful than Bolzano
@@sergiobertoni4074 hahaha sure. I'll take that as a joke
You mention that it gets hot in the summer and I am wondering; do you think it will be too hot for tent camping at the beginning of August?
If so, where around this region around you recommend? Thanks 😊
Hello, usually in August can be pretty hot still, temperatures reach easily the 30ºC But if you go camping a bit higher into the mountains then I’ll be a bit less hot during the evening and in the early morning. So I think that you should be okay. A lot of people love to go camping during summer because of the beautiful lakes that we have. So if you feel like it’s getting too hot you can always go canoeing and/or go for a swim!
Very enjoyable episode Mark; I was lucky enough to visit Bozen back in 2015 and would agree with all you have said. Was Caleb with you on this visit? Great to see Liam and Jocelyn but always look for entire family :)
I have tickets to Germany in April and don’t know what to do 😢
Was thinking south Germany, Slovenia and north Italy
What does the public think?
U kan do all.europe is small.
Just remember that there is Austria between Germany and Italy
You are right about the history of the city and the region in general. However, you felt in Austria cause you probably visited the city center only (which is a small part of the entire city). The rest looks like any other Italian city; in fact, in your "Don't think you are in Austria" suggestion, you showed the image of a big arc, which has no Austrian influence whatsoever. You definitely can speak also German, but german mother tongues are the minority party in Bolzano: if you go for the rest of the city as well, you would probably need more Grazie, si e no rather than danke ja und nein. Finally, if you are in Italy, you should rather go for Italian food if you are a foreigner. Schnitzel and Spaetzle are Austrian and can be found also there (of the same quality) while the same cannot be said for pasta and pizza.
Thanks for the video. Love Balzono. Take a day trip to Castelrotto and hike the Alpe di Siusi, the largest Alpine meadow in Europe.
You forgot "Don't forget to order a Hugo!" ...the drink that is most known in the region! So delicious!!!
bolzano sei stupenda, la parte tedesca del mio dna vibra
As an italian I feel a bit pissed off when you refer to south Tyrol as if it were only Austrian, because until 1800s it was actually independent and only then it was occupied by Austria,but the occupation lasted only a century, because after ww1 South Tyrol became part of Italy;
Moreover the region is called also Altro Adige, as a part of Trentino-Alto Adige, so referring to it only with the name Südtirol it's not completely correct, and about the lack of friendliness, it's quite common in all the north and in some small towns in Abruzzo, it's just another cultural difference between north and south Italy.
Bol,zano is quite friendly whatever your language
non capisco cosa avete sempre da puntualizzare, soprattutto parlando delle regioni degli altri… e infatti non sapete nulla perchè parlate a caso e ci infilate il trentino che non c’entra nulla. la regione trentino-alto adige ha zero poteri. Tutte le competenze le hanno le due province che sono DI FATTO due regioni autonome. La veritá è che siamo italiani solo sulla carta d’identitá… cultura, storia, tradizioni e lingua non sono italiane
👏
Im from Südtirol and im very friendly. But i dont understand that you are pissed
Südtirol ist nicht Italien!
This place is AMAZING 🇮🇹♥️🍻
Very informative!
And don't visit the park near the trainstaition at night...
Very well edited, well explained in detail and incredibly interesting video!
I liked it very much, thank you for coming to visit us. Viele Grüße/Tanti saluti Raphael
1) La cucina italiana e\o l'offerta enogastronomica , non è solo pasta e pizza . C'è di tutto . 2) Ad esempio , la pizza è uno dei tanti piatti . Nel caso specifico abbinata a Napoli e non all'Italia . 3) La cucina sudtirolese e\o l'offerta enogastronomica sudtirolese non è considerata "aliena" . È un pezzo del mosaico .
There is no point in putting things that should not be missed into the Don't category as a negation.
