Chestnut trail, stage 2: from Auna di Sotto to Sant’Ingenuo

The longest (17 km) but probably most beautiful stage of the chestnut trail.

From the centre of Auna di Sotto (reachable by bus from Bolzano and Renon), we pass the church before we hike across fruit orchards and into a deciduous forest. Having crossed the narrow ravine of the Steger stream and passed the Castelpietra ruin, we arrive at the sunny slopes under the small village of Siffiano. Following the signposts towards Longostagno, we cross another forest and the valley of the Finsterbach stream.

At the beginning of the last ascent to Longostagno we follow the signpost “Keschtnweg Antlas”. This trail leads us across the beautiful sunny meadows of the Antlas farms and the St. Andreas church. From here, we enjoy a wonderful view of Mount Sciliar, the famous emblem of South Tyrol.

We continue our hiking tour through a beautiful landscape of meadows and forests. After a short section on an asphalted road we reach a trail with stations of the cross leading to the small St. Verena church. From here, we head towards the narrow asphalted road leading from Renon to Barbiano. Arrived at Sant’Ingenuo, we take the bus to Ponte Gardena and from Ponte Gardena the train back to Bolzano.

Author: AT

Please note: When you plan to do this stage of the chestnut trail, please inform yourselves on the conditions of the trails!

Starting point: Auna di Sotto (Renon)
End point: Sant’Ingenuo (Barbiano)
Trail numbers: “Keschtnweg“
Length: 17 km
Walking time: 5 hours
Altitude difference: ascent 645 metres, descent 740 metres
Altitudes: 750 - 965 metres asl
Experienced in: October 2011
Characteristics: medium difficult, short sections with steps
More information: tourist board Renon, tel. +39 0471 356100