Dolomites Photo Spots, Bolzano & Culture
Explore South Tyrol's most iconic sights – and stay at Hotel Raffl near Bolzano.
Planning a road trip through the Italian Dolomites? Discover breathtaking mountain scenery, world-famous photography spots and fascinating cultural attractions.
From the spectacular Seceda ridgeline and the picturesque churches of Val di Funes to the turquoise waters of Lago di Braies and Ötzi the Iceman in Bolzano, South Tyrol offers unforgettable stops for your travel itinerary.
Hotel Raffl, located in Laives just south of Bolzano, is a convenient place to stay while exploring the region by car. Enjoy comfortable rooms, free parking, breakfast and convenient access to the A22 motorway.
The Dolomites' Most Famous Photo Spots
Seceda – The Iconic Dolomites Ridgeline
One of the most recognisable views in the Dolomites, Seceda is famous for its dramatic mountain peaks and sweeping alpine panorama.
Drive to Ortisei in Val Gardena, where cable cars provide access to the mountain during their operating season. The spectacular ridgeline is a highlight for landscape photography enthusiasts and travellers exploring the Italian Alps.
Travel tip: Check the cable car operating schedule and mountain weather before your visit.
Val di Funes – Santa Maddalena & St. Johann in Ranui
The little churches of Santa Maddalena and St. Johann in Ranui, surrounded by green meadows and the majestic Odle mountains, are among South Tyrol's most photographed landmarks.
These picture-perfect views make Val di Funes a wonderful stop during a Dolomites road trip.
Travel tip: Use designated parking areas and public viewpoints, and respect private meadows and local access rules.
Bolzano Laives Merano
Capital Bolzano
Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol is quickly accessible from the Hotel Raffl. Thanks to the good connections to the public transport network our guests can reach the city centre in no time.
Take a walk through the Arcades of Bolzano, relax and enjoy an espresso after your shopping trip. Bolzano gives you the possibility to visit theatres and museums, good food as well as good wine, Tyrolean culture and Italian athmosphere, a special and distinctive mix of fascist buildings and alpine architecture.
Bolzano – Meet Ötzi the Iceman
Only a short distance from Hotel Raffl, Bolzano combines Alpine traditions with Italian culture.
The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is home to Ötzi the Iceman, one of the world's most remarkable archaeological discoveries.
After visiting the museum, explore Bolzano's historic old town, walk beneath its famous arcades, enjoy local cuisine and discover its lively cafés and shops.
Other cultural highlights include the Museion modern art museum, the South Tyrol Museum of Nature and the Messner Mountain Museum at Firmiano.
Discover Merano
Merano is known for its elegant promenades, historic Kurhaus, charming shopping streets and the beautiful Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle.
Closer to Hotel Raffl, Laives offers a quieter side of South Tyrol, with local history, vineyards and scenic surroundings.
These destinations are ideal additions to a trip combining the Dolomites with culture and relaxation.
Laives
Peterköfele
In Laives you can also find traces of the local history, as for example the Little Church of Peterköfele above Laives. This church is the symbol of the town and was once the chapel of the castel of Lichtenstein, while today you can admire its beauty in the middle of the wood above the town.
Rhaetian Huts
The area of Laives was populated already during the Iron Age. This is documented by several rhaetian rests of buidling from the 7th century b.c. Recently there was discovered a settlement in the Liechtensteinstraße. From the 15 huts dating from 2nd and 3th century b.c.you can still visit one in the parc of Galizia Street.
Near Surroundings
The area of Laives has many interesting historico-cultural sites. The Leuchtenburg above Lake Caldaro, for example, from where you can enjoy an unique view of the South Tyrolean South, or many different towns with its special Italian flair and the typically wine villages in Oltradige.
Your Convenient South Tyrol Road Trip Stop
Whether you are staying for one night on your way through northern Italy or planning several days exploring South Tyrol, Hotel Raffl offers a practical base near Bolzano.
Enjoy free on-site parking, a generous breakfast buffet, comfortable rooms and a restaurant for a relaxing evening after your excursions. Four 11 kW electric vehicle charging points are also available at the hotel.
Seceda, Val di Funes and Lago di Braies are separate excursions rather than nearby walking attractions, so plan enough travelling time for each destination.
Discover the Dolomites by day. Relax at Hotel Raffl in the evening.
