Oberbozen

Oberbozen, called Soprabolzano in Italian, is a village and a frazione of the comune of Ritten in South Tyrol, northern Italy. It lies on the Renon plateau above the city of Bolzano, at an elevation of roughly 1,100 metres. The settlement is part of a predominantly German-speaking region, with Italian commonly used in signage and administration in the broader area.

The village is well known for its scenic setting and serves as a popular access point to the Renon plateau. It is connected to Bolzano by the Renon Cable Car, which offers a rapid and picturesque route up the hillside, and by the Renon railway line (Rittenbahn) that links Bolzano with Collalbo (Klobenstein) on the plateau, with Oberbozen as a stop. This transport network makes the area a convenient base for hiking, cycling, and winter activities in the Dolomites.

Geography and landscape on the Renon plateau feature wooded slopes, meadows, and panoramic views over the Adige valley and the surrounding mountains. Traditional Alpine houses, local shops, and accommodations contribute to a village atmosphere that blends everyday life with outdoor recreation. The Renon region, including Oberbozen, belongs to the autonomous province of Bolzano and to the municipality of Ritten, which comprises several villages on the plateau.

History: The name Oberbozen reflects its German heritage, meaning “upper Bozen,” with the Italian designation Soprabolzano used in bilingual contexts. The area was part of Tyrol and became part of Italy after World War I.