As the busy holiday season draws to a close, a sense of calm returns to South Tyrol. In September, the golden light softens the alpine landscape, and milder temperatures (average of 24°) create the ideal conditions for a quieter, more restorative escape.
Set high above Bolzano on the Ritten plateau, Parkhotel Holzner is an insider’s choice for those seeking a peaceful end-of-summer retreat.
The slower pace of early autumn is reflected in daily life at the hotel. Guests head out for hikes through forests and meadows that stretch across more than 300 kilometres of well-marked trails on the Ritten mountain, from vineyards in the valley to the airy summit of the Rittner Horn at 2,200 metres above sea level. Walks around the Earth Pyramids of Ritten or scenic paths linking alpine huts make for easy day excursions. For those looking to venture into city life, hop on the cable car to Bolzano, which becomes more relaxed to explore once the summer heat subsides. The city is home to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, where visitors can view the preserved remains of Ötzi the Iceman, as well as contemporary galleries, boutique shopping and cafés.
Bolzano also serves as the launch point for one of Italy’s most important multidisciplinary festivals: Transart. Taking place across South Tyrol in late September, Transart is a celebrated platform for contemporary culture, bringing together experimental projects in classical and electronic music, theatre, performance, digital art, and cinema. Events are hosted in unusual spaces, from mountain huts to disused factories, and the festival has previously featured artists and collaborators such as Marina Abramović, Nils Frahm, Laurie Anderson, Sonic Youth, and Jon Hopkins. Its reputation draws audiences from across Europe, and the programme offers a distinctive contrast to the region’s traditional alpine charm.
After a day spent walking, exploring, or attending cultural events, guests can return to the hotel to find rest and relaxation. The Liberty Spa provides a calm, scenic setting with a panoramic sauna, steam bath, and hammam ritual, all designed to help guests unwind while enjoying the view of the Dolomites. For those travelling with little ones, the family spa area has year-round heated pools, two family relaxation rooms, two family saunas, a small children’s pool and a spacious lawn for sunbathing.
One of the highlights of a stay at the Holzner during this time of year is the early evening aperitivo, enjoyed on the terrace as the sun casts a golden glow across the mountains. In September, when days begin to shorten and sunsets fall between 7:15 and 7:45 PM, aperitivo hour is perfectly timed to coincide with nature’s golden light show. The Dolomites’ unique mineral composition – mainly calcium and magnesium carbonate – amplifies light refraction, intensifying the shifting hues of the peaks as day turns to dusk. A glass of local sparkling wine or a South Tyrolean spritz, served with light seasonal bites, becomes not just a refreshment, but a quiet celebration of the evening’s transformation.
Parkhotel Holzner combines Art Nouveau architecture with contemporary comforts, and its longstanding commitment to sustainable hospitality is reflected in its GSTC certification. Guests staying at the hotel receive a RittenCard, which includes access to local public transport and cable cars, encouraging a slower and more environmentally conscious way to explore the region.
Dining is a key part of the experience, with seasonal produce taking centre stage in the hotel’s Green Michelin-starred Restaurant 1908. September brings a wealth of local ingredients to the kitchen, from chestnuts and pumpkins to wild mushrooms, all prepared with a light, regionally inspired touch.
As the summer rush gives way to the quieter rhythm of early autumn, Parkhotel Holzner invites guests to experience the landscape, culture and wellbeing of South Tyrol in its most peaceful and golden season.
Transport options:
By Train*: 76.6 kg CO₂ per passenger, one way
- St Pancras International to Bruxelles-Midi: 2 hours 1 minute, 1 stop (Eurostar)
- Bruxelles-Midi to Cologne Central Station: 3 hours 10 minutes, 2 stops (Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn)
- Cologne Central Station to Munich Central Station: 9 hours 48 minutes, 12 stops (Deutsche Bahn)
- Munich Central Station to Bolzano/Bozen: 3 hours 55 minutes, 8 stops (Deutsche Bahn)
*other train routes are available
By Plane (with Sky Alps): 216.09 kg CO₂ per passenger, one-way
- London to Bolzano:
Fly from London to Bolzano with Sky Alps, which operates direct flights from London to Bolzano. - Bolzano to Oberbozen:
From Bolzano, take the Ritten cable car to Oberbozen.
Prices: From 158 euros per room, per night
About Parkhotel Holzner:
Parkhotel Holzner is a family-run hotel located 1,200 metres above sea level on the Oberbozen plateau, just above Bolzano in South Tyrol. The hotel, which blends the historic charm of its 1908 Alpine Jugendstil origins with a modern 2018 expansion, offers a balance of tradition and contemporary design. With spacious rooms and suites (, an expansive wellness area featuring a heated outdoor pool and panoramic saunas, and a variety of treatments, the hotel provides an ideal setting for relaxation.
The hotel caters to families with a kids’ club, family programmes, and a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking on the nearby Ritten plateau. The Green Michelin restaurant, 1908, showcases the flavours of South Tyrol, with an emphasis on local ingredients and sustainable practices. Guests also enjoy the convenience of the RittenCard, which offers access to public transportation, cable cars. A prime location with easy access to Bolzano, Parkhotel Holzner ensures both a peaceful retreat and direct proximity to the city’s cultural attractions.
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