Eisack Valley - The Chestnut Route

Your travel starts from Bressanone, a colorful, lively city and the oldest of the whole Tyrol: if you arrive early, take the chance to stroll through its colorful alleys and visit the frescoed rooms of the bishops’ palace.

This morning you take a public bus to Augustinian monastery of Novacella, also well known for the delicious white wine produced here.  From here you follow dirt tracks and countryside paths among woods and vineyards to reach Velturno: this town surrounded by chestnut trees boasts such a great climate that it was chosen as a summer residence by several noble families throughout the centuries. 

Challenge: 5 hours, 15 km / 9,5 mi, 720m ascent, 471m descent

Today’s nice walk packs in more than a few surprises: the Sabiona Monastery, spiritual heart of the Tyrol area, perched on the top of a steep cliff; Chiusa, home to artists and poets, among the most beautiful Italian hamlets; and finally Barbiano, a nice village located on the banks of River Isarco.

Challenge: 6 hours, 16 km / 10 mi, 778m ascent, 798m descent

Today’s walk takes you to Collalbo through woods and orchards: this village located on the Renon plateau is a well-known ski centre and a real heaven for nature lovers. A brief detour along the way allows you to see a rock with prehistoric signs.

Challenge: 6 hours, 15 km / 9,5 mi, 713m ascent, 403m descent

This easy, panoramic walk along the Renon plateau runs through forests and the typical Alpine meadows: on your way you skirt the nice Kematen lake and the typical earth pyramids, cone shaped formations created by moraine silt that was brought here by melting Ice Age glaciers. At the end of the walk you take the Renon train and go back to Collalbo through beautiful views on the surrounding mountains.

Challenge: 4 hours, 11 km / 11 mi, 400m ascent, 366m descent

Today’s hike is easy but not particularly difficult: from Collalbo you head to Castel Roncolo through orchards, forests and cultivated fields, in a countryside dotted with castles, manor houses and farms. At the end of the excursion you take a bus to Bolzano (you should start walking before 8am to avoid missing the last bus, but you can also walk the whole way to the city): this lively town perfectly unites Italian and Austian cultures, and boasts many artistic beauties. 

Challenge: 8 hours, 18 km / 11 mi, 591m ascent, 1396m descent

After a bus ride from Bolzano to Siusi, you take a cable car to the Compatsch: here starts this easy circular walk along the biggest Alpine plateau in Europe. The itinerary passes through mountain huts and small hamlets, offering beautiful views on the Dolomties jagged peaks. The walk leads you back to Compatsch, from where a ride in cable car and bus takes you back to Bolzano.  

Challenge: 6 hours, 21 km / 13 mi, 316m ascent, 484m descent

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