Chestnut Trail: In the Shadow of the Dolomites

Your journey begins in Bressanone, a vibrant and historic city, the oldest in all of Tyrol. If you arrive early, make sure to explore its charming, colorful streets and visit the beautifully frescoed rooms of the bishops' palace. Accommodation: Residence Gasser is a charming and historic building located in the heart of the town.

A morning bus ride will take you to the Augustinian monastery of Novacella, famous for its excellent white wine. From there, you'll follow dirt trails and scenic countryside paths through woods and vineyards, making your way to Velturno. This town, encircled by chestnut trees, enjoys such a mild climate that it was once a popular summer residence for noble families over the centuries. Accommodation: Hotel Feldthurnerhof is a beautiful, family-run hotel nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Velturno.

Today's walk entails a variety of charming sights such as the Sabiona Monastery; the 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 lastly, Barbiano, a nice village located on the banks of River Isarco. Accommodation: Tonight you will be staying in a lovely, family-run guesthouse offering cosy atmosphere, excellent cuisine as well as stunning views. If we're unable to book you in Barbiano, we will arrange your stay in Villandro which will make this day's walk shorter and the walk tomorrow longer.

You will walk through woods and orchards taking you to the picturesque village of Collalbo. This is a hikers' paradise located on the Renon plateau , well-known ski centre. Opt for the detour walk to see a rock with prehistoric signs. Accommodation: Spend 2 nights in a welcoming hotel situated right in the heart of Collalbo.

A panoramic walk will take you along the Renon plateau which runs through forests and 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. You will end your walk with a scenic Renon train ride from Soprabolzano back to Collalbo.

Your walk today will take you through orchards, forests and cultivated fields, in a countryside filled with castles, manor houses and farms. You'll finish your walk at Castel Roncolo (Runkelstein Castle) from where you'll take a bus to Bolzano. The town showcases both Italian and Austrian cultures as well as many artistic beauties. (Please check the last bus to Bolzano so you don't miss this, but you can also walk the whole way into Bolzano) Accommodation: 2 night stay in the centre of Bolzano accessible to the the historical and cultural attractions

Start your day with a bus ride from Bolzano to Siusi, you then take a a cable car to the Compatsch: your walk starts here. This is a circular walk along the biggest Alpine plateau in Europe, passing through mountain huts and small hamlets, offering magnificent views of the jagged peaks of the Dolomites. The walk leads you back to Compatsch, from where a ride in cable car and bus takes you back to Bolzano.