Hiking in heart of South Tyrol (8 days/7 nights)
Chestnut wald and wine route
From the South part of the Alps and the old bishops’s town of Bressanone you will hike into the capital town of South Tyrol, Bolzano and finishing int the spa town of Meran with its mediterranean flair. 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 tas-ting of superb wines. The excellent cuisine and the amazing panorama create an unforgettable experience.
This hike runs along well-marked paths around meadows and through 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.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
8 days / 7 nights
Day 1: Arrival
Individual arrival at the hotel in Bressanone. Have a look round the fascinating lanes of the town; see the cathedral and the Bishop’s Castle Residence.
Day 2: Brixen/Bressanone
(ascent approx. 380 m, descent approx. 380 m / approx. 4-5 hours)
From Bressanone you hike along the river Eisack to the Abbey of Novacella. The order of St. Augustine invites you for a visit. Further your hiking day will take you to lake Vahrner See. The chestnut walk will lead you back to Bressanone.
Day 3: Brixen/Bressanone – Klausen/Chiusa
(ascent approx. 580 m, descent approx. 620 m / approx. 5 hours)
From Bressanone you hike up to the Pfeffersberg. You pass small hamlets and mountain farms on your way along the plateau. To the south you have a wonderful view on the Dolomite summits. You reach Velturno and carry on to cloister Säben, the acropolis of South Tyrol, before arriving in the small town of Chiusa. Brief tour information will be held in the evening in Chiusa.
Day 4: Klausen/Chiusa – Ritten/Renon – Bozen/Bolzano
(ascent approx. 670 m, descent approx. 280 m / approx. 5-6 hours)
After a short transfer by bus to Barbiano, you reach Renon, a wonderful plateau above the Eisacktal valley 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.
Day 5: Bolzano - Lake Kalterer See/village
(ascent approx. 340 m, descent approx. 360 m / approx. 4-5 hours)
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.
Day 6: Lake Kalterer See/village - Termeno - Lake Kalterer See/village
(ascent approx. 500 m, descent approx. 500 m / approx. 5,5-6 hours or variant ascent approx. 480 m, descent approx. 480 m / approc. 4 hours)
The South Tyrolean wine route: a tip for every wine lover and connoisseur. Picturesque vineyards and fascinating landscapes are accompanying you on your way. Enjoy the wonderful view from “Altenburg” over all the vineyards. The most famous wineries of the region and many of the well-known wine producers are found in this area. The way from the lake Kalterer See to the village can be shortened by using the bus.
Day 7: Lake Kalterer See/village – Lana – Meran/Merano
(ascent approx. 220 m, descent approx. 240 m / approx. 6-7 hours)
After breakfast transfer to Lana. 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.
Day 8: Meran/Merano
Individual departure from Meran/Merano or possibility to extend your stay.
Prices and dates
| Standard | ||
|---|---|---|
| Package | view calendar | |
| Half board supplement | 189 € | |
It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.
| Price per night in double room with breakfast | Brixen | 89 € | |
| Single room supplement per night | Brixen | 19 € | |
| Price per night in double room with breakfast | Meran | 95 € | |
| Single room supplement per night | Meran | 25 € | |
It is recommended to purchase an optional travel cancellation policy. Prices valid subject to changes in the offer, omissions, printing errors or arithmetic.
Prices:
General information
Discover all the services we offer and book one of our tours now.
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).
Guesthouses and hotels 3***, partly 4**** category.
Attention: Tourist tax – if requested – has to be paid on the spot!
Parking facilities at Brixen/Bressanone at the hotel of your arrival:
Hotel garage: approx. € 60.00/ week; € 11.00/day.
Parking place Residence Gasser: approx. € 40.00/week;
Reservation not possible; to be paid directly in the hotel.
Good train-connections on the main line Meran-Bozen-Brixen/Merano-Bolzano-Bressanone. Timetable on: www.trenitalia.com,www.sii.bz.it. Price per person: approx. € 10.00 – 12.00
We suggest travel insurance.
• Accomodation in guesthouses and hotels 3***, partly 4**** category
• Breakfast buffet or full breakfast
• If you have booked half board: minimum of 3 course dinner
• Personal tour information in Klausen
• Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
• Transfers according to the program
• Well planned routes
• Detailed documents (maps, route description, places to visit, important telephone numbers)
• Navigation APP
• Telephone service hotline for the entire tour
• Arrival to the starting point of the tour
• Departure at the end of the tour
• Drinks, tourist tax and all extras
• Lunch, Dinner (if not booked)
• Not mentioned entries
• Travel insurance
• All not expressly mentioned under the item „Included services“
FAQ
Questions and answers
Yes, your dog is welcome on this walk. Just let us know directly when you book (it helps to know what kind of dog it is).
Yes, you walk in any weather. We recommend that you check the weather conditions in your hotel in the morning and choose an alternative route if necessary.
If you advise us in time, on some stages there is the possibility to go with the luggage transport (possibly with an extra charge!). Limited availability, only in exceptional cases, emergencies!
You only need to carry your daypack with snacks, weather protection and whatever else you need during the day. We take care of the rest of the luggage transfer.
This hike runs along well-marked paths around meadows and through forests. The Dolomites are always in view and the paths offer no element of danger.
There are good train-connections on the main line Meran-Bozen-Brixen/Merano-Bolzano-Bressanone. Timetable on: www.trenitalia.com,www.sii.bz.it. Price per person: approx. € 10.00 – 12.00.
We can also organise a taxi, price on request.
