Hiking the Heart of South Tyrol
Self Guided Walking
The first part of the walk goes along the Chestnut Path (Keschtnweg) before presenting you a vista of the beautiful plateau south of the Dolomites above Bolzano.You pass close to the village of Renon, the “in” summer place for the rich from the capital city’s residents. Vineyards and orchards line the way on the hike through one of the most beautiful areas located in the centre of the South Tyrolean wine region. Lake Kalterer See, the most famous lake in South Tyrol, is a further highlight on this route. Castles, palaces and manor houses emboss the landscape of the South Tyrolean Wine Route where numerous wineries avail a tasting of superb wines. The excellent cuisine and the amazing panorama create an unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
♦ Lake Kalterer See - the most famous lake in South Tyrol
♦ Typical South Tyrolean hamlets and mountain farms
♦ The Spa town of Meran with its Mediterranean flair
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Brixen/Bressanone
Individual arrival at the hotel in Bressanone.
Day 2. Bressanone - Klausen/Chiusa
From Bressanone you hike up to the Pfeffersberg. You pass small hamlets and mountain farms on our way along the plateau. To the south you have a wonderful view of the Dolomite summits. You reach Velturno and carry on to the cloister Säben, the Acropolis of South Tyrol, before arriving in the small town of Chiusa.
Walking: 5 h, ascent: 580 m/descent: 620 m
Day 3. Klausen/Chiusa - Ritten/Renon - Bozen/Bolzano
After a short transfer by bus to Barbiano, you reach Renon, a wonderful plateau above the Eisacktal with impressive view of the Dolomites and the Schlern. After passing the Earth Pyramids, you can enjoy an afternoon trip with the Renon`s cable car which brings you from Soprabolzano back down to Bolzano. In the evening, you can discover this European city, a place where the Italian and South Tyrolean cultures are closely entwined.
To shorten the route you can take Renon`s cable car from Collalbo to Soprabolzano.
Walking: 5-6 h, ascent: 670 m/descent: 280 m
Day 4. Bozen/Bolzano – Kalterer See/Dorf - Bozen/Bolzano
The sunny south of South Tyrol is awaiting you! Today you will discover the area around South Tyrol’s most famous lake, Kalterer See, a renowned wine growing region. But here, it is not only the vineyards that impress, but also the numerous castles, manor houses, churches and farms. A must for every wine lover is a visit to the South Tyrolean wine museum in Caldaro, which gives an insight into the history of South Tyrolean wines. The way from the lake Kalterer See to the village can be shortened by using the bus.Return to Bolzano by public bus.
Walking: 4-5 h, ascent: 340 m/descent: 360 m
Day 5. Bozen/Bolzano – Lana – Meran/Merano
After breakfast you take a train to Lana (ticket included). Shortly after Lana the hiking route continues along the famous Marlinger Waale – the longest irrigation ditch in South Tyrol. These irrigation ditches known as ‘Waale’ were constructed hundreds of years ago to supply dry corridors with water. These ditches nowadays are used for hiking and walking. The route continues below Schloss Tyrol along the famous Tappeiner Weg towards Merano.The Empress Sissi knew how to appreciate the mild climate. Inviting centuries old Arbours and superb parks add to the completion of a perfect day.
Walking: 6-7 h, ascent: 220 m/descent: 240 m
Day 6. Departure
Individual departure or extension of your stay.
Practical information: ►Well marked paths are mainly signposted around the meadows and throughout the forests. The Dolomites are always in view and the paths offer no element of danger. You can use public transport on some of the routes to shorten the journey ►There is a city tax in most of the Italian cities, approx. 2-4 Euro per person per day, which has to be paid directly in the hotel ►Arrival is only on Sundays. The tour can be arranged as 8-day program with an extra day of walking in Brixen on Saturdays in the above period: contact us for details and a price. The tour can be arranged on any other date at min. 5 pax without price change.
Recommended travel period of the year: April - October
Necessary equipment: sturdy walking boots and walking socks, a small rucksack, a water bottle with at least 1 litre capacity, sunglasses, sunhat, sun cream, rainwear, insect repellent.
Arrival:
By car: On the Brenner/Brennero motorway (A22) to Brixen/Bressanone or over the Felbertauernstraße to Lienz in Eastern Tyrol (Austria) and then further on through the valley Pustertal/Val Pusteria on the SS49 to Brixen/Bressanone.
By train: Take a train from Innsbruck to Brixen/Bressanone. Arriving from the south over Verona and Bozen/ Bolzano to Brixen/Bressanone. Arriving from east over Lienz to Brixen/Bressanone. Timetable available on: www.deutschebahn.de, www.oebb.at, www.trenitalia.com.
By plane: Nearest airports are Innsbruck airport (approx. 83 km), Verona Villafranca airport (approx. 191 km), Treviso airport (approx. 228 km), Venice Marco Polo airport (approx. 313 km).