SloWays • In South Tyrol, Chestnut Route |

Among centuries-old chestnut groves, deciduous woodlands, and very green meadows in the heart of South Tyrol, in Alto Adige, lies the ancient Via Romea Germanica path: this path in the shadow of the Dolomites offers endless views of peaks and valleys, castles and abbeys, farms that offer zero-kilometer products - great to snack on! - Vineyards that preserve the genesis of some of the best Italian wines.

There are also enchanting villages like Chiusa, home to poets and artists, and larger and more renowned cities, such as Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites, with a lively center and market stalls that tickle your imagination and appetite with pancakes, homemade desserts, and frankfurters and beer, perfect for a refreshing break after a long journey.

The perfect route if you love the mountains, but are traveling with the family, or want to enjoy a less demanding itinerary in the Dolomites.

Route

Day 1: Arrive in Bressanone

Day 2: Bus to Novacella Abbey and walk to Velturno, 10-15 km

Day 3: From Velturno to Barbiano, 14-16 km

Day 4: From Barbiano to Collalbo, 10-15 km

Day 5: Collalbo loop via Kematen and earth pyramids, 11 km

Day 6: Walk from Collalbo to Castel Roncolo and bus to Bolzano, 16-18 km

Day 7: Alp of Siusi loop, 13 km

Day 8: Departure from Bolzano

Day 1: Arrive in Bressanone

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.

Day 2: Bus to Novacella Abbey and walk to Velturno, 10-15 km

A morning transfer takes you to the 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.

Distance: 10-15 km

Elevation gain: +720/-471 m

Day 3: From Velturno to Barbiano, 14-16 km

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.

Distance: 14-19 km

Elevation gain: +778/-798 m

Day 4: From Barbiano to Collalbo, 10-15 km

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

Distance: 10-15 km

Elevation gain: +713/-403 m

Day 5: Collalbo loop via Kematen and earth pyramids, 11 km

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.

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +400/-366 m

Day 6: Walk from Collalbo to Castel Roncolo and bus to Bolzano, 16-18 km

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.

Distance: 16-18 km

Elevation gain: +591/-1396 m

Day 7: Alp of Siusi loop, 13 km

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.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +461/-502 m

Day 8: Departure from Bolzano

Our services end after breakfast.

accommodation

7 nights in double rooms in hotel 3/4*

Resence Gasser - Bressanone

Hotel is centrally located in Bressanone and it offers comfortable, spacious and clean rooms. These have free Wifi, TV, air-conditioning/heating. The restaurant offers regionale cuisine, highly recommended. Staff are very kind and helpful. It also offers a luxurious SPA.

www.gruenerbaum.it

Hotel Feldthurnerhof - Velturno

Hotel Feldthurnerhof is a smart hotel located on sunny slopes of Eisacktal Valley. It offers comfortable, spacious, cleand and modern rooms with free Wifi, TV, telephone and a splendid balcony with an amazing view. The restaurant offers italian dishes and regional and international specialties. Breakfast is very good, rich and abundant.

www.feldthurnerhof.com

Gasthof Kircher Sepp - Barbiano

Hotel Rösslwirt has a very beautiful view. If offers clean, comfortable and spacious rooms with free Wifi, TV, balcony. The restaurant is very good. Breakfast is rich with savory and sweet dishes. Staff is very kind and helpful.

https://www.kirchersepp.com/

Hotel Dolomiten - Collalbo

The family run Hotel Dolomiten is set in Renon and offers panoramic views of the Dolomites. It offers comfortable, welcoming and loving rooms with mountain style with free Wifi, TV. The restaurant proposes a combination of Mediterranean cuisine and specialities from South Tyrol. Breakfast is very good, savoury and sweet. Staff is very kind and welcoming.

www.hoteldolomiten.com

Hotel Regina - Bolzano

This modern hotel is located only 200 m from the city center of Bolzano. Rooms are well-furnished, comfortable and clean with free Wifi, TV, telephone, air conditioning/heating. Breakfast is rich with savoury and sweet dishes. Staff is helpful and kind.

www.hotelreginabz.it

practical info

You can find more information in the "accommodation" section: we always select your accommodation for their character and comfort. You will always be booked in a private, en-suite room, with breakfast included.

Luggage transfer (max. 20 kg) from one hotel to the hotel is included in the price.

From both Bolzano (BZO) and Innsbruck (INN) ariports, you can reach the railway station bys bus, and then take a train to Bressanone.

On departure, if flying from Bolzano (BZO), you can easily reach the airport by bus.

In case you are flying from Innsbruck, you can get there by train and then take a bus to the airport (INN).

Train timetables available on www.trenitalia.com.

Thanks to our special APP, you will be able to follow the track of the whole trip on your mobile phone, with no need for internet. GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

7 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels with breakfast
Ritten Card
luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
maps and detailed description of the itinerary
Medical and luggage travel insurance
24h phone assistance

What is not included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
visits and entrance fees - tips
personal expense
possible sojourn taxes
everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

Single room supplement
cancellation insurance
Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Is this trip for me?

This is a great trip if you like the idea of walking in the Dolomites but are still not ready to face the Alta Via: these hikes are easy and suitable for beginners - including families with children - and you'll be surrounded by mountains without having to climb high peaks or face challenging hikes.

Chestnut Route, in South Tyrol

Chestnut Route, in South Tyrol - 8 days

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Chestnut Route, in South Tyrol

Chestnut Route, in South Tyrol - 8 days

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