Sudtirol Playbook: Your Unrivalled Experience In The Dolomites

The capital of South Tyrol and one of the gateways to the Dolomites, Bolzano is a unique city even within Italy’s rich tapestry.

Street signs in German almost outnumber those in Italian, beer is near-ubiquitous in the city and ice hockey remains the biggest sport in town.

But Bolzano, or Bozen as it’s known just over the border in Austria, is also passionate about its calcio and the metropolitan area counts as many as seven clubs in the first five tiers of Italian football, with Sudtirol, in Serie B, flying highest.

A staple of the Italian second tier for the past four seasons, Sudtirol are barely half-a-century old having been formed in Bressanone in 1974, before relocating to Bolzano in 2000.

Despite their relative youth, the Biancorossi have fulfilled a crucial role in putting Trentino on the football map, becoming the first club from the region to reach Serie B, when they won promotion in 2022.

They held on to that status by edging Bari in the 2025-26 relegation play-out, two goalless draws enough due to them finishing higher in the league than the side from Puglia.

The Stadio Druso is without a stand behind either goal but it does have one of the best backdrops in football.

From how to get tickets, to where to eat and drink, plus everything in between, this guide has you covered.

Where To Stay

Bolzano is a relatively compact city, and no matter your taste and budget, there are plenty of options in terms of accommodation.

The centro storico is the best bet for first-time visitors as you are within walking distance of the historic Piazza Walther and Via dei Portici.

The Goldenstern Townhouse is ideal for those who prefer a boutique-type stay, while the Parkhotel Mondschein comes with a pool and a yoga studio and the Parkhotel Laurin is renowned for its historic gardens.

If you are planning to combine your stay in Bolzano with trips to the mountains, being closer to the station would suit, so Stadt Hotel Città and Falkensteiner Hotel Bozen are both good options.

For those wanting to stay away from the crowds, head to Gries, a quiet, leafy area where you can admire vineyards and stunning traditional architecture at a more tranquil pace. You will find a number of hotels and Airbnbs.

Where To Eat

The local cuisine in Trentino draws heavily on Austrian and German influences and Vogele on Via Goethe is the ideal spot to be introduced to the local delicacies, from canederli – bread dumplings filled with cheese and speck, a local cured meat – to spätzle – a type of egg pasta normally served as a side with meat dishes. Expect to be sharing long wooden tables with other diners.

If you prefer a taste of the local cuisine in a more refined environment, head to Löwengrube, which is listed in the Michelin Guide, in Piazza della Dogana. The building has housed an eatery since the 16th century.

Pizzeria Veneziana on Viale Venezia is a curious dichotomy, for it’s named after Venice but specialises in pizza alla Romana. At any rate, slight geographical confusion aside, the pizzas are delicious, thin and ultra-crispy with a lovely crackly crust, exactly like the Romans intended.

Finally, South Tyroleans take pastries and bread very seriously, so stop by Panetteria Grandi on Via dei Bottai for freshly-baked focaccia and strudel.

Where To Drink

Bolzano’s proximity to Austria dictates beer takes centre stage. And it is usually excellent around these parts.

Forst has its own beer hall/restaurant on Via Goethe, as do Paulaner and Franziskaner on Via Argentieri and Via dei Francescani respectively, while Restaurant Hopfen in Piazza delle Erbe brews its own delicious beer.

Banco 11, just off Piazza delle Erbe, is the place for a classic aperitivo or call in at Laurin Bar on Via Laurin to try one of their cocktails. They hold jazz nights every Friday.

Don’t Forget

Tickets – Tickets for Sudtirol matches can be purchased on the club’s official website or through VivaTicket, either online or at selling points. Tickets are also available at the club store at the Stadio Druso by the Tribuna Zanvettor and at the gates on matchday.

Ticket prices start at €17 in the Settore 5, the home of Sudtirol’s most vocal fans, or at €13 for under-17s.

Merchandise – Sudtirol match kits and collections can be bought through their online store and at the store at the Stadio Druso.

Did You Know?

Previously based in Bressanone, Sudtirol only moved to Bolzano in 2000 following their promotion to Serie C2, the fourth tier at the time. It meant the regional capital of South Tyrol briefly hosted two clubs, with Sudtirol and FC Bolzano 1996 sharing the Stadio Druso, until the latter merged with Virtus Don Bosco in 2015 to create Virtus Bolzano,

Virtus are in Serie D, the top tier of non-professional football in Italy.

Getting There

London Gatwick has a few flights per week to Bolzano Airport (less than five miles from the city centre) but the frequency varies depending on the time of the year. Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport is 100 miles south, while Bergamo and Venice airports are further away.

The Druso is a 15-minute walk from the main train station and a 20-minute walk from Piazza Walther in the old town. 

Need Another Football Fix?  

You don’t have to travel far to watch another game, as Virtus Bolzano play in Serie D and tickets are easy to come by, while Serie C club Trento play in Trentino’s regional capital, 30 miles south of Bolzano.