Chestnut trail, stage 1: from Roncolo Castle to Auna di Sotto

This 12 km long first stage of the chestnut trail leads steadily upwards to the Renon plateau.

Starting at Roncolo Castle in Bolzano at the entrance of the Val Sarentino, we hike upwards towards the Renon plateau, crossing a deciduous forest and some autumn-coloured vineyards and enjoying beautiful views of Bolzano and its surroundings.

After about 90 minutes the trail gets less steep and finally leads onto an asphalted road, which we follow until the restaurant Ebnicher at 850 metres asl. From here, the trail leads up and down through the Katzenbachtal valley, from where we can see the earth pillars, until we reach the hamlet Signato.
After about 20 minutes of walking from Signato, we have a short rest at the romantic „Törggele“ farm „Partschunerhof“. After a short stony section with some steps we pass the small San Sebastiano church before we finally reach Auna di Sotto after further 45 minutes. From Auna di Sotto, we take the bus 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: Roncolo Castle (at the entrance of the Val Sarentino)
End point: Auna di Sotto (Renon)
Trail numbers: “Keschtnweg“
Length: 12 km
Walking time: 4 hours
Altitude difference: ascent 1,010 metres, descent 380 metres
Altitudes: 290 - 1,020 metres asl
Experienced in: October 2011
Characteristics: medium difficult, short sections with steps and ropes
More information: tourist board Renon, tel. +39 0471 356100