Yay i live there:)
Hey man, you should really visit Turin in the northwest since you covered almost the entire country
Btw: "Forst" is not brewed in Bolzano but in Lagundo, where a whole part of the town is called by this name... :-)
The ice Man is from Sardinia, science told that
Will You go to Pavia this trip? 🍒🍒
You can't talk about beer without talking about Batzen! It's the best bar/brewery of Bolzano by far. I live here and it's by far the best place to go if you want to have a fun evening drinking with friends
Looks like a nice trip, I would love to see the Christmas markets.
as a worker, dont say dumpling, i was so confused when they asked for dumplings. just say knödel dankeschön
Are you visiting Weierstrass next
Been🙌
could bolzano be a day trip from other parts of italy or elsewhere? or could bolzano be used as a base for other parts of italy or austria maybe?
Italian here, ehh it’s quite in the middle of both countries and it’s sandwiches between mountains, so if you go to Bolzano you have a lot of nature to look around, or other Tyrolese towns like Brixen or Merano, the Brenner pass to the north with Austria, or the Stelvio pass. Towards Italy you can visit the city of Trento or lake Garda, but you really are halfway between both countries
@@JoseRodriguez-lp7rs thanks, it really looks like a beautiful part of the world, and stelvio pass is a legendary drive
Beseno isn't too far away....
evryone knows forst is the worst beer ever.
cathedral with austrian feel? it's gothic style, you find one in milan and brussel, so definetely not austrian.
the food is great and is definetely not thanks to austria. still you can find a lot of pizza and pasta.
you should not compare us, it's not italy (thank god) and it's not austria (thank god)
Seeing otzi was cool
YOOOOOO I live here lessgooooooo
Unfortunately for Bolzano and Süd Tirol, they are in Italy and not in Austria
So the people are nice.
I'm from Bolzano, and, no, it's not unfortunate to be in Italy.
Spotted the Italian who hates his country
@@thetemptedvida8650 I don't hate my country..I do think though that the Italian system isn't the best...especially when one compares it to country like Austria or Germany
@@ilBUZZo Do you know that in South Tyrol they have an autonomous status that gives them the possibility to keep 90% of their taxes in their territory? Their autonomy plays a big part of their current economic situation, hence why Southtyroleans vote en masse for SVP which supports the autonomy, not the reunification with Austria.
If they were part of Austria they wouldn't have these benefits
Hi, I am living in südtirol and i can say, each person in the "Unterland" is starting an conversation in italian, for respect to be in italy, bit if you go up the mountains and the valles there you start an conversation in german tirol :)
Yea here in Sarntal we dont speak that much italian
Btw...the Forst brewery is in Algund.close to Meran
Coolest guy?! I thought it was Walter!! Seems heavenly. Thanks
da meranese devo dire che è interessante vedere questo video hahah. Comunque è molto meglio il mercatino di Merano, e come castello il più bello da visitare è probabilmente quello di Tirolo
Infatti il mercatino di Bolzano è il peggiore di tutto l'alto adige ahah
my friend, i live in bolzano for 5 years and yes its a province and city based on german turist and the italians who want to go to the german places. and all the turist area, will speak first in german but day to day most pepole speak italian becouse we are in italy and its not sudtirol its alto adige, its been for more than 100 years yes theres a minority thats feel special speaking german and making money by being german, but it is italy. such a shame to habe a divided city and province with 3 diferent school sistems. if i can give a recomedation go visit casanova and you will see the real bolzano and not the one for show for turists.
dont get me rong, the video was great however this narative that bolzano is more austrian than italian is why this place has and will always have the tensions between the 2 main language comunities that need to be sorpased
ah beh casanova… che bel posto 😂 mettetevi l’anima in pace la maggioranza parla tedesco quindi… impara il tedesco e vivi sereno 😂
can't wait to see you visit Casanova, via Cagliari and the famous PIANI DI BOLZANO 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Bolzano is Alto Adige not südtirol, and not a part of Austria
Alto Adige and Südtirol are both correct names for literally the same thing and both names are official, but you're correct in that it's not part of Austria.
First France and England and then Hitler and Mussolini ruined the atmosphere and tranquility of South Tirol. This beautiful country takes it's name from the Counts of Tirol who ruled here well before the Hapsburgs. They saw the beauty and culture of this area.
L'Alto Adige è una provincia dai mille colori in tutti i sensi