A NEW Sleeper Train to the Dolomites: Slow Travel to South Tyrol

A new European sleeper train is set to change the way travellers reach the Italian Alps, offering a comfortable and sustainable route from Brussels to Venice, with a key stop in Bolzano. By morning, passengers step off the train into the mountain air of South Tyrol, ready to explore its striking landscapes without the hassle of airports.

Arriving in South Tyrol by Sleeper Train

The overnight journey connects Brussels with Venice via Eindhoven, Cologne, Munich, Innsbruck, and Bolzano, allowing travellers to embrace the romance of rail travel. With couchettes and sleeper compartments, the service provides an environmentally friendly alternative to short-haul flights, making it easier than ever to reach the Dolomites by train.

Daniel Alfreider, local Transport Minister of South Tyrol, celebrates the new route, connecting the Alps with more of Europe’s busiest cities. “South Tyrol strives to be increasingly better connected to Europe by train, enabling South Tyroleans to reach more destinations and making the region more accessible for environmentally minded guests. […] It connects the heart of the EU with the heart of the Alps in a direct, comfortable, and sustainable manner.”

Where to Stay: Parkhotel Holzner

Set on the Ritten plateau, Parkhotel Holzner embraces the charm of Alpine Art Nouveau with the natural beauty of South Tyrol. Established in 1908, this family-run hotel sits 1,200 metres above sea level, offering a mountain retreat just a short cable car ride from Bolzano’s vibrant historical heart. It is the ideal location for those seeking both the tranquillity of nature and the vibrancy of city life.

Sustainability is at the centre of the hotel’s operations. With over a century of history, the Holzner family remains dedicated to preserving South Tyrol’s environmental and cultural heritage for future generations. Through initiatives focused on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction, the hotel strives for climate neutrality. The hotel utilises 100% green energy from renewable sources, reducing its carbon footprint through initiatives like retrofitting 253 Art Nouveau lamps with LED technology, saving over 11 tonnes of CO2 annually. In 2023, its carbon footprint per overnight stay dropped to 10.09 kg CO2e, with ongoing efforts to minimise emissions through sustainable mobility, local cuisine, and biodiversity protection. The hotel’s support for local farmers, promotion of plant-based dining, and reduction in food waste further reinforce its commitment to both guest well-being and the planet.

Parkhotel Holzner looks after every generation, with thoughtful activities and spaces for every stage of life.  Children aged 3 to 12 can get stuck into a daily programme of outdoor play, scavenger hunts, bocce tournaments, and evening campfires. Family activities are organised a couple of times a week, fostering togetherness across generations. With spacious playrooms, a dedicated children’s diner, a family spa, an indoor field hockey arena, bowling alley, and a climbing wall,  there is no shortage of entertainment.  The surrounding Ritten plateau is a year-round playground for outdoor pursuits, with hiking and mountain biking trails in the summer, and snowshoeing and skiing during the winter months. Guests can also benefit from the RittenCard, providing complimentary access to public transport and  cable cars.

Culinary experiences at Parkhotel Holzner reflect the region’s traditions while acknowledging modern innovation. The Green Michelin-starred restaurant, 1908, is a testament to South Tyrol’s culinary heritage. Named in honour of the visionary artists of the Jugendstil movement, the restaurant combines timeless style with forward-thinking gastronomy. Under the guidance of Chef Stephan Zippl, the restaurant’s “Re:vier” cuisine draws inspiration from the region’s best produce. “Re:vier” refers to both the territory from which ingredients are sourced and the four fundamental elements of cooking – earth, water, air, and fire. Chef Zippl’s inventive dishes focus on the highest quality ingredients while championing local producers.

Parkhotel Holzner is a celebration of nature, tradition, and modernity in the heart of the Italian Alps. Whether for families, couples, or individuals seeking rest and renewal, the hotel prioritises a responsible travel experience, well-being, and exceptional hospitality. It remains a destination where generations can unite, memories are created, and the beauty of South Tyrol is fully embraced.

This summer, the sleeper train makes it easier than ever to swap airport queues for the rhythmic hum of a night train, waking up to panoramic views of the Dolomites before stepping straight into a mountain escape at Parkhotel Holzner.

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 Ritten 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, and mountain biking on the surrounding Ritten plateau. The Green Michelin-starred 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 and cable cars across South Tyrol. A prime location with easy access to Bolzano, Parkhotel Holzner ensures both a peaceful retreat and direct proximity to the city’s cultural attractions.