Ötzi, the iceman

Over 5000 years ago, a man climbed up to the icy heights of the Schnalstal glacier and died. He was found by accident in 1991, with his clothes and equipment, mummified and frozen: an archaeological sensation and a unique snapshot of a Copper Age man. For several years highly specialised research teams examined the mummy and the articles found with it. They have been on exhibit since March 1998 at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. 

South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

The collection on exhibit at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is structured chronologically and documents the entire history of South Tyrol from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Age to the Carolingian period. Models, reconstructions, stereoscopic pictures, videos and interactive multimedia stations allow the visitor to gain insight into the ancient past of the southern Alpine region in a way that is, at the same time, highly informative and entertaining.

» South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

South Tyrolean Museum of Natural science

With a permanent exhibition area of 1,000 m² visitors have the opportunity of appreciating the great variety of South Tyrol's landscape: from its geological genesis to its morphological configuration, from its repopulation after the ice ages to its anthropization.

» Museum of Nature

Mercantile Museum

In the former Mercantile Building (Trade Court) with its opulent Hall of Justice, the tradition of fairs and markets in the international trading city of Bozen is brought to light. In addition to the architecture of the building itself, noteworthy exhibits include furnishings by the cabinetmaker Anton Katzler (1700-1730), paintings in the famous stateroom by Tyrolean Baroque artists, the documents with the regulations for the markets in Bozen, and the catalogue of fabric samples.

» Opening hours

Castle Runkelstein – the picturesque fortress

Castle Runkelstein is enthroned on a porphyry rock high above the entrance of the romantic valley 'Sarntal'.  In its valuable profane fresco cycles, a work from the Vintler (a merchant family from Bozen), it reflects the world of the Middle Ages. It shows life at the king’s court, hunting scenes, knight tournaments, dances and ball games, as well as illustrations from literary works of the Middle Ages, amongst them the tragic love story of 'Tristan and Isolde'.

Opening hours
Tues – Sun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
Tel. +39 0471 329 844

Crèche Collection, Muri Gries Monastery

A small collection of ancient and modern nativity scenes, crèches, Christmas depictions, and Passion settings can be visited in the Romanesque tower of the former Gries castle, now a part of the monastery complex.

» Opening hours

School Museum

The School Museum of the City of Bozen was opened in May, 1995 and is the first of its kind in Italy. The main focus of the museum is the presentation and imparting of history through objects that document the everyday scholastic experience throughout the ages.

» Opening hours