Green South Tyrolean hills on the Chestnut Road plateau
Green South Tyrolean hills on the Chestnut Road plateau

Chestnut Route, in South Tyrol

Level
2
Distance
88 km
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
period
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
price from
€ 953
CO2 footprint
140 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW310

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.

Highlights

  • Walk through dense forests, open meadows and little hamlets
  • Stop for visit the curious earth pyramids
  • Taste typical local cuisine and wine
  • Visit Monastero di Sabiona, set on the top of a cliff

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Bressanone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Departure from Bolzano

Our services end after breakfast.

Details

Is this for me?


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

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 in digital form, app
  • 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.
  • travel documentation in printed form (maps and detailed description of the itinerary), shipped to the first hotel

Accommodation


Resence Gasser - Bressanone
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 - 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
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
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
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

When to travel


In Trentino  Alto  Adige you will  experience the typical mountain weather. In  June  you  will  stillfind  patches  of  snow here and there. Like in all mountainous areas, the weather can be   unpredictable   and   can   change quickly   soalways   check   the   weather forecast beforesetting and always take with you a rainjacket, warm hat and gloves.

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


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.

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486

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